North can be a leading region in Europe, says Pearson

Northern Ireland needs to make its presence felt in Brussels if its interests are to be reflected in European policy and legislation.

That was the message from Ian Pearson, Northern Ireland’s Europe Minister, as he attended a lunch comprising MEPs, members of two EU Committees, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.

Mr Pearson said: “Europe’s significance to Northern Ireland cannot be overestimated – it is the source of some two thirds of our legislation, and it represents a market for trade of some 450 million people.

"Although Northern Ireland is a small region on the periphery of Europe, we cannot afford to be passive or complacent. We need a strong regional presence to ensure that we grasp the opportunities to benefit from and contribute to the EU.”

The Minister paid tribute to Northern Ireland’s MEPs and Committee representatives, and pledged ongoing close co-operation with government to ensure effectiveness.

The Committee of the Regions is a group set up to give local and regional elected representatives a say in the development of new EC laws.

The European Economic and Social Committee is a consultative body of the European Union, and is an assembly of representatives of the various spheres of economic and social activity.

(MB)