28/10/2003

Peace partnership fund to strengthen European links

Details of a funding package worth some £1.2 million to help Northern Ireland build links with other parts of Europe were announced today.

The ‘Partnership for Progress’ project, which will be run by social partnership group Concordia, is being funded under Measure 4.1 of the European Union’s Peace and Reconciliation Programme. It seeks to make Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland more outward and forward-looking by linking into European and wider international 'best practice' networks.

Speaking at the launch in Templepatrick, Eddie McVeigh, Head of the European Commission Office, said: “This funding from the EU Peace Programme will assist Northern Ireland in building a positive image abroad. Through developing links and sharing experience with other European regions, Northern Ireland’s ability to benefit from an enlarged EU will be enhanced. In addition, the experiences of Northern Ireland may also be of interest in other parts of Europe.”

The total cost of the Concordia project is some £1.2 million of which £1.06 million has been awarded from Measure 4.1 of the EU’s Peace and Reconciliation Programme.

The Office of the First and Deputy First Minister administers the initiative.

Concordia comprises the main social partners in Northern Ireland, including employers, trade unions, the farming sector, and the voluntary and community sector.

(SP)

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