This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland welcomes new EU members
21/04/2004
Scotland is ready to welcome the ten new member states
of the European Union, the Parliament was told today.
Minister for Finance and Public Services Andy Kerr said
in a debate on EU enlargement:
"We warmly welcome the historic enlargement of the EU
that will take place in just under 10 days time. Europe is
already of massive importance to Scotland, and the
opportunities that a new, bigger and better Europe will
offer Scotland's businesses and communities are
substantial.
"European enlargement will provide increased stability
in Europe, as well as major economic, social and cultural
benefits. This is why we have been focusing for some time
on promoting awareness of both the challenges and the
opportunities that European enlargement offers citizens,
consumers and businesses across Scotland.
"Ten new members in Europe will create the largest
single market in the world, and increased prosperity and
economic stability in the new member states will extend the
scope of opportunities across Scotland."
Mr Kerr announced that the Executive will host a trade
mission to the Czech Republic and Slovenia following
enlargement.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace will fly the flag for
Scotland in the two new member countries by supporting
Scottish companies seeking to establish a presence in these
markets, and by learning about their way of life.
Mr Kerr added:
"Colleagues and I have exchanged information with
Ministers from Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria and Estonia and we
continue to welcome delegations of officials from new
member states keen to share ideas and expertise with
Scotland. In addition there have already been several
successful trade missions to a number of new member states
and I am pleased this is continuing with the forthcoming
trade mission to the Czech Republic and Slovenia. It will
aim to generate business and raise the profile of Scotland
in these new member states.
"Our strong relationships with existing European members
demonstrate how good we are at building partnerships and
creating business opportunities across Europe; this will
continue on a greater scale to ensure that Scotland
benefits from the new, enlarged Europe."
Prime Minister Tony Blair confirmed in the House of
Commons yesterday that a referendum will be held on the
planned EU constitution. The constitution is designed to
answer the challenge of enlargement and will take effect
after ratification of all the new member states, probably
in 2007.