As the United Kingdom prepares to exit the European Union, Scotland’s most senior Councillor has announced that Scottish Local Government will continue to work closely with partners across the continent.

COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison said:

“Brexit does not mean that Scotland’s councils will withdraw from the relationships we have worked hard to build with our European counterparts.

“Scottish local authorities need a positive, meaningful connection with the EU. We want to continue to work, cooperate and learn from the experiences of other Local Government associations. This why we will continue, post-Brexit, to remain members of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the United Cities and Local Government (UCLG).

COSLA will maintain a team in Brussels, working closely with the EU and monitoring any developments that may have an impact on Scottish Local Government.

“We will continue to seek ways to bring together local, regional and devolved elected members from across the UK and EU and will ensure that political dialogue and cooperation continue.

“Regardless of the outcome of Brexit, COSLA and the rest of Scottish Local Government will champion the benefits of international engagement to the public.”