CURRENT EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
Ministers strive to pro-actively engage with Europe and to make the most of all opportunities whether they are protecting Scotland's interests on a particular EU policy issue, promoting Scotland's profile as an attractive investment location or creating opportunities for exchange of best practice.
LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS
22/23 June 2009: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment attends Agriculture and Fisheries Council
Richard Lochhead attended June's Agriculture and Fisheries Council at which political agreement regarding the proposal for a regulation on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing was reached. Other discussions covered agricultural product quality, the development of Community aquaculture, fishing opportunities post 2010 and a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Council also secured Presidency conclusions on the long-term development of the CAP.
18 June 2009: First Minister and Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism meet separately with the Dutch Ambassador
Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Pim Waldeck, paid his first visit to Scotland since the change of administration in 2007. The Ambassador met with the First Minister and with Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather, as potential trade and energy links were high on the agenda.
16 June 2009: Cabinet Secretary for Justice in Stockholm
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice made a successful visit to Stockholm on 16 June. During his visit, Mr MacAskill met Ms Beatrice Ask, the Swedish Justice Minister to discuss the Swedish plans in relation to JHA during their forthcoming Presidency, the Stockholm Programme (which will set out priority action for the next 5 years in the JHA field), and a variety of justice issues of common interest. During his visit, the Cabinet Secretary also met with Irene Nilsson Carlsson, the Swedish Director of Public Health, to discuss Swedish initiatives to tackle alcohol abuse and drink driving. He also met with UK Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission and JHA Attaché.
15 June 2009: Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism meets with EU Commissioner for Competition, Neelie Kroes
European Commissioner for Competition, Neelie Kroes, was in Scotland to speak at the Forbes CEO Conference held at Gleneagles. Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather, also speaking at the event, held a useful and informative meeting with the Commissioner during the day.
11 June 2009: First Minister and Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution meet with Ambassador of Slovenia
Ambassador Itzok Jarc met with the First Minister and Minister Russell during his first visit to Scotland since his appointment earlier this year. This constructive meeting included discussion on the role of small nations in the EU, particularly on the lessons learned by Slovenia from holding the EU Presidency in 2008. Areas of mutual interest where there may be opportunities for collaborative working were also explored, including on marine issues, transport and renewable energy.
8 June 2009: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution co-hosted a reception for Scotland's MEPs
Michael Russell MSP and Richard Lochhead MSP co-hosted a reception in Bute House to welcome the newly elected Scottish MEPs on Monday evening. A number of key policy officials from EU relevant areas also attended. Mr Russell and Mr Lochhead placed considerable emphasis on early engagement and ensuring that the good working relationship between the Scottish Government and MEPs strengthens and continues.
4/5 June 2009: Cabinet Secretary for Justice attends Justice and Home Affairs Council
Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, attended the June JHA Council at which the EU's response to the proposed closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Centre, various legislative proposals including in relation to asylum matters and the latest evaluation report concerning the European Arrest Warrant were discussed among other matters.
25 May 2009: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment at Agriculture and Fisheries Council
Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead was in Brussels for an EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council at which there was comprehensive discussion of the Commission's Green Paper on Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
19 May 2009: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with Danish Ambassador
Danish Ambassador, H.E. Birger Riis-Jørgensen, was in Scotland for the second time this year and met with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. A number of issues of mutual interest, including climate change, were discussed, along with opportunities for building links between the two nations.
12 May 2009: Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution at Education, Youth and Culture Council
The Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, led the UK delegation at the Culture element of the EYC where culture and audiovisual items were considered on Tuesday afternoon.
11 May: Cabinet Secretary for Education attends Education, Youth and Culture Council in Brussels
Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop was in Brussels to attend the Education section of the Eudcation, Youth and Culture Cuoncil. Ms Hyslop pledged Scotland's support for a new 10-year framework for European co-operation in education and training from 2010 until 2020.
7 May: Minister for External Affairs meets Bulgarian Ambassador
Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution met with Bulgarian Ambassador to the UK H.E. Lachezar Nikolov Matev. The Ambassador was in Scotland for a short visit and used the opportunity to meet with Mr Russell to discuss mutual EU interests.
EVENTS IN BRUSSELS
The Brussels office events team organises a comprehensive programme of cultural events each year which are held in Scotland House or elsewhere in Brussels. Details of forthcoming events and how to register for these can be found here.