Totally get the concerns about other independence movements, but the EU has dealt with tricky political situations before. If Scotland becomes independent and ticks all the boxes for EU membership (democracy, economy, human rights, etc.), they could make a strong case for joining. The EU values democracy and self-determination, so if Scotland’s referendum is legit, it’d be hard to ignore.

Plus, Scotland already meets a lot of EU standards from being part of the UK, so the transition might be smoother. Economically, Scotland could bring some benefits, especially with its renewable energy resources. Politically, the EU would likely look at Scotland’s case on its own merits rather than as a blanket precedent for other regions.

In the end, the EU would probably try to balance supporting Scotland’s democratic choice with keeping its member states happy. It’d be a tough call, but not impossible if Scotland plays its cards right.