Radu Magdin, Romanian expert on European affairs gave an exclusive interview to Eurasia Diary regarding Scottish National Assembly’s decision on the second referendum for independence.
Eurasia Diary: The National Assembly of Scotland voted in favor of calling second referendum for independence. From your opinion, would Scotland’s decision urge London to suspend Brexit and resume negotiations with the European Union?
Radu Magdin: It's very difficult for Prime minister May to return negotiation with the EU; politically it would send a sense of weakness that the PM can't afford. But, negotiation is still on the menu, here depending also on the willingness of the Scottish side to compromise. If the referendum goes ahead, it would depend on the result: if Scotland votes to leave the Kingdom, it would complicate hugely Brexit negotiations.
Eurasia Dairy: Not only Scotland, also Northern Ireland voted for remain in the European Union. From point of your view, would current political process in Scotland encourage parliament representatives of Northern Ireland to call referendum for independence?
Radu Magdin: Yes, there could be a domino effect, since there is pressure on local politicians to show they have a voice in London. It all depends on how London manages to calm Edinburgh, on who blinks first.
Eurasia Diary: After Brexit, How do you anticipate the future of the European Union?
Radu Magdin: Complicated, as it is now already. It all depends on clear leadership from Berlin and Brussels; we must depend on our capacity to regroup under a clear and bold plan, the alternative only being to argue disintegration of the Club. I am confident in the first version; history shows us the Club managed to leap forward in times of crisis.
by Yunis Abdullayev