Content

  • Page 1 — Spain’s crisis reveals a new EU
  • Page 2 — in a Europe of regions, Catalans would be part of EU
  • Page 3 — Germany’s supremacy would be overcome
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    The Catalan of independence has long existed. Over and over again, Catalans have asked Spanish central government for more autonomy – and have received little. Unlike Germany, Spain is not a federated state. Catalonia is smaller than Bavaria, but pays about three times as much in Spanish treasury as German Free State of Confederation. In recent years, votes have also been taken in hundreds of Catalan cities, mostly for independence. The fact is that Spanish central government has long ignored this fact. What this leads to seems to be clear in meantime: such a vehemently expressed desire will not simply be silenced, even if Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy now threatens article 155 of Spanish Constitution. It could make Catalonia a forced government. But no one wants civil war-like conditions in Spain. So re must be something political, a new solution is sought.

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    Those who are still against independence of Catalonia are mainly because y fear European consequences: an exit from EU. The question is: why must this be so? Eir Catalonia remains part of Spain or it occurs: from Spain, EU, euro. The only alternatives currently in Catalonia case are as follows. Is re really to be no or, better solution that does not mislead, but which maintains an autonomous Catalonia in Europe?

    Of course re are. It is not God that an independent Catalonia has yet to apply for membership of EU again like Kosovo. The EU’s refusal to take a moderating role in this matter hinders solution process. And anyone who believes re is no third way in Catalonia crisis is making a mistake in a crucial position by holding on to nation state as only possible constitutional institution of a European unity. It doesn’t have to be that way. And this option is not just about Spain.

    A Europe map with 50 to 60 regions of continent © [m] aer.eu it would be time to sort out what region and what nation is

    The Catalans are currently not only ones who want regional autonomy in Europe. There would still be Tirol or Scotland, Wallonia, Flanders, Veneto or even Bavaria. Just to name a few. The demands of se people become louder, because EU has been confused about what can only be a region and what may be a state. Ireland or Cyprus are also two examples of where ethnic region and statehood are not congruent.

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    In addition, EU is full of large regions (such as North Rhine-Westphalia), which are not allowed to be part of EU, but also small States (such as Luxembourg or Malta) who are allowed to do so. Wouldn’t it be time to sort out what actually is a region and what a nation is? Especially since many nations are de facto associations of several regions, especially Italy or Germany. Even France has a repressed but rich regional past. There were also solidarity rallies with Catalans in Nantes in Brittany.

    Catalonia-Barcelona mayor calls for relaxation mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, has spoken out against a unilateral declaration of independence of Catalonia. The Catalan parliament could now call independence. © Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters