On 18 February, Minister-president Bourgeois received his Catalan counterpart Quim Torra at the Errera House in Brussels.
The government leaders talked about the current political situation in Spain. The process against twelve Catalan MPs and movement leaders, which started last week in Madrid, was also discussed extensively. The twelve stand trial for their role in independence declaration of Catalunya in 2017. Once again, minister-president Bourgeois expressed his concern regarding this issue.
The following joint statement was released after the meeting:
“Today President Torra and Minister President Bourgeois, met in Brussels and discussed the current political situation in Spain and Catalonia. President Torra informed Minister President Bourgeois about the ongoing trial in Spain and the upcoming elections. MP Bourgeois noted the tensions and regrets that the political dialogue is again off the table. Minister-president Bourgeois stated again that “political issues need to be dealt with through political solutions”. President Torra thanked minister-president Bourgeois for the “enduring support of Flanders in these difficult moments for Catalonia”.
Furthermore they discussed the long-standing cooperation between Flanders and Catalonia. They welcomed the negotiations that are nearly finished about a new work program for the future cooperation. This work program will focus on important issues regarding the new economy, innovation, ICT, the development of an industry 4.0, and cooperation in Horizon 2020 programs.”