The self-exiled former Catalonia leader had some strong words for Brussels and Madrid.

Here is our round-up of key European stories so far today, Wednesday, February 6.

Our weekly round-up brings you all the opinions that have been driving debate across Europe and further afield over the last seven days.

"What would the effect on the EU’s democratic credibility be if ... secessionist politicians were not tried, after circumventing the basic foundations of democratic rule of law in Spain?"

We bring you our weekly View round-up of all the opinions driving debate across Europe and further afield.

Leaders of the 2017 Catalan independence referendum are facing a combined total of 217 years in prison for inciting rebellion. Defending their rights is in the self-interest of Europe if it wants to remain a leading force for democracy.

Spain’s trail of the century begins tomorrow, as 18 leading Catalan separatists will face prosecution for their role in Catalonia’s unilateral declaration of independence from Madrid.

The Catalan independence movement is just one of the many obstacles facing a push to modernise the Spanish Constitution. In order to make sure it serves the needs of all Spaniards today, we have to solve our long-standing problems first.

Two more separatist Catalan leaders have joined the hunger strike in Spain.

Jailed leaders Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Turull played a part in Catalonia's failed bid for independence last year, and have gone on hunger strike to 'raise awareness' of unfair treatment by Spain ahead of the trial.

Spanish auditors have ordered former Catalan leader Artur Mas and nine others to repay €4.9 million of public money spent on a non-binding independence vote in 2014.