In just over a week, the Scottish people will vote Yes or No to the creation of a new sovereign European state, with polls showing for the first time this year that supporters of independence have taken the lead over those who favour remaining a part of Great Britain.  Enormous efforts dedicated by both those supporting Scotland’s independence and the sceptics of the idea will have important consequences in Europe, as Catalonia, the Basque Country, Savoy, and other national, ethnic and cultural minorities are following the process and reactions of the EU Member States closely. In this context, the outcome of the Scottish referendum will certainly impact the course of action of other movements calling for the right to self-determination and the right to decide – rights that should not necessarily be taken for granted.

The people of Scotland, regardless of the outcome of the referendum on 18 September 2014, can be content with the fact that they were granted the right to decide on their future. However, others are facing a much bumpier road ahead, as secession remains a sensitive matter for several countries that have regions seeking greater autonomy or even independence. Also with a quest for a country of their own, the Catalan pro-independence movement has managed to mobilise large parts of society and decided to hold a consultation in November of this year - with or without the support of the Spanish government, who deems such an act unconstitutional. What remains to be seen, however, is how the EU will react to such a step, or if it will react at all.  One could argue that a political entity claiming that diversity is what unites it and makes it strong should be more engaged and persistent about the implementation of the principle of self-determination by those who seek it through peaceful and democratic means; especially since questions surrounding the right to self-determination clearly depict a new reality, which European national governments and institutions will have to deal with sooner rather than later. And yet, debates about self-determination largely vanish among issues such as unemployment, environmental and energy policies, and international security.

In today’s increasingly interdependent world, the growing demands of nations and peoples who seek greater opportunities for representation and recognition should by no means be disregarded if conflict is to be avoided. Therefore, as the caravan has already moved and there is no way back without undermining basic human rights, the international community, including the European Union, is facing a new challenge in finding ways to allow different groups to voice their concerns, and providing an opportunity for these groups to determine their own future via the implementation of the right to decide and the principle of self-determination.  It is possible that the Scottish referendum, and by extension the Catalonian consultation, will encourage other groups to take legal actions towards the implementation of these democratic principles in their own countries.  Hence, instead of criticism or indifferent attitudes that plague much of the discussions on the aforementioned issues,  those striving for self-determination should be given the acknowledgement and support they deserve. 

Photo by The Herald Scotland