The Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Energy is a junior ministerial post in the Scottish Government. As a result, the minister does not attend the Scottish Cabinet. The minister supported the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, a full member of the cabinet until its abolishment. The current Minister is Stephen Gethins, who was appointed on May 20, 2026.
The post was created in September 2012. The role was modified in February 2020 with migration moving to another post, before being abolished in May 2024 by John Swinney. In May 2026, the post was re-established.
Contents
Overview
The specific responsibilities of the minister were:
International development
Post-Brexit Relations
Cross government co-ordination on the European Union
Fair trade
Scottish diaspora
History
In September 2012 the position of Minister for External Affairs and International Development was created; the name of the role changed a November 2014 reshuffle when Nicola Sturgeon became First Minister. It was changed again in May 2016, after the 2016 election, and again in June 2018. In May 2024, First Minister John Swinney abolished the role following the formation of his first government. John Swinney brought the office back in use in May 2026, following the formation of his second government as Minister for Europe, External Affairs, and Energy.
List of office holders
The incumbent Minister is Stephen Gethins, who has held the role since May 2026.