MSPs to examine Scotland’s overseas relationship

MSPs to examine Scotland’s overseas relationship

Holyrood’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee has launched an inquiry into the Scottish government’s international work.

The committee is seeking to engage with stakeholders on what the Scottish government’s external affairs policy could look like, recommend what areas should be prioritised, and to learn from examples of best practice.

It will examine issues including the Scottish government’s engagement with the EU set in the context of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, successful examples of non-EU nations and regions engaging with the EU, and asking how the Scottish government’s overseas work interacts with UK foreign and diplomatic efforts.

Committee convener Clare Adamson MSP said: “The Scottish government has an overseas footprint including representative offices in key cities, an international development budget and staff working to promote Scotland and its interests internationally.

“A key question for the committee now that the UK has left the EU is Scotland’s future relationship with the EU. This includes how Trade and Co-operation Agreement will impact on how the Scottish government engages with the EU and how that engagement interacts with UK government policy in this area.

“We are also keen to look at good ideas and best practice from elsewhere, so we can make recommendations where necessary.”

Share icon
Share this article: