After several rumours had been carried out saying that the
Spanish government would not allow independent Scotland to join the EU, if it
eventually breaks out of the rest of the UK, a new report has emerged that
Spain will not stand as an obstacle to Scotland if it decides to retain
membership of the EU. This was made known by the Spanish Foreign Minister, due
to the diplomatic row between the UK and Spain because of Breixt with respect to Gibraltar.
Alfonso Dastis said during an interview that, Scotland’s
efforts to join the EU would not be rejected by the Spanish government.
This was made clear to the general public, because in recent
times, people have always seen Spain as a hindrance to the desire of Scotland
to join the EU after Brexit, if it eventually gains independence, as a way of
discourage separatists emerging in Spain.
Asked whether Spain would reject an independent Scotland
joining the EU, Mr Dastis told Spanish newspaper El Pais: "Initially, I
don't think we would block it.”
He stated that Scotland will leave the EU with Britain,
adding “the rest we will see”.
He stressed an independent Scotland would have to follow the
formal application process of joining the EU.
The foreign minister said: "Having said that, if, in
application of its laws, the outcome of that process is a division of the
United Kingdom, any part of the United Kingdom that becomes a state and wants
to join the EU will have to apply. And follow the steps that are stipulated.”
On the other hand, he also stressed that Spain remains
opposed to an independent Scotland, Mr Dastis told the Guardian: "We don't
want it to happen. But if it happens legally and constitutionally, we would not
block it."
In his reaction to Dastis comment, a Scottish Government
minister Michael Russell hailed Mr Dastis remarks, saying they will help to end
"misinformation" about Spain's position regarding Scotland and the
EU.
Mr Russell, further told BBC Scotland thab: "That has
been the position of the Spanish Government for some considerable time.
"All the speculation about what the Spanish Government
would or wouldn't do has been wrong.
"I very much welcome it because it equates with
reality."
Also Stephen Gethins described it as a "significant
intervention" by Spain's foreign minister.
He said: "We can be now absolutely clear - there is no
intention of a 'Spanish veto' over Scotland's EU membership.
"This is just the latest indication from a senior
European diplomat that an independent Scotland would be welcomed into the EU
after Lord Kerr this week said that we'd be in 'very fast'.
"EU countries want to be constructive with Scotland and
will respect the democratic will of the Scottish people if we choose to be
independent."
Any prospective application to the EU can be vetoed by any
member with Spain previously suggesting Scotland would be at the "back of
the queue" to join the European Union if it achieves independence.
It comes as Spain goes head to head with Britain over
Gibraltar during Brexit talks.
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