Scotland’s long road to the European Union

Since Brexit, Scottish politicians have been keen to embed the question of their country’s independence in a larger context: following a possible departure from the United Kingdom, they are aiming to re-enter the European Union. But the road back to Brussels can be a long one.

“The question of Scottish membership of the EU does not arise at the moment,” David McAllister (CDU), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and chair of the UK Coordinating Group in the European Parliament, told Editorial Network Germany (RND). ) notwithstanding this question, in principle the following applies: “A State that is geographically located in Europe and which respects our common values ​​may, under Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union, be eligible for membership of the European Union.” may apply.”

“The road to a second independence referendum is long”

In a regulated accession process, this state must meet all demanding political, economic and legal criteria. In addition, it ultimately requires the approval of a majority of all member states and the European Parliament. “The road to a second independence referendum is long and an internal matter for the UK,” McAllister said.

It is doubtful whether the government in Westminster will consider a second referendum within a short period of time, says McAllister, who holds British and German citizenship. The 2014 referendum was described as a generation-to-generation vote. Ultimately, the UK Supreme Court may have to answer that question. “So the institutional power struggle between Edinburgh and London will continue,” McAllister says. “It keeps exciting.”