From the Europe of Regions to the Europe of Small Homelands

Abstract

The theme of the meeting must be put into perspective with that of European identity and citizenship, which are central to the destiny of both Europe and the nationstates. Currently, it is crucial to observe that demands for autonomy often mask identity politics aimed at protecting the social and economic well-being of the wealthiest regions from global interference. This phenomenon results in a shift in reference points from Europe to the Nation, to the Regions, and ultimately to small homelands. The recognition of forms of autonomy, and even independence, proclaimed by some European territories – exemplified by the Catalan case – intersects with European politics and constitutes a heterogeneous identity or Eurosceptic phenomenon. This phenomenon encompasses and amalgamates diverse and distant parties and movements, contrasting with a Europe that strives, albeit in a variable geometry, to transcend national egoisms, which are the precursors of hatred, war, and destruction