THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CATALONIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CATALAN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

Abstract

This article analyses the relations between Catalonia and the European Union, while focusing on Catalan independence referendum on October 1, 2017, its historical background and the EU's policy in this process. Semi-structured, face to face in-depth expert interviews were conducted by the author in Barcelona in June 2017 before the referendum. Firstly the historical background of Catalan nationalism and relations between Catalonia and the central government in Spain are evaluated. Secondly, relations between Catalonia and the EU and how it has influenced Catalonia-central government relations are analysed. Lastly, the reasons of the Catalan referendum and the policy of the EU are evaluated.