natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
From 1989, the European Community became one of the main sources of funding for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), an international body established by treaty between the UK and Irish governments
From 1989, the European Community became one of the main sources of funding for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), an international body established by treaty between the UK and Irish governments
Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland concerning the International Fund for Ireland, 18 September 1986 (last amended 10 October 2000) ; UK Treaty Series N°58 (1987) Cm 266 / Republic of Ireland N°1 (1986) Cmnd 9908. "to promote economic and social development, and to encourage contact, dialogue and reconciliation between nationalists and unionists throughout Ireland".
Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland concerning the International Fund for Ireland, 18 September 1986 (last amended 10 October 2000) ; UK Treaty Series N°58 (1987) Cm 266 / Republic of Ireland N°1 (1986) Cmnd 9908. "to promote economic and social development, and to encourage contact, dialogue and reconciliation between nationalists and unionists throughout Ireland".
It currently receives €15 million annually from the EU budget.
It currently receives €15 million annually from the EU budget.
Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/2002 of 10 December 2002 on Community financial contributions to the International Fund for Ireland, OJ L 341, 17.12.2002, p.
Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/2002 of 10 December 2002 on Community financial contributions to the International Fund for Ireland, OJ L 341, 17.12.2002, p.
The PEACE I Programme
The PEACE I Programme
The first PEACE programme was allocated a total amount of €500 million from the EU budget for the period 1995 - 1999, of which, around 80 per cent was spent in Northern Ireland and 20 per cent in the border counties of the Republic (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, and Sligo).
The first PEACE programme was allocated a total amount of €500 million from the EU budget for the period 1995 - 1999, of which, around 80 per cent was spent in Northern Ireland and 20 per cent in the border counties of the Republic (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, and Sligo).
From the beginning, the Programme employed a "bottom-up" approach designed to involve people at the grass roots level and to target its interventions on those areas and sections of the population most directly affected by the conflict.
From the beginning, the Programme employed a "bottom-up" approach designed to involve people at the grass roots level and to target its interventions on those areas and sections of the population most directly affected by the conflict.
PEACE I funded over 13,000 projects across Northern Ireland covering such areas as social inclusion, economic development and employment, urban and rural regeneration, and cross border co-operation.
PEACE I funded over 13,000 projects across Northern Ireland covering such areas as social inclusion, economic development and employment, urban and rural regeneration, and cross border co-operation.
The Community's co-financing amounted to 72.13% of the total investment, with the remainder being met by authorities in both countries and by the private sector.
The Community's co-financing amounted to 72.13% of the total investment, with the remainder being met by authorities in both countries and by the private sector.
In Northern Ireland, a special sub-programme was specifically aimed at encouraging the creation of local partnerships as well as voluntary and community groups which subsequently had a major role in the implementation of the Programme.
In Northern Ireland, a special sub-programme was specifically aimed at encouraging the creation of local partnerships as well as voluntary and community groups which subsequently had a major role in the implementation of the Programme.
A single monitoring committee for both sides of the border was also set up.
A single monitoring committee for both sides of the border was also set up.
The PEACE II Programme
The PEACE II Programme
In order to build upon the success of PEACE I and "in recognition of the special efforts for the peace process in Northern Ireland", the Berlin European Council of 24 and 25 March 1999 decided to extend the programme for a further five years (2000-2004) with the strategic aim of reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society, promoting reconciliation and assisting economic regeneration and social inclusion activities.
In order to build upon the success of PEACE I and "in recognition of the special efforts for the peace process in Northern Ireland", the Berlin European Council of 24 and 25 March 1999 decided to extend the programme for a further five years (2000-2004) with the strategic aim of reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society, promoting reconciliation and assisting economic regeneration and social inclusion activities.
The context of this decision was the Belfast or "Good Friday” Agreement
The context of this decision was the Belfast or "Good Friday” Agreement
Agreement reached in the Multi-Party Negotiations on Northern Ireland, (10 April 1998), (Cmnd.
Agreement reached in the Multi-Party Negotiations on Northern Ireland, (10 April 1998), (Cmnd.
3883), [Good Friday Agreement / Belfast Agreement].
3883), [Good Friday Agreement / Belfast Agreement].
Belfast: HMSO. reached between the main political parties and the British and Irish Governments during multi-party talks on 10 April 1998.
Belfast: HMSO. reached between the main political parties and the British and Irish Governments during multi-party talks on 10 April 1998.
This committed the participants to exclusively democratic and peaceful means of resolving differences on political issues and to oppose any use or threat of force by others for any political purpose.
This committed the participants to exclusively democratic and peaceful means of resolving differences on political issues and to oppose any use or threat of force by others for any political purpose.
It provided a political framework for the peace process and included the devolution of powers to a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, which were subsequently set up at the end of 1999.
It provided a political framework for the peace process and included the devolution of powers to a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, which were subsequently set up at the end of 1999.
However, the Agreement acknowledged that substantial differences remained between the various equally legitimate, political aspirations and therefore also committed the parties and the Governments "to strive in every practical way towards reconciliation and rapprochement within the framework of democratic and agreed arrangements".
However, the Agreement acknowledged that substantial differences remained between the various equally legitimate, political aspirations and therefore also committed the parties and the Governments "to strive in every practical way towards reconciliation and rapprochement within the framework of democratic and agreed arrangements".
Thus the 5-year extension of the Programme was, as the Commissioner responsible, Michel Barnier, said at the time, an illustration of "concrete European Union solidarity and support for the peace process established by the Belfast Agreement."
Thus the 5-year extension of the Programme was, as the Commissioner responsible, Michel Barnier, said at the time, an illustration of "concrete European Union solidarity and support for the peace process established by the Belfast Agreement."
Total EU funding for PEACE II is €531 million, of which some €100 million has been allocated to the border counties of the Republic, while around 80% of this funding has been assigned to projects in Northern Ireland (€ 425 million).
Total EU funding for PEACE II is €531 million, of which some €100 million has been allocated to the border counties of the Republic, while around 80% of this funding has been assigned to projects in Northern Ireland (€ 425 million).
The Programme's total expenditure between 2000 and 2004 amounts to over € 708 million with the EU contribution represents 75 % of total public funding, the remaining coming from co-financed expenditure from the UK and Ireland public sectors, and from the private sector.
The Programme's total expenditure between 2000 and 2004 amounts to over € 708 million with the EU contribution represents 75 % of total public funding, the remaining coming from co-financed expenditure from the UK and Ireland public sectors, and from the private sector.
15% of the total allocation is attributed to cross-border projects.
15% of the total allocation is attributed to cross-border projects.
The Programme has been implemented in full respect of additionality of structural fund interventions and other pubic sector expenditure in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.
The Programme has been implemented in full respect of additionality of structural fund interventions and other pubic sector expenditure in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.
The new element in PEACE II has been to address the economic and social legacy of over 30 years of conflict and to take advantage of new opportunities arising from the peace process as part of the so-called "peace dividend".
The new element in PEACE II has been to address the economic and social legacy of over 30 years of conflict and to take advantage of new opportunities arising from the peace process as part of the so-called "peace dividend".
It has thus sought to benefit a wide range of sectors, areas, groups and communities which have been particularly affected as a result of the violence and encourage cross-community projects.
It has thus sought to benefit a wide range of sectors, areas, groups and communities which have been particularly affected as a result of the violence and encourage cross-community projects.
The Programme has also attempted to build on the inclusive, "bottom-up" and joint North/South delivery approach of the first Programme.
The Programme has also attempted to build on the inclusive, "bottom-up" and joint North/South delivery approach of the first Programme.
The greatest share of the funding will thus continue to be managed by locally based partnership structures and by sector-specialised non-government organisations.
The greatest share of the funding will thus continue to be managed by locally based partnership structures and by sector-specialised non-government organisations.
Overall, the Programme is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies set up under the Belfast Agreement.
Overall, the Programme is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies set up under the Belfast Agreement.
Substance of the Commission Proposal
Substance of the Commission Proposal
The Commission is proposing that Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 be amended so as to extend the implementation of the PEACE programme by two years until the end of 2006, coinciding with the programming period for the Structural Funds.
The Commission is proposing that Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 be amended so as to extend the implementation of the PEACE programme by two years until the end of 2006, coinciding with the programming period for the Structural Funds.
This coincides with a proposal to extend the annual Community contribution of €15m to the International Fund for Ireland for the same period.
This coincides with a proposal to extend the annual Community contribution of €15m to the International Fund for Ireland for the same period.
Proposal for a Council Regulation concerning Community financial contributions to the International Fund for Ireland (2005-2006), COM(2004) 632 final, 13.10.2004.
Proposal for a Council Regulation concerning Community financial contributions to the International Fund for Ireland (2005-2006), COM(2004) 632 final, 13.10.2004.
The wider aim therefore, is to align the measures financed by these two instruments with interventions carried out in the region under EU cohesion policy.
The wider aim therefore, is to align the measures financed by these two instruments with interventions carried out in the region under EU cohesion policy.
Clearly, as the Commission itself states, "consolidation of the peace process in Northern Ireland, to which the PEACE programme has made an original and essential contribution thus far, requires continuing financial support from the European Community to the regions concerned and the extension of the PEACE programme for another two years".
Clearly, as the Commission itself states, "consolidation of the peace process in Northern Ireland, to which the PEACE programme has made an original and essential contribution thus far, requires continuing financial support from the European Community to the regions concerned and the extension of the PEACE programme for another two years".
Unfortunately, this is probably an understatement.
Unfortunately, this is probably an understatement.
The peace process requires long-term commitment by all involved in it and it is unrealistic to expect that economic, social and psychological problems caused or exacerbated by over 30 years of violence can be solved over night - or even in the next two years.
The peace process requires long-term commitment by all involved in it and it is unrealistic to expect that economic, social and psychological problems caused or exacerbated by over 30 years of violence can be solved over night - or even in the next two years.
This is the case in all the priority areas covered by the Programme:
This is the case in all the priority areas covered by the Programme:
- Economic Renewal: Combating the economic legacy of conflict and distrust must continue to be a central objective of the PEACE Programme.
- Economic Renewal: Combating the economic legacy of conflict and distrust must continue to be a central objective of the PEACE Programme.
Empowering communities to overcome these legacies and confront the challenges of a changing economy must remain a priority.
Empowering communities to overcome these legacies and confront the challenges of a changing economy must remain a priority.
Whether by creating new areas of employment or through assisting those affected by industrial decline to make the transition to other sustainable forms of employment, the PEACE programme has brought and must continue to bring added economic and social value to the political process.
Whether by creating new areas of employment or through assisting those affected by industrial decline to make the transition to other sustainable forms of employment, the PEACE programme has brought and must continue to bring added economic and social value to the political process.
With the continuing closure of large segments of the traditional manufacturing sector, the need to assist individuals employed in those sectors in making the transition to other sustainable employment remains as great as ever.
With the continuing closure of large segments of the traditional manufacturing sector, the need to assist individuals employed in those sectors in making the transition to other sustainable employment remains as great as ever.
This priority remains vital so that all can participate in the dividends of peace.
This priority remains vital so that all can participate in the dividends of peace.
- Social Integration, Inclusion and Reconciliation: Much progress has been made over the last 10 years since the albeit imperfect cessation of violence by the major protagonists in the conflict, allowing a sense of normality to return to much of the region.
- Social Integration, Inclusion and Reconciliation: Much progress has been made over the last 10 years since the albeit imperfect cessation of violence by the major protagonists in the conflict, allowing a sense of normality to return to much of the region.
However, this improvement has not been uniform.
However, this improvement has not been uniform.
In certain areas and in particular, but not exclusively, those on the "interface" between the communities, divisions and mistrust run deep, if not deeper than ever.
In certain areas and in particular, but not exclusively, those on the "interface" between the communities, divisions and mistrust run deep, if not deeper than ever.
The on-going necessity to promote social integration, inclusion and reconciliation in both urban and rural areas, looks certain to constitute a heavy burden and to remain the unwelcome legacy of the "Troubles" for many years to come.
The on-going necessity to promote social integration, inclusion and reconciliation in both urban and rural areas, looks certain to constitute a heavy burden and to remain the unwelcome legacy of the "Troubles" for many years to come.
The programme needs to continue its efforts to support those most affected by the conflict including the victims of violence and their families.
The programme needs to continue its efforts to support those most affected by the conflict including the victims of violence and their families.
It must, moreover, support groups and communities which contribute actively to peace and reconciliation, paying particular attention to the positive contribution which can be made by women, and provide specific action to promote them.
It must, moreover, support groups and communities which contribute actively to peace and reconciliation, paying particular attention to the positive contribution which can be made by women, and provide specific action to promote them.
Furthermore, given the grief and harm brought upon the entire community by the violent past, it is vitally important that there is a balanced take-up and distribution of the benefits of peace and, equally importantly, that this is seen and perceived to be the case.
Furthermore, given the grief and harm brought upon the entire community by the violent past, it is vitally important that there is a balanced take-up and distribution of the benefits of peace and, equally importantly, that this is seen and perceived to be the case.
In this context, where empirical evidence indicates that those from thee Unionist section of the community in particular have been slow to participate in PEACE activities, more active encouragement and if necessary proactive measures are required in order to motivate such participation.
In this context, where empirical evidence indicates that those from thee Unionist section of the community in particular have been slow to participate in PEACE activities, more active encouragement and if necessary proactive measures are required in order to motivate such participation.
This must also apply in the case of other social groups where poor participation rates are observed.
This must also apply in the case of other social groups where poor participation rates are observed.
- Locally-Based Regeneration and Development Strategies: For the same reasons the importance of locally based cross-community partnerships cannot be overstated, since it is by working together that barriers and mistrust can best be broken down.
- Locally-Based Regeneration and Development Strategies: For the same reasons the importance of locally based cross-community partnerships cannot be overstated, since it is by working together that barriers and mistrust can best be broken down.
However, again this will by necessity be a long-term process.
However, again this will by necessity be a long-term process.
Moreover, it is by favouring local input that a real simplification of procedures can be achieved and administrative formalities and costs can be kept to a minimum.
Moreover, it is by favouring local input that a real simplification of procedures can be achieved and administrative formalities and costs can be kept to a minimum.
- Outward and Forward Looking Region: There is still the need to overcome the introspection and negative image associated with over three decades of relative isolation as a region usually shunned by visitors from other parts of Europe.
- Outward and Forward Looking Region: There is still the need to overcome the introspection and negative image associated with over three decades of relative isolation as a region usually shunned by visitors from other parts of Europe.
Now is precisely the moment when it is necessary promote a more forward and outward-looking approach by encouraging constructive dialogue with other EU regions on economic, social and environmental matters and by promoting abroad the positive image of a more peaceful society.
Now is precisely the moment when it is necessary promote a more forward and outward-looking approach by encouraging constructive dialogue with other EU regions on economic, social and environmental matters and by promoting abroad the positive image of a more peaceful society.
- Cross-border Co-operation : The sustained period of conflict, spanning more than 30 years, hindered the development of normal economic and social relations and cooperation across the Irish border.
- Cross-border Co-operation : The sustained period of conflict, spanning more than 30 years, hindered the development of normal economic and social relations and cooperation across the Irish border.
Ironically, this occurred at precisely the time that economic barriers across Europe were coming down.
Ironically, this occurred at precisely the time that economic barriers across Europe were coming down.
There is thus a particular need within this region to promote the usual economic, social and cultural cross-border co-operation and initiatives which are already common practice and well advanced in other parts of the continent.
There is thus a particular need within this region to promote the usual economic, social and cultural cross-border co-operation and initiatives which are already common practice and well advanced in other parts of the continent.
For these reasons of substance, the Commission's proposal should be welcomed, as should the concomitant proposal with regard to the IFI.
For these reasons of substance, the Commission's proposal should be welcomed, as should the concomitant proposal with regard to the IFI.
However, just as important is the political message that the Union chooses to send at this critical moment in the peace process.
However, just as important is the political message that the Union chooses to send at this critical moment in the peace process.
At the time of writing, the political institutions set up by the Belfast Agreement remain in suspension, while negotiations continue in an attempt to restore devolved government.
At the time of writing, the political institutions set up by the Belfast Agreement remain in suspension, while negotiations continue in an attempt to restore devolved government.
Your rapporteur considers that a positive signal from the EU is therefore vital at this juncture.
Your rapporteur considers that a positive signal from the EU is therefore vital at this juncture.
Following representations from MEPs and others, this point was accepted by the Commission, the British and Irish Prime Ministers and by the European Council, which on 10 June 2004 stated that it "takes note of the current difficulties in the peace process in Northern Ireland and supports the efforts of the two governments in seeking to re-establish the devolved institutions.
Following representations from MEPs and others, this point was accepted by the Commission, the British and Irish Prime Ministers and by the European Council, which on 10 June 2004 stated that it "takes note of the current difficulties in the peace process in Northern Ireland and supports the efforts of the two governments in seeking to re-establish the devolved institutions.