If Scotland votes to become independent then it will seek to become a member state of the European Union. However some commentators have raised the question of whether Spain might seek to veto Scotland’s membership or impose concessions on the country to avoid setting a precedent for Catalonia. Dani Cetrà writes that it is unlikely Spain would veto an independent Scotland’s EU membership, but the result of the referendum could nevertheless have a significant impact on debates within Catalonia.
The Scottish Government has indicated two possible routes to EU membership following a Yes vote on 18 September, under articles 48 and 49 of the current European Treaty. Either route would require unanimity among the 28 Member States. There have been some suggestions that Spain would veto Scotland to avoid creating a precedent for its sub-state nations, most notably Catalonia, where there is widespread demand for holding a referendum on independence on 9 November 2014.