The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has definitively rejected the appeal by Carles Puigdemont and Toni Comín against the European Parliament's decision to deny them recognition as MEPs in 2019. This ruling complicates Comín's efforts to reclaim his seat in the current legislature, as he was re-elected in June but has not been able to assume his position.

The court upheld that the President of the European Parliament must adhere to the list of elected deputies provided by Spanish authorities, which Comín and Puigdemont had not fulfilled due to not swearing allegiance to the Spanish Constitution.

This decision is seen as a significant setback for the Catalan independence movement, with Comín expressing concern over the implications for democratic principles in the EU.

The ruling also highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by Catalan leaders in exile.