It's wrong, however, to consider the current revival of nationalism as a new jingoism. Today's secessionist politics in Europe is strictly limited to fiscal/financial issues. Flanders, Catalonia, Padania, Scotland, etc. don't seek to have their own military, their own foreign policy or even their own immigration policy...
Ugh! Padania??? I had never heard of that name until you posted it. N. Italy wants to split from S. Italy? Why? Because they dress better and their mts are more Alpish? Talk about tacky....you're richer so you do not want to mingle with the riffraff. Annoying to say the least.
As for Scotland, the Scots are nothing more than petulant children. I would ignore them.
At least with Flanders and Wallonia, you have two distinct cultures with two different languages...........three if you count the two German provinces.........a bit of a shotgun wedding.
For centuries, European elites have mingled together with the consent of their peoples. In Belgium, for instance, we have had a German prince as our first king: Leopold I. The late king Baudouin married a Spanish noble (Queen Fabiola) whereas the current king Albert II is married to a noble scioness from Italy, Queen Paola...
Somehow, most Europeans are ready to share just about everything with their European fellows... except money.
Yes, but wasn't money the point of the EU.......to make Europe an economic powerhouse that could compete with the US, China et al? It was all about the money. |
