European Policy

The European Union passes laws and takes decisions on many matters that are important to Northern Ireland and its citizens.  

In a Union of Member States, United Kingdom relations with the European Union are the responsibility of the Westminster Government, but implementation of EU policies in Northern Ireland usually falls to the regional administration.  The Concordat on Co-ordination of European Union Policy Issues sets out the mechanisms between the UK Government and devolved administrations for the handling of EU business.  

As a rule of thumb, over two thirds of administrative and legislative actions in Northern Ireland originate from, or are influenced by, Brussels.  These cover areas such as agriculture and rural development, fisheries, business and trade, employment and training, energy, regional development, the environment and transport.   In this context, many of the actions taken by Ireland are also important to the citizens of Northern Ireland.  So it is in our interest to participate proactively to ensure that European decision making reflects Northern Ireland’s priorities and concerns.  

The role of regional government in the European Union is promoted by the principles of subisidiarity and proportionality

Some current policy issues of importance to Northern Ireland are:

The European Union Reform Treaty

The Barosso Taskforce