A SCOTTISH Government-backed lobbying network in Europe is set to close after funding was withdrawn, The National can reveal.
Scotland Europa, described as a “membership-based organisation that promotes Scotland's interests across European institutes and member states”, has had its funding pulled by Scottish Enterprise.
The lobbying outfit has been backed by Scottish Enterprise for 33 years, but will now no longer receive funding from March 2026.
Stephen Boyd, director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) Scotland, said on LinkedIn he was “gutted and angry” at the news, adding that Scotland will lose a “massive presence” in the European Union (EU).
John Edward, former EU policy manager at Scotland Europa and LibDem European Parliament candidate, said that the “sacrifice of 33 years of experience, reputation and contacts will be keenly felt”.
Scottish Enterprise confirmed the funding cut was part of efforts to “maximise efficiencies and align resources to transformational projects”. They added that engagement with member states would continue through the network of international offices.
Boyd, IPPR Scotland boss, said: “Gutted and angry to hear that Scotland Europa is to close after Scottish Enterprise withdrew funding.
“What will be the result? Fewer connections between Scotland, Europe's institutions and EU member states. Fewer relationships built between Scottish individuals, educational institutions, private firms, third sector organisations and their European counterparts.”
He claimed it would mean a Scottish economy “increasingly disconnected from its European partners”.
“Scotland will lose a massive presence in the Brussels policy community; a community within which Scotland Europa is hugely admired and emulated,” Boyd added.
“It's a truly bizarre state of affairs when, on a daily basis, the Scottish Government vents its frustration over the ongoing damage being inflicted by Brexit whilst simultaneously running down Scotland's capacity, networks and influence in Brussels.”
Elsewhere, Edward, who is currently head of operations at the Scottish Council on Global Affairs, said: “I have no doubt that the Scottish Government will wish to continue its presence in Brussels, albeit on a smaller footprint with very specific responsibilities.
“That does not diminish the loss of a ‘one-stop shop’ for Scottish non-governmental interests, plugged in to the national and regional representations in Brussels and thereby beyond, not to mention the hundreds of commercial policy interests on the ground within what is Europe’s ‘beltway’.”
Edward worked for Scotland Europa for six years, between 1996 and 2001. He added: “Just as the Horizon programme restarting within the UK, and very modest progress is being made on reducing the new barriers to trade and cooperation, the sacrifice of 33 years of experience, reputation and contacts will be keenly felt”.
A spokesperson for Scottish Enterprise confirmed the funding cut, telling The National: “As part of our ongoing efforts to maximise efficiencies and align resources to transformational projects we have decided to cease our funding for Scotland Europa.
“We remain committed to furthering Scotland’s trade, investment and collaboration in the EU and will continue our engagement through our network of international offices which currently spans eight member states.
“We will work in partnership with the Scottish Government to maintain an ongoing and meaningful ‘Team Scotland’ presence in Brussels.”
