A new map of Europe?

Question

With the enlargement of the European Union, should it not be a possibility for countries to split - and in parts be equal members of Europe? i.e. upscaling the EU, down-scaling the member states? Tell me the pros and cons of independent EU states England, Scotland, Catalunya, Friesland, Lapland, Sicily, Basque Republic, Ulster and so on, if you can.

Answer 1

I guess theoretically it is possible, but I think we would need to see more cession of power from individual member states to the EU central government - which has been a very contentious issue, especially as the EU continues to focus on becoming broader instead of deeper.

Until the member states have ceded a substantial part of their sovereignty to the EU (much more than is currently the case), I doubt they are going to be very excited to let chunks of their territory devolve away from the state.

Further, without a larger measure of central control, it is unlikely that many of these individual areas will be able to be self-sustaining (with the exception maybe of Scotland).

However, if the EU finally does get its act together and the various countries unite (wouldn't that be something - haven't seen that since the Holy Roman Empire) then I think you could see more devolution: if the central EU government can help sustain these areas, then they can feel free to split off - especially if it would cause a diminution in domestic or political strife.