https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/as-catalan-independence-vote-nears-europe-supports-keeping-spain-intact/2017/09/22/c8b0affe-9edc-11e7-b2a7-bc70b6f98089_story.html?utm_term=.faa5f35911a7
Catalonia, a relatively small region in the northeast area of Spain, has long been wishing to gain independence from the country it is surrounded by. Catalans have a very different culture from the rest of Spain; they even speak a different language from the rest of the country. Therefore, Catalan president Carles Puigdemont has seen fit to give citizens a chance to vote for self-rule on October 1st. However, the Spanish national government has issued numerous warnings to Puigdemont stating that the vote is "illegal" and "unconstitutional." So far, no rescheduling or amendments to the vote have occurred. This is because the vote "has the support of the immense majority of the population," according the Puigdemont. Despite the vote's support in Catalonia, EU representatives worry for the future stability of Spain and are not keen on welcoming a newly independent Catalonia to the European Union, should the region separate from Spain. However, the Spanish government is making efforts to ensure that the October 1st vote does not happen. Websites listing polling locations are being shut down, regional governmental offices have been forcibly closed, and election ballots have been confiscated. It is currently unclear as to how this conflict will ultimately play out.
I'm fairly conflicted on the action that the Spanish government should take on recognition of independence for the region of Catalonia. There is definitely a clear majority of Catalonians who urge for independence, but on the other hand, the independence of Catalonia could lead to further independence movements of regions across the European continent.
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