Belgium: 200 Catalan mayors to travel to Brussels Nov. 7

Event

On Tuesday, November 7, some 200 Catalan mayors will travel to Brussels to express their support for the ousted Catalan government as well as make their case for Catalonia’s independence from Spain to European leaders. According to Catalan media, the 200 mayors will gather at 13:00 (local time) at the Schuman roundabout, situated next to the headquarters of the European Commission. It is still unclear if they intend to stage a protest. They will later hold a press conference at Bozar (Brussels’ Center for Fine Arts).

Meanwhile, the Catalan association of entrepreneurs - opposed to the region’s independence - will hold a press conference at 12:30 at the European Parliament.

Context

Catalan independence has become a divisive issue in Belgium media after the ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont fled to Brussels on October 30. Puigdemont, along with several other Catalan lawmakers, has been charged by the Spanish government with sedition, rebellion, and misuse of public funds for organizing the independence referendum on October 1. This prompted Madrid to officially suspend the region’s autonomy on October 27 - just moments after the Catalan Parliament unilaterally declared independence - and to implement direct central rule.

Belgium’s Secretary for Asylum, Migration, and Administrative Simplification has suggested that Puigdemont may apply for asylum in the country. As a member of the Flemish-Nationalist party N-Va, and long-standing advocate for regionalization, his statement sparked controversy with many Belgium politicians accusing him of undermining a fellow EU member state.

Advice

Individuals in Brussels are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.