The belief that Irish people cannot share in shaping decisions at all levels in the EU is a myth, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen said last night.
Speaking in Tullamore at the second of the forum's national roadshows to ascertain Irish people's views on the future of Europe, he said the election of Mr Pat Cox as President of the Union was proof of this and showed Europe was not "run by the big boys".
"Naturally, countries like Germany and France have a particular role. But the institutions of the EU are tilted towards the small. Key decisions are taken by unanimity. We have more MEPs and more votes in the Council than population would suggest," he said
Mr Cowen said EU membership had been, and would continue to be, profoundly in Ireland's interest. The economic benefits to the state had been enormous in terms of structural funds and other benefits.
He stressed the EU had also contributed millions to supporting North/South co-operation and building peace in the North, while the EMU had cut interest rates to historic lows.
On the subject of EU enlargement, Mr Cowen said it was about giving other countries in central and eastern Europe the same chances as Ireland got a generation ago.
He said: "It is about guaranteeing peace and stability in Europe and extending prosperity. That will be to Ireland's economic and political advantage."
Mr Cowen added that the shared view of all member states was that it was necessary to ratify Nice by the end of this year if enlargement was to proceed as planned.
Mr Cowen said he also wanted to "nail" some myths about the EU.
He said there was no European army and Ireland would only co-operate in peace-keeping missions with Dáil approval.
A more comprehensive report of this session will be in tomorrow's Irish Times - the next meeting takes place tomorrow at City Hall, Limerick at 8 p.m.