Samenvatting

The purpose of this dissertation is to document research conducted at The Hague University of Applied Sciences on the topic of the role of the European Union in the Catalan separation crisis. The central question of this research was:
How have the EU Institutions dealt with the Catalan separation crisis (October 2017 – October 2018) and how can the EU intervene in a separatist crisis within the boundaries of its legal framework?

In order to answer the central question, desk research and a semi-structured interview were conducted. Firstly, desk research has been conducted to explain the history of the Catalan separatist movement, the political landscape in Spain, the legal framework of the EU on separatism and the approach of the three main EU-institutions.

Secondly, a semi-structured interview was being held with dr. Eric Storm, professor of European History at Leiden University and specialized in Spanish politics. The interview elaborated on the history of the Catalan separatist movement and explains the causes of the Catalan independence referendum of 2017.

The research showed that the EU-institutions maintain a neutral position in the Catalan crisis, as it is not allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of a member state, according to the legal framework of the EU. Moreover, if Catalonia breaks away from Spain, the region will have to apply for EU-membership through the regular accession procedure. However, Spain has the power to veto a possible accession of Catalonia to the EU.

Therefore, it is recommended the EU creates a partnership with Spain and Catalonia, wherein Catalonia remains a region of Spain, however, is granted with a high level of regional autonomy. This way, Spain maintains its wealthy region and a snowball effect in other regions of the EU is being prevented.