SCOTLAND is one of seven European countries to have signed a landmark independence declaration.
On Saturday, the International Commission for European Citizens (ICEC) conference took place in Cardiff, where members gathered to mark a milestone in the co-operation between Europe's pro-independence movements.
The event was attended by the ICEC's seven member nations – Scotland, Wales, Catalunya, the Basque Country, Flanders, Sud Tirol and Veneto – as well as delegations from Brittany and Sicily.
At the conference, the seven nations signed the Cardiff Declaration, a multilateral commitment to peaceful, democratic self-determination and closer collaboration between ICEC member nations.
The declaration also outlined a vision for national independence based on citizen participation, mutual support and European democratic values.
It states: "We believe that the Europe of the future must be built on the foundation of democracy, equality, and the sovereign will of all its peoples. In the face of persistent democratic deficits and centralising forces, we reaffirm that our shared vision is one of self-determination, greater citizen participation, and the right of all nations to shape their own futures."
The declaration recognises that while each nation's journey towards independence is diverse, "our commitment is united".
The declaration pledges the following:
- To work as closely as possible together as nations and movements to build strong and lasting bonds between us.
- To share knowledge, experience, good practice, and effective campaigning strategies to strengthen and accelerate the success of our respective campaigns.
- To support each other in the face of challenges, fostering solidarity and a spirit of mutual advancement.
- To commit to mass participation and grassroots engagement as the driving force of our movements, ensuring that our campaigns for independence are open, accessible, and representative of all our people.
The declaration adds: "Today, in Cardiff, we stand not as isolated movements but as part of a growing, forward-looking network of nations determined to shape our own destinies – together."
The conference featured campaign updates from all participating nations, as well as discussions on mass mobilisation and international opportunities.
Those attending said they believed the conference reaffirmed the momentum of Europe's independence movements and their commitment to "a just and democratic future".
Commenting, Shona McAlpine, Scotland's representative for the ICEC, said: "The Cardiff Declaration lays the groundwork for deepened cooperation and shared progress."
Phyl Griffiths, chair of YesCymru and ICEC spokesperson for Wales, added: "This is more than a statement - it's a united step forward for our nations."
The ICEC is recognised as one of the most important international structures acting for the normal exercise of the right of self-determination in Europe.
It works to promote co-operation, knowledge exchange and mutual advocacy among its member nations.
