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Introduction

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The European Union and the Northern Ireland Peace Process

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics ((PSEUP))

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Abstract

Academic narratives of the role of the European Union (EU) in the Northern Ireland peace process have concentrated on the removal of direct violence through top-level political engagement; on cross-border cooperation; and on regional cross-border governance, usually over the short term. However, peacebuilding usually requires a long-term approach and the meaningful involvement of those directly affected by the conflict, which is only achievable by engaging grassroots actors. By identifying and building upon the recent scholarly literature on grassroots peacebuilding in the Northern Ireland context, this introductory chapter identifies the strategic role of public and private actors and their networks and interactions with the EU from 1981 to 2007. This chapter identifies opportunities and constraints the EU afforded local actors in Northern Ireland over these years. The study begins in 1981—the first year of substantial decisions and debates regarding the Northern Ireland conflict in Europe—and will cover the period up to 2007 when the EU’s attempt to consolidate peace by facilitating regional-level empowerment culminated in the Barroso/Northern Ireland Task Force.

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  1. Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

    Giada Lagana

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  1. Giada Lagana
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Lagana, G. (2021). Introduction. In: The European Union and the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59117-5_1

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