EU reiterates full support for Spain's constitutional order

EU reiterates full support for Spain's constitutional order

According to him, the EC supports efforts to "overcome divisions and ensure unity and respect for the Spanish Constitution," Reuters reported.

Earlier, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy asked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to clarify whether he actually declared independence of the Spanish region. Rajoy pointed out that this was needed as the first step towards invoking of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, El Pais is reporting.

This article would allow Madrid to suspend Catalan lawmakers and sack the government in Catalonia, reports said on Wednesday.

Puigdemont said last night that he accepted the "mandate of the people" for secession from Spain, but asked the Catalan parliament to suspend the decision, in order to give more time for negotiations with Madrid.