Correspondence with EU and EU member states on possible future independent Scotland: FOI release

Information requested

[From 10th May 2021 until 27 October 2022] A copy of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the European Union on a possible future independent Scotland's membership and membership application to the EU. A copy of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and EU member states on a possible future independent Scotland's membership and membership application to the EU.

Response

I attach a copy of most of the information you requested.

An exemption under section 38 (1) (b) (Personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as this includes the names and contact details of Scottish Government staff.

This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

An exemption under section 32 (1) (a) (substantial prejudice to international relations) and Section 30 (b)(ii) substantial inhibition of free and fair exchange of views of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as this includes the names and contact details of diplomatic contacts.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest because of the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in protecting the Scottish Government's ability to to hold discussions with international partners.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202200327153 - Information released

File type

76 page PDF

File size

4.8 MB