Catalonia is a historical region and an autonomous community of Spain, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering France and Andorra. As of 2014, with a population of approximately seven and a half million, it is considered one of the largest autonomous regions not only in Spain but also in the world. Major cities in Catalonia include Barcelona (the region's capital), Tarragona, Lleida, and Girona. This region, prominent for its geographical location, cultural diversity, and economic dynamism, has played an important role throughout history, both in the Mediterranean basin and across Europe.

Catalonia's historical development has deep roots extending from the Roman period to the present day. In the Middle Ages, it rose as a powerful maritime force in the Mediterranean with the County of Barcelona and the Kingdom of Aragon, and in the modern period, its demands for autonomy have been the subject of significant discussions concerning both Spain's constitutional order and the integrity principles of the European Union.

Today, the Catalonia issue is regarded not merely as a quest for local autonomy but also as a multifaceted problem that questions the boundaries of nation-state structures in Europe. The region's historical heritage, cultural identity, and economic power are among the determining factors in understanding the background of its independence demands.

^{Catalonia Autonomous Region (Store Norske Leksion)}

History

Catalonia's history dates back to the Roman Empire. During this period, the region was significantly shaped in terms of language, culture, religion, law, and administration. The peninsula came under Visigothic rule in the 5th century and underwent a significant transformation with the Muslim conquests from the 8th century onwards. The "Reconquista" (reconquest) movement began during this period and resulted in the expulsion of Muslims from the region by the end of the 15th century.

In the 12th century, Catalonia became an independent region as the County of Barcelona, and by uniting with the Kingdom of Aragon, it became one of the most powerful maritime forces in the Mediterranean. In the 15th century, with the marriage of King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile, it became part of Spain. It maintained its own institutions and coexisted in harmony with Spain until the 19th century.

In the 17th century, in 1640, Catalonia revolted against Spain for the first time, seeking independence due to the financial burden of the Thirty Years' War imposed upon it. Similar economic reasons led to various rebellions during the Spanish War of Succession in the early 18th century, but these uprisings were suppressed during the reign of Philip V, and Catalonia lost its autonomy in 1716. September 11, 1714, is a date symbolizing the defeat of the Catalans to the King of Spain and is commemorated today as "National Day."

In the 19th century, Napoleon's invasion of Spain sparked a sense of resistance and national consciousness in the region. In the last quarter of this century, a cultural awakening began, known as "Renaixença" (Catalan Renaissance), aimed at preserving Catalan culture, language, and literature.

In the early 20th century, Spain experienced political instabilities. With General Primo de Rivera's coup in 1923, all actions that could endanger national integrity were declared illegal, and Spanish was recognized as the sole official language. During the Second Spanish Republic (with the 1931 Constitution), Catalonia, along with the Basque Country and Galicia, gained an autonomous structure. However, after the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), this autonomy was abolished during the Franco dictatorship, the use of Catalan was prohibited, and the region faced cultural and economic oppression. Following Franco's death in 1975, the transition to democracy began, and in 1977, the exiled Catalan President Josep Tarradellas returned, and the establishment of a new autonomous structure was permitted.

Autonomy and Political Structure

The 1978 Spanish Constitution defined Spain as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy composed of 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities. While the Constitution emphasizes the "indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation," it also guarantees the right to autonomy for the nationalities and regions that compose it, and solidarity among them. Within this framework, regions such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia have been recognized as "historical nationalities." Each autonomous community has a legislative assembly, a president, and a high court. Autonomous communities have powers in matters such as organizing their own self-governing institutions, making regulations regarding local governments, urban planning, and housing. However, the judicial power is unified nationwide, and autonomous communities do not have their own exclusive judicial bodies; they cannot interfere with the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. The financial autonomy of the regions is limited, and primary tax sources are under the control of the central government; however, the Basque Country, Navarre, and Catalonia with its 2006 statute, hold a more privileged position in this regard. The new autonomy statute, approved by referendum in 2006, further expanded autonomy for Catalonia. However, in 2010, the Spanish Constitutional Court annulled some articles in this new statute (particularly in the areas of education and language) finding them unconstitutional. This decision led to an increase in separatist rhetoric.

Culture and Identity

Catalan nationalism is a political movement that seeks greater political autonomy or full independence for the region. This understanding of nationalism is related to a linguistic and cultural sense of belonging rather than an ethnic basis. The Catalan language (Catalan) is one of the most important elements of Catalan identity. In 2006, it was recognized as "lengua propia," meaning the native language of Catalans, and learning Catalan was determined to be the right and duty of every citizen of Catalonia. Official departments are obliged to provide services in the language chosen by the citizen. Catalan is a Romance language, like Spanish and Galician. Catalans define themselves as a "historical nation" and assert that they possess their own identity, culture, and language through a centuries-long tradition of nationhood.

Economy

Catalonia has historically been an important port city and trade center. It is one of Spain's wealthiest and most productive regions. According to 2018 data, Catalonia's share in the Spanish economy is approximately 20%. It is active in both traditional industry and the football industry. However, the central government's control over taxes and the obligation to share a significant portion of the wealth it produces with Madrid have led to economically-based discontent in Catalonia. The global economic crisis of 2008 deeply affected Spain, and rising unemployment exacerbated the impact of these economic disparities on separatist movements.

Independence Movement

Catalonia's desire to be an independent state has historical roots and has been reinvigorated in recent years by economic and political developments. Unlike many examples worldwide, the Catalan independence movement generally attempts to advance through a negotiated path, without resorting to armed conflict or terrorist methods.

Self-Determination and the Right to Secession

The right to self-determination is defined as the right of a people to determine its own destiny and is seen as one of the sources of legitimacy for Catalonia's independence demands. This right is divided into two parts: internal (the right of a people to choose its desired form of government and leaders) and external (the right to establish an independent state). In Catalonia, the demand for economic internal self-determination is particularly prominent. In international law, the exercise of the right to secession is a controversial issue, conflicting with the right to sovereignty and the principles of territorial integrity of states. Article 2 of the Spanish Constitution emphasizes the "indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation and common homeland." Therefore, in light of the current constitution and Constitutional Court rulings, a negotiated or constitutionally based secession process for Catalonia appears difficult to implement.

Key Developments:

• November 9, 2014 Referendum: The Government of Catalonia, despite the Spanish Constitutional Court's suspension order, organized an unofficial popular consultation. In the vote, which saw approximately 40% participation, 80.72% of participants voted in favor of independence. The Spanish government described this vote as "not a democratic election, but a worthless absurdity and a product of political propaganda."
• September 28, 2015 Regional Elections: The pro-independence "Junts Pel Sí" (Together for Yes) alliance emerged as the leading party in the elections and formed an alliance with the left-leaning Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) to secure a majority in parliament. This alliance claimed that an independence referendum would be held within 18 months. However, the vote share obtained by pro-independence parties (48%) was not considered sufficient for a unilateral declaration of independence.
• October 1, 2017 Referendum: In this referendum, deemed unofficial by Spain and met with police intervention, the participation rate was determined to be 42.3%, with 90.09% voting in favor of independence.

The Spanish central government argues that Catalonia's holding of an independence referendum is unconstitutional. It has stated that it would take the matter to the constitutional court in the event of a unilateral declaration of independence.

Catalonia and the European Union

Catalonia's independence demands have become an issue concerning the European Union (EU) due to Spain's membership in the EU. The general inclination of Catalans is to remain within the EU in the event of potential independence. While the EU respects the territorial integrity of its member states, it does not explicitly block independence demands. However, EU officials generally support the Spanish authorities.

The issue of a new state separating from an EU member country gaining EU membership remains uncertain. Jose Manuel Barroso, former president of the European Commission, stated that in such a case, the new state would have to apply to the EU and complete the membership process. This situation is a problem that the EU has started to consider more intensely, particularly in the examples of Scotland and Catalonia. The form of separation (whether it is based on a constitutional right) is a factor that could influence the EU's stance.

Catalonia's pursuit of independence is believed to be a test for the EU's spirit of "unity" and its future. Along with the rise of the far-right and crises like Brexit, the Catalonia issue is seen as an element that could deepen fault lines within the EU.