Introduction to our work

In 2001, Nottinghamshire County Council was awarded the European Flag of Honour by the Council of Europe. This recognised the work of the County Council and all its partners across the county.

We work with schools, businesses and local communities as well as local and national government to ensure our links remain robust and committed.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s international work helps to:

• Sustain our communities, environment and economy
• Provide opportunities for everyone to contribute to and take part in the running of their local and global communities
• Place a high value on working in partnership at an international level.

Sustainability

• Maximise the benefits of European grants
• Market Nottinghamshire to overseas investors
• Support Nottinghamshire businesses in gaining trade from abroad
• Promote Nottinghamshire as a tourist destination.

Social cohesion

• Prepare people for mobility in the field of work abroad
• Community and cultural understanding and co-operation
• Develop and continue international links between schools
• Develop an international dimension to our arts and sports programmes.

Citizenship

• Develop friendship exchanges, particularly for younger people
• Participate in twinning associations.

Partnership

• Partnerships developed overseas lead to new relationships at home
• Transfer know-how and practical cooperation between partners
• Engagement with the Local Government International Bureau, and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions
• Membership of the East Midlands European Office, based in Brussels.

Links to other international and European organisations

Council of European Municipalities and Regions: www.ccre.org
Council of Europe: www.coe.int
Department for International Development: www.dfid.gov.uk
European Parliament: www.europarl.eu.int
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: www.fco.gov.uk
Government Office East Midlands re-launched European web pages at: www.gos.gov.uk/goem/euro