THE EVOLUTION OF THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY’S POSITION ON BRITAIN’S EUROPEAN INTEGRATION (1970s–1990s)

The study explores the evolution of the Scottish National Party's (SNP) position on Britain's European integration in the 1970s–1990s. It substantiates the interconnection between Scotland's national aspirations for autonomy and the transformation of the SNP's stance on European integration. The aim of the article is to analyze the evolution of the Scottish National Party's position on Britain's European integration during the 1970s–1990s. Methodological framework. The research objectives were achieved through a combination of general scientific and specialized historical methods. The study employs analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, and generalization, as well as comparative-historical, narrative, chronological, and systemic methods. Scientific novelty. The article offers a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the SNP's European policy in the 1970s–1990s, taking into account intra-party debates and the broader foreign policy context. The research clarifies the role of the European integration issue in shaping the party's political strategy, providing deeper insights into the foundations of modern Scottish Euro-optimism. Conclusions. The analysis of the SNP's evolving position on European integration in the 1970s–1990s reveals a complex and multidimensional transformation of the party’s political orientations. Initially, the SNP’s skepticism towards Britain's membership in the European Economic Community (EEC) stemmed not so much from a rejection of European integration itself, but rather from concerns that it could hinder the party's strategic goal – Scottish independence. Given the centralized nature of EEC integration mechanisms and their perception as an extension of British policy, SNP members saw Britain's membership in the Community as an additional factor reinforcing Scotland’s dependence and limiting its sovereign aspirations. However, over time, as the political and economic context changed, the SNP’s position underwent significant shifts. The recognition of the potential benefits of European integration, particularly in terms of economic opportunities and political prospects for Scotland within the European Union, contributed to a reassessment of the party’s strategy. By the late 1980s, the party had begun to move away from strict Euroscepticism in favor of a more pragmatic approach. By the 1990s, the SNP had firmly adopted a pro-European stance, viewing the EU not as an obstacle, but as a potential platform for advancing Scotland’s national project.