Spanish president speaks at European Parliament amid criticism over Catalonia

Spain’s president, Pedro Sánchez, spoke at the European Parliament on Wednesday, sparking protests by a group of MEPs who condemned the prosecution of Catalan pro-independence leaders.

In his address on the future of the European Union, Sánchez made a call to fight Euroscepticism, far-right parties, and nationalism.

"Faced with the rhetoric of discriminatory identities, [we want] inclusive identities, identities that don't discriminate," said Sánchez.

Greens and People's Party criticism over Catalonia for opposite reasons

Following the Spanish president's address, the leader of the European Green party, Ska Keller, took to the podium and called on Sánchez to provide "a democratic and political solution" for Catalonia that "includes the prisoners" and beginning with "sincere dialogue."