INSIDE EUROPE
We need to examine each case on its own merit to reach a rational conclusion — whether
nationalist threats have been made by Irish citizens actually wanting independence or if it is
just a way to express their frustration with the failures of London.
Europe cannot ignore these circumstances, including the
fact that the main donors from the Remain campaign come
from hedge funds that have a particular interest on getting rid
of the ‘ties’ that European regulation and control represent.
Italy has also made some steps towards an exit, which
could be seen as a nationalist movement as well. However,
there had never been such a feeling in Italy — the country
has historically been merged pacifi cally within Europe. The
terrible fi nancial crisis, corruption, and above all, migration
crisis have saturated Italian capacities and resources, thereby
making 'nationalism’ a way out for their frustrating situation.
On the other hand, the case of Ireland might be seen by
some as nationalist move as Brexit has fuelled the Irish to
move towards Independence. However, we need to examine
each case on its own merit to reach a rational conclusion —
whether nationalist threats have been made by Irish citizens
actually wanting independence or if it is just a way to express
their frustration with the failures of London.
Europe needs to build bridges, and not just around the
evolving Union, but with a fi rm exercise of negotiation,
diplomacy, mediation, and a close follow up of the processes
to make sure that the majority of the citizens achieve their
goals within the Rule of Law. It is important to highlight that
most of these processes are not contemplated by law but are
open to be a part of a reform nonetheless.
Hence, now the reshaping of global institutions,
particularly the European Union, becomes paramount. A
total decentralisation of the bureaucratic apparatus created
by the European Union becomes essential for gaining trust,
confi dence, and credibility from European citizens ii . This can
be done by going to the roots of its own philosophy — “the
citizens’ will to belong and remain united”. Therein lies the
legitimacy, strength, and power of the structure to continue
moving forward and to lead a process wherein they need to
look for new partners within a brand new global order.
The key for addressing nationalisms within a seamless
integration is the essence of Partnerships; SDG17 represents
the goal that needs to be addressed urgently. In this case,
political innovation and a new leadership would boost a
feeling of acceptance and unity within diversity iii .
New innovative bridges should be built wherein
new perspectives and agreements would focus towards
integrating nationalism as just one more challenge causing
a new wave in geopolitical relations — relations that would
stabilise, and not to break the region into a chaotic puzzle of
confronting pieces. With or without nationalisms, the best
struggles and successes comes from integration, institutional
reforms, innovative leadership, and reshaping of traditional
sovereignty concepts.
*Maria Mercedes Introini is a political analyst, writer
and a former public attorney. She is currently working on
developing a reshaped model of globalisation, addressing
several aspects of the ‘multiple crises’ related to sustainability
through a political perspective.
References:
h t t p s : / / w w w. t h e g u a r d i a n . c o m / p o l i t i c s / n g -
interactive/2018/mar/28/11-brexit-promises-leavers-quietly-
dropped
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/
theresa-may-brexit-plan-second-referendum-treasury-
mel-stride-conservative-eu-a8544781.html?utm_
campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=
Facebook#Echobox=1537359750
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/
brexit-talks-latest-eu-no-deal-chequers-plan-theresa-
may-emmanuel-macron-edited-a8547076.html?utm_
m e d i u m = S o c i a l & u t m _ s o u rc e = F a c e b o o k # E c h o b
ox=1537450656
ii
European Union decentralization: for an effi cient structure and active citizenship
https://thesustainabilityreader.com/2018/01/31/european-union-decentralization-for-an-effi cient-structure-and-active-citizenship/
iii
SDG 17 Partnerships: the challenge of changing work codes
https://thesustainabilityreader.com/2018/09/19/sdg-17-partnerships-the-challenge-of-transforming-working-codes/
24 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 10 • Oct-Nov 2018, Noida