EU Criticises Scottish Government's Decision to Cut Postgraduate Scholarship Funding

Strategic Insights -

The Scottish Government has faced criticism from EU officials, including the College of Europe's rector Federica Mogherini, after deciding to end its scholarship funding for Scottish students to attend the prestigious institution. The decision to cut the funding, which was previously used to support up to three Scottish students per year, has been described as "regrettable" by Mogherini, who compared it to the "Scottish Brexit". The College of Europe is a leading institution for EU affairs and is seen as a fast-track into EU and national policymaking.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Government has ended its scholarship funding for Scottish students to attend the College of Europe, with Mogherini describing the decision as "regrettable".
  • The funding cut will affect up to three Scottish students per year, with Mogherini arguing that it is a "Scottish Brexit".
  • The College of Europe is a leading institution for EU affairs and is seen as a fast-track into EU and national policymaking.
  • UK alumni from the college include health minister Stephen Kinnock, former SNP MEP Alyn Smith, and former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg.
  • The Scottish Government's decision to cut funding also comes at a time when the UK government has reduced its own funding for EU affairs training.
  • The College of Europe receives substantial EU funding, but the Scottish Government's contribution covers tuition, accommodation and totals roughly £85,000 annually.
  • Mogherini argues that the scholarship scheme's main advantage is giving graduates "access to the [Brussels] network" and that it is important for maintaining ties with the EU environment.
  • The Scottish Government has stated that it is facing the most challenging fiscal climate since devolution and that it is vital to ensure all available funding is used to maximum effect.

Statistics:

  • The College of Europe receives roughly £1.85 million in funding from the Scottish Government every year (£85,000 per student).
  • The UK government has reduced its funding for EU affairs training, with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office now funding a handful of places for its civil servants.
  • The budget for the Scottish Government's education and skills portfolio has seen a decrease in funding for EU affairs training.
  • The College of Europe has a total annual budget of €25 million, with the majority of this coming from EU funding.

Sources:

  • Scotman newspaper
  • The European Union (EU)
  • The College of Europe