12 June 2019

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon restated the Scottish Government’s support for continued European Union membership and shared values on a visit to Brussels.

The First Minister started the day of engagements by meeting with EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier.

FM @NicolaSturgeon met EU chief negotiator @MichelBarnier this morning and reiterated Scotland’s position on Europe 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/quOhVB3msv

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) June 11, 2019

She then set out the Scottish Government’s position on Scottish-EU relations in a speech at the European Policy Centre.

She said:

We want not simply to benefit from free movement and free trade – although we do – we also want to contribute Scotland’s ideas and talents to Europe’s shared challenges, and to uphold and exemplify our shared values.

In the 20 years since devolution, our contribution has already grown significantly. For all the current challenges we face, my hope – and my belief – is that it will grow further in the years to come.

We look forward to working with our friends across Europe to make that happen.”

The First Minister’s speech is available.

The First Minister then met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

FM @NicolaSturgeon discussed shared @scotgov & EU core values in a meeting with European Commission President @JunckerEU & EU Chief Brexit Negotiator @MichelBarnier this evening 🇪🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/hegFMH9yI8

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) June 11, 2019

She rounded off a busy day in the city with the launch of the Made in Scotland festival in Brussels where she met performers from 21 Common whose show kicked off the programme.

The festival, which is funded through the Expo Fund and delivered by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society presents six dance, theatre and music performances at venues in Brussels over four days.

The First Minister said:

Each of these performances – of dance, music and theatre – explore issues of huge contemporary relevance – issues such as inclusion, migration and diversity. But they also highlight the strength of Scotland’s cultural scene. And they demonstrate the value of the Made in Scotland programme.”

The speech is available to view.