WORKING WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS TO ACHIEVE A STRONGER VOICE FOR SCOTLAND IN EUROPE
Achieving a 'stronger voice for Scotland' in an EU of 27 member states can appear a daunting prospect. However, Scotland already has a disproportionately strong voice in Brussels with the work of the Scottish Government's EU Office, the highly respected offices of Scotland Europa, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, COSLA, the Scottish Parliament's European Officer, the Clyde Valley Partnership and the 7 Scottish MEPS.
This wide Brussels based representation reflects the broad range of individuals and organisations in Scotland who are hugely proactive and engaged in Europe. The Government recognises the wealth of experience, expertise and resources that these bodies bring to the presentation of Scotland as an independent minded and responsible nation which has much to contribute to Europe. It firmly believes that close co-operation and co-ordination between the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and our key partners will result in a much stronger Scottish impact in Europe.
Team Scotland
In developing a "Team Scotland" approach the Government will actively seek the views of the Scottish Parliament's European & External Relations Committee and other stakeholders in compiling its Long Term EU Political Objectives and its Current EU Priorities. Its aim is that these tables will accurately reflect the position of Scotland's interests in the EU not just from the Government's perspective but of the nation as a whole. As a result stakeholders will be working together in a co-ordinated, focused manner; delivering strong, consistent and targeted messages that will have a much greater impact in Europe than individual approaches.
This dynamic approach will also encourage much closer working relationships between the Government and stakeholders and between stakeholders themselves. Actively reviewing Scotland's European interests and the activities of all the partners regularly will identify opportunities for working together where interests overlap.
Scottish Parliament and European and External Relations Committee
The Scottish Parliament is a key partner for the Government both in respect of engagement with the European and External Relations Committee (EERC) and with subject committees which consider EU issues that fall within their policy areas. The Government is aiming to enhance the relationship with the Parliament by working closely with the EERC in the identification of EU priorities and in encouraging the subject committees to become more involved in this process. Scottish Ministers will also participate in committee meetings and inquiries where its actions in the EU are being scrutinised.