Catalonia’s quest for independence should serve as a warning to the EU

The Spanish Senate has just triggered Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution to impose direct rule over Catalonia. The decision, which Madrid claims is necessary to restore constitutional order, was taken following the escalation of tensions since the 1^st October referendum. That resulted in a declaration of independence that was initially suspended but then activated this afternoon.

The situation is currently extremely tense. The Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has called an extraordinary Council of Ministers this afternoon, which will sign off the implementation of measures under Article 155, including forcing the Catalan leader Puigdemont and his ministers to step down. It is difficult to predict how things will unfold, although it seems unlikely that Catalonia will succeed in its bid for independence without international support. Less difficult to predict is that the crisis will have major social and political consequences. The unprecedented recourse to Article 155 will inevitably damage future relations between Madrid and Catalonia.