Defying Madrid, Catalonia Votes on Statehood
Spain’s richest region votes in a “consultation,” defying a constitutional court ban.
Southern Europe
Spain Strikes Down Election, Leaves Catalonia Little Choice
Spain leaves separatists in Catalonia with little choice but to declare independence outright.
Did France, Italy Just Get Away with Breaking the Rules?
France and Italy make small budgets adjustments to avoid a confrontation.
Catalonia Drops Independence Referendum, to Call Elections
Separatists in Catalonia call off plans for an independence referendum. But not really.
Madrid’s Intransigence to Blame for Catalan Separatism
Spain’s refusal to give the Catalans a say in their future has galvanized the independence movement.
Italy’s Renzi Wins Senate’s Backing for Labor Reforms
The prime minister clears one parliamentary hurdle, but must make haste.
Unwilling to Reform, France, Italy Miss Budget Targets
Slow to structurally overhaul their economies, France and Italy continue to miss their fiscal targets.
Undeterred by Scottish “No”, Catalonia Demands Referendum
Regional president Artur Mas wants to consult Catalan voters on independence.
Merkel Holds Out EU Membership to Balkan States
The German leader calls for speedy progress in the accession of former Yugoslav states.
Italy’s Renzi Wins Conservative Backing for Senate Reforms
Italy’s two largest conservative parties support the prime minister’s plan to weaken the Senate.
Party Senators Rebel Against Renzi’s Plan to Overhaul Senate
Senators “suspend themselves” from Matteo Renzi’s party.
Portugal Rejects European Aid to Avoid More Austerity
Portugal rejects more bailout funds after the supreme court strikes down a series of austerity measures.
European Parliament, Local Elections Boost for Italy’s Renzi
The Italian prime minister wins a strong mandate to continue his economic and political reforms.
Le Pen Struggles to Find Allies. Farage Finds Italian Friend
The Euroskeptic bloc led by Marine Le Pen is short on allies.
Venetians Vote to Break Away from Italy in Online Poll
The lackluster pace of Italy’s economic recovery fuels separatist sentiment across the north of the country.