Energy Minister will stress the critical'
role Scotland has to play in protecting Europe's energy security
during his first engagement with the European Union.
Mr Gethins will meet with representatives of the European
Parliament and the European Commission during his two day trip to
Brussels - his first official trip as Minister for Europe,
External Affairs and Energy.
The Minister will highlight how Scotland's existing natural
resources and infrastructure can help tackle rising energy bills,
and that its future lies in rejoining the European Union as an
independent country.
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy said:
"Scotland has a critical role to play in safeguarding European
energy security. At a time of rising bills, driven by
geopolitical instability, Europe needs reliable partners and
reliable supply and Scotland can be both.
As a massive energy exporter, Scotland can be part of the
solution. In 2025 alone, our net electricity exports were 20.8
terawatt hours, enough to power the equivalent of every home in
Scotland for around three and a half years.
This is also happening in the backdrop of the recent tenth
anniversary of the UK's Brexit referendum. The decision to leave
the EU has caused nothing but harm to Scotland. Scotland is a
proud European nation, and I also believe that Scotland's
brightest future is as an independent nation and member of the
European Union for the sake of our security, prosperity, and our
people.
Scotland has been at the heart of Europe in the past and it is
where we will remain now and in the future. That is my message to
our key partners on my first Ministerial visit to Brussels.
Background
The Minister will travel to Brussels on Monday 29 June.
