About: Artur Mas
Catalonia independence leader banned from public office
The former head of Spain's Catalonia region was barred from public office for two years earlier today (13 March) for staging an informal referendum on independence in 2014 at a time when secessionist leaders are trying to drum up support for a fresh ballot.
Catalan parliament speaker goes on trial for part in independence push
The speaker of the Catalan parliament denied in court today (16 December) she had committed a crime by letting the assembly vote on whether to pursue independence, and said no court could stop the separatist movement.
Catalan leader insists EU will recognise independent Catalonia
President of the Catalan Generalitat Carles Puigdemont told a Paris conference that the EU would recognise an independent Catalonia, citing the example of Slovenia and the former Yugoslavia, as well as Scotland and its dissatisfaction with Brexit. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Catalan independence back on track as new leader sworn in
Catalonia's parliament swore in a new separatist leader yesterday evening (10 January), putting the pro-independence movement's commitment to break with Spain over the next 18 months back on track after a long political deadlock.
Failed Catalan government makes another Spanish election more likely
Catalan far-left party CUP said yesterday (3 January) it would not support acting regional head Artur Mas in his bid for another term, forcing new local elections, and increasing the likelihood Spain may have to return to the ballot box.
Catalan parliament takes first steps towards independence
The Catalan parliament has this week adopted a resolution calling for the process of "disconnection" from Spain to be launched. But disunity in the separatist camp could derail the process. Our partner La Tribune reports.
Catalonia elections: Separatists on collision course with Madrid
The political situation in Catalonia will be extremely tense in the weeks ahead, following Sunday's victory (27 September) by separatists Junt pel Sì. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Catalan separatists win majority in parliament, set course to independence
Separatists on Sunday (27 September) won a clear majority of seats in Catalonia's parliament, in an election that sets the region on a collision course with Spain's central government over independence.
Scottish minister: Catalonia should talk to Spain
On the eve of the regional elections in Catalonia (27 September), nationalist leader Artur Mas has found little sympathy abroad in his quest for secession.
Catalan independence: Fears mount amongst separatist critics
As the run up to the Catalan elections gets under way, Spain and Europe are starting to consider what impact independence for Catalonia would have. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Catalonia faces wall of Spanish indifference, regional government says
A Catalan election this month, which the pro-independence movement has billed as a proxy on independence, is due to indifference to Catalan demands shown by Madrid, the head of the regional government said on Wednesday (2 September).
Catalan separatists send shudders through Madrid
After the new Catalan separatist bloc warned it would declare independence if it wins the 27 September regional elections, Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy said he'll do everything he can to stop it. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Catalonia takes election gamble to keep independence drive alive
Catalonian leaders are hoping that a regional election in September will keep alive a fading independence drive and force the hand of Spain's central government - but the move could also backfire.
Catalonia calls regional election step towards independence
Catalonia's two main parties yesterday (26 November) moved a step closer to calling a snap regional election they want to use as a proxy for a referendum on independence from Spain.
Massive turnout strengthens Catalonia’s pro-independence camp
Millions of Catalans voted yesterday (9 November) in a symbolic referendum on independence from Spain that supporters hope will propel the issue further despite opposition from Madrid.
Spain’s Rajoy says “chapter of dialogue” is opened with Catalonia
Spain's Prime Minister said on Wednesday ( 15 October) that a new "chapter of dialogue" was being opened with Catalonia, after the northeastern region dropped plans to hold a referendum on independence next month.
Catalonia to seek alternative to referendum
The leader of Spain's Catalonia region will call off a referendum on independence from Spain planned for 9 November, and look for alternative ways to consult Catalans, a key regional political party said yesterday (13 October). VideoPromoted content
Catalan official: “We cannot treat Catalonia like a third country”
“There is no provision in the EU treaties to describe a process like the one is happening in Catalonia”, says secretary for Foreign and EU Affairs of the Government of Catalonia Roger Albinyana.
Catalonia leader wants referendum ‘in the next days’
The president of Spain's Catalonia region said yesterday (21 September) he would formally call "in the next days" for a vote on independence from Spain which has been scheduled for 9 November. VideoPromoted content
EU says Scotland’s NO vote good for “united and stronger” Europe
In a poll that attracted over 84% turnout, Scotland voted on Thursday to remain part of the United Kingdom by around 55% to 45%. VideoPromoted content
Europe awaits Scotland’s independence vote
"Should Scotland be an independent country?" Over 4 million Scots are set to go the polls on Thursday to answer this question and decide whether or not they want to stay part of the United Kingdom.
Catalonian independence creates EU election issue
Catalonia’s President is pushing for an independence referendum to be held in November. In spite of the official EU position that this is an internal matter for Spain, leading candidates for the European elections have made comments signalling divisions. EURACTIV Spain reports. VideoPromoted content
EU insists that an independent Catalonia would leave the EU
The European Commission insisted on Tuesday that Catalonia would have to leave the EU if it becomes independent from Spain. The comments came after a group of advisers to the Catalan government published a report saying that an independent Catalonia would be able to stay in the EU.