More strategic approach needed for influence in Europe – says National Assembly Committee

6 March 2014

The Welsh Government should adopt a strategic approach to promoting Welsh interests in decisions made by the European Union (EU) – says a National Assembly committee.

The Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee believes it is impractical to try to influence all decisions in Europe. It wants to see priorities identified and tackled in a co-ordinated way using relationships with the UK Government, all Welsh MEPs and relevant organisations in the prioritised areas.

Wales is classed as a region within a Member State in Europe, meaning most discussion of policy and legislation at EU level is done with a ‘UK voice’. But the Committee believes there are opportunities to exert influence during the early stages citing Welsh contributions to Common Agricultural Policy reform and the EU Structural Funding as positive examples.

However, the Committee was disappointed that, after 15 years of devolution, relationships between the Welsh Government and individual Whitehall departments were still patchy. It wants to see positive and consistent relationships in key areas. 

“With new Member States joining the EU it is becoming more difficult to make yourself heard in key debates which affect your interests.” said David Melding AM, Chair of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee.

“Nevertheless, Wales has an important role to play in the development of Europe and we believe that a more strategic approach, led by the Welsh Government, and which identifies strategic priorities and explores all avenues to put our case forward is imperative.

“For that reason, we recommend that the Welsh Government reviews and revises its EU strategy and draw on the widespread knowledge and experience of EU matters in undertaking this work.

• The Committee makes 13 recommendations in its report including:

• The Welsh Government reviews its approach to engaging with Welsh MEPs;

• The Welsh Government raises with the UK Government the way that Whitehall departments and Welsh Government departments work together on EU policy areas in devolved areas and writes to this committee with details of the UK Government’s response; and,

• The Welsh Government conducts a regular review of its use of ‘soft’ diplomacy to ensure that it is focused on achieving its strategic vision and goals for EU affairs

Report: Wales’ role in the EU decision-making process

The inquiry into Wales’s role in the EU decision making process