In times of crisis, claiming independence suddenly seems to be an attractive option for some European regions. But who should decide whether a province or region such as Catalonia or Scotland should be allowed to claim independence? WIN, the worldwide independent network of market research, dealt with this question and investigated the attitudes and opinions towards regional applications for independence among the population of seven European countries. Produkt + Markt conducted the survey in Germany.

Regional independence is a highly sensitive issue and frequently generates political tensions, according to the latest report of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The most recent example certainly was the self-determination referendum in Catalonia, which Spanish legislation ruled unconstitutional. But how should the government of a country deal with the requests for independence of individual regions? Overall, a total of 7,000 people from France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom were interviewed.

Throughout Europe, 36% of participants believe that the whole country should vote in a referendum on regional independence, while 24% believe a referendum is only appropriate in the region concerned. 23% of respondents believe that the respective government should generally block such regional requests for independence. 17% chose not to answer this question.

In Germany, 39% of respondents also clearly believe that the whole country should decide the independence of a region in question. 22% of respondents believe that a referendum is only appropriate in the respective region, while 21% of the participants clearly favoured blocking such applications for independence.

A detailed list with country-specific results as well as further exciting insights on this topic can be found below in the official press release.