SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has given a warm welcome following today’s commitment from the President of the EU Commission that Peace Funds to Northern Ireland will continue as part of the next European budget in 2020.The Foyle MLA said: “If anyone was in doubt as to the European Union’s continuing political interest and commitment to Northern Ireland, this morning’s announcement by President Juncker gives a clear and welcome answer.
“The European Union are not allowing Brexit to interfere with their long-term commitment to peace in Northern Ireland. In the face of the narrowness and pettiness of the Brexiteers, the EU continues to be generous.
“The contrast is there for all to see.
“This announcement is yet one more reason why Northern Ireland cannot afford to lose our relationship with the European Union.
“Peace monies, infrastructural development and access to the biggest trading block on the planet are only a few of the reasons why people in the North wisely voted to remain in the EU.
“It is a relationship which has been massively to our benefit and we must ensure the benefits of that relationship continue.
“In total, Northern Ireland will have benefited by around EUR 2 billion as part of the peace programmes. That funding has helped thousands of people and hundreds of communities across Northern Ireland and in the border regions.
“Much of that work has not been high-profile or public but it has been vital work in embedding our peace,” added the SDLP leader.
