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The country’s MP for Lapland Mikko Karna has said that he intends to submit a motion to the Finnish parliament recognising the new fledgling country. Mr Karna, who is part of the ruling Centre Party, led by Prime Minister Juha Sipila, also sent his congratulations to Catalonia after the regional parliament voted earlier today on breaking away from the rest of Spain. Should Finland officially recognise the new state of Catalonia this will be yet another body blow to the the EU which has firmly backed the continuation of a unified Spain under the control of Madrid. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned today that “cracks” were appearing in the bloc due to the seismic events in Catalonia that were causing ruptures through the bloc.

AFP Finnish MP Mikko Karna has backed independence for Catalonia

Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, said earlier today that for the EU nothing changes despite the Catalan parliament voting to breakaway from Spain. He said that the EU would continue to only speak with Spain. Mr Juncker spoke in favour of unity. He said: "I do not want a situation where, tomorrow, the European Union is made up of 95 different states. We need to avoid splits, because we already have enough splits and fractures and we do not need any more.” If Finland recognised Catalonia then this would make a mockery of the EU’s refusal to acknowledge the region’s new status. A statement from the European Union on October 2 read: “Under the Spanish Constitution, yesterday's vote in Catalonia was not legal. Read more: CATALONIA INDEPENDENCE NEWS LIVE

Catalonia declares independence, in pictures Sat, October 28, 2017 Catalan independence supporters cry tears of joy after Catalonia's parliament voted to declare independence from Spain and proclaim a republic, just as Madrid is poised to impose direct rule on the region to stop it in its track Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 34 Fireworks go off in front of the Catalan regional government headquarters during celebratrions after the Catalan regional parliament declared independence from Spain in Barcelona

“For the European Commission, as President Juncker has reiterated repeatedly, this is an internal matter for Spain that has to be dealt with in line with the constitutional order of Spain. “We also reiterate the legal position held by this Commission as well as by its predecessors. If a referendum were to be organised in line with the Spanish Constitution it would mean that the territory leaving would find itself outside of the European Union. “Beyond the purely legal aspects of this matter, the Commission believes that these are times for unity and stability, not divisiveness and fragmentation. “We call on all relevant players to now move very swiftly from confrontation to dialogue.

“Violence can never be an instrument in politics. We trust the leadership of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to manage this difficult process in full respect of the Spanish Constitution and of the fundamental rights of citizens enshrined therein.” Argentina could also formally recognise the Republic of Catalonia and reject the intervention of the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy who has moved to implement Article 155 which will permit Madrid to take over control of the semi-autonomous region. Socialist Left Argentine MP Juan Carlos Giordano, who represents Buenos Aires Province said that he would present a bill in parliament for the South American country to recognise Catalonia. The Scottish Government has also sent a message of support, saying that Catalonia “must have” the ability to determine their own future.

Reuters Catalan firefighters celebrate in the streets of Barcelona

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: "We understand and respect the position of the Catalan government. “While Spain has the right to oppose independence, the people of Catalonia must have the ability to determine their own future. “Today’s Declaration of Independence came about only after repeated calls for dialogue were refused. "Now, more than ever, the priority of all those who consider themselves friends and allies of Spain should be to encourage a process of dialogue to find a way forward that respects democracy and the rule of law. “The imposition of direct rule cannot be the solution and should be of concern to democrats everywhere. "The European Union has a political and moral responsibility to support dialogue to identify how the situation can be resolved peacefully and democratically.”

EPA EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker