I often reflect on the wise words of the late, great John Hume in his Nobel lecture, when he said that in his own work for peace he was strongly inspired by his European experience. He spoke of meditating on the bridge between Strasbourg, in France, and Kehl, in Germany, on how 30 years after conflict, both countries, with others across the continent of Europe, were working together in common interest.
Hume described the European Union “as the best example in the history of the world of conflict resolution”. His genius was, in part, to see how with both Ireland and the United Kingdom within the EU, there existed new possibilities to reframe relationships on the island of Ireland and, also, between this island and Britain.
Common EU membership gave generations of leaders from across the traditions on this island, and from across these islands, the opportunity to focus on what united us, rather than what divided. These relationships were essential to achieving the Belfast Agreement, 25 years ago next April.
Engagement in Brussels meant that new political friendships between politicians and civil servants were facilitated, often cemented by Dublin and London working together on issues of mutual concern. It opened up new relationships with decision-makers from other European countries. All these relationships were vital to the political progress of the 1980s and 1990s, which culminated in the Belfast Agreement.
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For much of that period, also, the European Parliament was the only place where elected representatives from Ireland and the UK sat and worked together – creating in particular, a space within which Hume co-operated with unionist MEPs, including Ian Paisley and John Taylor, on certain issues. The relations they built transcended their political divisions, showing the way forward.
Shared EU membership also meant that both parts of the island shared a body of law and practice, particularly following the introduction of the single market on January 1st, 1993, that saw the Border diminished both physically and psychologically.
Costs of division
The Belfast Agreement saw the rebuilding of bridges across the Border, enabling communities in the North and South to benefit from the opportunities for trade and co-operation underpinned by shared access to the EU’s single market.
The EU had recognised the costs of division on both sides of the Border, and was an early contributor to the International Fund for Ireland. INTERREG funding has also been vital to allow for change in the Border region. Successive PEACE programmes have developed the capacity of people from the grassroots to transform their communities for the better. The new PEACE PLUS programme, with a budget of more than €1 billion funded by the UK, the EU and Ireland, continues this important work, reaffirming that shared commitment to strengthening peace, reconciliation, and cross-Border co-operation on the island.
While peace is ultimately made by people, it is underpinned by institutions. European support for the people and institutions of peace has been steadfast over 50 years, facilitating an environment open to dialogue and ultimately a peace agreement, to providing tangible support for reconciliation on our island.
That long-term commitment is essential.
It has been particularly important over the past few years following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
Given how our shared EU membership was part of the inner core of the Belfast Agreement, underpinning much of the North-South strand but also facilitating East-West relationships, the UK’s decision has had consequences for Northern Ireland.
This Government is continuing to work together with our EU partners to manage the impacts for Northern Ireland. I want to acknowledge the EU’s unwavering solidarity and support for Ireland as a member state, including the recognition of the unique circumstances of the island of Ireland made possible by giving formal expression in the protocol agreed with the UK to mitigate the impact of Brexit on the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed this support during her visit to Dublin last month. I am conscious, too, about the concerns that have been raised with the current arrangements. I want to assure everyone that there is a collective commitment at political level across the EU to find an agreed way forward and with a shared spirit of flexibility, progress can be made.
Throughout the last 50 years, the EU has been a steadfast partner in peace. For this, we are profoundly grateful. I know that the EU remains committed to protecting the Belfast Agreement and to the process of genuine peace and reconciliation on this island, and that it will remain so for the next 50 years, and beyond.