Art, obsession, and identity
While the European Union promotes unity among its member states, Europe also experiences numerous separatist and secessionist movements. "Separatism" refers to the desire for regional autonomy or greater self-rule, while "secessionism" involves the actual withdrawal from a nation. These movements often stem from distinct cultural, historical, or political identities, with some seeking full independence. Although not directly linked to the EU, some regions argue that EU membership could support their aspirations for greater self-determination, autonomy, or governance reform.
Click on to explore the key separatist and secessionist movements in Europe today.
Scotland's independence movement gained traction after the 2014 referendum. While the "No" vote won, the Scottish National Party continues to push for a second referendum.
Flanders, a wealthy region in Belgium, has separatist sentiments, particularly from the nationalistic New Flemish Alliance party. Economic disparities with Wallonia and cultural differences fuel the desire for full independence.
Catalonia has long sought independence due to its distinct language, culture, and historical autonomy. Despite referendums, the Spanish government has opposed secession, leading to political tensions.
Corsica's independence movement seeks greater autonomy or full independence from France. The island's unique culture and language contribute to its desire for self-governance.
The Lombard autonomy movement, led by the conservative National League, pushes for greater control from Rome. Supporters argue that Lombardy's taxes unfairly fund the poorer south instead of local investment.
The Basque Country, spanning both Spain and France, has a history of separatism, led by groups like ETA. Modern movements focus on cultural preservation and political independence.
Republika Srpska, an autonomous entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, seeks greater independence due to ethnic tensions with the Bosniak-majority Federation. Its leaders increasingly advocate for secession, challenging the country’s fragile post-war governance.
Veneto, home to Venice, seeks greater control from Rome, particularly in tax matters. However, similar to Lombardy, most residents are against full independence.
Northern Ireland's independence movement is complex, with some advocating for unification with the Republic of Ireland, while Ulster nationalists seek full independence from both the UK and Ireland.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. While Serbia and some countries refuse recognition, Kosovo continues to seek international legitimacy, focusing on self-determination for its majority Albanian population.
Northern Cyprus declared independence in 1983, following Turkey's intervention. While recognized only by Turkey, it continues to push for recognition and full sovereignty, separate from the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus.
The Sardinian independence movement seeks greater autonomy, driven by cultural identity and historical heritage. Some groups advocate for full sovereignty and self-rule, aiming to reduce dependence on Italy.
Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium, has a smaller but significant independence movement. Its advocates seek autonomy from the Flemish-majority regions, driven by cultural differences and economic frustrations.
Wales has had an independence movement since the 19th century, with Plaid Cymru, founded in 1925. Proponents advocate for self-governance and greater control over the country’s political and economic future.
The Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS) seeks greater regional autonomy, especially in Istria, a region straddling Croatia and Slovenia. Advocates focus on cultural preservation and economic self-sufficiency, though independence remains unlikely.
Silesia, located in southern Poland, has a unique cultural identity and history. The Silesian Autonomy Movement (Ruch Autonomii Śląska) advocates for greater self-governance, fueled by the region's distinct dialect and historical ties to Germany and the Czech Republic.
South Tyrol, an ethnically German-speaking region in northern Italy, has long been a site of separatism. Its residents advocate for autonomy or even reunification with Austria due to cultural and historical ties.
Székely Land in central Romania is home to a large Hungarian population seeking greater autonomy. Ethnic Hungarians, numbering around one million, make up the country’s largest minority group.
Czech Silesia, part of the Czech Republic, has seen movements for greater autonomy. The region's separate historical identity, including its Germanic roots, contributes to these calls for self-determination.
The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory of Denmark since 1948, has seen a rise in calls for full independence. The population seeks greater control over its resources and a future free from Danish governance.
Transylvania, also a historically Hungarian region, has seen calls for greater autonomy or integration with Hungary. Supporters seek recognition of Hungarian cultural identity and historical connections with Hungary.
The Åland Islands, a Swedish-speaking archipelago, has enjoyed autonomy under Finland. However, smaller movements call for full independence, focusing on cultural and linguistic distinctions from Finland.
In Sicily, movements promoting local heritage, culture, and language seek greater autonomy or full independence. An autonomist party governed the island from 2008 to 2012, highlighting regional aspirations for more self-rule.
Bavaria has a long-standing independence movement, driven by its distinct culture and identity. Some Bavarians argue that the region should reclaim its sovereignty, separating from Germany's federal structure.
Bornholm, an island off Denmark's coast, has seen minor independence calls throughout the years. These stem from its distinct geographic location, with some locals advocating for more self-governance and decision-making power.
Moravia, a region in eastern Czech Republic, retains a distinct identity. The small non-parliamentary party Moravané advocates for self-determination and independence, despite its formal abolition in 1949.
A region in northwest Spain, Galicia has a small independence movement advocating for self-rule and sovereignty. While it seeks to preserve its identity, full secession has limited backing.
In 2024, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama proposed creating the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order in Tirana, requiring parliamentary approval and a constitutional amendment for independence, with Baba Mondi as head. However, the proposal hasn't moved forward.
Brittany, with its Celtic heritage, has long harbored independence aspirations. The movement focuses on the region's historical autonomy and unique language, with supporters calling for more control over local affairs.
Sources: (The Guardian) (Euronews) (Politico) (Council on Foreign Relations)
See also: Countries that changed their names
Separatist and secessionist movements across Europe
Exploring Europe's divided lands and independence movements
LIFESTYLE Politics
While the European Union promotes unity among its member states, Europe also experiences numerous separatist and secessionist movements. "Separatism" refers to the desire for regional autonomy or greater self-rule, while "secessionism" involves the actual withdrawal from a nation. These movements often stem from distinct cultural, historical, or political identities, with some seeking full independence. Although not directly linked to the EU, some regions argue that EU membership could support their aspirations for greater self-determination, autonomy, or governance reform.
Click on to explore the key separatist and secessionist movements in Europe today.