Highlighted in the Action Plan for European Engagement, it is fundamental to this Government that Scotland's unique national identity is recognised in Europe and beyond. To achieve this Scottish Ministers have an important role to play in raising Scotland's profile and promoting its interests in the EU.
Ministers strive to pro-actively engage with Europe, making 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.
Ministers' engagement in Europe
Meeting with EU Commissioners who have responsibility for issues that are of great importance to Scotland gives Ministers the opportunity to discuss our nation's interests directly with the people who propose key legislation. Hosting and participating in events that celebrate Scotland's culture, industry and expertise allows Ministers to showcase the excellence that this nation brings to Europe. Taking part in EU wide conferences, seminars and expositions show our partners in the EU that Scotland is an active and constructive nation with its own clear opinions to bring to debate. High level meetings and visits between Ministers, Ambassadors and politicians can often act as the first point of contact for identifying projects on which joint efforts of the exchange of knowledge will bring benefits to both nations. Ministers also regularly host policy-based, promotional and cultural events in Brussels to showcase Scotland's cultural excellence, explore and debate important aspects of EU policy with key stakeholders and raise Scotland's profile and reputation amongst its EU partners.
List of Ministerial engagement at European level in 2012, 2011, 2010.
Ministers' at EU Council meetings
While officials based in Brussels constantly monitor developments in the EU institutions, Scottish Ministers have an important role to play in ensuring that Scotland's profile and interests are raised at the highest levels.
In the areas of priority importance to Scotland, Scottish Ministers strive to attend EU Council meetings alongside their UK counterparts. Scottish Ministers take this opportunity to ensure that Scotland's interests are being put forward directly into negotiations and that Scotland's position is fully understood. Full transcripts of Council meetings can be accessed on the Council website.
List of EU Councils attended by this Government May 2007 - present.
List of EU Councils attended by previous administrations 1999-2007.
Scottish Government Events in Brussels
The Scottish Government EU Office in Brussels organises a programme of policy and cultural events each year which are mainly held in Scotland House, Schuman and occasionally in other venues in Brussels.