EU Continues To Make Significant Contribution Says McCann And Bell

Junior Ministers Jennifer McCann and Jonathan Bell today met with the recently appointed Commissioner for Regional Policy, Commissioner Corina Cretu and stressed the importance of the EU’s Regional Policy to our economy and consolidating peace.

The Junior Ministers and Commissioner Cretu discussed regional policy issues and the work of the NI Taskforce, which was established in 2007 to support the Executive’s efforts to modernise the regional economy, creating more jobs and growth. As a result of the meeting, Commissioner Cretu also confirmed she will be visiting Northern Ireland for the first time at the end of June.

Speaking after the meeting, Junior Minister McCann said: “This was a key meeting with Commissioner Creţu, during which we outlined the work of the Taskforce to date and the benefits in continuing it. The Taskforce has played an instrumental role in working in partnership with the Executive to maximise economic and growth opportunities for the North in Europe.

“The Commissioner will visit the North later in June for the first time, which will be an opportunity for us to showcase projects that have played a part in cementing a stable and confident society with the help of EU support.”

Junior Minister Jonathan Bell commented: “Northern Ireland’s relationship with Europe offers significant opportunities for engagement and reinforcing the benefits of our peaceful, stable society. This meeting has been our first opportunity to outline the Executive’s vision for our role in Europe to the new Commissioner.

“We believe the NI Taskforce still has a vital role in developing the economy and ensuring a more outward looking Northern Ireland, and took the opportunity to press the case for the Taskforce’s continuation under the Juncker administration. We also updated the Commissioner on the local economy, the current political situation and the Stormont House Agreement.”

During the programme of visits in Brussels, the Junior Ministers also visited the Social Innovation Factory, an organisation that was established to encourage a culture of social innovation in the Flanders region. The ‘Factory’ helps people turn ideas into actions aimed at tackling social challenges.

Minister Bell added: “Many of the principles employed by the ‘Factory’ reflect the aims of the Executive’s Delivering Social Change Framework. We are both determined to drive forward initiatives that empower local people to make a real and tangible difference for the better.”

“Sometimes the simplest idea is the most effective. We have seen today that the ‘Factory’ is tackling important social issues through local solutions. This gives us fresh inspiration when driving forward Northern Ireland’s social change programme.”