Thread by @AMSalamone

What was that? You are looking for a comprehensive, independent and realistic plan for how Scotland could join the EU? I am glad you asked... #indyref2 thetimes.co.uk/article/snp-mu…

Why not try Scotland's EU Blueprint, the 136-page, 47,000-word report from @euromerchants? It covers every aspect of how an independent Scotland could join the EU and become a successful EU Member State bit.ly/SC-EU

The blueprint is available in full online and it will shortly be available in print. While we are here, let's address some of the questions and 'interesting' arguments raised in this article

What would Scotland gain from being in the EU? A lot – being part of the EU Single Market and regaining freedoms of work, study and travel. But the EU is much more than a trade bloc. It is a community of values. Scotland would be declaring that it wants to be part of that too

What is the timetable? Scotland would take 44-78 months to join the EU – probably 48-60 months (4-5 years). That is fast. The government should set a target of 4 years. Scotland would have an interim relationship with the EU during this period, through an Association Agreement

When would Scotland apply? Scotland would apply to join the EU after it became independent from the UK. Deciding to apply would be based on the government's manifesto, a vote in the Parliament or both. In this period, EU-SC relations would be covered by the Association Agreement

Would the talks be difficult? Negotiations to join the EU are all about making sure the candidate is ready to take on the rights and responsibilities of membership. The EU and Scotland would work together to move to that place. Any difficulty would depend on Scotland's approach

Should there be a referendum? Yes, Scotland should hold an EU accession referendum once the negotiations have finished, so the people of Scotland can give their view on the terms of EU membership. This is now standard practice

What about UK trade? Scotland's trade with the UK would be governed by the EU-UK relationship. As it stands, that would mean border controls for goods. While regrettable, it would be manageable – and the result of the UK govt's decision to cut the UK off from its closest partners

What about the euro? As an actual expert, I can say categorically that Scotland would never be forced to adopt the euro. But it is an important part of the EU. Why not have a serious debate about whether it could be good for Scotland to decide to join the euro?

The EU can be bureaucratic though? Compared to Number 10 or the Treasury saying 'we are doing x and that's that', sure. Cooperation and compromise are what the EU is all about. Europeans working together on common challenges. Your success depends on appreciating how the EU works

But the Commission is unelected? The Commission President is nominated by the (elected) Member State leaders, who is then accepted or rejected by the (elected) European Parliament. Each Commissioner nominee is assessed by the Parliament, which votes to approve or reject the lot

Would Scotland get EU funding? EU development funds are distributed to parts of Member States based on need. The Highlands & Islands received notable funding in the past. If Scotland didn't receive much future funding, it would be because it was doing better than most of the EU!

What about the Common Fisheries Policy? The CFP is part of EU law, so Scotland would join it just as Scotland would join the other aspects of the EU. As a Member State, Scotland would be able to influence the CFP in its own right and shape it into something better

What about EU state aid rules? The EU has rules on state aid to prevent the Single Market from being artificially distorted by any one government. These rules have exemptions to allow fair economic growth and regeneration. What matters most is that you make your case well

And EU policies on tax? Taxation is still subject to unanimity in the EU Council – so it is one of the few areas where each Member State has an effective veto. Different voices are calling for tax reform. Surely we can all agree there is room for improvement when it comes to tax?

The EU has environmental laws? Yes, the EU believes in preserving and protecting the environment, for humans, animals, plants and our collective future. Who knew? Don't most people in Scotland believe in that too?

Could Scotland attract investment? Does it rain in Glasgow? Scotland is an open trading economy with a highly educated population and multiple dynamics growth sectors. As an EU member, Scotland would be an English-speaking gateway to the rest of the EU Single Market 💶💶💶

So, an independent Scotland has a clear and feasible pathway to EU membership. Of course, negotiation and compromise would be required – that is how the real world works. It would benefit us all to have a Scottish EU debate with less nonsense, more reality bit.ly/36kYAK0

– FIN –