The local campaign group Border Communities Against Brexit has been awarded the prestigious European Citizens Award 2017 for its efforts in safeguarding and promoting cross border cooperation.
The group was nominated for the prize by six Irish MEPs – Martina Anderson, Matt Carthy, Lynn Boylan, Liadh ni Riada, Marian Harkin and Nessa Childers – and the award will be conferred at a ceremony this Friday 14th July in Monaghan’s Garage Theatre at 7.30pm. The event is open to the public and a spokesperson for the group is encouraging local people who have been involved in and supported their efforts to come along and join in the celebrations.
Established following the shock Brexit referendum result, the primary aim of the group is to lobby political parties and relevant agencies involved in the Brexit negotiations to “defend the will of the people of the north who voted to remain in the EU”.
“We have worked very hard to get the interest of border citizens onto the political agenda in Europe,” the spokesperson said. “While this award is recognition of our efforts, it is also an indication that the EU institutions understand the impact that Brexit will have on border communities, whether that is through fluctuations in currency, removal of EU funding, impacts on trade or a return to customs posts. These issues will affect every business, farmer, community group and individual in this region. It is heartening to know that our communities’ concerns have been elevated to this level after a year of campaigning.”
Encouraging local attendance at the award ceremony, the spokesperson added: “The ceremony next Friday evening is open to the public and we hope to see all those who we have engaged with and who have supported us there. This prize is recognition of Border Communties and our place in the EU. An EU prize ceremony will take place in October and we will use that opportunity to continue to lobby on behalf of border communities in the face of Brexit.”