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.