An independent Scotland would seek to re-join the European Union
as soon as possible, according to plans to be published later
this week.
The seventh paper of the Building a New Scotland series – An
independent Scotland in the EU – will set out the benefits of EU
membership to an independent Scotland, as well as what the
country could contribute to the EU as a member state.
The paper, which will be published on Friday 17 November, will
detail the economic costs of Brexit to Scotland and how an
independent Scotland could make the most of being part of the
European single market.
Minister for Independence said:
“Scotland is in a unique position in that it has been taken out
of the EU against its will. As a result, the people of Scotland
have lost their right to live, work and study across the EU.
“EU membership is central to Scotland’s future economic and
social success. As a member, Scotland would be part of the
world’s largest single market of 450 million people – around
seven times the size of the UK – and would advance
Scotland’s interests directly in the EU for the first time.
“Of course, while the EU has much to offer Scotland, Scotland
also has a lot that it will contribute to the EU as a member
state. Scotland’s world class colleges and universities would be
able to welcome Erasmus+ students from EU countries and
Scotland’s strengths in renewable energy would help contribute to
the transition to net zero.
“An independent Scotland’s EU membership would not be at the
expense of the valuable relationships we have. The other nations
of the UK and Ireland will remain Scotland’s close and valued
friends. But independence is the only realistic way to achieve
Scotland’s aim of becoming an EU member once again.”
Background
Building a new
Scotland
