EUROPEAN BILATERAL LINKS
European engagement is not limited to interaction with the EU - building bilateral relations with our European neighbours equally provides Scotland with opportunities to strengthen its national identity abroad and to reap the benefits of sharing expertise and experience. These links can be developed through policy co-operation, the exchange of best practice, diplomatic links and promotional work. "Team Scotland" once again has a vital role to play in developing bilateral relations by deepening bilateral exchange links that benefit Scotland and promote the nation.
Arc of Prosperity countries
The First Minister has often spoken of aligning Scotland with countries in the 'arc of prosperity': Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Denmark. The Government's Economic Strategy explains that improving our understanding of their economic success will be significant for ambitions for Scotland's economic future. The First Minister has also noted that there are many areas in which Scotland could learn from the small, independent nations around us such as Finland, Sweden and Denmark, which have adopted a strategy of intense focus on their areas of comparative advantage in order to stimulate innovation and competitiveness thereby enhancing their economic position.
Bilateral work across Europe
Despite the emphasis on the arc of prosperity countries the Government will actively seek to work with partners across Europe on any project where collaborative working will bring benefits to Scotland. Such partnerships will provide opportunities for Scotland both to learn from experiences and policies of other countries and to share its own expertise with its partners, reinforcing its position as an integral nation in Europe.