13/02/2004

North can be a leading region in Europe, says Pearson

Northern Ireland needs to make its presence felt in Brussels if its interests are to be reflected in European policy and legislation.

That was the message from Ian Pearson, Northern Ireland’s Europe Minister, as he attended a lunch comprising MEPs, members of two EU Committees, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.

Mr Pearson said: “Europe’s significance to Northern Ireland cannot be overestimated – it is the source of some two thirds of our legislation, and it represents a market for trade of some 450 million people.

"Although Northern Ireland is a small region on the periphery of Europe, we cannot afford to be passive or complacent. We need a strong regional presence to ensure that we grasp the opportunities to benefit from and contribute to the EU.”

The Minister paid tribute to Northern Ireland’s MEPs and Committee representatives, and pledged ongoing close co-operation with government to ensure effectiveness.

The Committee of the Regions is a group set up to give local and regional elected representatives a say in the development of new EC laws.

The European Economic and Social Committee is a consultative body of the European Union, and is an assembly of representatives of the various spheres of economic and social activity.

(MB)

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

25 August 2010
NAMA Applauded At Stormont
There has been high-level support expressed for the work of the Irish Republic's National Asset Management Agency, (NAMA) and its impact on NI finances.
17 November 2023
Belfast Named As One Of Ten UK 5G Innovation Regions
Belfast has been announced as one of ten new 5G Innovation Regions across the UK, with £3.8 million wireless innovation funding awarded by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
29 April 2004
New EU member states opportunity to seize initiative
Northern Ireland should seize the opportunities that enlargement presents and welcome the ten new countries poised to join the European Union. That was the message delivered by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Europe, Ian Pearson, MP, at a gala reception at the Waterfront Hall to mark enlargement of the EU.
21 September 2010
NI Labour Market Gets EC Backing
There's to be a multi-million pound EU-funded cash injection for NI's labour market. Yesterday, the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, encouraged organisations here to apply for the latest round of European Social Funding totalling over £65m.
16 October 2007
EU-Cash Aims To Boost NI Labour Market
A package of projects aimed at helping people into sustainable employment prospects has been highlighted at the NI Assembly, with a view to addressing the needs of those most disadvantaged in the labour market.