European Unity Challenged: Nationalism, Secession, and the Financial Crisis

The EU Crossroads: Financial Crisis and National Identity

In the current profound financial crisis, most European member states wish they did not lack the freedom of decision-making regarding their economic and monetary policies. However, there is one thing they have not surrendered to Europe: their national identity. The case of Catalonia exemplifies this notion of nationalism, which has resulted in demonstrations and elections demanding the democratic right of the people to decide.

Since there is no single European identity among the member states, the EU finds itself at a crossroads: it can either push for further integration, or it can take a step back and surrender power to the nation-states.

Nationalism as Identity Protection in a Globalized Era

Amid the financial turmoil across Europe, some European regions are desperately seeking to gain greater self-rule, intensifying an identity crisis that has persisted throughout history. In an era of globalization and economic interdependence, nationalism is becoming the dominant form of identity protection, turning it into one of the most profound crises affecting the continent today.

In fact, the primary objective of many nationalist political parties throughout Europe is to increase their self-rule and, in most cases, gain independence, which the central states do not commonly perceive as a feasible option.

Secession: An Unviable Solution to Economic Problems?

Secession is generally seen as an unviable solution to a country’s financial and economic problems, especially at a moment in history when politicians, diplomats, economists, and academics are pushing for greater European integration, globalization, and free trade worldwide. Arguments against independence often include:

• The fear of potential war or conflict, even at a local level.
• The foundational purpose of the current European Union—to avoid future wars in the region—a fact that new generations tend to forget.

The Catalan Perspective: A Historical View Since 1714

This kind of attitude has been ongoing ever since 1714, at least. For proponents of independence, there is only one solution possible: with an independent state, Catalans will not be targeted anymore, and if they are, at least the money will not go somewhere else. Under Spanish rule, the situation is perceived by some as unlikely to improve, and may even worsen as Spain’s economy declines.