Catalonia, Scotland and the EU:: Visions of Independence and Integration (Europa Regional Perspectives)

The electoral success of secessionist parties in Catalonia and Scotland over the last decade, together with Brexit and the support for Eurosceptic parties in many EU member states, have prompted a rethink of many taken-for-granted notions about politics in Spain, the UK and the EU. Secessionist parties in Catalonia and Scotland often combine calls for independence with support for the EU, but independence for Catalonia might entail the loss of EU membership. In the UK, Scotland voted for the UK to remain in the EU, yet it was forced to leave the Union along with the rest of the country: what effect has Brexit had on Scottish independence claims? Through comparing Catalonia and Scotland, this short volume aims to contribute to debates on, and advance knowledge of, visions of independence and integration, how they interrelate in Europe⁰́₉s emergent political order, and what they entail for European integration and democracy in the EU The electoral success of secessionist parties in Catalonia and Scotland over the last decade, together with Brexit and the support for Eurosceptic parties in many European Union (EU) member states, have prompted a rethink of many taken-for-granted notions about politics in Spain, the UK and the EU. Secessionist parties in Catalonia and Scotland often combine calls for independence with support for the EU, but independence for Catalonia might entail the loss of EU membership. In the UK, Scotland voted for the UK to remain in the EU, yet it was forced to leave the Union along with the rest of the country: what effect has Brexit had on Scottish independence claims? Through comparing Catalonia and Scotland, this short volume aims to contribute to debates on, and advance knowledge of, visions of independence and integration, how they interrelate in Europe’s emergent political order and what they entail for European integration and democracy in the EU. Cover 1 Endorsement 2 Half Title 4 Series Page 5 Title Page 6 Copyright Page 7 Table of Contents 8 List of figures 9 Preface 10 Abbreviations 12 1. Studying visions of Scottish and Catalan independence in Europe 14 2. Different paths to independence in Europe 40 3. Catalan independence and European integration: From idealism to realism? 64 4. Scottish independence in an integrated Europe: Still seen as viable? 91 5. Scotland and Catalonia: Comparison and wider implications 115 Appendix 135 Index 137 1,Studying,visions,of,Scottish,and,Catalan,independence,in,Europe;,2,Different,paths,to,independence,in,Europe;,3,Catalan,independence,and,European,integration;,4,Scottish,independence,in,an,integrated,Europe;,5,Scotland,and,Catalonia 1 Studying visions of Scottish and Catalan independence in Europe,2 Different paths to independence in Europe,3 Catalan independence and European integration,4 Scottish independence in an integrated Europe,5 Scotland and Catalonia The electoral success of secessionist parties in Catalonia and Scotland over the last decade, together with Brexit and the support for Eurosceptic parties in many EU member states, have prompted a rethink of many taken-for-granted notions about politics in Spain, the UK and the EU. Secessionist parties in Catalonia and Scotland often combine calls for independence with support for the EU, but independence for Catalonia might entail the loss of EU membership. In the UK, Scotland voted for the UK to remain in the EU, yet it was forced to leave the Union along with the rest of the country: what effect has Brexit had on Scottish independence claims? Through comparing Catalonia and Scotland, this short volume aims to contribute to debates on, and advance knowledge of, visions of independence and integration, how they interrelate in Europe0́9s emergent political order, and what they entail for European integration and democracy in the EU