Topic: Basque Country

Spanish economy shows glimmers of hope, but prime minister gets no love

Despite signs that Spain's crippling recession might be easing, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy looks to have no easier a year in 2013 as austerity bites, Catalonia bucks, and corruption lurks.

Briefing Briefing: Catalonia's bid to breakaway from Spain

Austerity's bite revives a long-running independence push for Spain's Catalonia. How likely is its success?

Could Catalonia's vote boost Basque independence?

Sunday's regional elections in Catalonia threw new obstacles into its path for independence from Spain. The independence-minded Basque Country hopes to adopt Catalonia's lessons.

Spanish elections bolster Rajoy's austerity policies

Prime Minister Rajoy's ruling, pro-austerity party was a winner in Spain's regional elections this weekend, but so were independence-minded parties that could hurt his economic measures.

Bond downgrade puts pressure on Spain for bailout request (+video)

Even though Standard & Poor's dropped Spain's bond rating to just above junk status, making a bailout request likely, Germany remains opposed to acceding to a bailout prematurely.

After Spain nixes new fiscal deal, Catalonia considers independence push

Spain's prime minister refused to renegotiate a fiscal deal governing the Catalonian region's payments to Madrid, arguing that all regional governments will then follow suit.

Change Agent Cooperative businesses provide a new-old model for job growth

Co-ops worldwide represent much more than hippie grocery stores: They're a fast-growing way to do business better in fields from finance to agriculture to industry.

Spain's Basques enter unfamiliar territory of peacetime politics

The Basque terrorist group ETA, Europe's last violent separatist movement, agreed to a cease-fire last year, paving the way for Basques to engage in the political process.

Spain speaks: conservative opposition wins in landslide victory (video)

Spain overwhelmingly voted for new leadership to lead the climb out of economic crisis. Prime Minister-elect Mariano Rajoy has warned of more austerity measures. 

How the militant ETA lost support among Basques

Spaniards are savoring the prospect of an end to ETA's Basque separatist terrorism. Basques have increasingly rejected the armed struggle of ETA, while still supporting other pro-independence groups.

Ruling Socialists feel the depth of economic pain in Spain at the polls

Spain's Socialist Party did not win a single province in Sunday's regional and municipal elections. Many were surprised by the depth of voter dissatisfaction.

Difference Maker A professor and writer finds ways for peacebuilding

Conflict negotiator and writer John Paul Lederach has spent decades seeking new paths to peacebuilding.

Opinion: To jumpstart US job market, turn workers into owners

Many Americans build wealth through their home. Why not through work?

Mallorca target of Spain's second attack in two days

Two policemen were killed, prompting Spain to briefly seal off its largest island. ETA separatists are key suspects, though the attackers are still not known.

Barcelona over Manchester United: a victory for Catalonia

The soccer team may reside in Spain, but it's raison d'etre is for regional autonomy.

ETA military mastermind arrested in France

Coordinated efforts between Spanish and French police have resulted in the second arrest of an ETA leader since May.

World

Basque separatist arrested as Spain confronts region's future

The arrest of Francisco Javier Lopez Peña in France on Tuesday signals a wider crackdown against the ETA, which has waged a 40-year campaign of bombings.

World

In Spain's elections, Socialists win with liberal appeal

Prime Minister Zapatero's party is likely to build on the sweeping reforms of the last four years, which have riled conservatives and the Roman Catholic church.

Kosovo independence: Russia warns of separatist storm

Frustration is deep over Western support for independence that Russia sees as destabilizing and against international law.