Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI)
The Department of Foreign Affairs has launched its 2010 call for proposals under the Communicating Europe Initiative. The closing date for applications is Friday, 5 March 2010.
Several surveys of public opinion have highlighted a lack of knowledge of EU matters in Ireland. Objective levels of Irish knowledge of the EU are also lower than in the majority of other EU member states. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to address this issue.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has a key role in building public understanding and knowledge about Ireland’s EU membership. Since 1995, our efforts in this area have been taken forward in a scheme called the Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI).
The CEI grant scheme provides funding for voluntary organisations and education bodies that wish to organise projects or events to raise awareness about how the EU matters in their community. Events to celebrate Europe Day on 9 May can also be supported under the scheme.
In 2009, a total of 61 applications were received, a 50% increase on the number in 2008. Of these, 40 applications were approved for part or full funding.
Activities funded in 2009 included celebrations of Europe Day on 9 May, school initiatives, seminars, educational projects, and business-led and national civil society projects.
The 2010 call for proposals is now open and the closing date for applications is Friday, 5 March 2010.
Applications are judged on merit and are evaluated on the basis of criteria relating to:
- Target Audience
- Themes
- Media / Publicity / “Multiplier Effect”
- Type of Event
- Financial / Project Management Considerations
2010 CEI Application Form
For further information please contact: Maura Duffy Department of Foreign Affairs, 76/78 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.
The Department of Foreign Affairs can also be contacted at 01 478 0822.
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