European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland Post 2020

McMaster, Irene and Vironen, Heidi (2019) European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland Post 2020. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

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Abstract

Despite Brexit debates, the cycle of programme planning and delivery carries on in Scotland. Scotland has been, and continues to be, a valued partner in a number of European Territorial Cooperation programmes. In terms of planning for the future, Brexit and on-going debates on the EU regulations, proposed programme geographies and funding mean there are significant ‘unknowns’. However, there are equally important ‘knowns’ and past experience to use as an initial basis for planning. On Brexit: 1. The new European Territorial Cooperation Regulations proposed by the European Commission’s DG Regio make provision for UK participation as a third country, if by that time it has left the EU. 2. Third country participation is a routine part of Interreg and other European Cooperation Programmes, especially for Programmes in which Scotland currently participates. On the post-2020 programmes: 1. The broad areas of intervention proposed in the draft ETC regulations are unlikely to change substantially in the final draft. 2. Programme geographies are not yet agreed. But, European Commission plans for major changes have been challenged, and in the past Programme areas have only ever increased. A likely scenario would be, therefore, limited change. On Scottish engagement: 1. Good experience and engagement with past programmes and projects means there is a strong commitment to on-going participation in Interreg in Scotland. 2. Scottish partners, and their expertise, are valued by collaboration partners and programmes. Working on this basis, this report presents the findings of a series of Scottish Government workshops and a conference on opportunities for Future of European Territorial Cooperation. The report highlights the particular value attached to European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland, provides clear indications of thematic and territorial areas of interest for the post 2020 period, and illustrates the potential for territorial cooperation and interest in maintaining cooperation going forward.

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