Sturgeon’s EU light show casts shadow as she launches charm offensive in Brussels
NICOLA Sturgeon’s Brussels charm offensive was overshadowed yesterday by the row over the SNP’s unauthorised light projection on to the European Commission headquarters.
The First Minister met senior officials in Belgium as she tried to increase support for Scotland to rejoin the EU if the country ever becomes independent.
But her visit came amid a row over the SNP’s decision to project a display onto the Berlaymont building in the Belgian capital last month. However, Miss Sturgeon refused to apologise for the stunt, claiming it had been positively received in Brussels.
The display appeared on January 31, the night the UK officially left the European Union. It showed the words ‘Scotland’ and ‘Europe’ in a cross, linked with a love heart. Miss Sturgeon posted pictures of the display on Twitter.
Last week, we revealed that the SNP had broken rules by projecting the message
‘Nothing to do with the Commission’
onto the building without seeking permission from EU officials.
During a briefing yesterday, the European Commission initially suggested officials had contacted police over the stunt.
A spokesman said: ‘In relation to the message projected on the Berlaymont, I can confirm it seems this had nothing to do with the Commission.
‘This was part of our ongoing discussions with the Belgian police which is in charge of many aspects linked to the Berlaymont, and I know it was taken up with them as we checked about the incidents.’
But only hours later officials appeared to change their mind – and said no contact had been made with authorities.
A spokesman said: ‘The Commission is in close contact with authorities in the event of unauthorised projections to have them stopped, on a general note. However, it was not the case for these particular incidents as it was short-lived.’
Miss Sturgeon had been criticised over social media posts which implied that the European Commission was ‘complicit’ in displaying the political message.
However, Brussels chiefs confirmed they had nothing to do with the stunt.
During a speech to EU diplomats, Miss Sturgeon said she would work to make Scotland an independent country and continue to have strong ties with the EU. Asked about the projection, she said there was no reason to apologise and claimed the only comments she had from EU officials about the display ‘had been entirely positive’.
Scottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden said: ‘Yet again, the Nationalists are causing Scotland significant embarrassment at home and abroad.’
Miss Sturgeon discussed the UK/EU trade talks which begin next month with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, and she also met executive vice-president Margrethe Vestager to discuss the COP26 conference being held in Glasgow later this year.
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘It has been reaffirmed to me in the constructive meetings I’ve held today, that there is genuine goodwill in the EU towards Scotland. On this visit I have made clear how important it is for Scotland to remain close to the EU.’