The Basque Country and Northern Ireland to work together to submit a joint project to the PEACE PROGRAMME IV 2014-2020

Lehendakari, Iñigo Urkullu, the Basque Premier, welcomed a delegation from Northern Ireland and from the SEUPB (Special EU Programmes Body) headed by its Chief Executive, Pat Colgan, who are in the Basque Country to explore different ways of cooperation in European peace and coexistence projects. Specifically, the Lehendakari referred to the PEACE programme, led by the European Union, which has so far addressed peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland after the troubles. 

Urkullu advocated for the Basque Country and Northern Ireland to share a project in the IV PEACE programme 2014-2020. That will mean that those European peace and coexistence policies will be reflected not only in Ireland, but also in the Basque Country,  and that, furthermore, the actions taken can be showcased and find a share space within the European Union. 

Three years have passed since ETA announced the definitive end to its violent campaign and the Lehendakari stressed that it is time for peace and for a change in mentality. Urkullu recognised that it is no easy task, but he believes that Northern Ireland and the Basque Country working together can be mutually beneficial.  The Lehendakari stressed that both societies share similar characteristics, such as constructing peace at the same time of history and the cooperation between institutions and agents of organised civil society.