Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has welcomed a commitment from the candidate who could lead the EU's Regional Policy over the next five years to continue supporting Northern Ireland in the future.
During a European Parliament hearing on Wednesday, Corina Creţu, a former MEP from Romania, was grilled for three hours on her suitability for the role. Jim asked the would-be Commissioner about the future of the Barroso Task Force, a network of contacts established in the EU's institutions to promote better engagement between Northern Ireland and Europe.
In response, Mrs. Creţu said that the Task Force would continue, as it had been important to the EU's peace and reconciliation efforts, delivering improved stability and economic development in Northern Ireland.
Speaking after the hearing, Jim said:
"The Commissioner-designate hearings offer MEPs an opportunity to delve into the detail of each candidate's potential portfolio.
"With all the uncertainty surrounding the Commission in terms of new personalities and new structures, I was pleased to hear Mrs.Creţu confirm that the Barroso Task Force will continue, and also of her interest in Northern Ireland.
"We have a unique resource that we must make the most of. Local departments can and must do more in maximising the drawdown of EU funding - we can still go further in maximising the influence of 'Northern Ireland PLC'.
"I would urge local departments and indeed Mrs. Creţu to examine the recommendations from the OFMdFM committee at Stormont to see how we can build on what has already been achieved with the Task Force."