Scotland and Île-de-France: memorandum of understanding

The signatories of this document, the Île-de-France Region of the French Republic and The Scottish Government

Recognise the deep and long-standing relationship between Scotland and France;

Recognise the friendly, institutional and political links between Scotland and the Île-de-France Region;                                                                                                           

Recognise that both signatories have expertise in the matters covered by this Memorandum of Understanding;

Recognise the shared desire of the two signatories to develop bilateral projects aimed at developing subjects of interest to both countries and generating outcomes at local, national and European level;

Recognise their shared commitment to strengthening their mutual understanding and wishing to consolidate their economic, environmental, social and cultural collaboration;

And acting within the competence of each signatory, based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and in France, as well as the international agreements to which Scottish Government and the Île-de-France Region are Parties,

Wish to establish and promote cooperation in the following areas:

Article 1

Areas of cooperation

Combating climate change and biodiversity loss:

The signatories recognise the crucial importance of tackling the climate crisis and the shared challenges of the just transition to net zero and climate resilience. To this end, the signatories undertake to pursue joint initiatives to combat greenhouse gas emissions and to work together to combat climate change.

These joint initiatives may include :

1. Cooperation to protect biodiversity, following on from the Île-de-France’s signing of the Edinburgh Declaration (2022).
2. Supporting the development of renewable energies in Île-de-France, drawing on Scotland's experience as a pioneer in this field.
3. Exchanging knowledge on the production of green hydrogen, using Scotland’s green energy expertise and Île-de-France’s large hydrogen production capacity.
4. Sharing experience on the governance of green finance by Île-de-France, which won an award for its policy in 2024, and is developing sharing tools via the Greengov project.
5. Exploring opportunities to work in partnership with multilateral bodies to strengthen global cooperation between decentralised governments and their influence on international climate decision-making. The Regions4 network, of which the Île-de-France Region and the Scottish Government are members, will be the preferred forum for sharing expertise in public climate policies and biodiversity conservation, as well as for improving regions' access to private and public funding needed to adapt to climate change. 

Stimulating innovation and strengthening economic relations:

Recognising that Scotland and Île-de-France are centres of excellence in complementary strategic sectors with dynamic innovation ecosystems, the signatories agree to strengthen trade, stimulate reciprocal investment and develop synergies between their respective economic development agencies.

These initiatives may include:

1. The organisation of trade missions and visits by official delegations between Île-de-France and Scotland to develop business opportunities, notably as part of the agreement between the Île-de-France Region and Business France.
2. The promotion of conferences and events dedicated to economic development organised by the respective economic development agencies in the jurisdictions of the other signatory.
3. Reciprocal support for the integration into thematic international regional networks on climate protection, DeepTech, and tourism.

Developing university exchanges and research cooperation:

Recognising that Scotland and Île-de-France are home to renowned universities and research centres, the signatories agree to work together to facilitate exchanges and cooperation between their students and researchers.

Initiatives may include linking universities, research institutes, innovation and technology clusters and incubators to promote the exchange of knowledge and best practice.

Promoting the inclusion of women and girls and combating discrimination and sexual violence:

The signatories recognise the importance of combating discrimination at every stage of public policy. The signatories have also made the fight against sexual violence a priority. To advance these objectives, specific initiatives will be undertaken to combat discrimination and sexual violence.

These initiatives may include :

1. Exchanging best practice and tools to combat the pay gap between men and women, and implement tools to combat and report sexual violence and exploitation.
2. Sharing experiences and tools to protect women who are victims of all forms of violence in physical spaces and online.
3. Setting up reciprocal training to develop skills in the fight against sexual violence.

Promoting creative industries and culture:

Recognising that Scotland and Île-de-France are renowned creative and cultural hubs, the signatories agree to collaborate, wherever possible, in the field of creative industries, namely performing and visual arts, music, design, video game development, film and television, fashion, literature and publishing.

Initiatives may include :

1. Cultural and artistic exchanges through exhibitions, collections, festivals and artists' residencies.
2. Promoting flagship cultural and sporting events and programmes of mutual interest.
3. Supporting Scottish artists in residence in the Paris Region as part of the FoRTE programme.
4. Promoting the cultural and creative industries (CCIs).

Article 2

Liability disclaimer

This Memorandum of Understanding does not constitute a legally binding agreement. Neither signatory shall be liable to the other, under any law, for any act or omission in connection with this Memorandum, nor for any financial loss whatsoever.

Article 3

Financial neutrality clause

The implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding of intent does not create any legal or financial obligations between the signatories under international or national law.

Article 4

Amendments

Any amendment to this Memorandum shall require the written and signed approval of the authorised representatives of both signatories.

Article 5

Interpretation

Any differences in interpretation or application of this Memorandum shall be settled amicably by direct consultation between the signatories.

Article 6

Non-Exclusivity

This Memorandum is without prejudice to the conclusion of similar partnerships with third parties.

Article 7

Validity

This Memorandum shall take effect from the date on which it is signed by both signatories and will initially be implemented for a period of five years. It may then be renewed by tacit agreement for an additional five-year term.

Either signatory has the right to terminate this Memorandum.

The Memorandum will be terminated one month following written notice of one of the signatories to the other.

Termination of this Memorandum shall not affect the implementation of projects and programmes approved in accordance with this Memorandum and not completed at the date of termination, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the signatories.

Signed in duplicate at ................, on ....... 2026, in English and French.

For the Île-de-France Region,

The President

For the Scottish Government,

The Deputy First Minister

Valérie PÉCRESSE

Kate FORBES