Catalonia Crisis: A look at other pro-independence movements in Europe

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Europe

Catalonia isn't the only region in Europe looking for independence. Separatist movements in Europe have a long history due to differences in culture and geographic distance. Now let's take a look at other regions on the continent looking for further autonomy.

Several regions across Europe are looking at Catalonia's bid for independence with admiration.

Just a week ago, two of Italy's wealthiest northern regions voted in favour of greater autonomy. Turnout was estimated at around 58% in Veneto, a region that includes Venice.

The Faroe Islands have been an autonomous, self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1948. It was separated from Denmark after voting narrowly for independence in 1946.

Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea in France. The region has been demanding independence since 1976 with a campaign of bombings and assassinations. But recently it had announced an end to military operations.

The Flemish Movement seeks greater autonomy in the Belgian region of Flanders. The more prosperous and mainly Dutch-speaking region aims to push for further gradual devolution after the 2019 elections.

A 2017 poll suggested one in three Bavarians favor independence in Germany. Bavarian nationalism has been strong since the state's incorporation into Germany in 1871.

Scotland has had a long-lasting campaign to separate from the UK. More than 84% of Scottish voters cast their ballots in an independence referendum in 2014, with 44.7% voting in favor. Though they ultimately voted to remain, the question has arisen again following the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union.