EUROPE
Being a nation in Europe greatly influences Scottish life and provides us with extensive opportunities on the international stage. The Government is determined to raise Scotland's profile as a nation in Europe in order to take full advantage of these opportunities, for example by boosting tourism, strengthening trade links and initiating exchange of best practice in anything from education to the environment.
Many of our links with Europe now exist within the framework of the European Union (EU). Over three-quarters of the work of the Government and the Parliament is, to some extent, influenced by decisions taken in Brussels. This means that the majority of the Government's policies and strategies must be considered in light of European Union decisions.
The EU also opens up a huge number of opportunities to Scotland's citizens and businesses and for this reason the Government is determined to ensure that Scotland's voice is heard on the European stage from the very beginning of the legislative process.