SNP politicians hope to reassure European policymakers that an independent Scotland would be a reliable partner as part of “Project No Surprises”.
Former MEP Alyn Smith, now the MP for Stirling, is working with colleagues to promote the international aspects of Scottish independence on the continent.
Smith believes the 2014 referendum campaign did not do “enough to reach out, to persuade, to contextualise” the situation to an overseas audience.
“Of course, it is primarily an internal Scottish debate,” Smith told Politico. “But given that the international aspects of independence are so important to the case for independence — and we want to be independent in order to apply for EU membership, in order to apply for NATO membership — we are … firmly of the view that we need to do ‘Project No Surprises.'”
Once Covid-19 restrictions are eased, he said, he will be in Brussels pushing that message and ensuring “our visibility is there as Scotland, not as a part of the UK”.
Separately, the Scottish Government has been increasing its EU engagement with its European Friends of Scotland Group.
Alongside the Government’s Brussels office, the group involves 35 MEPs with an interest in Scotland’s links to Europe. Representatives come from across the political spectrum and include former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont.
Swedish MEP Erik Bergkvist hopes the group can be used to build bridges to allow the UK to rejoin the EU, but said if different parts of the UK return at different times “that’s something they have to figure out”.
And German Green MEP Terry Reintke, who studied in Edinburgh, said she hopes to have close relationships whether Scotland goes its own way, holds a referendum or stays in the Union.
READ MORE: WATCH: Catalan MEP stands up for Scotland in brilliant European Parliament speech
And former foreign minister for Estonia Marina Kaljurand said: “I think the most important thing was just to say that … we’re here to support you.
“So of course it’s up to Scottish people to decide upon their future. But we are here and happy to welcome them back whenever it’s possible.”
Some 62% of Scots voted Remain in the 2016 referendum. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said there are no plans for a referendum on whether an independent Scotland would rejoin the bloc.
However, she said a “detailed prospectus” would be put to Scots ahead of indyref2.
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