02/10/2003

MEP warns of cut in EU funding

A local MEP has warned that Northern Ireland could face severe cuts in financing as a result of the enlargement of the EU next year.

UUP MEP Jim Nicholson made the stark warning to delegates at the European Movement Conference in Belfast yesterday.

Speaking at the European Commission offices on Wednesday, Mr Nicholson said: “The Berlin wall is no more, the Euro has arrived and so far, bar some teething problems, has survived and, of course, a new European Constitution is coming forward."

Mr Nicholson said that while he disagreed with the Constitution, it would become a reality next year.

“All of these developments mean Brussels will inevitably exert a greater influence on our lives, crucially this also means that Northern Ireland must have effective representation in Europe at Executive level and at Parliament level working in the European Parliaments committees to ensure Northern Ireland gets the best possible deal.

"Make no mistake, we will inevitably take a severe hit in financial support after enlargement. We must prepare for this and make sure that we are not left behind.

Since 1995, around £700 million has been made available to Northern Ireland as part of peace funding. However, from next year this figure is set to be cut drastically.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

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.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
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.
30 January 2002
Northern Ireland Executive opens European offices in Brussels
David Trimble and Mark Durkan arrived in Brussels on Tuesday January 29, to put their seal of approval on a new £500,000-a-year office designed to spearhead Northern Ireland's interests in Europe.
01 October 2021
New 10-Year Cancer Strategy For Northern Ireland Under Development
A number of virtual consultations has been launched by the Department of Health to help develop a new 10-year Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland.