- Regaining the benefits of EU membership
Independence is the only realistic route for Scotland to regain
the benefits of EU membership, according to a new paper published
by External Affairs Secretary .
The seventh paper in the Building a New Scotland series, sets out
the benefits for people and businesses that would occur from
Scotland having direct representation in the European Union for
the first time.
These include:
- being part of the world’s largest single market, with reduced
barriers to trade, free flows of data and less bureaucracy
- open access to a larger labour market with no restrictions on
employing EU citizens to work in Scotland, sustaining businesses,
universities, communities and public services
- the EU’s network of highly favourable international free
trade agreements and EU-level representation on market access
issues and food production standards in international
negotiations and disputes and the opportunity to influence future
EU regulatory requirements and standards
- a level playing field to access the EU’s digital economy,
including through Scotland’s expertise in games and software
development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data science and
connectivity
- the Erasmus+ exchange programme, giving future students the
same opportunities as previous generations to work and study
abroad
- multi-year funding security for Scotland’s farming and rural
businesses through the Common Agricultural Policy
- EU law enforcement tools, to help police and prosecutors
fight cross-border crime and threats more effectively
The paper also highlights what Scotland could contribute to the
EU as a member state with its strengths in renewable energy,
research and innovation, and shared values such as respect for
human rights and international law.
Mr Robertson said:
“Seven years after Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain, the
paper we are publishing today sets out how we could meaningfully
reverse the damage of Brexit and regain and enhance the benefits
of EU membership by joining as an independent country.
“This would give Scotland direct representation in European
decision-making for the very first time, providing opportunities
for our economy to grow inside a market which is seven times the
size of the UK and escape the damage of the UK’s hard Brexit,
which is hitting Scotland’s economy and communities hard.
“Our knowledge, shared values and close alignment with EU law
mean Scotland is well placed to fulfil all necessary steps
required to become a member state, whilst creating a new and
better relationship with our close friends in the rest of the UK.
“We are also well placed to give back to the EU as a welcoming
and inclusive country with strengths in research and renewables,
and a steadfast commitment to advancing human rights and the rule
of international law.
“I hope this paper and the proposals it puts forward will be read
and debated widely by people in Scotland. I look forward both to
that continuing debate and to the day when Scotland becomes
independent, working closely with all our friends in a great
shared endeavour that can help bring about a better Scotland and
a better Europe.”
Background
Building a New Scotland:
an independent Scotland in the EU
