SCOTLAND’S possible route to rejoining the European Union is the focus of the latest Scottish Government white paper on independence.
Angus Robertson told The National that he believes Scotland is in a “good place” to rejoin the bloc following a Yes vote, and insisted that the paper not only sets out the benefits for Scots but also for EU institutions as well.
And it is certainly the lengthiest and most detailed paper so far - at a whopping 78 pages, including a chunky index.
But what are the main points from the paper An independent Scotland in the EU? The National has picked them out for you below.
Benefits for Scots
Freedom of movement, being part of the world’s largest single market, and a wider range of education and employment opportunities are just some of the many benefits set out in the white paper.
There's certainly a wide range - from cultural exchange to regaining access to EU law enforcement tools - which brings home the reality of what was lost by Scotland because of Brexit.
Protections for workers' rights, while the UK Government brings in anti-strike legislation, access to the Erasmus exchange programme, rather than the Turing scheme which pales in comparison, and the ability to have your vote as a Scottish citizen to influence EU policy are just some of the perks of rejoining after a Yes vote.
The paper argues that Brexit was “hugely detrimental” to Scotland and that the distant relationship pursued by Westminster has only made things worse.
Benefits for the EU
It isn’t just Scots who will benefit according to the paper - the EU would also gain a new member state.
The paper argues that Scotland would be able to contribute to the “core values” of the EU, based on human dignity, equality, rule of law, freedom, democracy and human rights, as well as a strategically geographically placed country on the northern edge of Europe.
Scotland’s renewable energy potential would also assist the bloc’s net zero ambitions, and Scottish researchers would be able to take part in world-leading projects once again.
Freedom of movement would allow EU citizens not only a greater ability to visit Scotland but also welcome EU artists to the “global platform” offered by our international festivals.
Membership would allow Scotland to work with EU partners on migration and asylum policy and participate “constructively” in relocation programmes, as well as welcome EU students to Scottish Universities.
Seat at the table
Rejoining the EU as an independent country would also give Scotland a much bigger role in international affairs and a seat at the table of a number of key institutions.
The paper suggests, based on population size, that Scotland could have around 14 democratically elected Members of the European Parliament.
Scotland would also have the opportunity to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union - a position that has been held by numerous countries with smaller populations, such as Ireland and Cyprus.
EU membership would also give Scotland a seat on the board of the European Investment Bank and be able to provide a commissioner to the College of Commissioners, which sets overall EU strategy and initiates legislation.
Currency
Currency has been covered in the previous economy paper - but it makes another appearance in the latest publication.
It sticks with the Scottish Government’s policy of keeping the pound sterling before moving to a Scottish pound after a Yes vote. In relation to the euro, the paper states that there are “no timetables for member states joining the Eurozone is prescribed”, and Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said that the decision to adopt the euro or not would be for a future Government.
The document points out that Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Romania still retain their own currencies.
The Border
Border issues are another key debating point of the discussion around Scottish independence - and the white paper reveals some new details, as well as reiterating some known points.
Continued membership of the Common Travel Area (CTA). which allows freedom of movement across the UK and Ireland, is assumed.
It also admits that there will be some checks on goods at the border with England, but that a future Scottish Government would expect to use a Single Trade Window, described as a “one-stop shop online platform where traders submit documents in advance” resulting in “fewer and faster” checks.
