Samenvatting

The purpose of this dissertation is to determine and evaluate the economic consequences of a hypothetical independence for Catalonia. The desk research was conducted among all the chapters of the dissertation in order to give background of the topic, as well as, to determine these economic consequences. Afterwards, interviews were conducted to three specialists on the topic.
During the interviews, the participants were asked various questions regarding the economic consequences of the hypothetic independence for Catalonia. The responses of the interviews prove that the independence of Catalonia would have severe consequences that would seriously damage the economy of Catalonia.
The answers obtained from the desk research, from previous studies and cases, support the ones from the interviews. Wide majority of the studies prove that the economy of Catalonia would be damaged in case of independence. The use of interviews was useful for reaching personal and relevant opinions from professionals of different areas involved in the independence. On the whole, after analysing and discussing the results it is possible to conclude that the independence of Catalonia would not benefit but damage the Catalan economy in various aspects. Additionally, it is not seen as a possible solution to overcome the Spanish crisis. Nevertheless, recommendations are mostly subjected to the transparency and objectivity of the process of independence, believing that the Catalan government does not show the complete consequences of this project.
The continuous disagreements between the legality and the economic consequences of the Catalan independence lead this research to suggest more dialogue and cooperation. Further conversations and agreements between the Spanish and the Catalan government should be conducted before an unilateral independence is declared. This would affect not only the Catalan economy but also the Spanish and the European.