Welcome to the European Movement in Scotland

2025 sees the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) celebrate its 35th birthday.

While there had been an active pro-Europe group in Scotland since the 1950s – that was a branch of the UK-wide European Movement – in 1990 the decision was taken to set up EMiS as a wholly Scottish independent organisation. EMiS would have its own members, its own constitution, governance structures and finances and its own strategies and campaigns.

Consequently, it played a significant role in keeping support for the EU in Scotland at high levels. It was an important player in seeing Scotland vote 62% Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

In the years since the referendum EMiS has ceaselessly kept alive the compelling arguments for Scotland being in the EU, whether Scotland becomes an independent nation or stays part of the United Kingdom.

Since 2016, support for a European future for Scotland has stayed extremely strong. Across the UK, most voters express a desire for much closer engagement with the EU. EMiS and our friends at the European Movement UK have been key driving forces keeping the European cause high on the political agenda.

On our website you can find out more about what we do, an events calendar, newsletters and media coverage, our people and how to join EMiS. Please browse at your leisure. New members and supporters are always welcome.

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Blog

  • How Europe turned the Conservative Party from political giant to intensive care patient. Labour beware.
    Martin Roche writes in The Scotsman about how the matter of Europe has almost consumed the Conservative Party, and warns that Labour’s position on the EU may put it in grave danger. … Read More »
  • More Europe is the key to our security and prosperity – GUY Verhofstadt
    The former Belgian Prime Minister and European Parliament Brexit negotiator is optimistic about the EU’s future, despite the world’s “new empires”… Read More »
  • Interview with Guy Verhofstadt
    Before the Edinburgh dinner, Martin Roche interviewed Guy Verhofstadt for Bylines Scotland. Verhofstadt argues that the geopolitics of our time call for “more Europe.” Click the link below to hear the full interview. https://bylines.scot/podcast/an-exclusive-radio-interview-with-former-belgium-pm-guy-verhofstadt The European Movement in Scotland is committed to promoting the essential European value of free speech.… Read More »
  • David Gow
    It is with great sadness that EMiS (European Movement in Scotland) has learned of the sudden death of David Gow. David was a stalwart of EMiS for many years following his retirement from The Guardian, where he was latterly European Business Editor. At EMiS he brought to bear his deep… Read More »
  • Guy Verhofstadt at EMiS annual Dinner
    “Europe’s political moderates must urgently counter threats to stability and prosperity,” says leading European politician Guy Verhofstadt at Edinburgh event Mr Verhofstadt’s remark “a wake-up call” says First Minister John Swinney Richard Demarco elected Scottish European of the Year… Read More »
  • UK Politics Teetering on the Brink as Scottish and Welsh Elections Beckon
    It’s just over six months to Scotland’s Holyrood elections. On cue, Keir Starmer told Scottish journalists on Monday (20th October) that John Swinney was “insulting the intelligence of the Scottish people” with his plans to link the election to independence.… Read More »
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Podcasts and Videos

European Conversations

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More episodes here.

Webinars and Livestreams

In recent years, the struggle for democracy has taken centre stage in many Central and Eastern European countries, where pro-EU movements have …
An exclusive online discussion with former Labour MEP David Martin and Alyn Smith, for the former SNP MEP and MP. In a time of political …

More livestreams and webinars here.

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