The President of the European Parliament today accepted an invitation from the Stormont First and Deputy First Minister to visit Northern Ireland.
Irish MEP, Mr Pat Cox, who was elected president earlier this month, said it was proof of the progress that has been made in the peace process.
"I am extremely pleased that so early in my own term that we should have this opportunity to dialogue on how Northern Ireland through its constitutional Assembly can find a way to express its views about the emerging Europe," he added.
First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan met the president before officially opening the new Northern Ireland office in Brussels.
Afterwards, Mr Cox signalled the latest phase of EC peace funding would become less necessary as projects become established.
The funding is due to be exhausted in 2006 and at present there are no plans for a new programme.
"The important message to give the communities and other groups who are animated to use these funds is that self sustainability is one of the built-in objectives," he said.
Earlier, Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan dismissed claims that the new Brussels office was a costly waste of time, insisting it would keep the power-sharing administration closely in touch with emerging EU policies.
Responding to stinging criticisms from anti-Agreement unionists that the running costs of almost £500,000 a year were exorbitant, Mr Trimble said:
"It is a question of whether we are serious about interaction with the European Parliament and the institutions.
But MEP and Democratic Unionist Party leader, Rev Ian Paisley, who turned down an invitation to attend the opening, today branded the office a farce and a waste of money.
But Mr Durkan urged all of the Province's politicians to work together to maximise the benefits of Europe.
PA