A Guide to the Action Plan on European Engagement

The full text of the Action Plan on European Engagement can be found here.

The Government's International Framework sets the context for the Action Plan on European Engagement. The Framework will help focus the Government's international activities to ensure maximum cumulative impact both in economic terms and in articulating our identity and strengths as an international partner.
The Action Plan on European Engagement sets out the actions this Government will take during its time in office to provide Scotland with a strong voice to capitalise on the economic, political, cultural and promotional opportunities Europe offers.
It also sets out how the Government will promote Scotland through Europe as a nation that is confident in its identity - aspirant, outward focused and tolerant - with much to offer the rest of Europe.

To "strengthen Scotland's voice in Europe" in representing Scotland's key interests.
To highlight what Scotland has to contribute to Europe with our wealth of expertise and experience in agricultural, fisheries and environmental policies in particular, our strengths in financial services, food & drink, tourism as well as our great natural resources.
To focus Government effort and engagement in the EU on our " Long-term EU Political Objectives and Current EU Priorities."

The Scottish Government will actively seek to work with all our European partners on specific policy areas where there is scope to benefit from collaborative policy work or where we can share or learn from past policy experiences.
There will be a particular focus on closer engagement with the Arc of Prosperity countries [1] drawing on the lessons and approaches of their small independent economies which are similar in size and scale to Scotland.
We will aim to work with European partners keen to learn from Scotland's own experiences and policies as an aspiring nation wealthy in natural resources.

Commission

Scottish Ministers will continue to meet with EU Commissioners and receive them in Scotland, raising issues of key importance to Scotland.
The Scottish Government intends to respond directly to all EU Commission consultations unless there is good reason not to do so.

European Parliament

Ensure Scottish MEPs are well briefed on the "Long-term EU Political Objectives and Current EU Priorities".
Monitor closely the extension of the European Parliament's powers across EU policy areas following implementation of the Lisbon Treaty.
Build relations with other MEPs in key positions such as Committee Chairs and rapporteurs dealing with policy issues of interest to Scotland.

Council of Ministers

Scottish Ministers will seek to attend Council meetings where issues of key policy interest to Scotland will be discussed.
As part of the UK delegation, Scottish Ministers will work with the UK Government to develop working arrangements where Scottish Ministers will take the lead in representing the UK during negotiations, e.g. fisheries.

This Government believes that Scotland has a wealth of ideas and resources to share with the rest of Europe. When the Government, Scottish Parliament, key partners and stakeholders engage with Europe in a co-ordinated manner ("Team Scotland") the impact of strong, consistent targeted messages "strengthens Scotland's voice in Europe."
We aim to encourage our "Team Scotland" partners to work more closely with the Government on specific "Current EU Priorities" where policy expertise and resources can be shared to deliver desirable outcomes for Scotland.
We will support "Team Scotland" in furthering their own bilateral exchange by promoting messages on the economic, political and cultural opportunities that Scotland has to offer.

[1] Norway, Finland, Iceland, Ireland and Denmark

The Scottish Government