Minister Martin announces support for your efforts to raise awareness of how the EU matters in your community
 
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., today invited applications for funding from voluntary organisations and education bodies who are interested in raising awareness about how the European Union matters in their community. 
 
Consideration will also be given to proposals for events, large or small, that are organised to celebrate Europe Day. Europe Day, which takes place on 9 May each year, is an opportunity for citizens throughout Europe to celebrate the EU’s achievements and to reflect upon the Union’s aim to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples. 
 
Minister Martin said:
 
“Last October, the Irish people wholeheartedly reaffirmed their desire for Ireland to remain at the heart of Europe. Voluntary organisations and education bodies played a vital role in raising awareness of how the EU matters in their communities and supporting their efforts continues to be a key priority for me.
 
I look forward to receiving applications under this year’s Communicating Europe Initiative. Events commemorating Europe Day on 9 May are a great way for Irish citizens to join with their fellow Europeans in celebrating the achievements of the EU and I am delighted that such events are among those that can be supported under the Communicating Europe Initiative.”
 
Note to Editors:
 
The Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) was established in 1995 to raise awareness about the European Union and to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues.  The Department of Foreign Affairs administers the funding and the closing date for the receipt of applications for the current round of funding is 5 March 2010.  Application forms and further details are available from our website: www.eumatters.ie or by contacting:
 
Ms Maura Duffy,
EU Division,
Department of Foreign Affairs,
76-78 Harcourt Street,
Dublin 2,
Tel 01 408 2500
E-mail maura.duffy@dfa.ie