The Scottish Executive is working closely with UK Government to ensure that Scotland contributes fully to the UK Presidency of the EU – both in terms of identifying priorities in the UK-Luxembourg Operational Programme, which was adopted on 13 December, and in bringing related events and meetings to Scotland. The overall co-ordination of the UK Presidency is discussed at meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee (Europe) which I attend, and at the regular meetings of the UK Presidency Co-ordinators Group at which the Executive is represented by officials from Europe Division.There are currently some 25 Presidency events planned to take place in Scotland, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland and to contribute positively to the development of EU policy initiatives.