|
|
|
Scotland's very own ISP |
|
Future of Europe Debate |
|
Speaking at an event at Edinburgh Central Library to launch the Future of Europe Debate in Scotland, Jim Wallace continued: "The imminent enlargement of Europe provides all of Europe’s citizens, including those in Scotland, with a once in a generation opportunity to rethink the way |
|
1. First how the EU might be reformed to face the challenges ahead, not only those brought about by enlargement and the fast-changing globalised world in which we now live, but also how to make the EU more efficient, how to focus on outcomes rather than process and ensure legislation delivers solutions that meet people’s aspirations |
|
That is why the Future of Europe Convention has been set up in Brussels. It address two main issues: |
|
2. Secondly to address the democratic deficit. We need to ask why there is public disillusionment with the EU, why turnouts at European elections are so low and what we can do to make the EU more transparent and ensure that it only acts when something cannot be done at national, regional or local level |
|
|
|
"Scotland has made real progress in opening up government and bringing it to the citizen. It is vital that Europe does likewise. That is why we will ensure that Scotland’s views are taken into account in this debate and the Executive will be submitting a formal written contribution to the Convention later in the year. |
|
"But before we do, we want to hear views from throughout Scotland. That is why today I am announcing a special package of measures to encourage participation in the debate. |
|
"I have written to Scotland’s largest non-governmental organisations seeking formal written comments on the key Future of Europe issues. |
|
"The Scottish Civic Forum, sponsored by the Executive, are inviting smaller non-governmental organisations to participate in three regional conferences in Edinburgh, Perth and Dumfries over the autumn. |
|
"The Executive is launching a special Future of Europe section on its internet site so that anybody can e-mail their views to us. Those without internet access will be able to use computer terminals in the network of Scottish Parliament Partner libraries. |
|
"Posters and leaflets will also be placed in libraries across Scotland and people will be able to send their comments to the Executive, and finally we have sent information packs to Scotland’s Education Authority International Co-ordinators to encourage our schools to get involved and send us their views. |
|
"These measures will help ensure we get a broad spectrum of views and comments which we will take into account when preparing our formal submission. |
|
"I would urge as many people as possible to have their say and help deliver a European Union that better meets the needs of its citizens." |
|
Web address for the Future of Europe site is www.scotland.gov.uk/futureofeurope |