Cornwall Council has started the process to close the Cornwall Brussels Office reflecting the shift in policy focus from Brussels to London following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU).
The office represents the interests of Cornwall in Brussels and was established by Cornwall Council, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and the Combined Universities in Cornwall.
It seeks to help local stakeholders make the most out of engagement in Europe and the new relationship between the UK and the EU.
With the original contract due to end in January 2022, the decision by Council Leader, Councillor Linda Taylor, will see the office close in September 2021, releasing a budget of around £25,000, which the council will use to invest in projects to support the local economy.
Commenting, Ms Taylor said: “Our priority is the residents of Cornwall and making our beautiful Duchy a better place to live and work.
“Decisions are no longer made in Brussels and closing the Cornwall Brussels Office reflects this shift with decision-making now resting firmly in the UK.
“Closing the office allows us to free up funds to invest in our local economy and deliver on our promise to spend Cornish taxpayers money wisely.”
In order to ensure value for money during the three-month notice period to end the contract, the Cornwall Brussels Office will focus on G7 legacy and trade and investment links.
The council said this will support Cornish stakeholders in accessing the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, as well as providing policy advice to Cornish businesses on the new UK-EU relationship, as the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement beds in.
