The crisis in the relationship between Catalonia and the Spanish state is deteriorating. Apart from Brexit, this is Europe’s greatest challenge since the wars in the Balkans in the 90s.
As a result of the advisory 2017 Catalan independence referendum, reactions came from a multitude of avenues, including the domestic central state and other official bodies, as well as international commentary. Whilst the government and non-government community in Catalonia defended the vote, most of the international community either defended Spain’s “territorial integrity” or simply criticised the central police’s overhanded response.
Any refusal by the international community to get involved – hiding behind the argument that this is an internal matter for Spain – puts at risk the possibility of reaching a peaceful solution to this very complex situation. Vice-President Roger Gale of the Parliamentary Assembly declared said: “It is with deep regret that I have seen the incidents of violence that have occurred in Catalonia today. I call on all sides to exercise restraint and self-discipline and to work to restore calm and reestablish dialogue.”
Next Thursday, January 17, we will talk about the independence conflict in Catalonia and the need of peaceful solutions. We are waiting for you at 6:30 p.m. at Calle Hurtado de Mendoza, 19, Málaga!