MINISTER FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS INVITES APPICATIONS FOR FUNDING TO BOOST PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE EU

Communicating Europe Initiative vital tool in promoting awareness says Minister of State Treacy
Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for European Affairs, has again underlined the Government's commitment to boosting public knowledge of the European Union. 
Inviting applications to the Department of Foreign Affairs from groups and individuals interested in promoting greater awareness of the European Union, under the Communicating Europe Initiative, Minister Treacy said:
“It is vital that we make every effort to foster more informed debate about the European Union.  I urge groups and individuals - particularly those not normally involved with EU issues - to submit proposals for projects under the Communicating Europe Initiative.”
“It is a priority of this Government to encourage greater public awareness of developments within the European Union and the fruits of Ireland's EU membership.  This is particularly important as Europe now reflects on how it can best meet the economic and political challenges of the 21st century.   Debate about the future of Europe will no doubt gain added momentum next year from the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which was signed on 25 March 1957.   I look forward to receiving a broad range of proposals for projects that will raise the profile of the EU in Ireland and promote an enhanced understanding of key EU issues and activities,” concluded Minister Treacy.
Funding is available for projects aimed at raising wider public awareness about the European Union and at explaining how the EU affects the lives of citizens, in a real and tangible way. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues.
Since 1995, the Department of Foreign Affairs have provided funding to a wide range of groups, including the European Youth Parliament, the Irish Countrywoman's Association, the National Agency for Adult Literacy, European Anti-Poverty Network, SIPTU and others as well as to projects organised in schools, colleges, and universities.
Interested parties should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs at: communicatingeurope@dfa.ie  or at 01 4082470.

Note for Editors:
The total 2006 funding for the Communicating Europe Initiative, which is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, is €205,000, part of which has already been committed.

ENDS +++
4 August 2006
Press Office