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
15 July: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Enviroment attends Agriculture and Fisheries Council
Mr Richard Lochhead attended a one day Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 15 July. This was the first under the French Presidency and included an orientation debate on the Health Check of the Common Agriculture Policy and political agreement on a package of measures designed to assist the EU fishing Sector in light of the ongoing fuel crisis.
10 July: Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture meets with the Ambassador of Macedonia
Minister for Europe, Linda Fabiani, met with the Macedonian Ambassador, Her Excellency Marija Efremova, who was on a short visit to Scotland. This was principally a courtesy visit in which possibilities for strengthening links between the two nations were discussed.
7 July: Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism meets with Irish Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Energy Minister Jim Mather met with his Irish counterpart, Mr Eamon Ryan, in Glasgow to discuss the two countries' mutual energy interests. Following the successful meeting it was announced that the Scottish Government will work in partnership with the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive to conduct a feasiblity study study into offshore renewables and grid potential.
30 June: Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth responds to the Commission's consultation on EU Budget Review
Mr John Swinney submitted the Scottish Government's response to the European Commission's consultation paper "Reforming the Budget, Changing Europe".
23 - 24 June: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Enviroment attends Agriculture and Fisheries Council
Mr Richard Lochhead was in Luxembourg to attend the Council as part of the UK delegation. The council held its first discussions on the CAP reform proposals and also reached agreement on a number of fisheries dossiers. A major discussion on the fuel crisis and actions to alleviate its impact was also held.
10 June: First Minister meets with Czech Ambassador in Bute House
Czech Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Jan Winkler, was in Scotland for his first official visit since November 2005. Mr Winkler paid a courtesy visit to the First Minister in Bute House at which a number of issues were discussed including fisheries, energy and the Czech Republic's priorities for its upcoming preisdency of the EU (January to June 2009).
9 June: Minister for Europe addresses seminar on 'European Reform: Scotland's Role and Opportunities'
The Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, Linda Fabiani, spoke at an event organised by the Centre for Scottish Public Policy. Following a number of speakers, including UK Minister for Europe Jim Murphy and Des Clifford, Head of the Welsh Assembly EU Office, the Minister spoke on 'Maximising the effectiveness of Scotland's representatives in European institutions and policy making'.
5 - 6 June: Solicitor General attends Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg
Frank Mulholland QC, the Solicitor General, attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council as part of the UK delegation. The agenda included discussions on cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime and the protection of the environment through criminal law. Ministers also discussed the progress made on E-justice.
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.