Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Scotland's future in the EU

As the final days of campaigning in Scotland close, the European Union has remained quiet about Scotland's future within the EU should it become independent

Officials in Brussels say they've avoided putting out statements ahead of the referendum on Thursday in order not to influence voting.

The EU has said in the past that an independent Scotland would become its own country and therefore would have to apply for full membership.

Analysts say there is a degree of wariness across Europe about a wave of other regions such as Catalunia or the Basque country in Spain demanding independence as well.

Director of the European Policy Center Fabian Zuleeg 
says Scotland's potential EU membership would be a long process.

IN: "Well firstly…"
OUT: "...Indefinitely"
DUR: 47 seconds


ALT

Some analysts have pointed to the possibility of Scotland using a special legal process that would fast track its EU membership because of the European laws it already has in place. 
 
But director of the European Policy Center Fabian Zuleeg 
says Scotland would need unanimous approval from all EU countries.

IN: "Clearly…"
OUT: "... England."
DUR: 41 seconds


ALT

Director of the European Policy Center Fabian Zuleeg 
says the EU should be wary of discouraging independence for states who are pro-European.

IN: "We should…"
OUT: "...followed."
DUR: 39 seconds