European Policy and Co-ordination
European Policy and Co-ordination Unit (EPCU)
EPCU provides a central policy and co-ordination role in relation to the European Union (EU). It helps Northern Ireland fulfil its EU responsibilities and develop a positive approach to participation in the European Union. This 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 works closely with the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels.
The Unit was also 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.
Eurpean Priorities for Northern Ireland
On 25 June 2011 the First Minister and deputy First Minister presented the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, with the Executive’s ‘European Priorities 2011-2012. For more information on the meeting and to download the document please click the link below.
The Northern Ireland Executive also published its 'Priorities for European Engagement 2008/09' (PDF 3MB) on 31 March 2009. An End of Year Report (PDF 1.4 MB) on progress against key targets and activities was released by Ministers on 21 September 2009.
