European Commission refuses to speculate on declaration of independence
Declaring secession a “huge mistake” say European Greens, while EPP finance ministers express support for Spanish government
European Commission (EC) spokesman, Alexander Winterstein, has refused to "speculate" on a possible unilateral declaration of independence in Catalonia. Asked about the European Commission’s position should the Catalan president declare independence in Parliament, Winsterstein responded that “first we will see what happens and then we’ll move forward… We will not speculate," he said.
In addition, the EC spokesman again pointed out that even in the case a legal referendum in which a majority votes for independence, European treaties would not cover the territory in question.
EPP backs Spanish government
Meanwhile, in Luxembourg this week, Spanish economy minister, Luis de Guindos, attended the Ecofin council, the meeting of the economy and finance ministers of EU member states. According to De Guindos, all EPP (European People’s Party) finance ministers expressed support for the Spanish government. "I had a breakfast with seven or eight colleagues and all of them supported the position of the Spanish government," he pointed out.
The Spanish economy minister also stated that "everything" depends on the Catalan president, Carles Puigdemont. "I hope that common sense will come back, not only for Catalonia, but also for Spain and Europe," he added.