A meeting that drew the attention of all Spain took place in the Belgian city of Waterloo. Arnaldo Otegi, leader of EH Bildu, and Carles Puigdemont, leader of Junts, held talks focused on the future of Catalonia and the Basque Country. The location was no accident: Puigdemont has lived here since 2017 after leaving Spain.
During the conversation, the politicians paid special attention to the current situation in Catalonia and the Basque Country, as well as the state of affairs in Spain as a whole. Following the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two regions, which they refer to as “nations.”
In a joint statement, it was noted that despite the challenging political climate, both political forces believe cooperation must continue. They expressed their willingness to strengthen ties and coordinate efforts with other pro-sovereignty supporters.
Political context
The Waterloo meeting continued a long-standing dialogue between EH Bildu and Junts. The two parties have cooperated for years, pursuing greater autonomy for their regions. This time, Otegi was joined by Gorka Elejabarrieta, who oversees political relations at EH Bildu.
The discussion covered not only internal issues of Catalonia and the Basque Country, but also a broader context—the situation in Spain. The leaders noted that current challenges require joining forces and seeking new forms of cooperation.
Cooperation and prospects
According to the participants, cooperation between Catalonia and the Basque Country should become even closer. They emphasized their readiness to continue working together, as they have for several years now, and to involve other pro-sovereignty political forces in the dialogue.
In a statement following the talks, it was specifically noted that both sides recognize the complexity of the current situation but believe it is essential not to stop at what has already been achieved. Their goal is to develop a common strategy and support each other in the pursuit of autonomy.
The role of the leaders
Carles Puigdemont, who has remained outside Spain since 2017, continues to play a significant role in Catalan politics. His meeting with Arnaldo Otegi, one of the key figures in the Basque movement, has become a symbol of unity between the two regions in their pursuit of change.
The presence of G. Elejabarrieta at the talks underscores EH Bildu’s serious intentions. The parties are demonstrating their willingness to cooperate long-term and seek new paths to achieve their goals.
