ABSTRACT
Both the Catalan independence referendum and the unilateral declaration of independence made by the region’s politicians were considered as events which could potentially threaten the current order not only in Spain but also in other countries of Europe that, within their own borders, face the challenges of regionalism, nationalism and separatism. The prospect of the emergence of the Republic of Catalonia could set a precedent which would presumably change the shape of the political map of the continent. This is arguably why both member states and the organs of the European Union decided to remain neutral and declare that the conflict was an internal Spanish matter. Should the official position of the European Union be considered a categorical block to potential Catalan independence? Despite these difficulties, are Catalans able to use community structures and international law to achieve their political, economic and cultural goals? Presenting the results of her research, the author attempts to answer these questions and other issues in this paper.
