A MAJOR international conference of Europe’s independence movements has been announced.
The Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) has confirmed the summit to be held in Scotland on October 5 in Edinburgh.
It will bring together at least 15 groups to discuss progress, make contacts and plan for the future.
Among the nations represented are Greenland, the Faroes, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Flanders, the Veneto, Sardinia, Sicily, South Tyrol, Catalonia, the Basque Country and Transylvania.
There will also be a representation from the North of England to update people on a number of different parties and initiatives taking place there.
Co-convener of the SIC Isobel Lindsay said: “We are hosting this conference on behalf of the International Commission of European Citizens (ISEC), an EU-registered NGO promoting the rights of self-determination.
“The focus will be on the democratic rights of nations and regions in Europe and on the importance of respecting and promoting our socio-cultural distinctiveness.
“We need to strengthen our self-determination networks and learn from our varied experience and there will be a warm Scottish reception from our friends from so many different parts of Europe.”
In addition to the conference there will be the signing of a declaration that aims to send the message “that Europe is too centralised and there are many nations and regions which want either more autonomous power or full independence”.
The SIC continued: “At the moment the discussion about Europe’s autonomy and independence movements represents each as an individual case separate from the others.
“The declaration will seek to send out the message that Europe is too centralised and there are many nations and regions which want either more autonomous power or full independence.
“The aim of this is not only to place the continent’s autonomy movements into the context of widespread unhappiness at the centralisation of Europe but also to send out the message that it is independence and autonomy movements which lead in proposing that Europe should be reformed through more democracy, not less.
“Both advocates for a European super-state and the anti-EU populist movements believe that the future of Europe should be less democracy.”
Welsh independence activist Iestyn ap Rhobert said: “Welsh ICEC partners New Wales are honoured to have been invited to attend the conference in Edinburgh.
“Our delegation is looking forward to sharing information, data and findings on Wales in the devolution era as well as to learn from our international colleagues.
“We embrace this opportunity to further build on our relationship with our international friends, especially following a year of elections in 2024 that has shifted the political dynamic in all of our respective nations.
With Welsh independence polling consistently at 30% over the last two years, with this percentage rising to over 50% amongst our youngest citizen, it feels as if the Welsh national awakening that started over a century ago is maturing.
“The conference in Edinburgh in October is an opportunity not to be missed.”
The conference will be held in Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh with limited tickets set to go on sale soon
