As the Scottish referendum is getting ever closer, the zeal for independence is spreading across Europe. Catalonia is celebrating already. Even though the Spanish constitution does not allow for secession, Catalans are eager to have their own referendum come what may. The recent referendum in Veneto has gotten nowhere on constitutional grounds, as well, but many more referenda of this kind can be expected in Italy. Closer to home, many a referendum can be expected across former Yugoslavia. Serbia and Macedonia face growing regional divides that suggest a whole bunch of referenda. And an Istrian referendum would hardly be a surprise in Croatia. In the case the Scottish nationalists are victorious, the zeal will only grow. It is as if independence would solve all the problems across the sub-continent. How about the lingering recession, though? How about mounting pressures from immigration of increasingly destitute peoples from Africa and Asia? How about the floods and droughts, as well as other ravages of climate change? Come to think of it, is independence not but a distraction from all the real problems facing Europe? If so, the zeal is right on the money.