This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland's influence on European future
16/05/2002
Scotland is using its experience to shape the debate on the
future of European Funding at the earliest possible stage, the
third European Mountain Convention was told today in
Inverness.
Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services Peter
Peacock was speaking alongside Commissioner Michel Barnier -
responsible for regional policy - at the major conference which
brought together key players from mountain regions across
Europe in this United Nations Year of the Mountain. Delegates
included the Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia and
representatives from the French, Greek and Bulgarian
Governments as well as Euro MPs from Scotland, Germany, France
and Sweden.
Mr Peacock visited Kinlochleven and Strontian with
Commissioner Barnier where they saw at first how European
Structural Funds can be used to benefit remote communities.
Mr Peacock said:
"This is an important time of change and development for
Europe - the EU will face the greatest period of change since
its creation over the next few years. Enlargement will see a
number of new member states enter the European Union.
"Scotland is involved at the very earliest stage of working
through the implications of that process. And we intend to have
a big say in the debate over the future shape of Europe as part
of a strong UK.
"The visit of Commissioner Barnier is an excellent
opportunity to underline the genuine benefits European
Structural Funds have brought to Scotland - and the needs which
still exist for that funding to make a difference, if funds are
clearly targeted and effectively used.
"We welcome enlargement because we see the benefits it
will bring - and make no mistake, these are significant. It
presents an historic opportunity to expand the European family
after the divisions of the Cold War. It will reinforce peace
and stability through partnership at Member State level as well
as inter-regional co-operation. It will enhance prosperity and
generate jobs through the increased trade which will flow from
the largest single market in the world.
"Scotland is engaging at an early stage in the debate on the
future shape of European Regional Policy as an active partner
in a strong UK.
"I therefore welcome the visit of Commissioner Barnier as an
excellent opportunity to demonstrate the good use to which
European Structural Funds have been put in Scotland - and to
emphasise that the objectives are only partly achieved and
there is still more to do in the future."
Deputy Minister and Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong
Learning Lewis Macdonald added:
"Scotland's remotest communities have always fostered an
entrepreneurial spirit, with the Highlands and Islands
generating Scotland's highest levels of business start ups.
While we recognise that peripherality and sparsity of
population in mountain - and island - regions bring challenges,
Objective 1 funding has done much to break down the barriers of
remoteness and link those entrepreneurs into the wider markets
of Europe. This work is now being consolidated through the
special transitional programme.
"The Scottish Executive is already working internationally
to exchange ideas and best practice to further boost the
economies of our remotest areas. I welcome the emphasis that
Commissioner Barnier's visit brings to these initiatives and
the opportunity that a larger Europe provides for our many
businesses."
The current European Structural Fund Programmes run from
2000 to 2006. The debate on the next round of funding was
initiated by publication of the EC's Second Report on Economic
and Social Cohesion January 2001. This was followed by the
Cohesion Forum in May 2001 at which Peter Peacock spoke. Angus
MacKay, the former Finance Minister spoke on the future of the
Funds at the Informal Meeting of Ministers at Namur in July
2001 as part of the UK delegation. In January 2002, the
Commission published an update on the Cohesion Report and
following the conclusions of the Laeken Council, focusing on an
enlarged EU of 25 Member States. The Commission is holding
seminars this year to focus on the 10 priorities highlighted in
the Second Cohesion Report; officials from the Executive will
participate at these seminars. The Commission's third Report on
Economic and Social Cohesion is expected late 2003.
Negotiations and agreement on Commission proposals will
subsequently take place in the European Council of
Ministers.