In our time, separatism is one of the most pressing problems. Therefore, this problem is widely discussed. Ethnopolitical conflicts in the 21st century in various forms affect political, socio-economic, legal, intrastate and interstate relations almost everywhere. In recent years, ethnic, inter-tribal, nationalist, separatist conflicts that have been almost protracted before have flared up in many countries, and they concern an increasing number of states. This article compares separatist movements in Western and Southern Europe using the example of the most prominent representatives - France and Italy.