Catalonia A New Independent State in Europe? ─ A Debate Over Secession Within the European Union

Catalonia: A New Independent State in Europe examines the main issues of the political process which is taking place in Catalonia today. The political confrontation between the Spanish and Catalan institutions has now reached the international arena, especially the debates concerning international recognition of a new Catalan state and its membership of the European Union (EU) and other international institutions.

There are no precedents for the secession of a region from an EU member country that could be applied to the case of Catalonia. Therefore, it is not surprising that the world has many unanswered question about the process. This volume aims to provide answers to many of these questions in a systematic and rigorous way. Why has the political scenario in Catalonia changed so radically and so rapidly? Is this new situation only temporary and support for independence is likely to vanish very soon? What role has the deep economic crisis in Catalonia and in Spain played in the process? Is a potential new Catalan state economically viable? Which are the main legal controversies about self-determination and independence between the Spanish and Catalan institutions? Would an independent Catalonia be a member of the EU?

This book will be of great use to academics and students in the field of politics and international relations, particularly those interested in European economic and political studies. It will also interest a wide segment of general readers interested in contemporary political issues.

Xavier Cuadras Morato is Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Business at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and Director of the International Business School (ESCI-UPF). He has a Ph. D. in Economics from the University of York (United Kingdom). He has held visiting positions in the University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, Universidad Centroamericana (Nicaragua) and the Escuela Superior de Economia y Negocios (El Salvador).

His recent research interests include the relationship between education and the labour market and the economic consequences of the political conflict between Catalonia and Spain.