Further EU funding for victims of terrorist acts
05 July 2005
Jim Allister MEP has called on victims groups within Northern Ireland to apply directly to Brussels for funds. Mr Allister says that the money is additional to the Peace II extension fund. Mr Allister has however advised groups to act quickly and apply for funding as it is closing at the end of next week.
Jim Allister commented, “This is a fund which I have been informed about by the Vice-President of the European Commission Franco Frattini. This fund has been set up to help victims of terrorist acts and/or their relatives to recover by means of social or psychological support by organisations and/or their networks. The fund supports projects ranging from creation and support of reception centres to legal support and advice to both victims and their families. I believe that victims groups from the Protestant community, who were considering applying to Measure 2.4 of the Peace II extension programme, should also apply directly to Europe for this funding.
“Under this fund, the Commission are willing to fund up to 80% of total eligible costs of a project. Further details of the project can be found on the European Commission website or by contacting my office. I believe that over the next two weeks, victims groups within Northern Ireland should be both applying to the European Commission for funding as well as to the Peace II extension fund.
