European Union's ‘troublemakers’

Catalonia's referendum for independence from Spain was the first of many such votes across EU, with regions across the bloc seeking a different relationship with their mother country

FAROE ISLAND

The self-governing region within Denmark will hold a referendum on a new constitution in 2018, which could pave the way for independence

SCOTLAND

Part of the UK for more than 300 years, a 2014 referendum saw a push for full independence being narrowly defeated. However, the Brexit vote has reignited calls for breaking away

BASQUE COUNTRY

Another part of Spain that could break away, the region enjoys great autonomy, including being responsible for its own taxation

FLANDERS

Belgium's Flemish-speaking northern region has historically had a separate identity from the southern, French-speaking Wallonia, and the country's largest political party, the New Flemish Alliance, is dedicated to gradual, peaceful secession

LOMBARDY AND VENETO

Italy’s wealthiest regions, resenting that a large part of their taxes go to other, poorer parts of the country, are seeking greater autonomy from the central government

CORSICA

The French region seeks secession, a feeling that is shared by the mainland — Corsica has one of the highest levels of violence in Western Europe

NEW CALEDONIA

The French territory in the Pacific, which is to have a referendum on independence in November, is divided between the pro-freedom Kanaks and the non-Indigenous people wanting to stay French