Sturgeon appeals to MEPs on funding

Feb 26 2013

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will ask Scottish MEPs to back calls for a fair share of European Union (EU) funding during her visit to Brussels.

The regional allocations for the EU's structural funds budget have not yet been released but the Holyrood administration estimates Scotland could see a decrease of about a third.

The Government said the recent agreement by the European Council on the EU's budget for 2014-20 could mean that Scotland's funding allocation is reduced by about 300 million euro (£261 million).

The Deputy First Minister has spoken to other devolved governments and the UK Government and agreed that officials will work together to devise an alternative allocation method. Structural funds support investment and employment across Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon said: "I remain deeply concerned about the proposed allocations for Scotland within the UK budget and the impact this could have on investment, growth and jobs right across Scotland.

"Although we expected reductions as a result of the overall reduction in EU spending, the allocations across the UK which are now emerging were not envisaged.

"Earlier this month I spoke to the UK Government to urge them to reconsider the allocation process set out by the commission. This is a major issue for Scotland - and one on which we need a united approach to make our case all the stronger as the process moves on.

"I am looking forward to meeting Scottish MEPs today - one of several engagements on my visit to Brussels - and hope to secure their support for our efforts to ensure a fair allocation for Scotland.

"By working together, we can ensure that Scotland receives a fair share of the structural funds budget, so that we can continue to put this substantial funding to effective use in supporting jobs and the economy."

During her Brussels visit, Ms Sturgeon will also make a speech setting out an independent Scotland's place in the EU to an invited audience of representatives from a range of EU organisations.