International Work

Support KCC's and external partners' international work

Helping to achieve the priorities and objectives of the county council's directorates and those of our external partners requires an informed and intelligent approach to influencing policy and securing EU funding. IAG facilitates this activity and sets the overall environment for European work, in particular to ensure that EU-funded projects are related to key KCC and Kent priorities. This includes undertaking targeted initiatives to maximise take-up from key programmes, providing advice and support for project development and a programme of awareness-raising seminars. IAG increasingly supports the work of others in inward investment, tourism, small business and other KCC and Kent business priorities.

Policy Influencing

IAG recognises the vital importance of promoting Kent's interests at EU, national and regional level, providing a focal point in Brussels and actively networking with others. This includes strengthening the EU dimension within wider KCC policy formulation and ensuring that the county council and its strategic partners have up-to-date relevant information on areas likely to affect them. For example through the Kent in Europe Seminar Programme.

European funding also has an important role in supporting Kent businesses and people, especially through the current economic difficulties. IAG has therefore developed strong relationships with the EU institutions, programme Managing Authorities and other European partners in order to influence policy and access funding for the benefit of Kent.