Row in Brussels over 'linguistic discrimination' in Catalonia

Two associates of a civic organization against Catalan independence have condemned in the European Parliament what they call “linguistic discrimination” in Catalonia. Societat Civil Catalana associate Carlos Silva complained to the European Parliament Petitions Committee about fines issued to businesses over signage, while Ana Losada petitioned the committee about the “effects” of the linguistic immersion system in schools. The committee hears petitions by EU citizens and attempts to solve the complaints with mediation and, if necessary, legal action. Pro-independence ERC representative responded by denying "any type of discrimination" in schools.

In their appearance before the committee, Silva and Losada called on EU institutions to get involved in what they argue is a case of the “violation of rights” of Spanish speakers. While the committee head admitted their petitions, representatives of the European Commission later said that the issues covered by the petitions come under the “member state jurisdiction.” However, a letter will be sent to the Catalan authorities reminding them that in 2015 the Supreme Court ruled that 25% of classes had to be in Spanish should a pupil demand it.