Difficult for independent Scots to join EU

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso warned yesterday that it would be “difficult, if not impossible” for an independent Scotland to join the European Union.

Barroso’s blunt statement ramps up the pressure ahead of Scotland’s referendum on independence from the United Kingdom, after Britain’s warning that it will not be allowed to keep the pound sterling if it votes to break away.

The pro-independence governing Scottish National Party (SNP) criticised Barroso’s comments amid growing anger over Britain’s stance on the currency.

“I believe it’s going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible” for Scotland to win approval from all other member states in order to join the European Union, Barroso told BBC television.

Scots are due to vote on independence on September 18 in a historic referendum that could result in scrapping its 300-year link with the UK.

“We have seen Spain has been opposing even the recognition of Kosovo, for instance. So it is to some extent a similar case because it’s a new country and so I believe it’s going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a new member state coming out of one of our countries getting the agreement of the others,” said Barosso.

But he added: “It’s for the Scottish people . . . to decide about the future of Scotland.”