European Commission Work Programme 2023: Scottish Government commentary

Executive Summary

Please see associating document Europe Day 2023: letter to EU Ambassador to the UK .

This paper describes the key features of the European Commission's 2023 Work Programme (CWP) - A Union standing firm and united and sets out the Scottish Government's (SG) priorities under the CWP six headline ambitions - A European Green Deal, A Europe fit for the Digital Age, An Economy that Works for People, A Stronger Europe, Promoting our European Way of Life and A New Push for European Democracy.

Scotland welcomes the Commission's focus on accelerating the green and digital transition to an economy that works for everyone. This aligns closely with our ambitions for a fair and just transition to a digital, net zero wellbeing economy and society. We recognise the importance of standing firm and united behind the key principles that define both the EU and Scotland as a nation, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Scotland remains a proud European nation and the UK's departure from the European Union (EU) will not change our commitment to the EU or the EU's importance to Scotland. We will continue to be a voice in favour of mutually beneficial co-operation and will seek to align with the EU where appropriate and contribute to EU priorities underpinned by the values we share.