AN independent Scotland is likely to be fast-tracked and able to join the EU “relatively quickly”, according to a European expert.
Professor James Ker-Lindsay said there are “stark” differences between the position of Scotland and countries such as Albania and Serbia which are seeking membership.
Writing in a blog for the Scottish Centre for European Relations, the visiting professor at the European Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science, argued that Scotland would almost certainly be moved to the “fast-track line”.
Although it would still be subject to the same checks as other countries, he said it would be expected to “overtake the other countries in short order and join the EU relatively quickly”.
In 2014, then president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso claimed trying to get back into the EU would be “extremely difficult, if not impossible” for an independent Scotland.
But there are signs attitudes have changed following Brexit, with former European Council president Donald Tusk commenting earlier this month there would be “sympathy” for an independent Scotland securing full membership.
Ker-Lindsay, who specialises in issues relating to EU enlargement, said Scotland’s possible membership of the EU “inevitably looms large” in any discussions about the possibility of indyref2.
He said there were questions over whether Scotland would have to go to the back of the queue and if it would be treated differently from countries that are already in line to join, such as those from the Western Balkans.
But he said: “In terms of the political framework, there is no doubt that Scotland stands apart from the countries currently in the queue. In every way, the historical, political, economic and even social contexts are completely different.”
He also argued the economic profile of those countries was very different, with“no comparison” to Scotland’s situation.
Ker-Lindsay said: “No policy-maker would put Scotland in the same basket as the Western Balkans. Inevitably, all this means that EU members will almost certainly treat Scotland very differently when it comes to making the political decisions about whether or not to open accession talks.
“However, while the political framework could not be more different, one would imagine that the formal negotiating process will have to remain essentially the same. The commission would assess the situation in terms of each chapter and report back on whether convergence exists. It would then be for members to make their decisions.
“That said, one cannot overlook the specific circumstances that would arise in the case of Scotland.
“Assuming the degree of divergence that has taken place after the end of transition process is not that great – and this is one of the great unknows of the Brexit process – one would expect this to be a relatively straightforward and swift process.”
Ker-Lindsay said any claim Scotland would have to go to the back of the queue may be “theoretically correct”, but was “only as a statement of fact”.
He said: “It would almost certainly be moved to the fast track line.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel