The First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and the Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, are to make their first official visit to Europe to fight for the continuation of special funding for Northern Ireland.
They will join the minister with responsibility for political development, Mr Paul Murphy, on a mission to the November session of the European Parliament, during which they will have talks with the Commission President, Mr Jacques Santer.
They will stress to Mr Santer and members of the European Parliament the importance of continuing EU support for economic and social development in the North, which is under threat in a reform of European spending.
Mr Murphy said the visit was a "significant milestone along the road towards Northern Ireland's own political leaders taking ever greater control of Northern Ireland's own affairs."
Mr Trimble said there was "tremendous goodwill" towards Northern Ireland in Europe, and it was imperative that special funding continued. "I have no doubt our visit will be invaluable to the campaign to guarantee strong financial support following the reform of European funding."
Mr Mallon said it was a priority of the new administration to turn Northern Ireland into "one of the most dynamic and enterprising European regions".