Events in Catalonia

Reaction of the co-Presidents of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts to the ongoing events in Catalonia:

"We follow the developments in Catalonia with deep concern. The massive police violence against peaceful people trying to vote is a huge mistake by Rajoy. It will only worsen the situation. Regardless the outcome of today's vote, both sides have to come back to the negotiation table. This is a political problem and it needs to be solved politically, not by police force.

"The European Commission can't continue to turn a blind eye on the situation in Catalonia. We urge the Commission to promote dialogue and to offer mediation."