In Europe, Catalonia is leading the call for independence but there are many others wanting to redraw the map of the continent. Territories as small as the Faroe Islands in Denmark, with a population of 50,000, has no less than four local parties seeking full independence as a sovereign state while the New Flemish Alliance is the largest party in Belgium’s federal parliament and could lead to the small country’s eventual split.
After a global pandemic pushed independence movements to the sidelines, the dominant issue in Spanish and Scottish national politics is back. Negotiations have resumed between Madrid and Catalonia again and, in June, Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, issued pardons for nine Catalan leaders jailed for sedition. Yet the Catalan government is pushing for a binding referendum for independence.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, support for independence is now polling over 50 per cent and the victory of pro-independence parties in Scotland’s elections also means that another referendum is on the agenda.
Panellists discuss what’s next for independence movements in Europe with a focus on the developments in Catalonia and Scotland:
- Do Catalonia and Scotland have the authority to call a referendum under the Spanish and British constitutions?
- What is the implication of an independent Catalonia or Scotland for the European Union and other independence movements?
- How would the EU handle entry of Scotland or Catalonia as an independent nation?
As with all Chatham House events, members’ questions drive the conversation. Register now to share, debate and develop ideas on this critical international issue. This event is for Chatham House members only. Not a member? Find out more.
