The Catalonia crisis threatens not only the territorial integrity of Spain but also the EU’s foundations, Chairman of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky told on the sidelines of the World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi.
“It is clear that the situation in Catalonia threatens not only the territorial integrity of Spain but also many positions of the European Union, which are considered to be its foundations,” he said. According to the senior Russian lawmaker, many may try to claim independence now. “We can mention Belgium’s Flemish Region and Wallonia, as well as a number of other regions that pursued their right to self-determination over the past century,” Slutsky noted.
According to him, the situation surrounding Catalonia is very challenging.
“I would like to refrain from making assessments and extrapolations, but I would also like to wish the brave residents of the region that they find a peaceful solution to the problem,” Slutsky added.