Minister Byrne announces €100k available through Communicating Europe Initiative

Minister Byrne announces €100k available to community and voluntary organizations to promote dialogue on Ireland’s relationship with Europe

The Minister of State for European Affairs, Mr Thomas Byrne, TD, has today invited voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups to apply for funding under the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Communicating Europe Initiative.

The Communicating Europe Initiative is aimed at deepening public awareness of the role the EU plays in our daily lives and at improving the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, particularly at regional or national level.

Projects should seek to communicate European issues, the role of the European Union and Ireland’s place in Europe.

Funding of €100,000 has been made available under the scheme this year.

Announcing the launch of the scheme, the Minister said:

‘As Minister of State for European Affairs my priority is to promote a national debate around Ireland’s place in Europe and the impact our EU membership continues to play on our daily lives’’. Minister Byrne also said that “Following the success of pilot radio programmes from Radio Kerry and KCLR last year, I would especially encourage local radio and other media groups to apply for this funding.’’

Previous projects funded have included local media projects and competitions, school initiatives and interactions, employment opportunities in EU Institutions and EU-related Citizens’ Dialogues. Projects have promoted themes on the role of women and young people in the EU, climate action and the importance of diversity in Ireland to our relationship with the EU.

Further details including application forms are now available from https://www.dfa.ie/our-role-policies/ireland-in-the-eu/future-of-europe/communicating-europe-initiative/.

The closing date is Friday 9April 2021.

ENDS