European Policy and Co-ordination
The European Policy and Co-ordination Unit (EPCU) provides a central policy and co-ordination role in relation to the European Union (EU). It helps Northern Ireland to fulfil its EU responsibilities and develop a positive approach to participation in the European Union. It involves:
- Leading on the development of the Administration’s strategic approach to Europe;.
- maintaining effective liaison arrangements with Whitehall, the Scottish and Welsh devolved administrations and across NICS departments on European matters; and
- supporting dialogue with civil society to provide for an exchange of views and enhanced awareness and participation in European matters.
EPCU also works closely with the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels.
The Unit was responsible for promoting European networking by administering Measure 4.1 ‘Networking in Europe and Beyond’ - of the Peace II Programme. Read more about European networking.
EPCU published Northern Ireland’s first European Strategy ‘Taking Our Place in Europe’ in October 2006. The Strategy outlines strategic objectives for the region for the period 2006-2010. ‘Taking Our Place in Europe’ is available to download in English (PDF 876 KB).
