THE European Commission’s response to a request from the Scottish Government over concerns about the use of European arrest warrants in the wake of the Clara Ponsati case will be a “litmus test” for how Brussels sees Scotland, according to former social justice secretary Alex Neil.
The senior SNP MSP said he had “no faith” in the commission or its President Jean-Claude Juncker following its support for Spain in the wake of the Catalan independence vote last year, which saw a violent crackdown by Madrid and the imprisonment of Catalan politicians. Neil said the EU’s stance was a further reason why the SNP should change its policy on independence in the EU, saying it should instead simply back European Economic Area membership.
READ MORE: Scottish Government steps up pressure on Spain to drop legal action
He recalled how during the 2014 independence referendum the former president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, said it would be “extremely difficult, if not impossible” for an independent Scotland to join the EU.
“During the independence referendum Scotland was treated with utter contempt. Boroso did everything he could to undermined the Yes campaign.” Neil told The National. “After the EU referendum Jean-Claude Juncker tried to give the impression he is all pro Scottish. I think the reply to the [Scottish Government’s] letter will be a litmus test about how they treat Scotland. Frankly I have no faith in Jean Claude Juncker or the European Commission.”
He added: “It’s appalling the EU which has a charter of fundamental rights has actually taken the side of the Spanish government. When they instructed the police to remove people from the Catalan parliament, the vice-president of the European Commission supported this. That tells you all you need to know about how far the EU is prepared not to go to uphold the wishes of small nations and the rights of people who want to be independent ... The people who run it are anti small countries like Scotland and Catalonia exercising their democratic right to self-determination.
READ MORE: Clara Ponsati sends message to Spain ahead of first court appearance
“I don’t think it is a realistic position for the SNP to maintain its current policy, that an independent Scotland would reapply for membership of the EU. It would be far more sensible for us to become members of the European Free Trade Association, EFTA, and thereby become members of the EEA.”
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