Provided here is information on Ministerial engagement at European level in 2010. It should be noted that bilateral activities at the European level are essential across many policy areas. This is often carried out at an official level and not record centrally.
12-14 December
Brussels - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment attended the final Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 2010 in Brussels. The Cabinet Secretary also hosted an event in Scotland House on Monday evening to coincide with the Council. Mr Benyon and Ms Gildernew attended the reception, as did officials and industry stakeholders.
29 November
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Mr Lochhead met with Maria Damanaki, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. Due to the adverse weather conditions, the Cabinet Secretary arrived in Brussels as the Agriculture and Fisheries Council concluded. Mr Lochhead also attended the St Andrew's Day concert and reception organised by The Scottish Government in Scotland House.
26 November
Scotland - Meeting with the Germany Ambassador to the UK
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop held a courtesy meeting with the German Ambassador, George Boomgaarden.
26 November
Scotland - video conference with Scotland's MEPs
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Mr Lochhead held a morning video conference with Scottish MEPs to discuss the negotiations at the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Other items covered included the sustainable governance of mackerel and the West of Scotland 'emergency' measures.
19 November
London - Meeting with EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Mr Lochhead met the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, Mr John Dalli during his visit to London.
18 November
Scotland - Meeting with the Icelandic Ambassador to UK
First Minister
First Minister met with the Icelandic Ambassador, Benedikt Jonsson, Honorary Consul Cameron Buchanan and Vice-Consul Kristin Hannesdóttir. Discussions covered a range of renewable energy and education issues of mutual interest.
9 November
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Justice
Mr MacAskill attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels.
3 November
Scotland - Meeting of European Elected Members Information Liaison and Exchange (EMILE)
Ms Hyslop chaird the third meeting of European Elected Members Information Liaison Exchange (EMILE) in the Scottish Parliament. Discussions focusing on EU Budget and Cohesion post 2013.
2 November
Scotland - Meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to UK
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop held a courtesy meeting with the Turkish Ambassador, Ünal Çeviköz and Consul Ian Wittet.
2 November
Scotland - Meeting with the Norwegian Ambassador to the UK
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism
Mr Russell, Mr Lochhead and Mr Mather met with the UK Ambassador to Norway, Kim Traavik and Hon Consul General David Windmill.
28 October
Scotland - Meeting with the Swiss Ambassador to UK
First Minister and Minister for Culture and External Affairs
The First Minister and Ms Hyslop held a courtesy meeting with the UK Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr Anton Thalmann.
26 October
Luxembourg - visit
Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Ms Cunningham represented the Scottish Government at a one day Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Ms Cunningham also discussed aspects of her aquaculture portfolio with Ireland's Fisheries Minister, Sean Connick.
18 October
London - Meeting of Joint Ministerial Committee Europe
Ms Hyslop attended the meeting of Joint Ministerial Committee Europe JMC(E) in London.
30 September - 1 October
Scotland - Meeting of the North Sea Ministers in Aberdeen
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment and Minister Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change
Commissioners Damanaki and Hahn (Maritime and Regional Policy respectively) were both in Scotland to attend the CPMR meeting in Aberdeen. Mr Lochhead addressed the Conference. News release. Mr Stevenson also discussed Structural Funds and Cohesion with Commissioner Hahn. The following day, Mr Lochhead hosted a meeting of North Sea Ministers attended by Commissioner Damanaki. News release.
29 September
Belgium - visit
Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Ms Cunningham was in Brussels for an introductory meeting between Ministers from the EU ENCORE Grouping (of which Scotland is a Member) and EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik. Ms Cunningham also met with Joke Schauvliege, Flemish Environment Minister, who is currently Chair of the European Environment Council.
27-28 September
Belgium - visit
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop met with Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP, - member of ITRE committee and Rapportuer of the draft report on research simplification to discuss Scotland's contribution to EU research and the future framework programmes. She also met with the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou to discuss follow up to the Culture and Creative Industries green paper and the new Youth on the Move initiative as well as the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva to discuss EU coordination of crisis response Finally, she discussed Scotland's approach to sustainable international development with the Director General for Development, Fokian Fotiadis.
Ms Hyslop also hosted a policy seminar and interactive showcase on Europe 2020 and the creative industries held in Scotland House. Participants heard from students of Abertay University, winners of this year's Dare to Be Digital competition, who brought their BAFTA nominated ipad game for an exclusive and interactive Brussels showcase. News release.
27 September
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Mr Lochhead attended the one day Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels. The ongoing dispute between Iceland and the Faroe Islands over mackerel quotas was discussed. This item was chaired by Commissioner Damanaki and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment led this part of the meeting on behalf of the UK. News release - Council talks, Mackerel quotas, EU united over mackerel dispute
26-27 September
Republic of Ireland - Belfast & Dundalk
Cabinet Secretary for Justice
Mr MacAskill attended the National Police Memorial Day Service in Belfast on Sunday 26 November. He visited Dundalk, Republic of Ireland, on 27 September to attend a trilateral meeting with David Ford MLA, Northern Ireland Minister for Justice and Dermot Ahern TD, Department of Justice and Law Reform to discuss matters of shared interest.
14 September
Poland - Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau
Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning
Mr Brown visited Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz project, run by the Holocaust Educational Trust with funding from the Scottish Government of £214,000 over two years. This purpose of the visit was to recognise the value of learning about the Holocaust within the framework of Curriculum for Excellence. Holocaust education sits within international and citizenship education, at the heart of the Curriculum for Excellence. News release.
13 September
Spain - visit
First Minister
The First Minister visited The Basque Country in Spain. The main purpose of the visit was to attract energy and financial sector inward investment to Scotland. Meetings included sessions with Iberdrola, one of the world's leading energy companies (and owners of Scottish Power), Gamesa, a global wind turbine manufacturer and operator, and BBVA and Santander, Spain's biggest banks. The First Minister also met with his Basque counterpart, President Patxi Lopez, and hosted a reception for 80 leading members of the Basque business and political community. News releases - Visit overview and Country cooperation
6 September
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth
Mr Swinney was in Brussels to meet with the EU Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, Michel Barnier. During the meeting, Mr Swinney made representations concerning proposals within the draft Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFM) relating to Investment Trusts.
20 August
Scotland - meeting with the Slovenian Ambassador to the UK
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop held a courtesy meeting with the Slovenian Ambassador, Iztok Jarc, Hon Consul General Mrs Ana Wersun and Mr Vladimir Rukavina, Director of Maribor's "Lent" Festival.
16-17 August
Norway - visit
First Minister
The First Minister visited Olso and Stavanger for talks aimed at strengthening economic links between Scotland and Norway. The First Minister was accompanied on his visit by the UK Ambassador to Norway, Jane Owen. In Stavanger, he met with Statoil to discuss the Hywind offshore floating wind turbine project and attended a reception hosted by the Mayor of Stavanger. In Oslo, The First Minister made an announcement of £4 million investment for marine renewables. He held meetings with senior executives of Statnett to discuss North Sea Grid and The State Secretary for Petroleum and energy to discuss Scottish-Norweigian cooperation on energy and renewables. Discussion with the Norwegian Finance Minister, Sigbjørn Johnsen focussed on the Norwegian Oil Fund, the benefits it has secured for Norwegians and lessons Scotland can learn from the way their fund is managed and operated. He also hosted a Reception at the Ambassador's residence for business, civil and political leaders. His final meeting of the visit was with with Norway's Foreign Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre. News releases - Scotland's renewables potential , North Sea Taxation, Investment for marine renewables, Mackerel fishing quotas
13 August
Scotland - Meeting with Irish Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop met with Irish Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin and the new Edinburgh based Consul General for Ireland, Susan Conlon.
30 June
Scotland - Dinner with the French Ambassador to the UK
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop attended dinner hosted by the French Ambassador in the Consul-General's residence in Edinburgh. The dinner celebrated Franco-Scottish links and the appointment of the new Director of the Institut Français d'Ecosse.
29 June
Luxembourg - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment was in Strasbourg to attend the June Agriculture & Fisheries Council. He also met with his counterparts from Ireland and Denmark. News release.
24 June
Scotland - Meeting with EU Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development and Chair of the Agriculture & Rural Development Committee of the European Parliament
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
The two key figures in the debate on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) heard Scotland's views and experiences at the Royal Highland Show. Dacian Ciolos, EU Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development and Paolo de Castro MEP, Chair of the Agriculture & Rural Development Committee of the European Parliament took part in a panel discussion and a question and answer session with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment. News release.
17 June
Scotland - Meeting with European Co-ordinator for offshore grid development, Georg Adamowitsch
First Minister and Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism
On a visit to Scotland, the European Co-ordinator for offshore grid development, Georg Adamowitsch, heard about progress in developing and financing low carbon offshore grid infrastructure. Mr Adamowitsch met with First Minister and Mr Mather in the Scottish Parliament. News release.
10-11 June
Luxembourg - Visit
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change
Mr Stevenson visited Luxembourg and attended the Environment Council. He also met with the new UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne and Ms Lykke Friis, Danish Minister for the Climate, Energy and Equal Rights. News release.
8 June
London - Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (Plenary & Europe)
First Minister and Minister for External Affairs and Culture
First Minister and Ms Hyslop attended the first meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) Plenary chaired by the new UK Coalition Government. Ms Hyslop also attended the JMC Europe. News release.
3 June
Scotland - Meeting with the UK Ambassador to Belgium
First Minister
The First Minister held a courtesy meeting with the UK Ambassador to Belgium, Mr Jonathan Brenton whilst in Scotland ahead of Belgium taking over the Presidency of the EU.
27 May
Scotland - Meeting of EMILE
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop chaired the second meeting in 2010 of European Elected Members Information Liaison Exchange (EMILE) in the Scottish Parliament. Discussions focused on Europe 2020 Strategy.
26 May
Scotland - Meeting with the Federal and European Committee from Saxony-Anhalt Parliament, Germany
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Mr Lochhead met with the Federal and European Committee from the Saxony-Anhalt Parliament, Germany. Discussion covered sparsely populated rural areas and the CAP health check. This meeting took place in the Scottish Parliament.
17 May
Scotland - Courtesy meeting with the Italian Ambassador to the UK
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth
Mr Swinney held a courtesy meeting with the newly appointed Italian Ambassador, HE Alain Economides.
13 May
Scotland - Meeting with the Petitions Committee from the Bavarian Parliament, Germany
Cabinet Secretary for Justice
Mr MacAskill met with the Petitions Committee from the Bavarian Parliament in the Scottish Parliament, who wished to learn about how complaints against the justice system were dealt with in Scotland.
10-11 May
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning
Mr Russell was in Brussels and attend the Education and Youth elements of the Education Youth and Culture Council and delivered an opening statement to the youth debate in Scots Gaelic to highlight the recent recognition of this being a co-official language of the EU. EU Council minutes and news release.
28 April
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Mr Lochhead was in Brussels to attend the European Seafood Exposition (ESE) and spoke at the Fisheries Hearing in the European Parliament. News release. In the morning, the Scottish Government co-hosted a fisheries event in the European Parliament entitled "Fisheries Management Reform: A Regional Approach to Fisheries Management in the EU" together with two of our Scottish MEPs, Ian Hudghton and Struan Stevenson. The Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead and Mike Neilson, Director of Marine Scotland both participated in the panel debates. Speakers also included representatives from Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner Damanaki's Cabinet, the Danish Government and WWF. News release.
21 April
Scotland - Courtesy meeting with the Slovenian Ambassador to the UK
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Mr Swinney and Mr Lochhead met with the Slovenian Ambassador, Mr Iztok Jarc at the Scottish Parliament. The Ambassador was accompanied by the Honorary Consul General Ana Wersun and Economic Counsellor Gorazd Rencelj. Mr Lochhead summarised Scotland's position on issues such as energy, forestry and biodiversity. Mr Swinney and the Ambassador discussed the possibility of establishing an air link between Scotland and Slovenia. Fiona Hyslop also attended and spoke at the reception held the same day to mark Ms Wersun's promotion to Honorary Consul General.
30-31 March
Spain - Visit to attend Culture Informal EU Council meeting
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop led the UK delegation at the Culture Informal Council meeting in Barcelona. She spoke on behalf of the UK at the Council, which was the first time a Minister from the current administration has lead a UK delegation at an informal Council meeting. News release. The evening before the meeting, the Minister attended a dinner for participants. The discussion at the meeting focussed on how to ensure that culture was included in the Europe 2020 Strategy Paper. Ministers also discussed what could be done at EU level to foster a favourable environment to release the potential of cultural and creative industries within the EU and what steps Ministers would be ready to consider jointly with other Member States to explore the potential of worldwide cultural cooperation and exchange. EU Council minutes.
22 March
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
Scottish Government in conjunction with Scotland Europa, The Scottish European Green Energy Centre and the EU Offshore Energy Association hosted a seminar during Sustainable Energy Week in Scotland House, Brussels. The event explored the challenges involved in developing the Marine Energy sector (wave and tidal power). Mr Lochhead, opened the event which was attended by developers, the European Investment Bank, the European Commission, the Chair of the Scottish European Green Energy Centre and a number of electricity utilities. Mr Lochhead also held meetings with the recently appointed EU Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner, Maria Damanaki and the chief of staff to the new Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos. News release. He also met with Icelandic Ambassador to the European Communities, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Morocco.
17 March
Scotland - Courtesy meeting with the Czech Republic Ambassador to the UK
First Minister and Minister for Culture and External Affairs
The First Minister and Ms Hyslop met with Czech Republic Ambassador, Michael Žantovský and the Consul General, Dr Paul Millar at the Parliament. The First Minister gave the Ambassador an overview of Scotland's renewable energy position and the Saltire prize.
15 March
Scotland - Meeting with Irish Minister of State Equality Disability and Mental Health
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing
Ms Sturgeon and the Chief Medical Advisor met with the Irish Minister of State Equality Disability and Mental Health, John Moloney TD to discuss Scottish advances in the areas of equality, disability and mental health at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow.
12 March
Scotland - Opening of the Refurbished German Consul Residence
First Minister
The First Minister officially opened the refurbished residence of the German Consul in Edinburgh.
22 February
Belgium - visit
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment
Mr Lochhead attended the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels. During the Council, the Spanish Presidency chaired policy debates on animal welfare labelling and the future of CAP market management measures. Mr Lochhead also met with Scottish MEPs, and the Head of Cabinet to the Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
7-8 February
France - Visit
First Minister
The First Minister visited Paris and held a number of high-level meetings to build and strengthen economic, political and cultural links between our two nations. This included round-table discussions with French energy firms working in subsea and marine renewables, including Technip, which hosted the meeting and announced plans to locate its North Sea offshore renewables head office in Aberdeen. News release. He held talks with the Minister for European Affairs, Pierre Lellouche where he confirmed the continuing commitment of the French government to the Institute Francaise in Edinburgh under a new director. News release. Launched an international marketing campaign, backed by the prestigious Master Chefs of France, to promote Scottish Salmon - our largest food export - in France and into new European markets. News release. And also addressed an audience attending the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's concert at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.
25-26 January
Belgium - visit
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Ms Hyslop was in Brussels to meet with representatives of the Flemish Government and the European Commission Directorate-General for Development discussing work on International Development. She also hosted the annual Burns Supper organised by the Scottish Government EU office.
13 January
Scotland - Annual dinner for members of the professional Consular Corps
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
The Minister for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop hosted a dinner at Edinburgh Castle for members of the professional Consular Corps.
6 January
Scotland - Meeting of EMILE
Minister for Culture and External Affairs
Fiona Hyslop in her new role as Minister for Culture and External Affairs chaired her first meeting of European Elected Members Information Liaison Exchange (EMILE) in the Scottish Parliament. Discussions focused on the Common Fisheries Policy (CAP).
List of Ministerial engagement at European level in: 2013; 2012; 2011; 2010.