Secession and Democracy: An International and European Legal Perspective on the Catalan Secession Process (2012–2017)

Abstract

This report provides an executive summary of the main conclusions of our research for the project ‘Secesión, democracia y derechos humanos: la función del Derecho internacional y europeo ante el proceso catalán - SEDEDH’ (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; reference: PID2019-106956RB-I00, 2019–2024; PI: Helena Torroja Mateu). The SEDEDH project falls within the ‘Research Challenges’ category. It thus aims to create scientific and technical knowledge oriented towards ‘solving social problems arising from social changes’, such as the Catalan secession process (2012–2017). To this end, it seeks to help promote ‘inclusive, innovative and reflective societies’ interested in exploring ‘shared values and their contribution to our joint future’ (Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation guidelines). The research team consists of lawyers and researchers specialized in the disciplines of public international law and international relations (including European law and international human rights law), private international law and constitutional law. This report is mainly intended for the broader public. However, it is also addressed to public representatives of Spanish society and other social institutions; representatives of other states; officials, experts and parliamentarians, where applicable, of the various international and European organizations under study; and other international stakeholders.