Juncker: EU intervention in Catalonia would cause 'chaos'

The regional government in Catalonia organised an independence referendum against the ruling of the courts in Madrid earlier this month, leading to violent clashes in the area and a standoff with Mariano Rajoy’s government.

Catalan authorities have called for a European intervention on the issue, but Juncker joined other key figures in refusing to offer such a solution.

Speaking to a group of students in Luxembourg on Friday, Juncker said it was an internal matter between Catalonia and Spain.

"People have to undertake their responsibility," he said. "I would like to explain why the commission doesn’t get involved in that. A lot of people say: ‘Juncker should get involved in that.’

"We do not do it because if we do … it will create a lot more chaos in the EU. We cannot do anything. We cannot get involved in that."

He added that he would prefer Catalonia to remain part of Spain and the wider European bloc.

"If we allow Catalonia - and it is none of our business - to separate, others will do the same. I do not want that," Juncker said.

Catalan parliament president Carles Puigdemont held off on declaring independence for the region this week, suspending the proclamation as Rajoy asked for clarification on his position.

Now the government is threatening to invoke Article 155, which would remove Catalonia’s autonomy, placing the power back in the hands of Madrid.