So many people repeat idea: (re)joining EU would mean having to join the Euro and Schengen.
Sweden proves the former isn't true.
Preserving CTA with Ireland is sound legal basis on which latter needn't happen either.
[Without saying whether they are good or bad things per se]
Sweden proves the former isn't true.
Preserving CTA with Ireland is sound legal basis on which latter needn't happen either.
[Without saying whether they are good or bad things per se]
Sweden joined EU and signed commitment to join Euro when conditions were met. Sweden unilaterally decided conditions include popular consent in national vote. So Sweden is not in Euro and may never be. It's not an enforceable duty - you can't force a country to change currency!
CTA is essential for peace in Norn Iron. Ireland's right to maintain CTA is constitutionally protected under EU law. Forcing UK to join Schengen would destroy CTA and therefore also Ireland's own Treaty rights. So granting UK another derogation from Schengen is logical solution.
I stress again: I'm making no judgment on whether UK joining Euro or Schengen are good or bad things in themselves... Simply pointing out legal fact that neither is anywhere near as clear cut as so many people so often suggest!
And while I do appreciate when people take the time to tell me I don't know what I'm talking about, my job title sort-of suggests I might do this for a living and could even have an above-average grasp of the issues! Damn experts...
Final point particularly for Scotland & independence debate: same analysis of Euro and Schengen applies to Scottish EU membership as it does to UK readmission: if Scots want neither, "doing a Sweden" is possible with Euro; preserving CTA with IRL requires special border treatment
