The ambiguous Brussels silence on the Catalan issue

The European Union's position on the Catalan issue, even after the arrests by the Spanish police of political figures in favor of the referendum on the independence of the region from Madrid, remains the same since 2004 by the then head of the Commission, the Italian Romano Prodi. In essence, Brussels states that any territory which is detached from the member state of the union is automatically outside the Brussels organization. In essence, the union argues that the Catalan case is part of the exclusive competence of the Spanish state and can not interfere with Madrid on a matter that belongs to it. If this position could have some justification more than ten years back, some variables must be considered in the current scenario, which did not appear on this plan before. First of all, there is the Scottish example, with regard to Edinburgh there was no similar posting, because for reasons of opportunity, consisted in attempting, then failing, to remain the United Kingdom within Europe, implicitly threatened, an admission to Scotland in Europe. Brussels's attitude, which Juncker has signed, seems to aim at avoiding other positions such as the Catalan one, which can potentially have a route similar to that of Barcelona. However, a legitimate aspiration to the independence of peoples, which have a particular historical peculiarity, does not seem to be denied, to keep institutional balances convenient only to not change a consolidated pattern. Also disinterested in a possible libertarian conduct of a member state of Europe could open such solutions to other issues as well. Brussels had to be more interested in the issue and possibly try to mediate between the two sides. Catalonia, with the decision of the referendum, clearly expresses a discomfort, but expresses it in a peaceful manner, though, according to Madrid, in an anti-constitutional way. It is not a mystery that the Catalans have an aversion to Spanish central power, also because they are essentially Republicans; Madrid is seen as a usurper and the economic issue, with the substantial tax drainage of Catalan finances towards the center, only makes the problem more acute. What matters here is the detached, but also embarrassed, European leaders who are facing a problem they do not know and do not want to face. In all these years, Europe has crystallized on the position of union of states, without taking into account the instances of those peoples who do not feel part of a state; the serious fact that this aspect, present in several cases, has not been analyzed, leaving it to the full management of the nation concerned. This, on the one hand, is understandable, since it would have altered the equilibriums, often not very stable, which complied with the formation of the European common home. However, thinking of overcoming the Europe of states in favor of the regions, keeping the idea of ​​united Europe, but outside the boundaries of the state borders, but in favor of self-determination of peoples, does not seem to be an idea that can be an obstacle to the fulfillment of political union. It is not a road that is easy and certainly less easy, but it could also be considered, as an alternative, because it nevertheless responded to the foundational ideals of Europe as a supranational organization. Keeping the silence on the Catalan issue so as not to offend Spain will not help Brussels gain the confidence of all European citizens, or not to enter into the merit of the issue is a sort of failure to participate in a problem that can not be considered only national, from any part is, if possible, to establish the reason. In conclusion, Europe is still too weak to face a question of extreme importance, such as this, which could only be the beginning of a debate where, sooner or later, it will take a firm and determined position.