Forging European regional links essential says Minister

NIO Minister Ian Pearson has said that Northern Ireland needs to develop more relationships with other European regions to increase its opportunities of being a "preferred partner".

Speaking during the opening address at a conference today on Forging Regional Links in Europe, the Minister said that a conference on such links was important, especially coming at a time of expansion in the EU.

Mr Pearson highlighted the many advantages stemming from the enlargement of Europe had many advantages including extending peace and stability across the continent, providing new opportunities for business and fighting for a cleaner environment.

He said: "Today’s conference is timely. It comes at a point where European issues are in the spotlight. Today is about two aspects of forging links with Europe. Firstly, it is about how Northern Ireland as a region can operate more effectively in the European arena, to make the most of our resources to influence the policies which matter most to us.

"Secondly, it is about building relationships with other regions in areas of common interest. The Government recognises that there are lessons to be learnt from the practices of other regions, and also that we have invaluable experience that we can offer which is of benefit to others."

Highlighting the many challenges ahead for Northern Ireland the Minister reiterated the importance of forging regional links on its own as well as in terms of an enlarged Europe.

The conference featured contributors from the Scottish and Catalan regional offices in Brussels and four Northern Ireland based organisations – NI-CO, Northern Ireland Women’s European Platform, Eurolink and European Studies – who outlined the benefits of developing regional links in Europe.

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