Among the topics to be debated, the Catalan government has included “rights and freedoms” and “ways for Catalan citizens to democratically participate in the decisions concerning their future” – a reference to the imprisonment of pro-independence leaders, as well as demands for a self-determination referendum.

Catalan president Quim Torra told the consular corps on Tuesday that “Catalans will never give up on the right to self-determination” thus doubling down pro-independence parties’ main demand for years.

Spain has always rejected recognizing Catalonia’s right to self-determination. Last October, thousands of police officers were mobilized to stop a referendum on independence that was carried out despite Spain’s opposition. A subsequent declaration of independence in the Catalan parliament was deemed illegal, and pro-independence leaders were sent to pre-trial prison under rebellion charges.

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