People's Spring

Since 2011’s Arab revolts, spring has become a symbol of people’s push to express their free will.

2014's astronomical spring knocked at the door this week and it didn't affect only nature, but also European politics.

In a year when two referendums could redraw the borders of European countries like the UK and Spain, a third regional poll to the east unexpectedly changed the map of the continent.

To argue whether Crimea’s referendum was well-grounded, illegitimate or Russia-inspired is quite a dangerous trap to fall into.

What matters more is context – it was held amid fears that Ukraine, after ousting Viktor Yanukovych, announced it was heading for economic collapse.

Scotland and Catalonia’s referendums were both scheduled at a time when governments in London and Madrid were struggling with the repercussions of EU’s decade-long mismanagement.

Crimea could teach all of us a lesson: national pride has more to do with good output in politics and economics than with democracy or human rights. It depends more on security and living standards than on the sense of belonging.

In times of uncertainty, hollow rhetoric can mislead anyone, in any country.

So, while nature is waking up, let’s wish good times are ahead.