Executive Summary
- Guy Verhofstadt, former Belgian Prime Minister and influential European Parliament figure, will deliver the keynote address at the European Movement in Scotland’s annual dinner on November 1 in Edinburgh.
- Verhofstadt views Scotland as “the most pro-EU part of the UK,” recognizing its understanding of the benefits of European cooperation for trade, security, education, sport, and culture.
- Throughout his career, including as Brexit Coordinator and current President of the European Movement International, Verhofstadt has consistently advocated for European integration as essential for defending European interests.
The Story So Far
- Guy Verhofstadt, a prominent advocate for deeper European integration and former Brexit Coordinator for the European Parliament, is visiting Scotland, a region known for its strong pro-EU sentiment that significantly contrasted with the overall UK decision to leave the European Union following the 2016 Brexit referendum. His address in Edinburgh underscores the ongoing dialogue about Scotland’s relationship with Europe post-Brexit and leverages his consistent message promoting international cooperation and democratic solidarity.
Why This Matters
- Guy Verhofstadt’s address in Scotland, emphasizing its strong pro-EU sentiment and the benefits of European cooperation, underscores the continued divergence in political outlook between Scotland and the wider UK post-Brexit, while also providing a prominent international platform for advocates of deeper European integration to articulate their vision for international cooperation in a world increasingly dominated by larger blocs.
Who Thinks What?
- Guy Verhofstadt believes Scotland is the most pro-EU part of the UK, recognizing the value of European engagement for its trade, security, education, sport, and culture, and characterizes its people as “internationalists” and “realists” who favor deep democratic cooperation over isolationism.
Former Belgian Prime Minister and influential European Parliament figure, Guy Verhofstadt, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the annual dinner of the European Movement in Scotland in Edinburgh on November 1. Verhofstadt, known for his strong advocacy for European integration, will highlight what he perceives as Scotland’s robust pro-EU sentiment and its understanding of the benefits derived from close European cooperation.
Verhofstadt’s Perspective on Scotland
Verhofstadt stated that Scotland represents “the most pro-EU part of the UK,” recognizing the value of European engagement for its trade, security, education, sport, and culture. He characterized the Scottish people as “internationalists” and “realists” who embrace deep democratic cooperation between states rather than isolationism.
He expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming visit, stating he looks forward to being in Edinburgh, which he described as a “truly great European capital city.”
A Career in European Politics
Verhofstadt’s extensive career includes serving as Prime Minister of Belgium from 1999 to 2008, followed by a long tenure as a Member of the European Parliament until his retirement in 2024. During his time in the European Parliament, he held significant roles such as Brexit Coordinator and chaired the Brexit Steering Group for four years after the UK’s 2016 referendum.
He currently presides over the European Movement International, an organization dedicated to promoting European integration and cooperation. His consistent message on European unity was also evident in a 2019 speech to the UK Liberal Democrats.
In that address, Verhofstadt argued that “the world of tomorrow is a world of empires,” asserting that Europeans, including the British, can only effectively defend their interests and way of life by collaborating within a European framework and the European Union.
Event Details
The upcoming dinner in Edinburgh provides a platform for Verhofstadt to reiterate these views and engage with pro-European audiences in Scotland. Further information regarding the event can be found on the European Movement in Scotland’s official website.
Ongoing Dialogue
Verhofstadt’s engagement underscores the ongoing dialogue surrounding Scotland’s relationship with the European Union post-Brexit. His visit highlights the continued relevance of pro-European sentiment within certain parts of the UK and contributes to broader discussions on international cooperation and democratic solidarity.
