Northern Ireland was affected by inter-community violence for several decades, known as the ‘Troubles’. The ‘Good Friday Agreement’ or Belfast Agreement of 1998 set a path towards peace, where the British and Irish governments and society north and south overwhelmingly agreed upon a power-sharing arrangement that would put an end to violence and segregation.

Following the signing of the ‘Good Friday Agreement’, the European Union has played an increased role in supporting the peace process in Northern Ireland. This support has taken two main forms. Firstly, the European Union forms the general political framework for relations between the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Secondly, the European Union’s cohesion policy has given special attention to Northern Ireland over the years in order to support economic and social development in the context of the peace process.

In 1998, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to John Hume (PES, UK) and to David Trimble who are the architects of the Northern Ireland peace process.

John Hume (1937-2020)

Infoclip: Brexit - Ireland

Interview by John HUME and David TRIMBLE, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates 1998

Address by John HUME and David TRIMBLE, joint laureates of the Nobel Peace Prize 1998

Statement by John HUME (PES, UK) nominated for the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize

Statement by John HUME (PES, UK) on Northern Ireland

The European Parliament receives Nobel prize winners at the EP in Brussels.

John HUME acclaimed for the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1998

Meeting with John HUME.

Award ceremony in honour of John HUME instigator of the 1994 IRA ceasefire in Nothern Ireland.

Portrait of MEP John HUME

A Taste of Ireland Exhibition for the promotion of Irish products

MEP John HUME during a session in Strasbourg in March 1984.

The MEP John HUME during a session in the hemicycle of Strasbourg in November 1979.

John HUME

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