Push for Catalan as EU Official Language
President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa has reaffirmed his goal of achieving official status for the Catalan language within the European Union, stating that it will require sustained diplomacy and broad unity across political and social sectors. Speaking at the institutional event for Europe Day held at the Palau de la Generalitat, Illa stressed Catalonia’s firm commitment to the European project and called for political leadership to strengthen what he described as Europe’s "model of success" amid global challenges.
Catalonia wants to be an active part of a federal Spain and a federal Europe.
This vision was echoed during Illa’s address at the opening session of the Congress of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) at the Palau de Pedralbes, where he declared that "Catalunya vol ser part activa d'una Espanya federal i d'una Europa federal", Catalonia wants to be an active part of a federal Spain and a federal Europe.
Diplomacy and Federalism as Pathways
Illa framed the push for Catalan’s recognition as part of a broader federalist agenda, advocating for deeper political integration both within Spain and across the EU. He argued that Europe must move beyond strategic naivety and adapt to a changed world, citing threats such as the war in Ukraine, trade conflicts, and rising inequality. He emphasized that Catalonia not only benefits from EU cohesion funds but must also contribute meaningfully to European solutions, reinforcing the mutual responsibility between regions and the Union. The president linked the language campaign to principles of linguistic justice, referencing ongoing efforts to persuade Spanish and EU officials, including previous discussions with European Council leadership.
Unity and Social Cohesion at the Core
In prior speeches, including his 2025 National Day address, Illa has consistently highlighted social cohesion as Catalonia’s most valuable asset. He warned against intolerance and called for a "centred Catalonia" focused on prosperity, housing rights, security, research, and inclusive economic development. He described coexistence as foundational, ensuring pluralism in both society and politics, and stressed that Catalonia’s identity is open and generous, aiming to exclude no one. While no timeline was given for the language initiative, Illa’s message remains clear: achieving official status for Catalan in the EU will depend on persistent diplomacy and the unity of all Catalan institutions and citizens.
Primary sources: govern.cat, eapc.bibliotecadigital.gencat.cat. Reported by en.ara.cat, RTVE Noticias, thespanisheye.com, euroweeklynews.com, elconstitucional.es, segre.com, CatalunyaPress.es, regio7.cat, elperiodico.com, elnacional.cat, euronews.com, elpais.com, Europa Press Barcelona.
