30 June 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been to Brussels for a series of positive meetings with senior figures from the European Union.

After a 4.15am wake-up call on Tuesday morning, she travelled to the European Parliament to meet the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, as well as the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, and the leaders of a number of the political groups in the European Parliament.

She used the time to set out Scotland’s position following the result of the referendum last week and discussed the need to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard in the process going forward.

Following the meetings, the First Minister spoke to an international media audience to update them on the outcomes of the talks.

@NicolaSturgeon @ScotGovFM has full house @ScotGovEurope in Brussels pic.twitter.com/67QBD2jQp2

— Ian Campbell (@IanCampbellSG) June 29, 2016

She said:

Last Thursday, Scotland spoke clearly and positively for the European Union.

“I have found huge interest here in the referendum result, and a sympathetic response to the position Scotland finds itself in – a position not of our making, and not one we wanted.

“I’m not here to reach conclusions or press for decisions or commitments. I’m here to ensure that Scotland’s voice is being heard – and that Scotland’s position is being understood. It is.‎

“I have found open doors.

“I met President Schulz this morning and then met the leaders of several of the groups in the European Parliament, before meeting with President Juncker, where I received a very sympathetic response.

“In my discussions during the day, I’ve heard, as you would expect, deep concern about the impact of the referendum not just on the Scotland, the UK and the European institutions, but on people in all our countries and on the EU itself.

“For my part, I’ve emphasised that Scotland voted to remain part of EU.

“If there is a way for Scotland to stay, I am determined to find it‎.

“We are in uncharted territory, and none of this is easy. My task is to bring principles, purpose and clarity to the situation, and to speak for all of Scotland.

“We are early in this process. The referendum is not yet a week behind us – a long week for all of us.

“My concern at this stage is to ensure that once the UK negotiation with the EU starts, all the options are on the table‎. I don’t underestimate the challenges but I am heartened by the discussions. Here, I’ve found a willingness to listen: open doors, open ears and open minds.”

"If there's a way for Scotland to stay [in EU], I'm determined to find it" – @NicolaSturgeonhttps://t.co/K6pbNn362q https://t.co/biRCTvRDug

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 29, 2016