30-10-2017, 14:57
A quick look at the proliferation of independence movements and areas seeking autonomous status across Europe gives you some insight into the forces lining up against Catalan independence. In Spain the Balearic Islands, those seeking a Kingdom of Valencia and the Aran Valley all seek an independence aligned to Catalonia. Additionally Andalusia, Aragon, Asturia, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castile, Galicia, Leonese Country, Extramadura, and Murcia all have their own independence movements. And then there is the Basque Country which seeks a separate state, which would involve part of France too. So Spain has no option but to fight off the Catalonians, and equally it has to be a lie to portray the rest of Spain as uniting to demonstrate against Catalan independence, when the desire to secede is also so widespread.
Aside from the Basques, France has independence movements in Brittany, Corsica, Sovoy, Occitania and Provence AND of course it has Northern Catalonia, which aims to be part of Catalonia ........ So France is NOT going to be a friend of independence movements any time soon either.
Equally Germany has a strong movement for an independent Bavarian state and some form of autonomous status is sought by East Frisia, Franconia, Lusatia and Schleswig-Holstein. Italy is a real hotbed of movements seeking to undo unification. Even little buttery Denmark has three or four such movements of its own. Belgium has Walloons and the Flemish for a start favouring break-up and they aren't the only ones. Holland has a similar scenario.
So, the European Union can only turn itself into a major block against independence movements, which is why, even if Brexit happens, and Scotland somehow achieves independence, it is going to be looking towards a union of countries too riven by their own internal divisions ever to dare encouraging such movements by welcoming Scotland any time soon (even to punish Britain!). And whilst Catalonia can expect widespread support from secessionist movements across Europe it'll find no official support across the entire continent. Even Albania has an area wishing to break away FFS.
Aside from the Basques, France has independence movements in Brittany, Corsica, Sovoy, Occitania and Provence AND of course it has Northern Catalonia, which aims to be part of Catalonia ........ So France is NOT going to be a friend of independence movements any time soon either.
Equally Germany has a strong movement for an independent Bavarian state and some form of autonomous status is sought by East Frisia, Franconia, Lusatia and Schleswig-Holstein. Italy is a real hotbed of movements seeking to undo unification. Even little buttery Denmark has three or four such movements of its own. Belgium has Walloons and the Flemish for a start favouring break-up and they aren't the only ones. Holland has a similar scenario.
So, the European Union can only turn itself into a major block against independence movements, which is why, even if Brexit happens, and Scotland somehow achieves independence, it is going to be looking towards a union of countries too riven by their own internal divisions ever to dare encouraging such movements by welcoming Scotland any time soon (even to punish Britain!). And whilst Catalonia can expect widespread support from secessionist movements across Europe it'll find no official support across the entire continent. Even Albania has an area wishing to break away FFS.