As the European Union has developed, the role for autonomous or regional governments has expanded. Increasingly, the European Commission has encouraged the participation of the nations and regions of Europe in the workings of the European Union. This has led some to predict a "Europe of the Regions" where the dominant role is held by the regions and nations of Europe, not the member-states. Scotland, without a democratic voice, is missing out on these developments. How could a Scottish Parliament and the nation benefit from them?
This briefing outlines three areas in which the Scottish Parliament would participate in the new Europe.
Under the proposals "Towards Scotland's Parliament", the new Scottish executive will have right to a representative on the UK delegation in the Council of Ministers. Under a Scottish Parliament, the Scottish minister would be responsible to the elected assembly in Edinburgh, not to the UK government in Whitehall.
Both Belgium and Germany have in their delegations a member who represents the self-rule governments of these countries. They are present at the meetings and, in certain cases, speak for their national delegations. The role they play gives an indication of how a Scottish Parliament would fit into the European structure.
The Scottish Parliament, through its representative on the Council of Ministers, would have a direct influence on the course of European policy. In a variety of areas such as fishing, agriculture, steel, coal and the nuclear industry, the Scottish point of view could be expressed at this high level of European policy making. This would give Scottish interests a far higher profile than is possible at present.
Under the Maastricht Treaty, a new body was set up to represent the regions of Europe. This is, as yet, only advisory, but many people see it as developing into a second chamber of the Europe Parliament. Through this body, regional governments such as those of Catalonia and Flanders, can give their opinions on European Union legislation and policy. In some cases, an opinion must be sought for the legislation to be valid, though the regional judgement is not binding.
At present, Scottish representation on this committee is restricted to local councillors appointed by the Secretary of State. They are therefore not appointed by the Scottish people, nor do they represent Scotland as a whole. In addition, when the Maastricht Treaty is re-negotiated in 1996, the regional governments will call for a change in the make-up of the committee. There will be pressure for it to represent only regional authorities and not local ones. If this is accepted, the present system of representation for Scotland will not be feasible. Other EU members have expressed concern about the inadequacy of the Secretary of State appointing 'place-men'. In this situation, a Scottish Parliament would be able to take its rightful place, representing Scotland.
The European Commission, as the "government" of Europe, wields a high degree of power. Almost all the autonomous governments of Europe are engaged in lobbying this institution, to influence its decisions and obtain financial aid. To do this, many have established offices in Brussels. These offices act as the eyes and ears of the regional governments, as well as allowing them to give the point of view of the region or nation concerned. A Scottish Parliament, through such an office, could put the Scottish angle to the Commission. By representing the democratically elected voice of the Scottish people, it would achieve a much higher degree of respect than any non-elected representative.
Unless a Scottish Parliament is established, the other regions and nations of Europe will be in a far more advantageous position than Scotland in their ability to push for economic aid and influence Commission policy.
In essence, a Scottish Parliament is not a desirable extra, it is absolutely essential if Scotland is to thrive in Europe. As more regions and nations such as Catalonia, Flanders and the Basque Country gain a democratic voice, Scotland must not be left behind. The development of other home-rule governments means that these areas have a voice in the international arena. Through this, they are able to influence the workings of the European Union, as well as enter into agreements with other governments from both within the EU and beyond its borders. Until Scotland itself has such a voice, properly constituted with appropriate powers and democratic accountability, she will always be in the slow lane of Europe.
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