BBC NEWS | Europe | Europe diary: The great re-entry:
Mark Mardell of the BBC says "the next most interesting booklet to plonk on my desk is a manifesto for an independent Flanders by a Flemish think tank, (Reflection Group 'In de Warande'). Its basic argument is that the Flemish part of Belgium and the French-speaking part have grown further apart, not closer together, since the nation was formed in 1830."

Slovakia separated from the Czechs in a nice Velvet Divorce in 1993. If there is no fear of being militarily conquered, there is no need for different "people" to be "stuck" together.

Wallonia would be better off as a independent poor place, with less subsidies, and try policies to increase peace based growth: low taxes, less red tape, fewer regulations (usual free market - high growth prescription).

Another model is Switzerland -- strong local cantons (and half cantons), with a weak central government (who is the Swiss president? who cares?). The Swiss model might be good for Spain, and possibly the UK as well.

Without war, no "state" is too small.