Catalonia independence movement sees renewed mobilization and legal shifts

The Catalan independence movement continues to see significant mobilization, with approximately 150,000 people participating in demonstrations across Barcelona, Girona, and Tortosa during the 2026 Diada. While turnout is lower than during previous peaks, the movement is seeing a resurgence among younger generations, similar to trends observed in Scotland and Quebec.

A notable legal development occurred on July 16, 2026, when the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) supported the amnesty law favored by independence supporters. This follows years of political frustration with the central government in Madrid.

In North Catalonia, commemorations of the Treaty of the Pyrenees continue to highlight the historical annexation of territories to France. These movements face a backdrop of political instability within France, characterized by executive paralysis and social tensions regarding centralist policies and economic reforms.