To think the break up of Europe has begun !

[mountford100]

Catalonia first Flanders next and the creation of the state of Northern Italy Lega Nord.

Is this the start of the collapse of integrated states within Europe.
Surely this must give encouragement for the creation of Flanders and a legal break from the Wallonian controlled state of Belgium.

Then we can envisage Florence, Milan, Turin ,Trieste, Venice, Bologna and Pisa . The Northern League splitting from Rome.

The death of the European Union is assured.

However, i find it quite hilarious how Donald Tusk , and his Teressa May like tweet that nothing has changed. This despite the EU protestations a few weeks ago that Catalonia would be kicked out of the European Union with immediate effect if independence from Spain was declared.

I think we are seeing the shoe on the other foot with regards to the European Union and its power.

Regarding Northern Ireland i think it would be very difficult for Northern Ireland to become part of Eire . Firstly there is still a Protestant majority there (reducing but still a majority)

Secondly a large number of Catholics regarded themselves as Northern Irish hence would prefer the status quo of remaining part of the United Kingdom rather than being part of a United Ireland.

The fact the Catholics vote Sinn Fein at Stormont or UK General Elections does not mean to a man they would vote for a reunification with Eire .

I don't like OP people who gloat about other people experiencing stress, upheaval & threats of violence.

You really are very ignorant, op. Go and play Risk , or something.

No expert, just another bot/probable troll who non capisce una minchia come al solito

Melassa e Allegretto

Ci vuole la pazienza di Giobbe!!! All these experts who have just discovered Lega Nord now and feel that their googled knowledge gives them credibility with proclaiming the downfall of the EU. Che palle!!!!!

And yes yes yes melassa re what you said re Italian referendum last year. Before long we will probably have Farage and co proclaiming that the Catalan situation is all down to plucky Brexiters. Because why let a few facts and an historical perspective get in the way of a propaganda opportunity.

"Smaller communities are the way forward IMHO."

Surrrre. Divide and conquer. Not on your nelly mate.

Still nothing to say about Ukraine, mountford?

You could look it up, like the Lega Nord.

mountford 100.

Both Nationalist and Unionist are eligible for an Irish passport no matter what. So they can decide when the SHTF. That is why neither cohort is having a conniption at the moment. They are watching and waiting.

And they seem to have NO desire to set up the NI Assembly anytime soon either, so good luck to them. They were always a bit mad up there imo.

DUP is in May's pockets though, which could lead to some "trouble ahead" especially since Arlene Foster has not had to explain the Ash for Cash scandal yet either.

And the word "Eire" is not recognised by anyone North or South, just to mention. It is a post colonial faux pas!

It is the Republic of Ireland, (Ireland) or Northern Ireland. Thank you.

Spanish prosecutors to file rebellion charges against Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, a spokesman says.

Just off the Sky News website.

Spain are going to charge the leader of Catalonia with Treason !

What the Fuck , the Spanish Government are playing with fire ...

It's is lollingly funny that posters like mountford paint a picture where none of us have any say on local, national or EU politics. We do, through representatives we vote in and a free press not so free in the UK . It's all nicely democratic, thank fuck. It's also fairly transparent, well the EU is many EU countries are, the UK government sadly not so much.

Weakening European ties only serves the US, Russia, China and Saudi Arabia plus a few international mega rich players.

Crimea was part of Russia until given away by Kruschev . I am disgusted with the invasion of Crimea and subsequent annexation of it. But really Crimea is Russia and the majority of citizens see themselves as Russian.

From now on i will refer to the Republic of Ireland ...

So, not that disgusted with the Russian annexation of Crimea, then...

Either way UK 'won't recognise' Catalan independence

breaking news.

I mean, you're so enthusiastic that Catalonia shouldn't be part of Spain.

Whereas Crimea, that's really Russian...

There is a similar cohort in Catalunya opposed to independence as there was to Brexit.

Very small. Very. Take note.

I am not pro or anti independence for Catalonia , i just think they are entitled to have at least a vote on their nationhood. They do not deserve to have their leader charged with something from the 1650 s.

Why is there such love for the European Union..

You are so ignorant about our next door neighbours that you don’t even know what they are called. Did it not come up when you did your in-depth research on the internet?

What will this mean for the rest of Spain? Will the Basque Country follow ( and other regions?)

I think this is publicity driven. I doubt many (+50%) want independence at all. Just a recognition that they are separate with a unique language and culture etc.

That is why I mentioned Quebec earlier. All good there now. Similar situation.

I am concerned at the apparent heavy handedness of Rajoy, but he is dealing with Puigdemont who apparently sent his family abroad into "exile" lol.

Rajoy knows he is not dealing with rational here.

Back to the table everyone please, and sooner or later you will all get what you want.

No Article 50 required either.

Well my family has historic Irish Catholic connections going back 200 years.

You still hear some radio announcers refer to the Republic as Eire , so forgive me if i was not up to speed.

Your family would be ashamed that you don’t even know what the country is called. Methinks you haven’t paid much attention to it but have got all excited and searched on the internet. You could work for Trump (if you are old enough) with those impressive skills.

No mountford we don't hear Eire anymore. Ever..... and if it is mentioned it is down to the lack of education of the person who said it. Full stop.

I know to many it is not a big thing, and it probably isn't in the bigger picture. But to many, myself included the word Eire brings me out in a rash. It is NOT Eire anymore.

No more than Northern Ireland is ULSTER.

Oh dear did I vote to break up Italy ... I don't think I did . I just think that the money earnt in the region of Veneto should be best spent in Veneto rather than a massive percentage going to Rome. ...As far as I am aware Italy will still stay in Europe ... Or have I missed something ?

You are right to notice the rise of regionalism is pretty widespread. I think those old identities have always been waiting for an opportunity. It could be really traumatic if it is handled badly. But if it is handled well it might actually benefit the EU. The European Parliament already has regional representation from within each country, so it isn't such a big step to a European federal state in which power is devolved at the regional level rather than the national level and the old nation states cease to have power or value.