The separation of Catalonia may provoke separatist sentiment in Europe, - Juncker

Today, the head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said that the Catalan branch could provoke separatist tendencies in Europe
Reuters reports.

"Juncker said that he would not want Catalonia to become independent, as it would encourage other regions to the same, and would also complicate the management of the European Union" - said in a statement.

He added that he was "very concerned" about the separatist tendencies in Europe and urged the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rahoi to secure control of the situation.

"If we allow Catalonia - even if it is not our business - to separate, others will do the same, I do not want this," Juncker said.

Turning to the Catalan appeals for EU mediation, he said that the European Commission can not act as an intermediary unless one party asks for it to do so.

If Catalonia is separated from Spain, the  region will be outside the European Union , said European Commission spokeswoman Margaritas Škinas.

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine  considers the unlawful referendum  on the independence of Catalonia.

German Chancellor  Angela Merkel opposed the independence of Catalonia.

France declares that it  does not recognize the independence of Catalonia.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe opposed  the split of Spain.

Italy stated that the  proclamation of the independence of Catalonia was unacceptable.

The Catalan leader asked the parliament to  postpone the proclamation of independence.

The leader of Catalonia has signed a declaration of independence, however,  declaring it is in no hurry.

In Catalonia, they have confirmed that the  Declaration of Independence is symbolic.

Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Raho  gave Catalonia time to the end of the week to determine the position on the region's independence.

espreso.tv , Original in Ukrainian / Українською мовою