Should an independent Scotland look to re-join the EU?

As of 2021, Scotland along with the rest of the UK was removed from the EU, due to the infamous Brexit result in 2016. However, while overall the result was 52% to 48% to leave the EU, in Scotland the result was the opposite with all 32 local authorities voting to remain.

Overall, Scotland had the most remain votes by far in the UK. This means that the question of whether Scotland should gain independence in order to seek EU membership has been become one of the biggest issues in Scotland’s modern-day politics.

There are numerous benefits to Scotland re-joining the EU. The EU itself helps to provide a buffer against external shocks which includes financial crisis or health emergencies. EU membership would also help to enhance Scotland’s influence for good across the world meaning it will have a stronger presence and voice.

Global trade is another major factor in why most Scots feel it would be a good idea to be part of the EU. In 2020, the EU had 65 preferential trade partnerships which were worth around €1.35bn. This could present the opportunity for Scotland to boost its exports to both EU and non-EU destinations which would only be a good thing for Scotland’s economy.

Katie Melvin, 20, a Scottish nursery assistant said: “I think re-joining the EU would be a good idea. I feel we were forcibly removed from the EU against our will. You only need to look at how the final result turned out to see that Scotland has a major desire to be part of the EU.

“It’s not even things like the single market that make me feel re-joining is for the best. For me, it’s freedom of movement. Previously, once I had achieved my qualification in childcare, I could’ve considered getting a job abroad for a few years doing this. However, I am now in a position that this option is no longer available to me.

“This all goes back to Scotland being taken out of the EU when it didn’t want to be. Even things like just owning a holiday home now. It is no longer possible to stay in an EU country for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period. This would then mean having to get a visa and for some this wouldn’t be an option due to not meeting the funds required. So, things like spending winter in countries like Spain is now extremely difficult.”

However, the time that it may take for Scotland to be a member of the EU again could be significant. Scotland would first need to sort its exit from the UK first before it could be considered an independent sovereign state. Until this point is reached, no formal application could be submitted to be part of the EU.

For some Scots though, this may be a timeframe worth going through. As it is unlikely the UK would re-join the EU, becoming independent and joining the EU as a new member state appears to be the best solution for Scotland’s desire to be part of the EU.