PEACE

PEACE I Programme

In 1994 the European Commission (EC) created a special Task Force to look into ways of giving practical assistance to Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo) in consultation with the national authorities. The creation of the Task Force was an expression of the European Union’s (EU) commitment to the peace and reconciliation process.

PEACE II Overview

In March 1999, the PEACE II Programme was introduced to build on the success of PEACE I. It became mainstreamed as a Structural Funds Programme (formerly a Community Initiative) leading to the setting up of a Northern Ireland Community Support Framework (CSF) with two Operational Programmes – the Transitional Objective 1 Programme (known as Building Sustainable Prosperity) and the PEACE II Programme.

PEACE III Programme

PEACE III introduced a more focused approach on reconciliation outcomes and on addressing issues of sectarianism and racism. This increased focus on reconciliation was based on the research into the meaning and definition of reconciliation that had been carried out as part of the PEACE II Programme. PEACE III also sought to introduce more streamlined delivery mechanisms.