The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, is to meet leaders of Northern Ireland's incoming Executive at Stormont tomorrow.
Mr Barroso will also hold talks with the Northern Secretary Peter Hain and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, in Belfast.
EU support has played a crucial role in the development of Ireland's economy, North and South.
The Common Agriculture Policy, Structural Funds and an EU sanctioned low corporation tax rate have greatly helped to create the so-called Celtic Tiger.
Farm supports and the Peace Fund, announced by the then EU President, Jacques Delors, after the IRA's 1994 ceasefire, have also played a role in Northern Ireland's economy.
Now the North's politicians will be asking Mr Barroso to give practical support for the new devolved administration.
And although it is a highly delicate issue, the principle of EU support for concessions on Northern Ireland's corporation regime is also expected to surface.
Mr Barroso will have lunch with incoming First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness before talks with the other party leaders.
The new power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland will take office on 8 May.
