European Unification Movements

Map created by reddit user bezzlefordThe map above shows 5 different unification movements in Europe and their respective level of support in around 2017.

They are:

1. United Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)

• Population:
  • Republic of Ireland: ~5.1 million (2023 estimate)
  • Northern Ireland: ~1.9 million (2021 census)
  • Combined: ~7 million
• Recent Polling:
  • Republic of Ireland: Support at 46% (from map)
  • Northern Ireland: Support at 38% (from map); other polls suggest a range from 30%-40%, with higher support among younger demographics.
• Obstacles:
  • Political division: Unionist communities in Northern Ireland strongly oppose unification.
  • Economic integration: Questions about the financial impact on both regions.
  • Constitutional barriers: Requires referenda in both jurisdictions under the Good Friday Agreement.

More about a United Ireland

2. Greater Netherlands (Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium)

• Population:
  • Netherlands: ~17.8 million (2023)
  • Flanders: ~6.7 million (2023 estimate)
  • Combined: ~24.5 million
• Recent Polling:
  • Netherlands: Support at 72% (from map)
  • Flanders: Support at 26% (from map); limited interest among Flemish people despite cultural and linguistic similarities.
• Obstacles:
  • Low support in Flanders: Many Flemish nationalists prefer independence from Belgium over unification with the Netherlands.
  • EU dynamics: Such a unification would require renegotiation of treaties and borders.
  • Economic disparities: Concerns about wealth distribution and governance.

More about Greater Netherlands 

3. Rattachism (France and Wallonia, Belgium)

• Population:
  • France: ~67.8 million (2023)
  • Wallonia: ~3.7 million (2023 estimate)
  • Combined: ~71.5 million
• Recent Polling:
  • France: Support at 58% (from map)
  • Wallonia: Support at 35% (from map); interest in unification is often linked to dissatisfaction with Belgium’s federal structure.
• Obstacles:
  • Political identity: Many Walloons value their Belgian identity and prefer reforms within Belgium rather than unification with France.
  • Economic integration: Wallonia’s struggling economy may be a burden on France.
  • International politics: Belgium’s dissolution would involve complex negotiations.

More about Rattachism

4. Albania-Kosovo

• Population:
  • Albania: ~2.8 million (2023 estimate)
  • Kosovo: ~1.8 million (2023 estimate)
  • Combined: ~4.6 million
• Recent Polling:
  • Albania: Support at 68% (from map); other surveys suggest support fluctuates between 60%-80%.
  • Kosovo: Support at 75% (from map); support is consistently high due to shared ethnic Albanian identity.
• Obstacles:
  • International recognition: Kosovo’s independence is not universally recognized, complicating unification efforts.
  • Regional stability: Opposition from Serbia and other neighboring countries.
  • Economic and political challenges: Harmonizing political systems and economies.
  • EU and NATO considerations: Both entities would need to align their foreign policies.

More about the Unification of Albania and Kosovo

5. Romania-Moldova

• Population:
  • Romania: ~19 million (2023)
  • Moldova: ~2.6 million (2023 estimate, excluding Transnistria)
  • Combined: ~21.6 million
• Recent Polling:
  • • Romania: Support at 77% (from map); other polls show consistent strong support, although this has dropped considerably since the invasion of Ukraine.
  • Moldova: Support at 24% (from map); low support stems from political and ethnic diversity.
• Obstacles:
  • Political opposition: Many Moldovans fear losing sovereignty and cultural identity.
  • Economic disparities: Moldova is significantly less developed than Romania.
  • Geopolitical tensions: Russia’s influence in Moldova and the Transnistrian conflict are significant hurdles.

More about Unification of Moldova and Romania

Which do you think is most likely to happen?