A printable edition of this article is available to view on the EMiS website HERE.
A year-end review for members of the European Movement in Scotland, by Martin Johnson, Scottish Government EU Director, writing from Brussels
The winter period is always a busy one and also a great opportunity to promote Scotland overseas, in particular through St. Andrews and Burns Night celebrations. Our EU office in Brussels has just delivered another fine St. Andrews concert, and we were delighted to have Justice Secretary Ms Angela Constance with us for a programme of engagement.
It is also a time to reflect on recent events and look ahead to 2026. The last few weeks have seen a number of significant milestones for Scottish Government EU engagement and the wider picture of Scotland’s European links.
In mid-November, the Scottish Government (SG) published its latest Position Paper on our priorities for the UK-EU Negotiations which are now getting underway: Scottish Government priorities – Scottish Government priorities for UK-EU negotiations: position paper – gov.scot
While the paper emphasises that the Scottish Government considers Scotland’s interests are best served by rejoining the EU as an independent member state, the paper underlines our strong support for rebuilding as deep and ambitious a partnership with the EU as possible.
The UK/EU talks are progressing in a number of areas which are priorities for Scottish Government, including reassociating to the Erasmus+ programme; agreeing a balanced youth mobility scheme; agreeing linking of UK and EU emissions trading schemes; delivering an agrifood agreement; and implementing the UK-EU security and defence partnership.
While the recent failure to reach an agreement on the SAFE defence loan fund was hugely disappointing, the Scottish Government will continue to push for substantive progress in the other areas of active negotiation. There has so far been less progress and limited momentum in a number of other areas we had prioritised, and which can offer mutual benefit for people and businesses in Scotland, the UK, and the EU. This includes things like more support for touring artists or examining the case for the UK to participate in more EU fora like the European Environment Agency. We will continue to argue for maximum ambition in these and other areas.
Last month also saw the publication of the first annual report on the Scottish Government’s International Strategy: International strategy: annual report 2024 to 2025 – gov.scot The Report showcases how we are leveraging our global networks, ministerial engagements, and partnerships to deliver benefits for the people of Scotland. We do this by opening doors for Scottish businesses, securing inward investment, and promoting our strengths in renewable energy, technology, and world-class education.
Our network of international offices, Scottish Development International (SDI), the Brand Scotland Partnership and the wider Team Scotland are all working to meet these goals. They build the economic and diplomatic links which promote Scotland as a great place to live, work, visit, study and do business. These efforts are vital in a world where economic competition is intensifying, and global supply chains are being reshaped.
In October, Scotland House Brussels also hosted the launch event for EMIS’s new Brussels Group. while EMIS is of course independent of any political party, I was delighted to be able to speak at what was a really well attended and positive occasion. Having this additional EMIS presence – based out in Brussels – will help to re-enforce Scotland’s deep-rooted European identity and alignment with EU values. The First Minister’s attendance at the recent EMiS annual dinner, which also marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of EMIS, also underlined the importance of the Movement’s presence, at what is a pivotal time for Europe.
Many readers will also be aware that over the summer, Scottish Enterprise took the decision to end funding for Scotland Europa. This will take effect at the end of this financial year (31 March 2026). I know this has been a very difficult decision for Scottish Enterprise to take, and also very difficult for our Europa colleagues here. The skilled and dedicated team at Scotland Europa have helped to build and sustain the strong reputation of Scotland in Europe since their formation in 1992, and since 1999 (when the Scottish Government EU office was opened) have worked alongside the Government team, as part of our largest overseas office.
Going forward I can assure you that we will continue to have a strong Government team in Brussels, working closely with key partners to advance our enduring ambitions concerning Scotland’s place in Europe.
Scottish Enterprise have committed to work in partnership with Scottish Government to maintain a visible and influential ‘Team Scotland’ presence in Scotland House Brussels, and to having two Scottish Development International (SDI) staff in place for the start of 2026-27.
We also fully expect to have the Saltire continuing to fly over our Rond Pont Schuman building next year and beyond – as the Government office will continue at its current location, though going forward be based solely on the 9th floor.
Scotland House will continue to have a team of skilled and informed colleagues, working to promote Scotland and defend Scottish interests, hosting and supporting Scottish organisations in Brussels, and feeding back strategic insights to Scottish stakeholders. We will also build on Scotland House’s well deserved and excellent reputation for organising memorable and thought-provoking cultural and policy events. We look forward to working with many of you in the coming period!
A printable edition of this article is available to view on the EMiS website HERE.
The European Movement in Scotland is committed to promoting the essential European value of free speech. Consequently, we regularly publish articles by leading academics, journalists and others discussing issues germane to Scotland’s place in Europe. Such articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Movement in Scotland.