The author examines identity politics in the European region, characterized by a significant manifestation of separatism - the Basque Country in Spain. The model of regional identity by R. Fitiar is used in the article, R. Fitjar singled out such factors that strengthen this identity as regional language, the fact of own statehood in the past, the nature of the center-regional relations, involvement in Eurointegration, the level of economic development, the existence of regionalist parties, etc. The diverse empirical base let the author show how the structural elements and technologies of identity politics, the construction of the image of the Other are used to mobilize the regional community. Separatist rhetoric is aimed less at real separation from the state, more at obtaining greater financial and tax autonomy.

The author examines identity politics in the European region, characterized by a significant manifestation of separatism - the Basque Country in Spain. The model of regional identity by R. Fitiar is used in the article, R. Fitjar singled out such factors that strengthen this identity as regional language, the fact of own statehood in the past, the nature of the center-regional relations, involvement in Eurointegration, the level of economic development, the existence of regionalist parties, etc. The diverse empirical base let the author show how the structural elements and technologies of identity politics, the construction of the image of the Other are used to mobilize the regional community. Separatist rhetoric is aimed less at real separation from the state, more at obtaining greater financial and tax autonomy.