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Catalonia Declares Independence; Spain Approves Central Takeover Of Region (npr.org)
Readers share a report: Lawmakers in Catalonia have declared independence from Spain in a historic vote that prompted protests and celebration. The government in Madrid, vowing to halt any would-be secession, has authorized the Spanish prime minister to take over direct rule of the previously semi-autonomous region. The vote in the Catalan Parliament comes nearly a month after the region held a referendum on independence, over Spain's objections. The regional president then declared his support for separation from Spain but also called for talks with Madrid, in an ambiguous speech. Spain's central government, promising to crack down harshly if the declaration was real, told the region's leaders to make up their mind: Yes or no? Independence or not? Now it's final: Independence, Catalonia said.
Why should they need to forgo the protection of the EU -- as a european entity, would their membership be rejected?
Their membership would almost certainly be rejected. For one thing, they would need approval of all member states. Spain isn't going to give their's. Not just to be vindictive cunts, but also because they wouldn't want to encourage independence movements in other regions like the basque country. Germany, Italy, etc, all have small independence movements in regions. They wouldn't want to help breakaway states by giving the safety net of the EU.
Catalonia won't get EU membership. Not right away and perhaps not for a long time if ever.
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
Every time a governed people declare independence it has been "illegal" by the current government's law. The US revolution was illegal according to English law, the Mexican Revolution was illegal according to Spanish law, etc. The only question is, can they defend and enforce their independence by use of martial force.
While many people draw similarities between the 2, the situation is actually quite different.
In the Catalonian case over 90% of voters voted to leave, vs almost a 50/50 split in Quebec. Also Catalonia is financially self sufficient (they transfer more money to the Spanish government than they receive back in services) whereas Quebec is not (Quebec receives more from the Canadian government than they transfer to it)
If you wanted a Canadian equivalent, it would be more like Alberta separating (from a financial stand point) however in that case the level of support is generally thought to be under 15% so it seems unlikely.
You think Catalonia will have a hard time getting back into the Union? I bet they'd trade Spain for it in a heartbeat...
Spain without Catalonia is essentially Greece when it comes to how broke they are.
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
Maybe not the only factor but the single biggest factor.
According to the Confederacy, it was the only factor.
Linux, you magnificent bastard, I read the fucking manual!
Or even read what the traitors themselves said they were rebelling about.
Also 3/5s of male slaves counted towards apportionment. That means the south had more members of congress that way than if they only counted free citizens of those states. This gave them a lot more clout which lead to several decades of stalemate about the slavery issue. When the south started losing this political tug of war they decided "screw this!" and seceded.
Greece was taking out stupendous loans, on top of fudging their books. They landed in a mess of their own making.