European and External Relations Committee,

Meeting date: Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Official Report 259KB pdf

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Brussels Bulletin

The final item of business today is our regular discussion of the Brussels Bulletin. I invite members' comments.

We need to await the outcome of the Irish referendum, which I think will take place on 12 June, but if the treaty is agreed to—let us hope that it is not—we will need to pursue the regional, Scottish dimension of subsidiarity and consider the additional responsibilities and opportunities that we will have to influence European legislation as a result of the treaty's implementation. Perhaps as a starting point we could have a briefing before the summer recess from the clerks and the Scottish Parliament information centre on that aspect of the treaty and its implications for the committee.

The committee agreed to undertake an inquiry into the impact of the Lisbon treaty, but perhaps you are suggesting that we need to get information immediately, rather than in the course of our inquiry. I am sure that the clerks will be able to help us.

Yes. SPICe recently published a research briefing on subsidiarity.

Will you circulate copies?

Yes, we will ensure that the briefing is circulated to members.

In the Brussels Bulletin, Ian Duncan reported on a major conference that took place on 19 May, at which subsidiarity was discussed. Many of the regions that attended the conference were represented at member level. We should consider attending conferences on matters that have such an impact on our work programme, to ensure that we not only hear about good practice in other regions but influence discussions. I agree with Alex Neil in that regard.

I raise two other matters that I think are of interest to the Parliament. First, Ian Duncan says in the bulletin:

"The European Parliament has been debating the Commission ‘Animal Health Strategy 2007-2013'".

I gather that the Commission will produce an action plan soon. Given that we recently debated wildlife crime in the Parliament, and given our position on snaring, about which there are various points of view, it would be useful to know the plan's content. Perhaps we could see the plan or receive a report on it.

My second point could come under the heading of health or the common agricultural policy, depending on how members want to consider it. The EU is the leading importer of tobacco in the world. It also has nine member states that produce tobacco, which receive huge subsidies. There have been discussions in the European Parliament about the percentage of subsidies that should be channelled into health and health promotion. The matter is of interest to the Scottish Parliament, so it would be helpful to know more about the discussions and to consider our view as a member state.

Those are good suggestions. Can the clerks help us with information on the animal health strategy and the discussions on subsidies?

Yes.

Perhaps we should widen our consideration to include the subsidies for the German coal industry, which run entirely counter to the EU's objectives on CO2. The industry is heavily subsidised.

The subsidies could be used for carbon capture.

The Brussels Bulletin contains a good note on the draft directive on carbon capture. If members have no further comments, I close the meeting.

Meeting closed at 12:16.