The Autonomous Community of Catalonia and International Law (Robert Kolb & Tarcisio Gazzini)

The attempt by the Autonomous Community of Catalonia (hereinafter "Catalonia") to break away from Spain raises several interesting questions that go to the heart of international law, namely statehood, self-determination, territorial integrity, and recognition. This article demonstrates that Catalonia has no entitlement under international law to obtain independence. It has nonetheless the right to pursue its economic, social, and cultural policies, even beyond its borders and those of Spain, provided that the Spanish Constitution and the Statute of Autonomy are respected.