Authors’ point of view

An odd version of the Nobel Prize

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner . (November, 2023)

The Princesa de Asturias Prize was created just three years after the first free elections in many decades to lend legitimacy to the frail new democracy and, most importantly, to the king himself (the father of the current one), previously surmounted as direct successor by none other than Franco. Madrid mostly uses it for his own filthy political agenda; that has nothing to do with positive international values, but is rather a clean-the-face operation.

The article 👉  An odd version of the Nobel Prize 

 

Toni Comin

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner . (July, 2023)

«During the gloomy years of Basque and state terrorism, Madrid had the motto that “everything was on the table if projected peacefully”. Obviously, that was just an illusion, pure rhetoric from a political mindset that sees the Catalan speaking regions as war booty rather than political subjects.»

The article 👉 Toni Comin

 

A new step for independence

Pere Miret. (April, 2023)

«It is not by chance that Putin is in favour of Spain in this conflict, while members of the Russian democratic opposition, against the invasion of Ukraine, are in favour of the inde- pendence of Catalonia»

The article 👉 New step for independence 

 

Barcelona to Tallinn

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (March, 2023)

«…the incapability of proposing much of an aspirational nature to the Baltic countries is mirrored down here [Catalonia]; for Madrid, like Moscow before it, does not seduce, but threatens, imposes and exploits. Only the means are different, as the societies and contexts are not the same.»

The article 👉 Barcelona to Tallinn 

(Un)real Story

Joan Freixanet. (February, 2023)

(This story is a uchronia. Anyway, it fits with what is currently happening in a territory in European Union)

The article 👉 (Un)real story 

 

Barcelona: global vs capital?

Pere Miret. (January, 2023)

«Barcelona has always had the Spanish state against it, since it was formed only a few centuries ago. […] This has been because a hyper-centralist Spain has favoured its capital financially and with many investments, much more than in the case of Barcelona.»

The article 👉 Barcelona: global vs capital?

 

Aspirational vacuum

Oriol Martinez Alòs-Moner. (November, 2022)

«…these genuine features of the [Spanish] state, its former monarch escaping justice, the latest one threatening and taking sides in favour of institutional violence…, would shame any truly democratic Western parliament»

The article 👉 Aspirational vacuum

 

Spain against Russia?

Pere Miret. (October, 2022)

«…if Russia’s target is the European project, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, and this is based on demo- cratic values, according to Article 2 of the EU Treaty, who is really favouring the Kremlin is Spain.»

The article 👉 Spain against Russia? 

 

Israel and Catalonia, parallel lives

Joan Freixanet. (September, 2022)

«Israel and Catalonia, although very different in many aspects, have shared some common foes throughout history…»

The article 👉 Israel and Catalonia, parallel lives 

 

Fiscal Deficit and Entrepreneurs’ Hell

Eduard Gracia. (July, 2022)

«…the wave of social discontent that sweeps developed economies today, linked to the impact of globalization, creates additional demand for public intervention to soften this impact along various welfare, environmental and even lifestyle dimensions. This challenge is common for many countries today, but Catalonia’s case is unique in having to respond to it while enduring such colossal financial bleeding.»

The article 👉  Fiscal deficit and entrepreneurs’ hell 

 

Russia’s affection for the N-word

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (June, 2022)

«Autocrats are never short of hyperbole or blatant lies, remaining accountable to no one other than age, illness, or internal coups. This has notable parallels with Spanish nationalism, which is still mainstream in the country, and the tendency to use the N-word when facing Catalonia’s independentists.»

The article 👉Russia’s affection for the N-word

 

Catalan contributions

Pere Miret. (May, 2022)

«…the current situation of colonial dependence of Spain is increasingly leading the Catalan economy to decline. Despite the volume of the Catalan economy, there are practically no big companies. The reason is clearly political: the hypercentralist Spanish state does not allow it.»

The article 👉 Catalan contributions

 

Spain’s paradox of plenty

Eduard Gràcia. (April, 2022)

“It is largely thanks to European generosity that Spain’s institutions can afford, against every market imperative, to bleed dry its Catalan Countries (Catalonia, Valencia, Mallorca) through huge fiscal deficits in order to finance pork-barrel politics in other regions.”

The article 👉 Spain’s paradox of plenty

 

It’s the economy, stupid!

Joan Freixanet. (March, 2022)

“The famous phrase from James Carville to George H W Bush in 1992 could apply to the needs of Catalonia today.”

The article 👉 It’s the economy, stupid!

 

Shadow of the past 

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (February, 2022)

“…unlike Portugal, that endured a real purification of its authoritarian roots after the “Revolução dos Cravos” in 1974, spurred by colonels from conflicts in African colonies, Spain has never undergone such a catharsis: there has been a continuity in the modus operandi, only under a democratic façade.”

The article 👉 Shadow of the past

 

One Treaty, two standards

Pere Miret. (January, 2022)

“…an observer of the political events of the past few years in Spain might wonder why the actions initiated against Poland have not been applied in Spain, since in recent years in Catalonia there have been the worst mass human rights violations in the last decades in Western Europe.”

The article 👉 One treaty, two standards 

 

1992

Eduard Gracia. (December, 2021)

“Barcelona’s astounding success in 1992, heralding Catalonia’s new global projection while emphasising the potential of the Mediterranean coast, triggered the opposite reaction – for, in the long run, economic power shifts often precede political ones. […] It was the ascent of Catalonia and the fear it instilled in Madrid’s establishment that made the conflict inevitable. This is why neither the Catalan claim for independence nor the State’s shameless repression show any signs of abating.”

The article 👉  “1992”

On divide and dividing

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (November, 2021)

“Divide and rule is a strategy that is as old as military occupation itself; therefore, it should be named as such, particularly when used against a minority.”

The article 👉  On divide and dividing

 

False stability

Pere Miret. (October, 2021)

“…if the government of Catalonia has not been able to fi- nance its debt in the inter- national markets and has depended on different fa- cilities settled by the Spa- nish state, its main credi- tor, it has been essentially for political reasons,…”

Download the article 👉 False stability

The “anomaly” of the Catalan language

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (September, 2021)

“…although twenty of the EU’s twenty-four official languages have fewer speakers, Catalan is not one, after unremitting opposition from Madrid.”

Download the article 👉 The “anomaly” of the Catalan language

Lying for unity

Pere Miret. (July, 2021)

“Spain has spent a lot of money on a global diplomatic and media campaign to try to impose its version of the Spanish state’s conflict with Catalonia.”

Download the article 👉 Lying for unity

Pennies from heaven 

Eduard Gracia. (June, 2021)

“When inflation finally takes off, its first victims will be Europe’s “frugal” econ- omies – Germany, Netherlands, Finland… Will they then still be happy to finance those Mediterranean economies that are never able to get their act together?”

Download the article 👉 Pennies from heaven 

Indy struggel goes on

Pere Miret. (April, 2021)

“…the European Union’s position on Spain is contradictory. While actions have been taken in the cases of Poland and Hungary, the seriousness of the clear democratic and human rights violations in Catalonia has not been taken into account. Even the European Parliament, bowing to strong pressure from the Spanish state, has lifted the immunity of three MEPs politically persecuted by Spain, despite strong political opposition from many of its members who considered it a violation of democratic principles.”

Download the article 👉 Indy struggle goes on

Double standards

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (March, 2021)

“The Catalan speaking regions have a long collection of rebuttals in their aim to blow the dust off fiscal mistreatment from Madrid.”

Download the article 👉 Double standards

Machiavellian lessons

Eduard Gracia. (February, 2021)

“…if the [spanish] state’s strategists think they are following Machiavelli’s advice, they should have read on much more carefully, for Chapter XVII also explains that, while inspiring fear may favour the prince, abuse begets outrage and thus strengthens the opposition.”

Download the article 👉  Machiavellian lessons

Solidarity, but with whom?

Pere Miret. (January, 2021)

«…if once again, the European Union closed its eyes to the massive human rights violations in Catalonia, it would be giving its solidarity to an oppressive state. And this is not sus- tainable and would only lead to the disintegration of the European Union itself.»

Download the article here 👉 Solidarity, but with whom

The sick minotaur

Eduard Gracia. (December, 2020)

«As the Spain opened to globalization, many regions and economic activities gradually lost competitiveness while the three Mediterranean regions of Catalonia, Mallorca and Valencia gained it. The Spanish state’s response, however, was to protect its core privileged groups by bleeding these three regions through grossly inefficient policies that ultimately render the entire country uncompetitive.»

Download the article here 👉 The sick minotaur

Sense and sensibility

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (November, 2020)

Madrid’s repressive authoritarian reaction of the last ten years against Catalan independence should have no place in a Western democracy. It is an anomaly that has no equivalent anywhere else in the European Union. What is at stake is democracy itself.

Download the article here 👉 Sense and Sensibility

What lurks behind

Eduard Gracia. (October. 2020)

“As market forces gradually move economic activities to more attractive regions (e.g. on the Mediterranean coast) only one major city stands in this hollowed-out space in the middle: Madrid, proudly rowing against the market wind. This can of course only be sustained through the state’s commitment to diverting business activity towards this more economically inefficient but politically favoured location and clipping the wings of its closest competitors –which, for Madrid, means primarily Barcelona.”

Download the article here 👉 «What lurks behind» 

Not only possible, but also necessary

Pere Miret. (September, 2020)

… the outdated Spanish imperialism has shown its weakness because it cannot offer anything better to the Catalan people than colonial repression, impoverishment and cultural genocide.”

Download the article here Download the article here 👉 «Not only possible…»

The Catalan bonsai

Eduard Gracia. (July, 2020)

«The Spanish state consistently intervened to weaken Catalan economy: in 1985 economist Ramon Trias Fargas described it as “a premeditated asphyxiation” and not much later other authors started to refer to Catalonia as a ‘bonsai economy’.»

Download the article «The Catalan bonsai»

How the pandemic is magnifying the Spain’s failures

Oriol Martínez Alòs -Moner. (June, 2020)

«As in recent scenarios, the recipe from Madrid for fighting back against the pandemic has been to stubbornly insist on the sacrosanct unity of the state! Beyond the rhetoric, this has meant that the regions’ manoeuvrability has severely been curtailed; paradoxically considering that public health is indeed a competence of the autonomies them- selves.»

Download the article How the pandemic is magnifying the Spain’s failures  

Consolidated… what?

Pere Miret. (May, 2020)

«In March 2020, The Telegraph published that 65 million euros were paid in supposed commissions to Emeritus King Juan Carlos and hidden in tax havens. Still, no Spanish court has yet investigated it, and in the Spanish parliament the majority political parties, both right and left, blocked the proposed inquiry committee.»

Download the article «Consolidated… what?»

Way of the bully

Eduard Gracia. (April, 2020)

«Half a millennium ago, Machiavelli advised the Prince to aim to be both loved and feared but, if forced to choose, always choose fear. He also cautioned, however, against taking away what people believed was theirs, for this would foster hatred towards the Prince, and people always strive to destroy those whom they hate.»

Download the article «Way of the Bully»

Test of independence

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (March, 2020)

(Authors’ original title: «Catalonia’s way to independence is pointing out some tests…at once»)

«Madrid has faced the Catalan problem using an old regime manual, far from the standards in today’s Western democracies.»

Download the article «Test of independence»

Europe’s institutional dilema

Eduard Gracia. (February, 2020)

«When EU rules are bent, they risk losing their shape forever as noncompliance spreads across member countries. Hence, Spain’s repression against Catalan inde- pendentists pulls European institutions in- to a crucial battle they must fight and win.»

Download the article «Europe’s institutional dilemma»

State power and catalanophobia

Eduard Gracia. (January, 2020)

«When resources are scarce and elites weaken, pressure for change grows. Against this, ruling elites often resort to two timetested strategies: chop off the heads that stand out and/or find scapegoats (ideally the same) to divert popular discontent.»

Download the article «State power and catalanophobia»

Race to the core: Catalonia and the global power struggle

Eduard Gracia. (December, 2019)

«Catalonia, Spain’s largest industrial and, in many aspects, most competitive region, stands in a difficult spot. […] Spain imposes a disproportionate fiscal deficit on Catalonia, and spends billions in crowd-pleasing, uneconomic projects elsewhere while letting Catalonia’s overused infrastructure collapse.»

Download the article «Race to the core: Catalonia and the global power struggle»

Spain’s pseudo-democracy

Pere Miret. (November, 2019)

«The Council of Europe has begun an investigation to find out how Spain and Turkey are using justice against Catalan and Kurdish politicians. […] The European Union cannot betray its founding values. […] The alternative is the disintegration of the European Union.»

Download the article «Spain’s pseudo-democracy»

Each authoritarian step by Madrid only pushes Catalonia further away

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (October, 2019)

«Spain CANNOT reverse course concerning Catalonia and maintain political credibility internally». (Eric Willey).

Download the article «Each authoritarian step…»

A singing revolution in Catalonia?

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (October, 2019)

«Singing traditional music in Estonian was a way of channelling their nation’s aspirations, as well as (indirectly) calling the Soviet oppressors by name. […] While unity and brotherhood are evi- dently displayed by the cheerful crowds themselves, the evocativeness of music stands at another level, as Baltic choral traditions show.» (Download the article: A singing revolution in Catalonia?)

Who wants independence

Eduard Gracia. (September, 2019)

«For the last decades, as globalisation increasingly favoured Barcelona and threatened to tilt the country’s power balance, Madrid’s establishment was able to rally voter suport in the rest of Spain against the Catalan challenger.» (Download here the article)

Madrid’s colonial attitude may help understanding of events in Catalonia

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (July, 2019)

«…one of the key names on the Spanish right during the transition to democracy, the vehement and well-read Manuel Millan Mestre, has declared that “for the first time he thinks the Spanish government is treating Catalonia just like a colonial possession.» (Download here the article)

Is the European Union mutating?

Pere Miret. (June, 2019)

«The European Union cannot afford to continue to turn a blind eye to the serious violations of human rights in Catalonia and so betray its founding values. Nor can the European Union continue to delay the application of article 7 of the Treaty on the EU in Spain. The alternative is fascist barbarism and the disintegration of the European Union.» (Download here the article)

Geography and the Catalan conflict

Eduard Gracia. (May, 2019)

“…not long after joining the euro zone, Spain’s establishment started limiting Catalonia’s prospects through government intervention: limiting Catalan financial autonomy, spending on unnecessary infrastructure elsewhere while those in Catalonia fall apart, enticing and subsidising companies to move from Catalonia to Madrid, even actively blocking EU-financed investments in Catalonia…» (Download here the article)

Unionist fraud in 2017 vote?

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (April,2019)

«With no room for naivety, Madrid has shown its will to cross any democratic red line in order to stop Catalan self-determination.» (Download here the article

The recognition of the Catalan Republic

Pere Miret. (March, 2019)

«The Spanish Constitution in its articles 10.2 and 96 obliges respect for ratified international agreements. And Spain ratified the Charter of the United Nations and the International Covenants where the right of peoples to self-determination is enshrined.» (Download here the article

Ranking in the wrong

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (February, 2019)

«The Spanish attempt to stop by force Catalonia’s illegal referendum on independence on October 1 and its repressive treatment of pro-independence politicians have put it at risk of becoming a ‘flawed democracy’.» (Download here the article)

The real nationalism

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner. (January, 2019)

“The last twist of the screw in Spain’s nationalism has been its new political star, Vox, a party that is not shy in calling itself heir of the dictator and his ideology —this, at least, is something that the two other right-wing nationalist parties, PP and Ciudadanos, have tried to conceal.” (Download here the article)

Democratic shame

Pere Miret. (December, 2018)

«Spain does not recognise Catalonia’s right to self-determination despite having ratified the Charter of the United Nations and the internacional convenants in which this right is enshrined. And the Spanish Constitution itself, in Article 96, obliges respect for ratified international agreements.» (Download here the article)

Reasons for secession

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (November, 2018)

«Spain, again, is shifting towards its traditional authoritarian rule” “The glass is clearly and inexorably filling up in favour of the independence» (Download here te complete article)

A colony, until when?

Pere Miret (October, 2018)

«A member of the PSOE government, the foreign minister, Mr Borrell, during the election campaign of December 2017 even went as far as to claim that Catalonia was a sick country. Simply for demanding human rights!»  (Download here the complete article)

Obstacles to a solution

Josep Reyner (September, 2018)

«Catalan aspirations question the foundations of the Spanish state: a monarchy never explicitly ratified and inherited from the Franco regime, the “unbreakable” unity of Spain, and a conservative vision of the rule of law dominated by judicial power, occupied by judges related to a political right lacking values in line with the social reality of the 21st century.» (Download here the complete article)

Independence and solidarity

Pere Miret (July, 2018)

«…with the elections on December 21 of 2017 […] the majority in favour of independence in the Catalan parliament was achieved again. That is to say, with neither a tie nor the independentists being a big minority in Catalonia, but with them being a clear majority. […] in the period of 1986 to 2014 the Catalan fiscal deficit was actually 8% of GDP as an annual average, currently more than €18 billion a year. And Catalonia shows great solidarity. For example, unlike Spain, Catalonia has given more money to the EU than it has received.» (Download here the complete article)

Lenience on corruption in Spain

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (June, 2018)

«The very fact that such institutionalised corruption schemes have hardly had any political costs and consequences for the two largest political parties is telling of the troublesome state of democracy in Spain.» (Click here to download the article)

Discourse of repression

Josep Reyner (May, 2018)

«Political interference in appointments for key positions has been continuous from the ruling party. As a result, nine political leaders are in preventive prison without trial and five more forced into exile, now undergoing extradition, including president Puigdemont.”» (Click here to download the article)

Who harms the Catalan economy?

Pere Miret (April, 2018)

«…an independent state is needed for the develop-ment of the Catalan economy, one which works in favour and not against it as the corrupt, economically inefficient Spanish state does in oppressing the Catalan people.»  (Click here to download the article)

A voter perspective on the crushing of democracy in Catalonia

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (March, 2018)

«The Spanish political elite, in its thirst of power and in order to maintain its corrupt structures running, is driving turning into a Turkish-like “democracy”, placing Spain ages away from its cosmopolitan European partners.» (Click here to download the article)

The solution is democracy, not Spain

Pere Miret (February, 2018)

«… what failed in the political marketing operation? [of the three Spanish nationalist parties in the 21-D elections] […] We must conclude that the price-quality ratio was not good for most voters. An undemocratic, arbitrary and corrupt Spanish state, which can only offer a future of repression and economic and cultural decadence, is not attractive.» (Click here to download the article)

The stand-off in Catalonia

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (January, 2018)

«The Catalan institutions, their political and social leaders, have at least forced Madrid to show the world its true face: that of being an authoritarian state that can only count on the use of violence in order to rule over its most productive and dynamic region.» (Click here to download the article)

Listen, Europe!

Pere Miret (December, 2017)

«The point is: can the EU tolerate a member state like Spain improperly violating the fundamen- tal rights of European citizens, citizens of a nation like Catalonia, which have for years peacefully claimed their national rights?» (Click here to download the article)

Why Catalans want to be independent

Francesc Reguant (November, 2017)

«… how can one foster hatred against a serene, welcoming and open people, who prefer non-violent dialogue and peace? The answer is simple: by lying, without scruples, dominating media insensitive to reality, to the point that they have managed to make it so the lie in Spain deserves no censure.» (Click here to download the article)

Rationale for Catalonia’s independence

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (October, 2017)

«…Spanish institutions have shown an overly undemocratic side, in opposition to the normal functioning of most states in Western Europe.» (Click here to download the article)

Progress or total decline

Pere Miret (September, 2017)

«The Spanish economic model leads the colonies like Catalonia into total decline, as development of the megacapital Madrid is the priority. Thus, Catalonia’s independence is the only way to develop the potential of the Catalan economy.» (Click here to download the article)

Lies and freedom

Pere Miret (July, 2017)

«They know their lies have no credibility and that the referendum result can be no other than a clear vote in favour of independence.» (Click here to download the article)

Independence from a statehood viewpoint

Oriol Martínez (June, 2017)

«…the Catalans who struggle for independence simply seek a better way to administer power and resources, given the inability of Spain’s government to manage the country’s inherent heterogeneity.» (Click here to download the article)

Fiscal deficit versus fiscal fraud

Pere Miret (May, 2017)

«Overall, the impact of the shadow economy is lower in developed countries.» (Click here to download the article)

Democratic regeneration

Pere Miret (April, 2017)

«The Spanish Constitutional Court, especially after the last reform, acts in manner unbecoming of European democracies.» (Click here to download the article)

Key factors in a key year

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (March, 2017)

«Madrid’s recent outstretched hand towards Catalonia has been shown to be a marketing ploy, without addresing Catalonia’s demands.» (Click here to download the article)

A better welfare state in the Republic

Pere Miret (Febreuary, 2017)

«The management of education and healthcare in Catalonia is the reserve of the Catalan government. But the vast majority of the resources to fund social services are transferred by Spain’s central government under an unfair financing system.» (Click here to download the article)

To reform the regional funding system

Pere Miret (January, 2017)

«The underfunding of the government of Catalonia has a long history.» (Click here to download the article)

Catalan agri-food: the challenges ahead

Francesc Reguant (December, 2016)

«Evidence of the competitiveness of the catalan food industry is the evolution of its foreign trade. Twenty years ago the average rate (exports with respect to imports)was 44%, today it is close to 100%, that is, a trade balance.» (Click here to download the article)

Certainties and uncertainties about independence

Pere Miret (November, 2016)

«Indeed the Spanish state strangles the Catalan economy»(Click here to download the article) 

Who is cheating?

Pere Miret (October, 2016)

«…Mr. Borrell, former Spanish government minister, and his band of Spanish imperialists, continue to try to minimize the positive economic impact of the independence of Catalonia without respecting the truth. […] to calculate fiscal balances […] Mr. Borrell is cheating.» (Click here to download the article)

The Brexit seen from a Catalan point of view

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (September, 2016)

«The Brexit can be interpreted as many results rather than one, as it has shown the contrasting approach towards the European project from the different nations of the Kingdom, most notably Scotland and England.» (Click here to download the article)

Are the decisions of the ECB politically motivated?

Pere Miret (July, 2016)

«The current credit rating of the Catalan government bonds have no investment grade rating […] is based on the assumption of the status quo, i.e., the case, what would the Catalonia’s credit rating be if it were an independent country?» (Click here to download the article)

Our future in Catalonia

Jordi Vilanova & alii (June, 2016)

«By proposing to organise debates, mostly in English, inviting renowned academics, politicians or public figures, we address the expat community based in Catalonia to raise topics around the Catalan Process in the most objective way.» (Click here to download the article)

Catalonia’s real need for investment

David Ros (May, 2016)

«As a result of the low level of Spanish government’s investments [ìn Catalonia] […] it will have serious difficulties competing at an international level.» (Click here to download the article)

Who’s afraid of the fourth industrial revolution?

Pere Miret (April, 2016)

«In this article, I will briefly discuss how the Catalan economy could be affected by it [the fourth industrial revolution]». (Click here to download the article)

Independence and globalisation

Pere Miret (March, 2016)

«At the present time, there is a distorsion between the global economy and political institutions in Spain regarding the Catalan economy.» (Click here to download the pdf)

Catalan Republic: a magnet for firms

Pere Miret (February, 2016)

«Available data on companies (basically limited) up to October 2015 show that 15,563 new companies were created in Catalonia in the 10 months of 2015, with an annual increase of 5.2%, while the whole Spanish state saw a contraction of 0.9%. In net terms, without the closures of companies, in the January-October period of 2015 in Catalonia, 13,738 new companies were founded, an annual increase of 7.0% versus a rise of 0.8% in the whole State.» (Click here to download the pdf)

Using liquidity to stifle the Catalans

David Ros, Xavier Codina (January, 2016)

«The Spanish government deliberately maintains its intention of financially stifling the Generalitat and puts at risk the provision of public services in Catalonia and the chance of its economy to overcome the economic crisis.» (Click to download pdf)

Economy of the Catalan state: prosperity

Pere Miret (December, 2015)

«The Catalan government could adjust economic policy to the needs of the Catalan economy, wich, if implemented appropriately, would significantly increase the generation of wealth and wellbeing of citizens.» (Click to download pdf)

Catalonia’s independence will strengthen the European Union, and Spain

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (November, 2015)

«Catalonia will have the assets to become the stable actor that Europe needs in the southern Mediterranean area.» (Click to download pdf)

European Banking Union: implications for an independent Catalonia

J. Elías, J. M. Mateu, P. Miret, D. Ros (October, 2015)

«The Banking Union represents a significant transfer of powers from Spain’s central bank, the Banco de España, to the European Central Bank. The influence of the Banco de España in the financial supervision and resolution of banks in Catalonia has therefore declined significantly. It also implies the creation of new financial stability structures in Europe, which will strengthen the European financial system, including that of an independent Catalonia.» (Click to download pdf)

Catalonia, a new euro area member state

J. Elías, J. M. Mateu, P. Miret, D. Ros (September, 2015)

«A key question in the debate on Catalonia’s sovereignty is how it fits into the Eurozone and continued use of the euro.» (Click to download pdf)

Catalonia’s appeal to foreign investors

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (July, 2015)

«Catalonia has placed itself, and in particular its metropolis, in a leading position in Southern Europe, able to compete with other European regions that boast a solid economy, such as Baden-Württemberg, Western Netherlands or Switzerland.» (Click to download pdf)

Independence and Catalan business

Lluís Verbon (June, 2015)

«I remember a childhood joke that said the best way to get through the jungle is to carry a rock. That way, if a lion appears you can drop the rock and therefore run faster. This seems to be the situation with Catalan business…» (Click to download pdf) 

Room for improvement in business

Lluís Verbon (May, 2015)

«We have listed Catalonia’s business strengths in dealing  confidently with a new state. Now we’ll analyse the other side: the aspects that need to improve.» (Click to download pdf)

Catalan business and independence

Lluís Verbon (April 2015)

«Catalonia is a land of entrepreneurs; Catalans have always done business with everyone.» (Click to download pdf)

Social banking, an alternative choice

Joan Elías (March, 2015)

«Is social banking necessary? The scope and consequences of the crisis have often created a feeling of dissatisfaction and distrust towards a banking system that is perceived as dehumanised, non-transparent and abusive.» (Click to download pdf)

What’s with low yields

Anna Garófano (February, 2015)

«The low-yield global environment means now is the best time for Catalan independence.» (Click to download pdf)

Becoming a new EU member state

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (October, 2014)

«Although scepticism towards the European Union is on the rise, there is a wider consensus in support of it.» (Click to download pdf)

A new tax structure for a new country

Marcel Padrós (July, 2014)

«We want to make society aware of the importance of having our own tax administration based on a relationship between citizens and a government that is very different from the current one.» (Click to download pdf)

Leaving Spain to become part of Europe

 Àlex Furest (June, 2014)

«The aim of Catalan people to vote for their collective future cannot be stopped with rhetoric and old fashioned arguments.» (Click to download pdf)

Catalonia’s future according to Margallo

 Adrià Royes (May, 2014)

«Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel García-Margallo, argues that an independent Catalonia would be small and without any international power, as only large countries can be powerful in the
international arena.» (Click to download pdf)

Secession can strengthen EU federation

Oriol Martínez Alòs-Moner (April, 2014)

«The processes going on in Scotland and Catalonia may appear as opportunities for pursuing a deeper integration and a stronger EU.» (Click to download pdf) 

Will international firms flee Catalonia?

Roger Fatjó (March, 2014)

«To answer the question, we must first recognise how international
companies act and, more importantly, how they think.» (Click to download pdf)

Catalonia outside the European Union?

Albert Puntí (February, 2014)

«Those trying to spread fear (“Catalonia would be for ever left outside the EU due to Spain’s permanent veto”) forget that in a scenario of non-amicable divorce, both sides stand to lose.» (Click to download pdf)

Where is the will to negotiate?

Josep Pedrol (November, 2013)

«Democracy is expressed by voting and not being allowed to vote means no democracy.» (Click to download pdf)

Spain and Real Madrid: a country at the service of a football club

Àlex Furest (September, 2013)

«With Messi, Madrid can put Catalans in a tight spot: either we disown Messi or we support a criminal.» (Click to download pdf)

Treat or treat

Miquel Puig (July, 2013)

«The funding mechanism of the autonomous governments is reviewed every four years; each time Catalonia has led the claim to improve its position, and each time everybody including, marginally, Catalonia, has improved on the basis that the central government has put more money on the table to be shared.» (Click to download pdf)

Spain: an exciting project?

Mario García Glück (June, 2013)

«Would you work for a company that has reversed the incentives system, that lacks a viable business plan and applies disciplinary measures to the most productive departments to the point of mobbing?» (Click to download pdf)

 

 

 

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