This Scottish Government webpage defines the “small EU countries” as Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Sweden.Of those, Luxembourg, with just 480,000 people, has the smallest population. Portugal has the highest, at 10.6 million.
The SNP’s list obviously excludes the many small 2004 and 2007 accession countries, but can anyone explain to me why they’ve included Portugal but not Belgium? It also has 10.6 million people.
Incidentally, has the SNP taken a formal position on the Flemish separatist movement in Belgium? Have they announced any tie-ups with Vlaams Belang or Vlaams-Socialistische Beweging?
Hi scottishunionist,
Belgium is a fascinating place and I defy anyone who can safely and confidently predict what the shape and style of Belgian politics will be in ten or twenty years time. It's interesting to see, even, if the federation will continue; fascinating place politically.
It's also very beautiful, I recommend Bruges and Brussels if it's beautiful cities you're into.
I must say I have no idea if they have any links, although in the EP, of course, the SNP share a grouping with a number of 'regionalist' and Green parties, so you could check that out if that's any help.