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 Jamie Hepburn 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.”
