‘Not a particularly long process’: Scotland hopes to return to EU if independent

“Not a particularly long process”
In the event of independence, Scotland hopes to return to the EU

10/17/2022, 8:32 pm

Scotland’s Prime Minister is optimistic about the country’s possible independence. If the Scots decide to secede from Great Britain in the event of a new referendum, Sturgeon hopes for a quick resettlement into the EU.

Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon hopes for swift re-entry into the European Union if independence from Great Britain is achieved. While negotiations will take place, most experts agree that “it will not be a particularly long process”, Sturgeon said in Edinburgh. “No one can seriously believe that Scotland is not welcome in the EU.”

In a 2014 referendum, more than half of Scottish voters opposed separation from the United Kingdom. However, Scotland will leave the EU in 2020 as part of the United Kingdom. Supporters of an independent Scotland argue that this has fundamentally changed the situation and that Scots should once again vote for their country’s independence.

The government wants to ensure freedom of travel

In his comments on the economy of an independent Scotland, Sturgeon explained that border controls were necessary for the movement of goods between Scotland and its closest trading partner, England. Fears about passport restrictions, for example when visiting relatives across the border, are “foolish” because Scotland will remain in a common area with Ireland and Great Britain, including freedom of travel. Sturgeon also confirmed plans to introduce a new currency – a Scottish pound. However, she didn’t want to set a timeline for it.

The leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) has targeted a referendum on 19 October 2023. At the request of the Scottish government, the UK’s highest court is currently examining whether Edinburgh can legally hold such a vote, even if the UK central government has not given permission.