Peace III Proposals

Special EU Programmes Body Peace III Latest Proposals

The Special EU Programmes Body has released proposals on what issues the Peace III Programme from 2007-2013 should concentrate on. This paper sets out some first options on the possible expenditure options for money available and where this should be focussed. PEACE III will have a budget of €267 million including match funding. It will operate on a North/South basis with the SEUPB as Managing Authority.

This document is underpinned by the necessity of a shared future, an enhanced focus on reconciliation, coherence with NSRF and an anti poverty strategy. Four emerging priorities have been identified by SEUPB which should form the backbone of any priorities. The SEUPB has forecasted a weighting and indicative budget of where the expenditure should be most focussed.

Positive relations are built at the local level: €100 million

• Builds on experience of LSP’s & Task Forces
• Addresses sectarianism and racism
• Supports conflict resolution, mediation and citizenship
• Incorporates women, rural communities and other target groups/areas

The Past is acknowledged: €25 million

• Comprehensive approach of victims and survivors
• Provision of trauma counselling and befriending services
• Actions to assist individuals and institutions develop their understanding and acknowledging their role in the conflict
• International centre of conflict resolution

Creating Shared Public Spaces: €43 million

• Regeneration of selected areas
• Creating significant new shared public spaces

Key Institutional Capacities are developed for a shared society: €20 million

• Develop capacity of key public institutions at local / central level
• Focus on education, housing ethnic minorities
• Research and identification of best practice
• Networking across Europe

The key principles revolve around a focus on reconciliation, a streamlining of structures and processes, outcome focus, a more strategic focus with reduced open calls, a strong cross-border focus across the programme and building on experience.

The SEUPB will be starting public consultations throughout Northern Ireland over the next few months and NICVA members will be made aware of the opportunity to participate and submit their views.