By European Unit from NICVA
Published on 05 Sep 2005
A summary of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border regions.
Peace II is drawn from the EU Structural Funds and managed by the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Aim: achieving a transition to a more peaceful, stable, prosperous, fair and outward looking society sustained by a better physical environment.
Objectives: any project that wishes to be funded under Peace II must aim to contribute to at least one of the objectives stated below:
- addressing the legacy of the conflict
- taking the opportunities that arise from peace
- paving the way for reconciliation.
Peace II Extension
An extension to the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation was officially launched on 3 June 2005.
- This is a two year extension to the Peace II Programme and will last until December 2006.
- There will be €144 million available under this extension with the possibility of this rising by another €16 million to €160 million.
- The extension applies to 13 measures within the Programme.
A consultation on the extension to Peace II, facilitated by the SEUPB, took place in September 2004. This was subsequently approved by both the British and Irish governments. Consequently, the European Council agreed in October to continue its funding for peace and reconciliation work in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties for a further two years.
Despite opposition from a few countries, the European Parliament passed the extension in early January. The final hurdle of the legislation process was overcome in February when the European Council of Ministers ratified the Parliament’s legislation and ruling.
The SEUPB launched details of the Programme on 3 June.
Speaking at the launch, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Danute Hubner, said, “The European Union understands that economic and social development in support of peace and reconciliation at grassroots level is not a short term process. In the face of current difficulties in the peace process, this decision demonstrates the continued solidarity and support of the European Union towards permanent peace in the region.”
Further details of opening dates will appear on the NICVA website as they open.
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