Scotland’s Independence Movements – The Main Challenges in the Economic Sphere in the Aspect of Potential Separation of Scotland from the United Kingdom Cover Image

Szkockie dążenia niepodległościowe – główne wyzwania w sferze ekonomicznej w aspekcie ewentualnego odłączenia się Szkocji od Zjednoczonego Królestwa
Scotland’s Independence Movements – The Main Challenges in the Economic Sphere in the Aspect of Potential Separation of Scotland from the United Kingdom

Author(s): Ewa Radomska
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, International Law, Governance, Economic policy, Electoral systems, Inter-Ethnic Relations, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: Centrum Europejskie Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Scotland; independence; autonomy; United Kingdom; Great Britain; European Union; economy;

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of his article is to analyze the process of Scotland`s independence movements and to identify the main challenges in the economic sphere in the aspect of potential separation of Scotland from United Kingdom. As a basis for the research method a study based on the analysis of selected information sources was used. The attempts by Scotland to separation from the Great Britain, taken over the centuries, ended in failure, but have contributed to increase of Scottish autonomy. The results of the referendum on the United Kingdom’s continuing membership of the European Union have become the impulse for intensification of Scottish activity towards secession from the Great Britain. Scotland wants to decide independently on its own economic development based mainly on oil and natural gas as well as renewable energy sources. The EU membership would enable Scotland to attain the goals set up by Scottish government. The benefits of being a member of the EU, such as access to the Single European Market, structural funds, etc., Scotland may lose if it stays within the United Kingdom. The government in London is fully committed to maintaining the unity of the United Kingdom and blocks Scottish activities aimed at independence. Further scenario will depend on the results of the negotiations and decisions reached by the United Kingdom and the European Union on the conditions on exiting the Union and the future directions, forms and principles for further co-operation.

  • Issue Year: 22/2018
  • Issue No: 1 (85)
  • Page Range: 117-139
  • Page Count: 23
  • Language: Polish