Greetings!
More than two months since the last time I visited Stirpes.
I hope everything's well here around.
Couldn't resist to "stick the spoon" (portuguese expression) hereby!
First things first...
I doubt we'll see any new state here in the west during our lifespan. Things are getting too stiff and rigid. Get used to Belgium, they'll not split. A lose federation, maybe.
Flanders has three options: 1. Joining the Netherlands (doubt it; unfortunately there is much prejudice in the Netherlands regarding Flemish. Flemish are seen by the other dutch regions as the yokel hillbillies). 2. Full independence (doubt it). 3. Status Quo (most likely)
Regarding Wallonie: 1. Joining France (doubt it; it would only increase France unstability). 2. Full independence (not what I think being the rightest thing, but still their best option). 3. Status Quo (they'll remain prisioners of their past role in Belgium).
Regarding This corner of Europe
...
I've debated this with Mynydd not long ago. His vision is romantic and has its potential, undeniably.
Iberia or Hispania, whatever you prefer, is a very complex region. Yet is a region of Europe, and shares many similarities with cousin regions all hewn of the same Europe. Explaining the view of Portuguese independence its easy for an Irish or a Norwegian or a Slovenian to understand. A bit more difficult for a French or a Spanish or a German. Spain is a multi-nation state. Portugal is by far homogeneous. Yes, it may fit in a Great Iberia, in the Spanish view. It doesn't fit so well in the Portuguese concept of State.
If one is looking for similarities, one will certainly find them and disregard differences. If one is looking for differences, it will be easy to see them everywhere. Personally, I find both. Still enough differences to strongly believe in independence, and I believe I'm not biased by any kind of prejudice like independent Moldovans have regarding Romania, for an instance. That's my opinion and that's the overwhelming sentiment in the collective psyche of Portuguese.
And language. Language is a bigger obstacle than you may think.
(Christ, now this reminds me about the Orthographic Agreement that our government is ready to approve, and that will doom Portuguese language to kneel before Brazil. Believe me, with all my heart, I'd rather learn to speak and write Spanish than the damn Brazillian Portuguese!)