Robert McCartney died in hospital after being stabbed

The proposal calls on each political grouping to contribute up to 10,000 euro towards their legal fees.

It was put forward by the Socialist Group at the parliament.

The family is considering taking a civil action against Robert McCartney's killers if no criminal case is brought against those responsible.

The 33-year-old father of two died in hospital after he was stabbed following a row in a Belfast bar.

The IRA has been blamed for the murder and interference with evidence and witnesses.

'Brave campaign'

Irish Labour Party MEP Proinsias De Rossa said he welcomed Socialist Group support for the McCartney family's campaign.

Speaking in Brussels, he said: "I'm delighted with the Socialist Group proposal of a joint contribution from all the political groups, with each group being invited to make a donation of up to 10,000 euro to the McCartney family campaign.

"When the McCartney sisters recently visited the European Parliament in Brussels, I proposed that the Socialist Group should help their justice campaign financially. I am now hopeful that the other political groups will match the generosity of the socialists.

"The next plenary meeting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, on Monday 9 May, will discuss the murder of Robert McCartney and the brave campaign of his family for justice."

At the weekend, members of the family said they believed Sinn Fein had not done enough to help bring his killers to justice.

Several hundred people attended a vigil and flowers were laid at the spot where Mr McCartney was attacked.