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The Celtic Union : a project with economic, political, and cultural Impact
The idea of a Celtic Union bringing together Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Wales, the Isle of Man, and Cornwall may seem bold, but it is not without merit. These countries share a common History, deep cultural roots, and Celtic languages that have survived through the centuries. At a time when questions of national identity and sovereignty are at the heart of European debates, the creation of a Celtic Union could offer many advantages, both economically and culturally as well as politically.
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A rather homogeneous population facing the ocean
A Celtic Union would bring together around twenty-one million inhabitants spread over a total area of 221,262 km².
Here is an estimate of the populations and areas of the countries involved:
Ireland : Population of about 6.9 million inhabitants, area of 84,420 km².
Scotland : Population of 5.5 million inhabitants, area of 77,910 km².
Wales / Cymru : Population of 3.3 million inhabitants, area of 20,779 km².
Brittany : Population of 4.9 million inhabitants, area of 34,018 km².
Isle of Man : Population of 85,000 inhabitants, area of 572 km².
Cornwall : Population of 570,000 inhabitants, area of 3,563 km².
These six Celtic peoples are close, very close in fact.
Firstly through their History, and above all, through their cultures and geography.
It is always easier to build a union with close peoples than with disparate ones.
A united economy, synergies, and strong growth potential
One of the primary economic advantages of a Celtic Union would be the creation of a common market of over twenty million people.
Currently, the combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of these regions is estimated at about 1,112 billion euros.
This GDP of around 1,100 billion euros represents considerable potential for enhanced economic cooperation. It is comparable to the GDP of wealthy countries like the Netherlands or Saudi Arabia.
On its own, a reunified Ireland, the Celtic Dragon, accounts for half of this Celtic GDP.
A Celtic Union of agriculture and maritime activities
A single glance at the map of the Celtic countries immediately reveals their strategic position at the gateway to Europe. The Celtic countries are islands and peninsulas. The climate is generally very conducive to rich and diverse agriculture and prosperous livestock farming. Today, Brittany is a real agricultural power in Europe. Green Ireland is moving towards organic agriculture.
The highly maritime nature of the Celtic Union countries places them among the wealthiest European nations in terms of maritime fishing and farming.
The Celtic Sea is very rich in fish.
Brittany is the tenth largest producer of seaweed in the world.
A common Celtic Union label could enhance the international visibility of agricultural and maritime products, combining authenticity, tradition, and innovation.
A Celtic Union of innovation and technology
Scotland and Ireland are already European leaders in the field of green technologies and renewable energies.
Brittany is one of the world leaders in the field of seaweed.
By sharing resources and expertise, a Celtic Union could become a major global player in technological innovation, particularly in sectors such as wind energy, biotechnology, information technology, and food resources.
A strengthened political power, between autonomy and independence
On the political front, a Celtic Union would offer a stronger collective voice on the European and global stage.
Currently, these countries are often overshadowed by the major powers, but by uniting their forces, they could carry more weight in international negotiations.
The idea of a Celtic Union fits into a context of redefining national identities in Europe.
The Scottish independence movement, the increasingly pronounced sense of a distinct Breton identity, and Wales’ efforts to strengthen its autonomy are all signs that these countries aspire to greater control over their destinies.
A Celtic Union could offer a political structure that reconciles sovereignty and cooperation, while ensuring fair representation of each region within a common Celtic parliament.
A Celtic Union of culture and managed tourism
For a long time now, Celtic culture has connected the six Celtic nations. The Interceltic Festival of Lorient / An Oriant is a shining example of this.
A Celtic Union could strengthen cultural integration, where the various Celtic traditions would be celebrated and promoted through festivals, school exchanges, and artistic collaborations. This would reinforce the sense of belonging to a united Celtic community while respecting internal diversity.
The Celtic countries are already popular tourist destinations, attracting tens of millions of visitors each year.
Scotland, for example, welcomes about thirteen million foreign tourists annually, generating revenues of over twelve billion euros.
Brittany, on the other hand, receives some fifteen million foreign visitors per year, three times its population of nearly five million inhabitants.
A Celtic Union could intensify the promotion of its common heritage, attracting even more visitors and boosting local economies through managed tourism.
A cultural and linguistic treasure
Finally, a Celtic Union would allow for the preservation and promotion of Celtic languages and cultures.
Scottish and Irish Gaelic, Breton and Welsh, Cornish, Manx, are all endangered languages, with speakers often in the minority in their own countries. A Celtic Union could implement language revitalization policies, common educational programs, and Celtic-language media to encourage their use and transmission to future generations.
There is a Nordic Council between the five Scandinavian nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, including the autonomous regions of the Faroes, Åland and Greenland.
So why not a Celtic Council between the six Celtic nations?
So, is this Celtic Union a project or a dream ?
Certainly, the idea of a Celtic Union is ambitious, but it is based on solid historical, cultural, and economic foundations.
The benefits of such a union would be numerous: a strengthened economy, increased political power, and a preserved and revitalized culture.
Of course, achieving this project would require considerable effort from the leaders and populations concerned, as well as a shared will to overcome political and logistical obstacles. However, the potential benefits are such that they deserve to be explored. A Celtic Union could offer a new model of regional cooperation, combining respect for local identities and collective solidarity, while paving the way for a more prosperous and harmonious future for the Celtic nations and peoples.
Find our articles in English on Brittany News
