Our relationship with Europe

We have a European Affairs Team who:

• Research European programmes to make sure funding opportunities are fully explored and that we obtain maximum benefit from the European Union

• Influence change in European policy and regulations that benefit the Highlands

• Work with organisations across Europe to enhance the efficient delivery of our services across the Highlands

Our information pack on the European Union.

Highlands and Islands European Partnership 

The Highlands and Islands European Partnership (HIEP) comprises the undernoted organisations who wish to work together on EU matters wherever possible:

• Argyll & Bute Council
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
• Highland Council
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Moray Council
• North Ayrshire Council
• Orkney Islands Council
• Shetland Islands Council
• The University of the Highlands & Islands

Priorities common to all Partners are pursued in an integrated way and this can involve liaison with the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the EU which is done mainly in conjunction with Scotland Europa . This does not negate individual topics of interest being pursued by each Partner but HIEP believes more can be achieved from Europe by working in partnership rather than by working individually. This commitment, within HIEP, means that the Partners work together to maintain a distinctive Highlands and Islands voice in Brussels through a close working relationship with and membership of Scotland Europa.