International offices: guide

Brussels

Scotland House Brussels (SHB) is a key part of Scotland's international network. It is the centre of Scotland’s engagement with the EU and a convenor of relationships between Scottish, European and international partners.

SHB brings together the Scottish Government and Scotland Europa/Scottish Enterprise. Our integrated team has experience in EU affairs, economic development, and diplomacy. The team draws on expertise from across Scotland - supporting Scotland’s economic and diplomatic interests at the EU level. This is underpinned by a rich programme of cultural promotion and policy events.

We promote Scotland as an innovative, outward-looking, progressive nation with much to offer and share. This supports the delivery of Ministers’ priorities at home.

We protect and promote Scotland’s interests and values with the EU and across Europe. We enhance Scotland’s international collaboration using our collective networks, insights and expertise, working as a trusted, engaged and reliable partner.

Strategic objectives

Priorities for 2023 to 2024

Building and strengthening relationships:

• widen and deepen relationships and influence with key partners in priority areas of research and innovation, net zero, justice and home affairs, and economic development
• maximise opportunities for engagement of members, colleagues, stakeholders and partners in Scotland, and the impact of our wider international connections, with European partners and stakeholders
• develop international strategic insights on, and engagement with, evolving EU regulation, policies, and wider political and economic development
• maximise timely opportunities for shared learning that supports Scottish colleagues, partners and stakeholders in strategic decision making domestically and internationally; the ongoing delivery of our work; and wider work on alignment and keeping pace with EU legislation and policy development
• develop and deliver a targeted programme of events, discussions and visit programmes (for Ministers, senior officials, members, and other stakeholders) to promote and inform shared learnings and our international offer

Contributing to Scotland's climate change, biodiversity and renewable energy objectives:

• showcase Scotland's high ambition and expertise on net zero (climate, biodiversity, renewable energy) with focus on a Brussels-based EU and International audience
• focus on the Just Transition and Scotland's strengths and expertise, such as our huge offshore wind potential, our potential as a green hydrogen exporter to Europe, our ambition to decarbonise heat, transport, and our ongoing work on biodiversity, nature restoration and circular economy

Contributing to Scotland's economy, trade and investment objectives:

• amplify the profile and relevance of Scotland's trade and economic development priorities, guided by the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, including the development of new market opportunities
• connect our focus on the delivery of a wellbeing economy to relevant key EU priorities - including on industrial policy, net zero and skills, including the European Year of Skills - to support our work to exploit opportunities promoting investment to Scotland in line with the Vision for Trade and the objectives of A Trading Nation
• showcase the strengths of our innovation eco-system, positioning Scotland as a trusted partner and a relevant home for business, particularly via the significant opportunities offered by Hydrogen/renewables
• promote Scotland as a hub for research, innovation, partnership, collaboration, and funding - using our European networks and international insights to maximise economic development and funding opportunities for Scottish stakeholders
• continue to raise awareness with, and provide strategic advice to, Scottish stakeholders to maximise opportunities for access to EU research and innovation programmes and funding, including Copernicus and Euratom R&T, with a focus on the Horizon Europe Programme and the related association process

See previous strategic objectives in our website archive.

Contact information

Telephone (reception): +0032 (0)2 282 8330

Post:

Scotland House Brussels
Rond-point Robert Schuman 6
1040 Bruxelles
Belgium

Twitter/X: @ScotGovBrussels

LinkedIn: Scottish Government Brussels

Martin Johnson, EU Director, Scottish Government
Email: Martin.Johnson@gov.scot

Nick Leake, EU Deputy Director, Scottish Government
Email: Nick.Leake@gov.scot