Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, Scotland has been vocal in its desire to remain part of the EU, as the majority of its citizens voted to remain. However, Scotland’s pro-European stance was not reflected in the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The Scottish government has consistently advocated for maintaining close ties with the EU, protecting Scotland’s interests, and exploring the possibility of holding a second independence referendum.
Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s new First Minister’s (FM), visited Brussels in his first ever international trip to reiterate Scotland’s commitment to the European project – during this visit this event has taken place on 27 June at the EPC. The First Minister emphasised the shared values, economic benefits, and cultural exchanges that Scotland enjoyed as a member of the EU. By reiterating Scotland’s pro-European stance, Mr Yousaf aimed to highlight the divergence between Scottish and UK government positions on the EU.
The First Minister expressed deep regret over the negative consequences of Brexit, particularly the impact on Scotland’s economy, trade, and relationships with European partners. Mr Yousaf highlighted the challenges faced by Scottish businesses, farmers, and citizens due to the new barriers to trade and movement. A recent report has found that Brexit has cost the Scottish economy 3 billion pounds, and Scottish exports have diminished by 13 percent. By lamenting the catastrophe of Brexit, the First Minister aimed to draw attention to the potential benefits of Scotland maintaining close ties with the EU, with the aim to one day have a smooth rejoining. At the same time, he touted Scotland’s huge renewable and clean energy export potential, and that Scotland is looking to become the foremost renewable energy hub in Europe. Mr Yousaf wants this to happen while Scotland has a seat at the EU table.
The First Minister welcomed the new Windsor Framework in Northern Ireland, alongside any improvement in relations between the UK and the EU. However, Mr Yousaf noted the irony in the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak’s speech while announcing the Windsor Framework as Mr Sunak stated that Northern Ireland enjoys the benefits of both the UK and the EU. The First Minister quipped that Scotland could have struck a similar relationship as the Brexit negotiations developed, but was denied by the UK Government.
To strengthen Scotland’s relations with the EU, the First Minister announced the creation of a new special envoy position. The special envoy will act as a dedicated liaison between Scotland and Brussels, facilitating communication, cooperation, and collaboration across various areas such as trade, culture, education, and research. This move is seen as a proactive step to enhance Scotland’s presence within EU institutions and to ensure that Scottish interests are properly represented.
While taking questions from the audience, Mr Yousaf remarked that the Scottish government is currently releasing government publications that lay out its policy approach in regard to independence, the economy, Scotland’s constitution, and soon: Scotland’s future in the European Union. The First Minister noted that with independence Scotland has the chance to move closer to its EU partners by striking a written constitution which enshrines rights and values that are shared and propounded by the EU as well.
In a similar note, the First Minister said that Scotland would attempt to mitigate Brexit’s chilling effects on the Scotland-EU cultural, educational, and political links by connecting and empowering Scotland’s diaspora in EU countries; by liaising with them on how to protect and foster cultural links while Scotland is still outside the EU. In an unexpected development, as the UK Government exited the Erasmus programme, the First Minister announced that the Scottish Government would take steps to finance and create infrastructure that imitate and connect to the EU’s Erasmus programme. This would allow for EU students to continue to choose Scotland as an economically viable and attractive destination for studies abroad.
Equally, the First Minister responded to the controversial question of Scotland’s membership of NATO. Mr Yousaf confirmed that Scotland would be a strong member of NATO, but Scotland has always been a fierce advocate for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. However, the First Minister remarked that Scotland’s stance has been emboldened by the entry of Finland, as Finland maintains that nuclear weapons are not to be imported, stockpiled, or deployed in Finland. Scotland would similarly commit to the same twin policies.
The Scottish First Minister’s visit to Brussels showcased Scotland’s unwavering commitment to the European project, lamented the consequences of Brexit, and sought to turbo-boost Scotland’s relations with Brussels and the EU. The creation of a special envoy position signifies Scotland’s determination to foster closer ties, enhance communication, and ensure that its interests are duly represented within EU institutions. The visit serves as a testament to Scotland’s pro-European, pro-independence stance and its aspiration to forge a path aligned with European values and principles.