Spain

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has criticised EU countries for looking out for themselves in the early stages of the crisis and giving what she called an ‘only for me’ response.

David Alandete is a journalist and the managing editor for El Pais newspaper.

The Spanish socialist Pedro Sánchez has been sworn in as the country’s new prime minister – after his predecessor Mariano Rajoy lost a no confidence vote in parliament. But a new government also took office today in Catalonia – declaring they would continue to push for succession from Spain, an immediate challenge for Mr Sanchez.

Voters in Catalonia are going to the polls tomorrow to elect a new regional government, with a choice between pro-separatist parties and those who want to keep the region firmly part of Spain. Madrid called the snap poll  after it declared October’s independence referendum illegal and sacked the entire Catalan government. But polls show people…

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has appealed to independence parties in Spain to unite in the fight for freedom. And despite being on the run from Spanish authorities Mr Puigdemont says he’s ready to stand in the elections which were called after Catalonia declared independence. Mr Puigdemont – who’s hiding in plain sight in Brussels –…

Tens of thousands of demonstrators protest in support of Spanish unity. Some called for the sacked Catalan separatist leader, Carles Puidgemont, to be jailed.

The Catalan separatist leader, Carles Puigdemont, has called for “democratic opposition” after Madrid imposed direct rule on the region. Mr Puigdemont – who’s been sacked along with the rest of his cabinet by the Spanish government – gave a televised address from an undisclosed location.  

The Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has been giving his government’s response to the Catalan declaration.

Catalonia’s parliament has voted to declare independence from Spain. Downing Street has said the UK will not recognise the declaration.  

Academic and author Frank Furedi, Catalan journalist Marina Petrus Coll and Catalan activist Julie Strubell discuss the independence declaration.

How did the crisis reach the point where Catalan leaders declared they had “no other option” but to push ahead with independence. Catalonia is one of the richest regions in Spain and already has plenty of autonomy.

Alfred Bosch, a member of Barcelona City Council, talks about what he believes will happen after the independence declaration.

Huge crowds have been celebrating on the streets of Barcelona, as the Catalan parliament voted to establish an “independent and sovereign state” – a declaration met with an immediate response from Spain: direct rule. And as for Europe, a big no too,as the head of the EU parliament declared no-one in the bloc would recognise Catalan independence.

The crisis in Catalonia is deepening after its president Carles Puigdemont ruled out calling early elections. Tomorrow the Spanish Senate is now expected to go ahead and endorse the government’s announcement of direct rule.

Professor Jaume Lopez, from Pompeu Fabra University, discusses Catalonian independence.