THE Scottish Government could expand its presence in the Nordic and Baltic region with a new “Scotland House” hub, it has been reported.
While “no final decision has been made” on launching new overseas offices, it is understood an announcement could come following the May election.
The Government sees Copenhagen as one “option for future investment” as it looks to improve the country’s global links.
Last year, Fine Gael European Affairs spokesman Neale Richmond TD said Scotland should set up offices in every European capital to prepare for re-entry into the EU as an independent nation.
READ MORE: Scotland urged to open offices in all EU states ready for re-entry into bloc
He told the European Conversations podcast for the European Movement in Scotland: "The growing number of Scottish offices, be they in Brussels to the EU, be they in Berlin, Paris, that is absolutely the way to go.
"To have a Scottish Government representation in each of the 27 member states should be a very realistic short-term goal for the Scottish Government to give that very distinct Scottish opinion.”
According to the Press and Journal, a Scottish Government hub in Denmark would bring together government offices, private industry and the public sector.
READ MORE: Maximise Irish links to aid EU bid after Scottish independence, expert says
“We will consider any future expansion, including any enhanced Scottish presence in the Nordic countries, in line with wider government priorities. Copenhagen is one option for future investment,” the Government said.
The report suggests the SNP manifesto will also include pledges to increase the Government’s foreign focus, with plans in the pipeline for the hub in Brussels too.
Former SNP MP Stephen Gethins (below) revealed the location of Copenhagen in his upcoming book Nation to Nation: Scotland’s Place in the World.
He says a centre in the Danish capital is a “sensible move that will help consolidate links with these neighbours and close European partners that will help our businesses, universities and the cultural sector among others”.
Scotland has close ties with the Nordic and Baltic nations already. In 2019, Iceland prime minister visited Edinburgh for talks with Nicola Sturgeon, while the First Minister gave a keynote speech at the Arctic Circle Assembly in 2016 and 2017.
Annika Bergman Rosamond, an associate professor in the political science department at Sweden’s Lund University, said: “Being a small nation looking to position itself in global politics, I think it makes geographical sense to look to the Nordics for partnership.
“What is more Sweden, Finland and Denmark are members of the EU so I guess it would help Scotland to build a close relationship with small states within the EU, should the day come when it seeks to rejoin the Union.”
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