Calls for closer links with EU

Europe looks to Scottish consultations as MSPs seek closer look at EU rules

News, 20 March 2007

The Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee has called on the Scottish Executive and Parliament to play a greater role in the development of European legislation.

An inquiry by the committee, under Jim Wallace MSP, has reported just as European Commission Vice President Margot Wallström met First Minister Jack McConnell in Brussels to discuss how the Commission might draw on the Scottish experience of public consultations under devolution to engage more closely with Europe's citizens.

Mr Wallace's inquiry, instituted in the wake of allegations of "gold plating" of European legislation both in Scotland and at Westminster - in other words that higher standards were being imposed on business here than in other member states - found that Denmark and Ireland, and also the Westminster Parliament, have a higher level of scrutiny of and engagement with European legislation than Holyrood.

Mr Wallace said that Scotland needed to examine more fully the detail of proposed legislation as it was being formed in Brussels and ensure that specific Scottish interests were taken into account.

Dialogue needed

Welcoming the fact that the committee was willing to develop its scrutiny role in this area, he added: "Given the sheer volume of legislation which emerges from Brussels, this lower level of scrutiny is perhaps unsurprising. Nevertheless, it is clear that we can do better, especially in relation to influencing the development of European legislation which relates to Scotland."

Meanwhile Mr McConnell, launching a report on citizen engagement with Vice President Wallström - a report which draws on the Scottish experience - said: "We need to find ways to deliver better regulation in the EU, so consultation and dialogue are essential.

"This report marks a new chapter in relations between the EU and devolved government. I am determined to seize the opportunities it creates and ensure that Scotland's voice and the voices of our people are heard more often, and with more impact, in Brussels."