Why Scotland and Ireland can have common cause in Europe

In Scotland we are proud to be known as an outward-looking nation. Throughout our constitutional journey, we have always been clear that the Scottish government is wholeheartedly committed to continued membership of the European Union, with the important opportunities and benefits this brings.

To us, the EU is the best international framework within which we can ensure the prosperity of the people of Scotland.

My colleague Nicola Sturgeon – soon to become first minister of Scotland – has called for “proper protection” against any part of the UK being removed from the EU against its will. This protection could take the form of a “double lock”, meaning that a vote to leave the EU could not be actioned if Scotland voted to remain within Europe. This could also apply to Wales, England or Northern Ireland.

Should there be a vote on EU withdrawal, which is a looming threat posed by the current Westminster establishment, I firmly believe Scotland would vote to stay in Europe. A recent poll showed 57 per cent of Scots would vote to stay in the EU and only 28 per cent to leave, compared to 37 per cent UK-wide to stay and 43 per cent to leave, with the rest undecided.

A United Kingdom exit could be deeply damaging for the Scottish economy, jobs and investment, jeopardising the current ease of access to the world’s largest single market with upwards of 500 million consumers and some 20 million businesses. It is estimated that about 336,000 jobs in Scotland are associated with exports to the EU.

We are absolutely committed to playing a constructive and progressive role in addressing some of the central challenges facing the EU at this critical time. We acknowledge the need for the European Union to be reformed, but we believe this can best be achieved from within the EU without treaty change.

We have submitted proposals to the Smith Commission, chaired by Lord Smith of Kelvin and set up by the UK government to progress the commitments on further devolving powers for the Scottish parliament promised by the three leaders of the UK parties immediately before the independence referendum.

New mechanisms

We want the ability to represent Scotland’s interests internationally and are also calling for new mechanisms that boost our influence over UK foreign policy, in areas where we are currently unable to make a formal contribution.

These further powers should include specific competence for Scotland to act directly in the European Union, with guaranteed rights to engage directly with EU institutions and EU decision-making processes. We want leverage to protect Scotland’s interests, making our distinctive, pro-European voice heard clearly in Brussels.

Our focus is to prioritise economic and social policies that have jobs and growth at their core. These reflect the fundamental aspirations and concerns of citizens Europe-wide. We have recently submitted our recommendations on adapting the Europe 2020 Strategy for tackling together the many complex challenges we face.

I recently spoke at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin, as I believe Scotland and Ireland together can work to demonstrate the relevance of the EU, and to reform it. We should encourage the EU to focus on areas relevant to people’s lives, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.

As our recent referendum on Scottish independence demonstrated – with its unprecedented turnout of 85 per cent – people engage with politics when it is relevant to their lives and when they feel their opinions count.

Emphasising our commitment to the EU, the Scottish government has published Scotland’s Agenda for EU Reform with the key aim of bringing Europe closer to the citizen.

Scotland and Ireland can work together to move Europe’s focus to policies that respond to and reflect the hopes and concerns of EU citizens. Together we can influence the organisation in tackling prevalent issues such as youth unemployment and inequalities.

Pioneering measures

The Scottish government is doing all within its existing powers to address youth unemployment, pioneering radical measures to support those aged 16-19 in finding lasting work. But we have no remit currently to implement the European Youth Guarantee, which Ireland already has in place.

This stipulates that under-25s should receive a good quality offer of work, continued education, apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of leaving formal education or becoming unemployed. The UK government has not implemented the guarantee. Among our proposals to the Smith Commission is the ability to introduce the guarantee in Scotland.

Too many of Europe’s young people don’t have a job. The impacts of this cut deep and are more than simply a case of unrealised economic potential. Inequalities across our societies undermine social cohesion and further jeopardise sustainable growth over the longer term. We can have our own solutions but we can also learn from each other.

We know that the Irish Government also views this as a key issue. Scotland values its relationship with Ireland, shaped by the long-standing friendship which underpins our positive relations.

We are a modern, creative and dynamic country working hard to secure the best future for the people of Scotland, while being a good global citizen.

The ongoing lessons of the Scottish referendum of connecting people, politics and power are more relevant today than ever. That matters to both Scotland and the wider European Union.

Fiona Hyslop is Scottish cabinet secretary for external affairs