Action taken by the Spanish State with regard to the Catalan referendum

20.9.2017

Question for written answer P-005858-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Gerolf Annemans (ENF)

In the last few days, the Spanish Government has acted proactively and overzealously in Catalonia in order to prevent the independence referendum scheduled for 1 October. Mayors have been threatened with prosecution, websites taken down, house searches carried out and campaign material and ballot papers seized.

With today’s arrest of at least 14 Catalan government officials, the situation is gradually degenerating to a level normally associated with Turkey.

The EU institutions can be expected to act in the spirit of their own treaties and charters, which guarantee the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU, as well as fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, information, assembly and association.

What does the Commission intend to do now that it has become apparent that the Member State Spain is increasingly breaching these principles?

Will the Commission invoke Article 7 TEU if these serious and persistent violations of Article 2 TEU are confirmed?