Scottish Government sets out reform plans

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon set out clear proposals for reform of the European Union in a major speech in Brussels on the 2 June 2015.

In her first EU address as First Minister, Ms Sturgeon made clear that continuing membership was vital to the Scottish economy – and that positive changes can be made from within the existing treaty.

Challenging the Prime Minister to make a positive case for EU membership and to set out his proposals for reform, the First Minister highlighted a number of key priorities for Scotland including:

+ More local decision making on health and social policies to allow countries to target key issues
+ Greater focus on key areas such as developing the single market across the EU in Energy and Digital Services;
+ Allowing localised discretion in implementing regulation – as in the revised Common Fisheries Policy – to make policies more proportionate and less burdensome.

BBC News, 02.06.15: Nicola Sturgeon warns of EU exit 'backlash' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-32961729

EurActiv, 02.06.15: Brexit will lead to clamour for Scottish independence, says Sturgeon http://www.euractiv.com/sections/uk-europe/brexit-will-lead-clamour-scottish-independence-says-sturgeon-315060

EUObserver, 02.06.15: First minister: Brexit would trigger Scottish referendum https://euobserver.com/political/128940

Scotland: Office of the First Minister: A positive case for Europe https://firstminister.gov.scot/a-positive-case-for-europe/

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