Background

At its meeting on 15 December 2009 the Committee agreed to timetable an evidence session on Europe 2020, to take place in early 2010.

Europe 2020: a new economic strategy

Europe 2020 seeks to create a strategic vision for the EU's socio-economic development during the next decade.  As such, it will replace the Lisbon Strategy on Growth and Jobs (2000-2010).

The European Commission recently published a consultation on the future “EU 2020” Strategy.  The consultation closed on 15 January 2010. 

The Commission published its proposal for Europe 2020: a new economic strategy on 3 March 2010, focusing on a trio of interlinked priorities:

• growth from knowledge
• creating an inclusive society
• and building a greener economy that is competitive at international level

Aims and objectives of the Committee’s inquiry

The aim of the Committee’s Europe 2020 scrutiny will be to find out from Scottish stakeholders what they think of Europe 2020, whether it is deliverable and what actions are necessary to address the issues identified by the European Commission.

The following issues are of particular interest to the Committee:

• Views on the Lisbon Strategy and on Scotland’s performance against the Strategy’s targets
• How Europe 2020 should address the failings of the Lisbon Strategy?
• Overall impressions of the European Commission’s consultation
• What are considered to be the key aspects of Europe 2020 for Scotland
• How Scotland can make progress against the Europe 2020 objectives?
• What support is required from Government to ensure the success of Europe 2020?

Written evidence received in relation to the inquiry can be accessed using the following link:

Written evidence received

Committee Report

At its meeting on 20 April 2010, the Committee agreed its draft report on its inquiry.  The report can be viewed below:

European and External Relations Committee, 1st Report, 2010 (Session 3): Europe 2020 (SP Paper 425)

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Contact: for further information on the work of the Committee you can contact the Committee Clerks on 0131 348 5191 or by e-mail at: europe@scottish.parliament.uk.