Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has sparked controversy by criticizing the fiscal agreement between the PSC and ERC in Catalonia.

Borrell argues that the pact, which grants Catalonia greater fiscal autonomy, aligns with the narrative of the Catalan independence movement and represents a shift towards a confederal model.

He insists that the agreement is akin to a 'concierto' or economic arrangement, similar to those in the Basque Country and Navarra, despite government claims to the contrary.

This stance has led to a public disagreement with Spain's Vice President María Jesús Montero, who downplays the comparison and attributes Borrell's views to his historical ties with Catalonia.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions over regional autonomy and fiscal policy in Spain.