Scots strong in EU

Scotland is a European ­nation. Scots already work at the heart of the European Union’s institutions and play key roles in ­European society and businesses.

From senior commission officials, to respected members of the European Parliament to experts in a range of policy fields and leading business people, Scots are a driving force in Europe.

The EU will be strengthened by Scotland taking its place at the top table. Adding the voices of Scottish ministers to the council of ministers, a more representative number of Scots MEPs in the European Parliament and a Scottish commissioner to the college of commissioners will be a ­positive contribution to a more balanced and rationale debate on Europe’s future.

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The EU operates based on principles of political consensus and inclusiveness; we are all European citizens, with the same rights, protected by the treaties.

Scotland can fully meet the EU’s membership criteria and there is a strong political and ­economic imperative making the Scottish Government’s timetable for transition to full EU ­membership more than realistic.

The threat to Scotland’s place in the EU is not independence, rather it is the drift to eurosceptic populism in England in the event of a No vote.

An independent Scotland will be in a stronger position to champion policies that matter for the Scottish people. It is widely accepted that small member states do proportionately better than their larger counterparts in funding arrangements due to their ability to negotiate at the top table. Currently Scotland lacks negotiating muscle and is forced to rely on Westminster, but all too often the deal cut by UK ministers has seen Scottish citizens, farmers, fishermen and ­businesses lose out.

Independence will enable ­Scotland to stake a claim to host EU agencies (eg Denmark hosts the EU environment agency) and take a lead on strategic issues (eg “tiny” Estonia champions European cyber defence).

A Yes vote will be welcomed across Europe and Scots will ­continue to play their part in the development of a more prosperous, fairer and sustainable ­European Union.

Alasdair Reid

Director, Technopolis Group

(Brussels and Estonia)

David Preece

European Commission, Directorate General Translation

Frances Anne Hunter

Retired Commission ­official (30 years) EC ­negotiator at UN and WTO

(all in a personal capacity)

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