Secession is a word that brings fear to the hearts of many nationally-ranking politicians, and their worst nightmare was realized in a vote that occurred this month. A stunning 92% voted in favor of the Catalonia Independence Referendum, and some say more would have voted if not for a police crackdown upon several polling locations. Spain’s national government promptly declared this vote illegal, but that didn’t stop demonstrators. Spain’s Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis said haltingly, “A part cannot decide for the whole.” Thus, Spain’s capital of Madrid has put the regional police of Catalonia under national control in fear of insurgent “rebels”. Catalonia is distinct for its unique, French-esque dialect and being the home of intellectuals and marginalized individuals. However, it’s clear Spain is acting in its best interest by trying to silence protestors. Catalonia is the most economically vibrant region of Spain, and accounts for almost 20% of the country’s GDP. Spain, a country that does not have the best track record when it comes to finances in recent centuries, desperately needs this far-from-obscure region on its national map.

Yet, regional division is a hot issue not only present in Spain. For example, Scotland has tried on numerous occasions throughout the history books to win independence from Great Britain, and just recently some Italian states have indicated autonomy is in the wishlist. And these are just a few instances of a rapidly rising trends – the only question left is, is the map of Europe to be redrawn once again?