Thus in an integrated Europe France, Italy, the UK, Spain and other EU members are experiencing a revitalization of local culture, languages and identities. A recent poll in Spain showed that Catalans were prouder of being Catalans and Europeans than of being Spaniards. Typically, democratization both at the national and local level. When not accommodated, localization can lead to secession. Twenty-two new countries have been created since 1991, most of them from the division of Eastern European countries or the former Soviet Union.
Decentralization is often a political imperative.
Resisting it may not be feasible or desirable. Each country needs to adopt an approach suited to its political culture and social and economic circumstances. But there are some rules that rules that will in most countries most of the time. One is to appropriately sequence the elements of reform. The second is to enforce a firm budget constraint on subnational units.