SMALL STATES AND THE EU: DOES THE EU PROMOTE SECESSION WITHIN EU MEMBER STATES?

This article reviews to what extent the EU integration process has had an impact, although unintended, in the consolidation of pro-independence movements across Europe. The article will show that, due to global trade and the legal norms against aggression put in place after WWII, it is now easier being an independent small state than it was before 1945. It will be shown that this is particularly true in the European context. Moreover, European regions play a very limited role in the EU governance and the EU remains predominantly a matter for states and the EU's own institutions, which provides an additional incentive for those seeking statehood. The examples of the Scottish and Catalan pro-independence movements are taken into account to show that the European dimension played a pivotal role in their consolidation. However, the article also nuances this statement and points out the ambivalent position of the EU: although the EU might be providing a unique economic (legal, as well) framework for the feasibility of new small states in Europe, it has also shown resilient support in favour of EU Member States legal orders. In this sense, it emerges as an additional layer of difficulties for any non-consensual and unlawful independence process.