EU Funding
Northern Ireland Competitiveness and Employment Programme
The programme aims to promote investment in the development of a knowledge-based,
innovative and business-friendly region with a highly skilled workforce supporting a high
quality of life. The total budget is € 614 million, with € 307 million of investment from the
EU. It includes setting up six new centres of excellence in research and development and
contributing to starting up 250 new businesses.
The Managing Authority is the Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
European Social Fund Programme
The European Social Fund Programme will contribute to reducing the productivity gap in
Northern Ireland by helping to reduce the level of economic inactivity and increasing
workforce skills. Northern Ireland is to receive € 165.7 million from the Fund from 2007-
2013.
The Managing Authority for the Programme is the Department for Employment and
Learning (DEL).
PEACE III Programme
The PEACE III Programme has a total budget of € 333 million, with € 225 million of
investment from the EU. The goal is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable
society and to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border region, by supporting
projects that bring communities together.
The Managing Authority for PEACE III is the
Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
INTERREG IVA Cross-Border Programme
Northern Ireland, the border counties of Ireland and parts of western Scotland will benefit
from a seven-year cross-border INTERREG programme, with a total budget of € 256 million,
including € 192 million of investment from the EU. The programme will focus on developing
a dynamic economy, supporting infrastructure and promoting innovative ways of addressing
specific cross-border problems.
The Managing Authority for INTERREG IVA is the Special
EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
INTERREG IVB and IVC Programmes
INTERREG IVB aim to promote a higher degree of territorial integration, with a view to
achieving sustainable and balanced development across the EU. Key areas of focus include innovation, environment, accessibility and sustainable urban environment. Further information available through SEUPB
INTERREG IVC
focuses on the identification, analysis and dissemination of good practices by public
authorities in order to improve the effectiveness of regional and local policies.
Further information is available through SEUPB
International Fund for Ireland
The EU has committed € 15 million per year for the four-year period 2007-2010 to the
International Fund for Ireland to support its strategy 'Sharing this space'.IFI
Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme
The EU will be contributing €171 million to the Northern Ireland Rural Development
Programme for 2007-2013. The programme aims to boost the competitiveness of agriculture
and forestry, improve the environment and countryside and improve the quality of life in rural
areas. Further information is available at DARD
European Fisheries Fund
The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) will provide support for the fisheries sector, including
adaptation of the fleet, processing and marketing of fishery products and the development of
sustainable fisheries. The EFF will run for seven years, with a total budget of around € 3.8
billion. EFF
Seventh Framework Research Programme
The Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development is the
EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and is designed to respond to Europe's
employment needs, competitiveness and quality of life. Further information
Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme
The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) aims to encourage the
competitiveness of European enterprises. With small and medium-sized enterprises as its
main target, the programme will support innovation activities, provide better access to finance
and deliver business support services in the regions. It will encourage a better take-up and use
of information and communications technologies and help to develop the information society.
It will also promote the increased use of renewable energies and energy efficiency. Further
information
PROGRESS Programme
The new PROGRESS programme for employment and social solidarity will focus on
employment, social protection and social inclusion, working conditions, anti-discrimination
and diversity and gender equality. Further information
Lifelong Learning Programme
The new Lifelong Learning Programme offers funding for organisations involved in education
and training and provides opportunities to get involved in European links. It includes the
Comenius programme for schools, Erasmus for higher education, Leonardo da Vinci for
vocational education and training and Grundtvig for adult education. Further Information
Youth in Action
Youth in Action is the new EU programme in the field of youth and is a key instrument in
providing young people with opportunities for non-formal and informal learning with a
European dimension. Further information
LIFE + (Environment)
With a budget of over €2.1 billion, LIFE + will provide support for the implementation of EU
environmental policy and legislation in respect of nature, biodiversity and other
environmental issues. Further information
Culture Programme
The Culture Programme aims to encourage the development of cultural cooperation and
intercultural dialogue across Europe. Further information
Europe for Citizens
The Europe for Citizens programme supports a wide range of activities and organisations
promoting active European citizenship, including town-twinning. Further information
MEDIA 2007
MEDIA 2007 supports the European audiovisual sector and focuses on preproduction and
post-production activities, including distribution and promotion. Further information
EU Health Programme
The Health Programme 2008-2013 is intended to complement, support and add value to the
policies of the Member States and contribute to increased solidarity and prosperity in the
European Union by protecting and promoting human health and safety and by improving
public health. The overall budget is €321 million. Further information
