Overview

• Angus Robertson, Scotland’s external relations minister, told dpa it is realistic that Scotland — and potentially a united Ireland — could be EU members within ten years.
• He said the Scottish government is preparing a second independence referendum and insisted "it will come."
• UK government consent is required for any legally sanctioned vote, which Robertson casts as the primary hurdle posed by London politicians.
• He outlined plans to expand energy ties with Germany, including prospective exports of hydrogen and renewable electricity once pipeline infrastructure is in place.
• Officials are in regular contact with German ministries and companies, but a start date for direct energy exports has not been set.