Scotland’s natural resources make it one of the “linchpins” of the European Union, according to the first minister.
Alex Salmond will say Scotland is at the very heart of the EU as he delivers a speech in Belgium today.
He will tell those gathered at the College of Europe in Bruges that Scotland has a key role to play when it comes to energy security within Europe.
He will say: “Scotland’s vast natural resources and human talent make it one of the linchpins of the European Union. Our huge energy reserves, our economic and financial contribution, our fishing grounds, our academic, cultural and social links, and our commitment to the founding values of the European ideal place us at the very heart of the EU.
“One of the great issues facing Europe is the question of energy security. We have a key role to play in providing energy security for Europe, and in developing the low-carbon technologies the world will need for the future.”
He will also say: “Scotland has 25% of Europe’s offshore wind and tidal potential. We have 10% of the EU’s wave potential. We have 60% of the EU’s oil reserves. But our importance to the European Union stretches further.
“As one of the wealthiest countries, Scotland is a net financial contributor to the EU and will remain so as an independent member. We have more top universities, per head, than any other member of the EU and our academics collaborate with partners across Europe.
“We have one of the largest national shares of Europe’s total fishing grounds and 12 national fleets fish in our waters.”
The College of Europe was the world’s first university institute of postgraduate studies and training in European affairs.
Britain’s foreign secretary meanwhile has called on Mr Salmond to seek clarity on a series of issues related to the country’s EU membership in the event of independence.
William Hague has written Mr Salmond ahead of the first minister’s visit to Bruges where he will speak at the College of Europe today.
Mr Hague wrote: “Scotland’s negotiations to join the EU are likely to be complex.
The terms of EU membership which your government has said it will seek to secure for an independent Scotland are at odds with the EU’s own rules of membership.”
The Scottish Government has proposed using Article 48 as a “suitable legal route” to facilitate an independent Scotland’s membership.
Mr Hague said such a move would require all 28 member states to agree to this, and called on Mr Salmond to provide information on what guarantees he has received from member states regarding this.
He also questioned the Scottish Government’s 18-month timescale for membership, and its “Plan B” if this does not happen, its plans for negotiating on the UK’s rebate and opt-outs such as the euro and membership of the Schengen area, and how it will deal with pension liabilities.