MADRID, 17 May. (EUROPEAN PRESS) –

Scotland’s chief minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has promised that if the territory becomes independent from Britain, she will seek not only re-entry into the European Union, but also into NATO, amid debate over territorial expansion. this alliance as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Sturgeon called for a second referendum on secession before the end of 2023, a repeat of the consultations held in 2014, because he considered that Britain’s exit from the EU had changed the board. London, however, refused to give it away.

Scotland’s hypothetical split with the rest of the UK would also imply the departure of all international organizations of which the country is a part, including NATO. However, Sturgeon has indicated he wants a “strong relationship” with the EU and the Atlantic Alliance.

“There is no doubt that the events of the last three months have strengthened my idea that this position is undoubtedly the correct, important position,” the Scottish leader told a meeting in Washington, according to a Bloomberg agency.

Sturgeon sees it “highly relevant for Scotland” that countries such as Finland and Sweden, which have traditionally been neutral, now aspire to join NATO, and argues that Scotland’s entry would be “important” not only at the national level in the event of independence in the future. front, but also for the entire region.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) reversed its historic request to leave NATO before the 2014 referendum, but has still maintained its demand for the closure of a nuclear submarine base installed in Scotland.