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A report from a taskforce created by the EU President shows how the NI Executive can work with the European Union.
First Minister Ian Paisley and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness welcomed the strengthening partnership with Europe following the launch of an EU Special Taskforce report by Commissioner Danuta Hübner. The taskforce, which was announced by EU President Manuel Barroso last May, examined how the Executive and region could play a fuller part in Europe.
Dr Paisley said:
“This report clearly shows the way forward for Northern Ireland in Europe. The taskforce has identified a number of areas in which it can assist us in making the most of the opportunities that Europe can offer. I particularly welcome the Commissioner’s commitment to making available a place in her cabinet for a person from here.
Competitiveness and innovation is a key priority for this Executive. It is essential therefore that we take advantage of the countless business opportunities that the European single market represents. Today’s report will show us exactly how to do this.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said:
“For the first time the Commission’s services have come together to work in partnership with a region of the European Union to help strengthen its economy. We have already seen the benefits of this with the fast tracking of €1.1billion worth of EU programmes.
It should be remembered that the European project began following the mass destruction of two world wars. Its aim was to replace conflict with co-operation, peace and prosperity. We have much to learn from this approach and much to offer by way of our own experiences of reconstruction and conflict transformation.”
Frances McCandless from NICVA, who attended the launch, commented:
“The EU Taskforce report itself was not intended to offer new money, but to explore ways in which Northern Ireland could take better advantage of the opportunities available in Europe. EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Danuta Hübner, described the taskforce not just as a report but as a process of partnership working between Northern Ireland's Executive and the European Commission.
The First Minister noted the role of the voluntary and community sector alongside businesses and trade unions as partners playing a key role in Northern Ireland's future success.”
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