Story tools

Print this article

Email to a friend

Your feedback

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop will lead the UK delegation at an informal meeting of the Council of EU Culture Ministers, organised by the Spanish presidency and being held in Barcelona tomorrow.

Ms Hyslop will meet Ministers representing other EU member states this evening, before speaking on behalf of the UK at the Council meeting tomorrow morning. This is the first time a Minister from the current administration has lead a UK delegation at an informal Council meeting.

Informal Council meetings are an important part of the EU policy development mechanism, presenting an opportunity for Ministers to build relationships and share experiences.

The Council will consider how to release the full economic potential of the creative industries sector across Europe and opportunities for cross-border collaboration that benefit both the sector and Europe's international image.

Fiona Hyslop said:

"Scotland has a strong story to tell in relation to the creative industries and I am sure EU members will be interested in the action we are taking to support this key sector, particularly in relation to Scotland's world-leading games development industry.

"With an annual turnover of more than #5 billion, Scotland's creative industries support over 60,000 jobs and account for six per cent of our exports.

"We are well on the way to establishing Creative Scotland, the new cultural development body, which will help realise the potential contribution of the creative industries to every part of Scotland's society and economy.

"In Scotland's Creative Industries Partnership, we have brought together all relevant bodies to ensure an integrated approach to supporting and developing this key sector for the Scottish economy.

"I am sure my colleagues across Europe will be interested in hearing of this innovative approach and the progress we are making. This is also an opportunity to hear about what models other member states are adopting and to see where we can learn from their experiences."

The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on March 25, 2010. The Bill will lead to the establishment of Creative Scotland, following Royal Assent.

Scaling up support for exports and attracting new investment is a crucial element of the Scottish Government's Economic Recovery Plan. Work is underway across the public sector to deliver that plan, accelerate recovery and improve the long term performance of Scotland's economy.