EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.
ScotGov: Almost 14,000 farmers received their Single Farm Payments last week, injecting over £400m into the Scottish rural economy. By the end of the year, around 20,000 will have received payments totalling £460m - up £88m on last year because of the Euro exchange rate. Farmers who have yet to complete eligibility checks or provide up-to-date bank details are urged to do so as quickly as possible.
The Single Farm Payment Scheme is the replacement for historic arable & livestock direct support schemes in Scotland and this is the third year of operation. Farmers applied for the Scheme in May 2009.
ScotGov: Newly appointed External Affairs Minister, Fiona Hyslop and the First Minister have met with the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek to promote & strengthen Scotland's voice in Europe.
Ms Hyslop also hosted the 'European Festivals: Driving Success Through Culture' seminar at Scotland House, engaging with key cultural figures from Scotland & the EU and contributing to European thinking on culture. Ms Hyslop and the FM were taking part in Scotland Week in Brussels, which aims to strengthen economic & cultural ties with Europe.
