The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Greater say for Scotland in Europe

30/01/2003

Ambitious proposals to bring about greater influence in EU policy-making for Europe's nations and regions were unveiled today.

The plans - jointly agreed by the UK Government, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government - are to be submitted to the Future of Europe Convention in Brussels.

They include:

• Ensuring direct consultation with regional administrations before legislation is made - through an addition to the proposed new Constitutional Treaty of the European Union;
• Reinforcing the principle of subsidiarity - through a reference in the new Treaty specifically acknowledging the role of the regions;

• Strengthening the Committee of the Regions (CoR) to give it a much stronger say in Brussels.

First Minister Jack McConnell said:

"It is right that Scotland, and other nations and regions, should play a much fuller role in support of EU member states. We can help ensure better policy and legislation in devolved areas, and bring an enlarging Union much closer to its citizens.

"Securing agreement for these references to be included in the new Constitutional Treaty would ensure consulation on new EU measures at an early stage. Decisions would be taken at a level as close as possible to the citizen. Our submission suggests ways to make the Committee of the Regions much more effective. And we propose more flexible implementation of legislation to take account of local needs.

"These measures are part of our ongoing contribution to the crucially important debate on the Future of Europe. They show the real value of working in partnership with colleagues in the UK Government and in Wales to advance our common interests."

Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace said:

"The Future of Europe debate is a once in a generation opportunity to rethink and reshape the way in which European institutions meet the needs of Europe's people. We are seizing this opportunity to influence key decisions on the way ahead for Europe.

"As the EU expands, it is ever more vital that it reforms. Our aim is to make Europe more focused on delivery, not process, and to enhance democracy and accountability. I look forward to the consideration of these proposals by the Convention."

The 'Europe and the Regions' paper will be submitted to the Convention on the Future of Europe by the UK Government and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales. It is due to be discussed at a Convention plenary session on February 6/7 and is available from www.scotland.gov.uk/futureofeurope.

The 105-member Convention was set up in February 2002 under the presidency of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, former French President. The Convention has been asked to consider four major areas

Membership of the Convention is drawn from: national governments and parliaments, the European Commission, European Parliament, EU Accession candidate countries, non-governmental organisations and academia. Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales and former Minister for Europe, is the UK Government representative. Their conclusions - a draft Constitutional Treaty for the EU - will be presented to national governments at the European Council in June.

The Executive has made a number of contributions to the Debate over the life of the Convention, including: