Secession from an EU Member State: A Brief Analysis

In the context of Scottish and Catalan independence referenda, several EU spokespeople have announced that in the event of a 'yes' vote the seceding region would be expelled from the Union, having to re-negotiate its entrance again. Statements like this have a negative effect both on potential supporters of independence and on the economy of the renegade territory, which benefits the status quo. However, EU treaties do not regulate the consequences of the secession of a region from a member state. Even if Catalonia voted 'no' in the referendum, as Scotland did, it would be important that any minority nation striving for self-determination within the EU knew exactly what the consequences of becoming a state are in order to be able to decide consciously.

The aim of this paper is to critically assess the implications for the European project that adopting this policy on seceding nations have. Additionally, alternative methods for addressing the issue will be suggested.