Representing the HIE network, and the needs of the Highlands & Islands as a whole, the International affairs team works to influence various European policies, procedures and programmes.

To ensure funding for strategic projects at home and internationally key areas of work are the attraction of further EU funds and the development of future EU funding programmes.  A great deal of time and effort is spent on communicating the views of the area to ensure policies on topics such as State Aid are appropriate and of benefit to the area. 

Seminars, conferences, master-classes, lobbying and direct meetings with the Scottish Government, European Commission, local partners etc are some of the tools used by the International affairs team to influence for maximum benefit to the area.