A year of political –and climate– change

Three elections were held in 2015, and in 2016 we will get to see the outcome of two of the more relevant ones: the Spanish and Catalan elections. It remains to be seen how the Catalan political term will evolve, while the Spanish political scene is even more complicated after the split votes on December 20. Whichever way these two great unknowns develop will certainly change the political map of Spain and, consequently, that of Europe. For another year, the Catalan process towards independence and the unavoidable changes that will take place in Spain are sure to attract international attention.

At the same time, the world of culture will this year see three major events: the 400th anniversaries of the death of Shakespeare and Cervantes and the Ramon Llull Year. Pages 22 and 23 of this issue offer a summary of the most relevant international and domestic anniversaries in 2016. Meanwhile, the practical consequences of the summit on climate change held in Paris at the end of 2015 are expected to represent a turning point in the fight against global warming. So, don't miss our feature on electric cars, which are finally starting to come into their own. Enjoy your read and all the best for the New Year!