A CANDIDATE for the role of President of the European Commission has said she “absolutely” wants Scotland to become independent and rejoin the EU.
Maylis Roßberg – one of the two lead candidates to head the EU Commission for the European Free Alliance (EFA) – told The National it was an “easy answer”.
A European political party that consists of various nationalist, regionalist and autonomist parties throughout the EU, EFA is the party umbrella to which the SNP belongs, and currently has 10 seats in the European Parliament.
“We know that Scotland didn't choose Brexit. Scotland didn't choose to leave the EU. I see a lot of young Scots that are devastated by all the chances they have been robbed,” she said.
“I also really believe in the right to self-determination, I want the Scottish people to choose their own future.
"And if that future is in the European Union, I will advocate for that and try to make it happen.”
Speaking from the Our European Future conference organised by Young Scots for Independence (YSI) in Stirling on Friday, Roßberg said that EFA are the “only voice” for indy campaigners and supporters in the EU.
“I know it takes time. I know becoming independent will not happen tomorrow. But right now there's a generation that still knows how it is to be part of the European Union,” she said.
“And I don't want to be in a situation where maybe newer generations don't.”
She added: “For me, we have to highlight that it would benefit Scotland. But it would also benefit the European Union. And I think this is not mentioned enough.
“I see Scotland as one of the most inclusive countries in the world. Its social policies, I value those a lot.
“And that's something a lot of EU countries can learn from. As well as Scotland contributing too within the single market.”
Roßberg said that she would like a “fast track mechanism” so that Scotland has an easier path to re-enter the European Union.
“Scotland has a lot of people in EU circles that sympathise with the country,” she said.
“I think that a lot of people would also like to see an independent Scotland, or at least a Scotland within the EU.”
The politician also mentioned recent controversy over Scotland’s international engagement, with David Cameron threatening to withdraw co-operation with Scottish ministers after Humza Yousaf met Turkey’s president at COP28 without a UK representative last year.
“If you look at it from a scientific perspective, international relations is one of the most important factors when it comes to independence movements.
“Because, in independent countries, you need international relations in particular. You cannot be on your own. And especially in the European Union, you need those links to get the support.
“So maybe that's why you are limited by the UK Government, who know that those links could be dangerous for them.”
Despite being very busy ahead of the upcoming European election in June, Roßberg said attending the YSI conference in Stirling is important.
“People were asking, why are you going to Scotland? They are not voting in this election. And I said, yeah, but we are trying to bring them back to vote the next time.
“We need those links coming from the European Union to Scotland. But we also need those links coming from Scotland to the European Union.”
