EU faces test of its unity as new forms of nationalism spring up
London — From the hammer blow of Brexit to turbulence in Catalonia, new forms of nationalism are testing the relevance and unity of the EU, analysts say. The crisis in Spain served as a stark reminder of the fault lines that run through Europe, with a country’s central government battling a region whose leaders want to break away. In Britain, the cry for sovereignty brought 17.4-million people to the polls to vote for Brexit in June 2016. Campaigners also played on anger about having to fund the EU — arguing that it imposed bureaucratic rules from afar and prevented the country from engaging with the rest of the world. In Catalonia, emotional arguments dating back to the Franco dictatorship combined with economic issues to fuel calls for independence. "The nationalists understood that in developed and prosperous regions, you can no longer simply appeal to the idea of historic oppression," said Bruno Yammine, a Belgium-based historian. "Economic arguments have now legitimised cultura...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.