Scotland & Europe

A summary of discussions on 14 March 2026, based on notes compiled by facilitators Dave Thomson, Colin Fox and Geoff Bush

Scotland has geographic and historical roots in Europe. Europe is not the same as The EU in general but also particularly in relation to defence and security matters. Could Scotland also choose to be a Nordic country? Two Nordic nations are not EU members. Is this status an option for Scotland to consider? Ireland moved its European trade from via UK to direct links since Brexit. Is this a lesson for Scotland?

EU vs EFTA (European Free Trade Association)

Independent Scotland will be able to decide on future relationships within Europe. Key advantages relate to free movement of labour, capital and people, access to markets and the value of trade. EU funded infrastructure projects could benefit Scotland as they did Poland. Freedom to travel is also highly valued. Some Scots emigrated to enable continued personal association with the EU.

There is a lack of knowledge about EFTA as an alternative route to the trade advantages of the EEA (European Economic Area) and about the EU itself. EFTA and EU are not entirely incompatible, though there are problems with EU fiscal rules which EFTA does not have. Joining EFTA as a route to membership of the EU would provide faster access to trade advantages.

Scotland’s alignment with EU regulations may weaken the longer we are out of membership. Rejoining would require abolition of Scotland’s two Freeports.

Options for trade with the rest of the UK also need to be considered. Trade infrastructure must be rebuilt post independence. Why not start now?

A Rational Choice

Because 62% of Scots voted Remain there is a lingering sense of emotional loss which lends itself to a conflation of rejoin the EU and independence. But is EU membership, with its restrictive ratios of deficit/debt to GDP, compatible with Scotland’s fiscal need, as a newly independent country, to invest in state building and necessary infrastructure. The EU is changing so there is no way of knowing what it will be like if and when Scotland rejoins after two referendums: 1, to apply and begin accession negotiations and 2, to accept the final deal – or not.

Europe’s influence in the world is declining both absolutely and relatively in contrast to the rise of the BRICS countries (originally Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, now BRICS plus with six or so additional members).

Remaining Questions

Could / would Spain veto Scotland’s membership of the EU?

Is Europe 100% democratic and does this matter? (Hungary was cited as an example but the situation there changed dramatically at the recent election.)

The Bottom Line

Scotland needs independence to be in a position to weigh all options and decide on future relationships with the EU, Europe, Nordic nations, rUK and the rest of the world.

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