The stories were published 4 months ago but the subjects are still, in even more so, current.
Whilst browsing thru the 21st April 2007 copy of “The Economist†by their columnist “Charlemagne†concerning Scottish Independence which produces some angles which I had not thought of and research into the Possibility of Scotland being after independence a member of the EC.
Scotland
The SNP are strongly pushing the line Independent Scotland in Europe.
1. Under the current arrangements the population of Scotland are no more in favour than the English of EC membership being a mere 12%.
2. If Scotland left the member State i.e UK under the EC Regulations it(Scotland) would no longer be a member and would have to apply for membership. The membership being held by the member state the UK, would continue. This has been confirmed by the EC Commission
3. All 27 Member Countries would have to approve that application.
4. Some states like Spain have their own problems with secessionists like the Basque and Catalans and are unlikely to do anything to encourage smaller independent states in the EC may even oppose membership.
5. Several countries including France are obliged by their constitution to hold a referendum on a new member joining.
6. Scotland would be leaving one Union to just join another Union.
No doubt Scotland would, at some point, gain entry but how much would it have to give away, lets say in Fishing rights to get the Spanish vote for instance.
Food for discussion.
Another article of general interest about the RN also appeared in this copy.
RN
Nutty
Whilst browsing thru the 21st April 2007 copy of “The Economist†by their columnist “Charlemagne†concerning Scottish Independence which produces some angles which I had not thought of and research into the Possibility of Scotland being after independence a member of the EC.
Scotland
The SNP are strongly pushing the line Independent Scotland in Europe.
1. Under the current arrangements the population of Scotland are no more in favour than the English of EC membership being a mere 12%.
2. If Scotland left the member State i.e UK under the EC Regulations it(Scotland) would no longer be a member and would have to apply for membership. The membership being held by the member state the UK, would continue. This has been confirmed by the EC Commission
3. All 27 Member Countries would have to approve that application.
4. Some states like Spain have their own problems with secessionists like the Basque and Catalans and are unlikely to do anything to encourage smaller independent states in the EC may even oppose membership.
5. Several countries including France are obliged by their constitution to hold a referendum on a new member joining.
6. Scotland would be leaving one Union to just join another Union.
No doubt Scotland would, at some point, gain entry but how much would it have to give away, lets say in Fishing rights to get the Spanish vote for instance.
Food for discussion.
Another article of general interest about the RN also appeared in this copy.
RN
Nutty
