Key facts
- The EU's top court ruled Spain's amnesty law for Catalan separatists does not violate EU legislation.
- The ruling is a legal and political victory for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
- The decision also benefits separatist leader Carles Puigdemont.
- The amnesty was a condition for Puigdemont's party to support Sánchez's government after the 2023 elections.
- The court opposed a provision requiring Spanish courts to lift proceedings within two months.
The European Union's top court has ruled that Spain's controversial amnesty law for Catalan separatists does not violate key EU legal provisions. This decision represents a significant legal and political triumph for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and pro-independence leader Carles Puigdemont.
Sánchez's government had argued that the amnesty law, which was a condition for Puigdemont's political party to provide parliamentary support for his premiership following the 2023 national elections, complied with EU legislation. The measure faced strong opposition within Spain.
The Court of Justice of the European Union's judgments reinforce the Spanish government's position and potentially pave the way for Puigdemont's return to Spain after years living in exile. However, the court opposed one aspect of the law, stating it cannot impose on Spanish courts the obligation of lifting accounting responsibilities or preliminary proceedings within a two-month period if they are awaiting a decision by the CJEU.