Menu
12/05/2003
Enlarged EU will see NI slip in importance
UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that EU enlargement will see Northern Ireland slip down the scale of importance.
Mr Nicholson revealed that 162 new members would be joining existing MEPs as observers in the European Parliament this week, taking their places in Committees and political groups with the right to speak but not vote. This will continue until after the European Elections in 2004, when they will become full members.
Mr Nicholson said: “Europe will not be the same again. I obviously welcome the inclusion of these former eastern bloc countries but we must realise the consequences. With enlargement development of these countries becomes a priority and regions such as Northern Ireland will slip down the scale of importance.
“Unless Europe reforms its decision making process everything will be bogged down and destroyed by red tape, bureaucracy and a totally outdated decision making process.
"It can be difficult enough to achieve consensus with 15 member states, can only imagine what it will be like with 25," he added.
Mr Nicholson was speaking at a function organised by the European Commission at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office to mark Europe Day.
(MB)
Mr Nicholson revealed that 162 new members would be joining existing MEPs as observers in the European Parliament this week, taking their places in Committees and political groups with the right to speak but not vote. This will continue until after the European Elections in 2004, when they will become full members.
Mr Nicholson said: “Europe will not be the same again. I obviously welcome the inclusion of these former eastern bloc countries but we must realise the consequences. With enlargement development of these countries becomes a priority and regions such as Northern Ireland will slip down the scale of importance.
“Unless Europe reforms its decision making process everything will be bogged down and destroyed by red tape, bureaucracy and a totally outdated decision making process.
"It can be difficult enough to achieve consensus with 15 member states, can only imagine what it will be like with 25," he added.
Mr Nicholson was speaking at a function organised by the European Commission at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office to mark Europe Day.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 April 2008
Wine Tasting Job Opportunity Offered
Tasting wine might be a hobby rather than a profession for most, but there's now an opportunity for someone to taste-test professionally. James Nicholson, Managing Director of James Nicholson Wine Merchant will be saying "You're hired!" to one lucky wine trade novice.
Wine Tasting Job Opportunity Offered
Tasting wine might be a hobby rather than a profession for most, but there's now an opportunity for someone to taste-test professionally. James Nicholson, Managing Director of James Nicholson Wine Merchant will be saying "You're hired!" to one lucky wine trade novice.
17 May 2012
Nicholson To Run For Europe
Jim Nicholson, UUP MEP, has confirmed he will stand again at the next European elections. He made the announcement at the Balmoral Show today. Mr Nicholson said: "With political deadlock and economic uncertainty it now appears that many of the current negotiations may now be pushed into the next parliamentary term.
Nicholson To Run For Europe
Jim Nicholson, UUP MEP, has confirmed he will stand again at the next European elections. He made the announcement at the Balmoral Show today. Mr Nicholson said: "With political deadlock and economic uncertainty it now appears that many of the current negotiations may now be pushed into the next parliamentary term.
16 June 2003
UUP Executive Committee support MEP EU call
The Ulster Unionist Executive Committee has supported a call from UUP MEP Jim Nicholson for a referendum on the new European Constitution.
UUP Executive Committee support MEP EU call
The Ulster Unionist Executive Committee has supported a call from UUP MEP Jim Nicholson for a referendum on the new European Constitution.
16 April 2019
UUP's Jim Nicholson To Stand Down From European Parliament
The Ulster Unionist Party's Jim Nicholson has announced that he will not be putting his name forward as the party's candidate in the upcoming European elections. It comes after a development in the Brexit negotiations confirmed the UK would participate in the elections on 23 May.
UUP's Jim Nicholson To Stand Down From European Parliament
The Ulster Unionist Party's Jim Nicholson has announced that he will not be putting his name forward as the party's candidate in the upcoming European elections. It comes after a development in the Brexit negotiations confirmed the UK would participate in the elections on 23 May.
16 April 2009
Terrorists Could Exploit EU Movement, Says MEP
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has described the arrest and continued detention of a Co Louth man in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius (pictured) as a "worrying development". It is understood the Dundalk native was arrested for attempting to buy arms and explosives for the Real IRA.
Terrorists Could Exploit EU Movement, Says MEP
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has described the arrest and continued detention of a Co Louth man in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius (pictured) as a "worrying development". It is understood the Dundalk native was arrested for attempting to buy arms and explosives for the Real IRA.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
