Samenvatting

The main purpose of this bachelor dissertation is to examine the possible future consequences for the European Union (EU), if Scotland would become independent after the referendum in 2014. This year, a Scottish referendum on this issue will be held with the intention to leave the United Kingdom (UK). As a newly-independent state separated from the UK, Scotland would need to determine its position in the EU.
Theoretically, Scots are EU citizens and the current independent Scottish legal system is fully compliant with the EU’s Acquis Communautaire. However, based on basic assessments, it shows that there is no provision for successor states in the EU Treaties such as the Treaty of the European Union (TEU). Additionally, secession of a nation from within an existing EU Member State, in this case the UK, is an unprecedented event.
Following Scottish history and the current position of Scotland in the EU, three EU accession possibilities for an independent Scotland are examined: 1) Scotland as successor EU Member State; 2) Scotland as candidate country for EU accession; 3) Scotland as an independent state outside the EU. Looking at the political discussions on the issue, scenario 2 seems to be the most reasonable. The Scottish Government presumes that an independent Scotland would join the EU by fast-track application procedure as the country already meets a vast majority of the conditions for EU accession. So, if an independent Scotland would apply to join the EU, either through the formal or fast-track process, this will have consequences for the EU itself. These consequences are: Enlargement of the EU, institutional provisions, the shift of political powers, a ‘Scottish’ Precedent for European regions, and changes of accession criteria in EU Treaties.