The European Commission President praised Madrid’s decision to impose direct rule on Catalonia two weeks after the north-east region unilaterally declared independence.
The Euro-chief rejected “any form of separatism that weakens Europe” and launched a stealthy swipe at ousted Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont, before blasting him for “violating” the law.
Mr Juncker told Spanish daily newspaper El País: “As president of the Commission, I support the Spanish government. And do you know why? Because I am in favour of who respects the law.
“The EU is based on the rule of law, and what my Catalan friends have done is the opposite: violating the law.”
Mr Juncker said he didn’t have a “single personal contact” with Mr Puigdemont, who faces charges of rebellion and sedition at home, but has sought refuge in Brussels.
Mr Puigdemont fled Catalonia in the wake of the independence referendum on October 1, which Madrid declared illegal.
After local Catalan leaders declared independence, Spain asserted direct control in Catalonia and dissolved the regional assembly.
New regional elections are going to be held next month.
Mr Juncker warned Catalans against secessionism, adding: “History teaches that one should not cultivate regional caprices and oppose them to national identity.
“That is not the way to fight for one’s identity.
“I support a Europe of the regions, but I do not like the idea that if you are among the winners of a nation that allows you to leave when and however you want.”