EU says suspension of Catalan self-rule ‘within the constitutional order’

Brussels has endorsed the suspension of Catalonia’s self-government, which is pending approval by the Spanish senate on Friday. European Commission (EC) spokesman, Margaritis Schinas, said the EC supported Spain’s decision to enforce Article 155, as the measure is “within the constitutional order”. "We will always respect the constitutional and legal arrangements of Spain," said the spokesman.

In a Brussels’ press briefing, Schinas said the EC’s position on the situation in Catalonia has been "well known" since the day after the October 1 referendum. According to the EC spokesman, the dismissal of the Catalan government, the takeover of the Catalan police and public media are measures “within the Spanish constitutional order” and, therefore “legal”.