22/01/2010
Spain’s priorities at the helm of the European Union will be laid out to the European and External Relations Committee when Spanish Ambassador Carles Casajuana visits the Scottish Parliament next week.
Mr Casajuana will give evidence to the committee on Tuesday on the country’s work programme as it takes over the six-month Presidency of the EU.
Spain’s priorities include:
- achieving economic growth, promoting sustainable growth and creating more and better jobs
- modernising European citizenship, with a particular focus on gender equality
- the defence of human rights and the eradication of world poverty
- the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty.
Committee Convener Irene Oldfather MSP said: “The committee warmly welcomes the Spanish Ambassador, His Excellency Carles Casajuana, to the Scottish Parliament and we value the opportunity to hear about the priorities of Spain during its presidency of the European Union.
"We are particularly pleased that Mr Casajuana has agreed to take questions from committee members on the various aspects of Spain’s work programme. This includes economic growth and the strengthening of the jobs market across the EU and the defence of human rights.
"However, much of Spain’s role will focus on the implementation of the recently ratified Lisbon Treaty so the opportunity for the committee to discuss this further is invaluable.”
Background
Spain took over Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the beginning of 2010. The role, which has been held by Spain three times previously, will run for six months.
The work programme for the next six months has been co-ordinated with Belgium and Hungary — the two countries taking over the Presidency role at the end of Spain’s tenure.
The committee meeting is open to the media and members of the public. It is scheduled to take place at 10.30 in committee room 2.