SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT'S MAIN CHAMBER TO HOST DISCUSSION ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN EUROPE

111/2005 | 21 November 2005

Public engagement with European democratic processes will be discussed at the Scottish Parliament today (Monday 21 November).

The event is being organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), a non-political body which allows representatives of Europe 's socio-occupational interest groups a formal platform to have their say on EU issues.

Members of the public will join with EESC Bureau members and MSPs to participate in an afternoon debate titled "Current Developments Within the EU; The Role of Civic Society in an Enlarged Europe".

Among the 100 delegates in the debate will be representatives of Scottish civic society groups, including the Scottish Civic Forum, Scottish Sports Council and Capability Scotland. Interest groups and the public will also observe the proceedings from the public gallery.

The Convener of the Scottish Parliament's European and External Relations Committee, Linda Fabiani MSP, will speak at the opening of the afternoon session, with Dimitrios Dimitriadis, Vice President of the European Economic Social Committee, Joyce McMillan, Convener of the Scottish Civic Forum and Isobel Lindsay, Vice-Convener of the Scottish Civic Forum.

The Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer, The Rt Hon George Reid MSP, will chair the afternoon session.

He said:

"I welcome the kind of discussions that take place in debates such as this; discussions that recognise the role of civic society in an enlarged Europe ; discussions that acknowledge the fact that politics must begin at local level.

"Given the French and Dutch referenda votes this year, it is more important than ever that we find ways in which citizens across the expanded European Union can participate in European institutions and processes."

The afternoon meeting will be available to watch online on the Scottish Parliament's interactive web channel, www.holyrood.tv.

Background Note

The task of the European Economic and Social Committee is to issue opinions on matters of European interest to the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the European Parliament - providing a direct link into the decision-making process.

The 317 members of the EESC are drawn from across the 25 member states of the EU, and represent 3 distinct groups - Group One, "Employers" (large companies and employer organisations); "Group Two, "Employees" (trade unions); and Group Three, "Various Interests" (including NGOs, farmers, small and medium enterprises, consumers etc). EESC members are nominated by member states for a renewable four-year term of office. The UK has 24 members.

The EESC elects the Bureau - which has 37 members and a President - every two years.

For more information, visit the EESC website - http://www.esc.eu.int/index_en.asp.

The sitting of the EESC at the Scottish Parliament is one of several Europe-related events to take place at Holyrood during the UK 's EU Presidency.

Other events have included:

• A visit from the President of the European Parliament, Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles, earlier this month;
• A visit from Douglas Alexander MP, the Minister for Europe and MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, in September.

The link between the Scottish Parliament and Europe will be further strengthened on Monday 28 November, when the Committee of the Regions Economic and Social Commission (ECOS) meets in the Scottish Parliament.

Photo and broadcast opportunities

The Parliament's photography team will be taking pictures throughout the day. Images can be obtained free of charge from the team on 0131 348 6269.

Footage of the afternoon debate will be available to broadcasters. Any requests for footage should be addressed to the Parliament's Broadcasting unit on 0131 348 5148.

The Parliament's media contact is:

Sally Coyne Tel: 0131 348 6269
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk