What is worrying Europe?
Europe is concerned that an independent Catalonia could act as a catalyst in other regions; Russia, China and the UK see a threat to the European model
The silence of the European Union during the days that followed the violent police charges of October 1 shows that the Catalan issue concerns the Union. Brussels claims it is an “internal affair” but in the hallways of some European capitals, the idea of independence in Catalonia poses questions regarding an awakening of sovereignty movements spurred on by Catalan successes.
Belgium is home to Flemings and Walloons, communities with separate languages (French and Flemish) which have had major disagreements in recent years. In Flanders the separatist movement has been visible in recent festivals in Barcelona and Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel, was one of the first to condemn the violence by the Spanish police of October 1.
Scotland’s independence referendum, agreed to with London, which was held in September 2014 meant that Scotland stayed in the UK by a small margin only. The threat of relocating businesses may have swayed some voters. Paradoxically, pro-EU Scots feel betrayed as just three years on, the UK voted to leave the EU. A second referendum may be on the cards.
The government of France and its president, Emmanuel Macron, have given Mariano Rajoy full support in its action against Catalonia and he opposes EU mediation. Changes, with nationalists controlling the regional assembly in Corsica have unnerved Paris.
In Italy, a vote for more autonomy will be held in Veneto and Lombardy, controlled by the far-right Liga Norte. on October 22.
Russia, China and the UK all have separate Euopean agendas and are closely following the situation as it unfolds.