Europe plays a major role in East Lothian whether through legislation, funding for projects or twinning.

European Funding has supported, and continues to support, numerous projects in East Lothian over the last 10 years. These projects would not have proceeded if it hadn’t been for European assistance. As well as western East Lothian being eligible for transitional Objective 2, Objective 3 and EQUAL funding rural East Lothian is covered by the Tyne/Esk Leader+ programme, managed on behalf of East Lothian and Midlothian by East Lothian Council.  We also have an Interreg funded programme to develop the local cycle and walkways. 

East Lothian schools have partnership agreements in place with their counterparts in other European countries and benefit from funding under the Socrates funding for staff and curricular development.

East Lothian Council has active twinning agreements in place with France, Germany, Denmark and Italy – Musselburgh is twinned with Champigny-sur-Marne (France) and Rosignano Marittimo (Italy), North Berwick with Kerteminde (Denmark), Haddington with Aubigny-sur-Nère (France) and Dunbar with Lignières (France).  The 40th anniversary of the Haddington-Aubigny link was celebrated during 2005 and a new partnership was formed in 2006 betweeen Prestonpans/Cockenzie & Port Seton & Longniddry & Barga, Italy.

State Aid is also a function of Europe that affects local authorities.

A number of useful sites re listed on the right of this page if you are interested in more information on what Europe does.