re: Are we really talking about a modern European country breaking apart in Civil War?

The only reason they feel comfortable in demanding independence is because of the relative peace of the past hundred years in Europe. After World War II and the Cold War have ended, they don't feel like there would be any danger for such a small, rich area to break away. They want to be independent and let the larger countries of Europe and America subsidize their defense so they can live like kings on the extra money.