Debate on possible independence of Catalonia: Key issues – Commons Library Standard Note

Catalonia, a prosperous region in north-eastern Spain, has an autonomous Parliament. At present, parties in favour of Catalan independence have a majority in this Parliament, and the regional administration requested Madrid’s permission to hold a binding referendum on independence. However, the Parliament of Spain rejected this proposal, so the proposed referendum will now take the form of a non-binding 'popular consultation'.

This 'popular consultation' will be held on 9 November 2014. This note provides an overview of recent developments and key issues in the debate.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Spanish parliament rejects Catalonia referendum http://www.europeansources.info/record/spanish-parliament-rejects-catalonia-referendum/

ESO: Background information: Independent Catalonia would be left out of the EU, Brussels insists http://www.europeansources.info/record/independent-catalonia-would-be-left-out-of-the-eu-brussels-insists/

ESO: Background information: Catalonia President calls EU leaders to support independence referendum http://www.europeansources.info/record/catalonia-president-calls-eu-leaders-to-support-independence-referendum/

ESO: Background information: Spain to block Catalonia independence referendum / Catalan party leaders agree self-rule referendum questions http://www.europeansources.info/record/spain-to-block-catalonia-independence-referendum-catalan-party-leaders-agree-self-rule-referendum-questions/

Wikipedia: Catalan self-determination referendum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan_self-determination_referendum,_2014

The Guardian, 30.04.14: Scotland is getting its referendum – next up Catalonia http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/30/scotland-referendum-catalonia-independence-from-spain

Catalan News Agency: Special Report: Catalonia's independence from Spain? http://www.catalannewsagency.com/catalonia-independence

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