Catalonia Independence from Spain? Region Heads to Polls On Sunday; EU Membership On The Line

Like Scotland, the Spanish northeastern region of Catalonia will head to the polls on Sunday to vote on holding a referendum for independence. The quest for independence received a fresh boost after demands from the Catalonian government for a new fiscal pact with Madrid were rejected, the BBC reported.

Catalonia President Artur Mas, of the moderate nationalist party CiU, called for the mandate following Madrid's refusal and massive pro-independence demonstrations that brought 1.5 million people to the streets of Barcelona. 

However, Catalonian independence could come at a price for the region known for its trading importance. According to NBC News, an independent Catalonia would face new hurdles to re-enter the European Union. EU officials told NBC that the newly independent nation would encounter the same membership conditions of other candidate nations.

That fact may hinder support for the proposed referendum. A poll conducted by El Pais earlier this month revealed that close to half of Catalans support independence but that support falls to 37 percent if it means being booted out of the EU.

Entering the EU would be hard in and of itself, but it could be further encumbered by a veto vote from a revengeful Spain, NBC News reported. However, Mas appears to be optimistic about a swift enterance into the EU if Catalonia achieves independence.

During a speech in Brussels, Mas said, "Catalonia has never in its history let Europe down, now we trust Europe will not let us down."

Among the list of grievances towards Spain, including a suppression of Catalonian culture and traditions is the unfair taxation from Madrid. According to the Telegraph, Catalonia's government calculates that it pays nearly 15 billion Euros more than it receives back from the national treasury each year.

While many in Catalonia believe it is time for them to rule themselves independently from Spain, Madrid won't make independence easy, the Telegraph reported. Either way, Catalonia's fate will be decided on Sunday when residents head to the polls to vote in a new parliament.