As Scotland prepares for an independence referendum, the Flemish nationalists are the biggest party on the Belgian parliament and Catalan independence being in the ascendancy n opinion polls. Recent events have put a 'Europe of the regions' back on the political agenda. Those who believe in progressive politics can also take heart in the success of the nationalists in Quebec.
Spain faces into one of its gravest economic crises ever and this has led to clashes between the regional Governments and Madrid. This looks like encouraging already growing demands for greater autonomy for Catalonia in particular. This is reflected in recent polling which show a majority in favor of independence.
It is interesting that nationalists throughout Europe, with the exception of Flemish nationalists, have embraced progressive politics. This has led to tendency to be more outward looking then the narrow introverted thinking for large state centralists. As a result of this nationalists take great inspiration from each others struggles and triumphs. The Welsh referendum result of 2011, the SNP landslide of the same year, the growing momentum behind Catalan independence and the Basque peace process all point to a rising tide for nationalist progressive politics.
It also looks likely that the Parti Quebecois will win the Quebec general election in September. But what is really interesting is the attempts being made by new nationalist party L'option nationale and its attempts to bring non French speakers around to the idea of Quebec sovereignty.
This is a high point for progressive civic nationalism. There has never before been such a convergence of opportunity for people who want to see a more democratic politics in Europe and Quebec.
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