![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2.47168793.jpg\")
There is nothing to stop the European Union from actively promoting Irish unity, a Sinn F\u00e9in MEP has claimed.<\/p>\nThere is nothing to stop the European Union from actively promoting Irish unity, a Sinn F\u00e9in MEP has claimed.<\/p>\n
Martina Anderson made the comments ahead of the launch of a new report which sets out five steps for the EU and the Government to take to \u201cadvance the debate\u201d on the reunification of Ireland.<\/p>\n
The document, described as an independent legal report, will be launched by Ms Anderson with her party colleague and Belfast Lord Mayor John Finucane on Monday.<\/p>\n
The EU and Irish Unity: Planning and Preparing for Constitutional Change in Ireland, was written by academics.<\/p>\n
Speaking ahead of the report launch, Ms Anderson said the debate on Irish unity \u201chas already begun across Ireland\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis report is a timely and informative contribution to that debate, examining all aspects of Irish unity and the role of the EU,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She added that it \u201csets out the pathway to Irish unity contained in the Good Friday Agreement and what the EU can do to support and secure it\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ms Anderson said that in the report, the authors say there is no legal or constitutional barrier to the EU actively promoting Irish unity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also sets out five steps the EU and Irish Government can take to advance the debate on unity and, ultimately, creating a new Ireland within the EU,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
According to the terms of the Belfast Agreement, a referendum on Irish unity can only be called by the Northern Ireland Secretary if it appears likely a majority would vote in favor.<\/p>\n