Europe Policy Statement

Northern Ireland has gained greatly from membership of the European Union in many ways – not least the financial support which has brought tangible social, economic and infrastructure benefits. Our politicians must do more to emphasise the importance of Europe for Northern Ireland. A high level of experience and learning has been developed which the voluntary and community sector is willing to share, particularly as enlargement continues and new Members join the Union.

As policies developed at an EU level have a direct impact on people’s lives, it is important that people are encouraged to contribute to debates and decisions on future policy developments.

• Consultation should be improved and deepened around Northern Ireland input into the annual National Action Plans (NAPs) on Social Inclusion and Employment as required by the EU; this should take place in an open and transparent manner, to include our knowledge and experience of working in these areas. The current UK approach to this consultation is minimalist.
• There should be continuing engagement with the voluntary and community sector in future debates on the Common Agricultural Policy, recognising the need for integrated development in rural areas and the broadening of the CAP to encompass rural development.
• Discussions and preparations should start now for the post-2006 period when Peace II and the Building Sustainable Prosperity programmes end. Northern Ireland should seek a Peace III fund, but to be effective, the associated stifling bureaucracy would need to be rationalised and made more effective.
• Politicians should respond immediately to the problems identified with the current EU programmes, as the level of bureaucracy is acting as a barrier to participation in the programmes and is even endangering Northern Ireland’s ability to deliver the programme objectives, particularly in relation to Peace II. It is the view of voluntary and community organisations that fear of audit and accountability implications has paralysed the system.
• The Assembly should take a proactive approach to discussions on the UK’s entry to the euro. There should be an emphasis on the early provision of objective, factual information, in plain English, which would allow for a participative and informed debate on the issue.