Working with the Barroso Taskforce
The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, personally demonstrated his commitment to assist Northern Ireland by creating a unique Taskforce to help us make the most of EU policies, funding programmes and networks.
The Northern Ireland Barroso Taskforce
The NI Barroso Taskforce consists of Commission representatives working with Northern Ireland Departments to strengthen European engagement. It allows Northern Ireland the opportunity to share our experiences with others and learn from working with other regions and Member States.
Barroso Taskforce newsletter
The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive also produces a regular newsletter on the work of the Taskforce. You can view the latest edition by clicking on the link below:
Strengthening Northern Ireland's influence in Europe
In March 2012, four desk officers were appointed to influence and build on our positive profile. They will focus on four thematic priorities:
Competitiveness and EmploymentGordon Browne is the Competitiveness and Employment Desk Officer working under the NI Barroso Task Force. He joined the Brussels team in March 2012 from the Department of Finance and Personnel. On the policy side he maintains a watching brief on issues relating to Competitiveness and Employment and associated funding opportunities. Gordon Brown, Competitiveness and EmploymentOffice Tel: 0032 (0) 2290 1333 email: gordon.browne@dfpni.gov.uk |  |
Innovation and TechnologyThe priority involves identifying and sourcing funding opportunities, highlighting policy/legislative developments which will impact on NI, providing a communications avenue from and to Brussels through the identification of key stakeholders and promote Northern Ireland in the sphere of innovation and technology. These priorities are carried out under the direction of the members of the Innovation and Technology Thematic Group established under the Barroso Task Force who provide a steer on the direction of travel and priorities for their departments/stakeholders. Contact: Úna DowneyOffice Tel: 0032 (0) 2290 1334 email: una.downey@doeni.gov.uk | |
Climate Change and EnergyKeith Brown is the Climate Change and Energy Desk Officer based in Brussels. As well as leading on climate change and energy issues, Keith’s portfolio also includes transport, energy efficiency in housing, non-structural agriculture funds, forestry, marine/fisheries and wider environmental concerns such as biodiversity, water and natural heritage. Government will drive much of this work but Keith is available to help any Northern Ireland organisation keen to improve their European engagement. Contact: Keith BrownOffice Tel: 0032 (0) 2290 1338 email: keith.brown@doeni.gov.uk | |
Social CohesionSocial Cohesion is a broad theme that covers a range of policy areas, including poverty, regeneration, culture, education, justice, heath, sport and volunteering. The main role of this theme is to provide support and advice to those interested in engaging with Europe in these areas and to increase awareness of EU policy developments and funding opportunities. The scope of the role goes far beyond central government and we are keen to work with social cohesion stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Contact: Alastair CampbellOffice Tel: 0032 (0) 2290 1343 email: alastair.campbell@dsdni.gov.uk |
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