# EU debates official status for Spanish languages 22 September 2026 at 19:41 > The EU General Affairs Council discusses Catalan, Galician, and Basque status as Spain warns of potential blocks on future EU accessions. The **European Union** General Affairs Council is debating the official status of **Catalan**, **Galician**, and **Basque** during a meeting on 22 September 2026. Under the Irish rotating presidency, Secretary of State Fernando Sampedro is attending in place of José Manuel Albares. No vote is expected today despite the proposal being on the agenda. Italy opposes the measure, while Foreign Minister Albares has urged unanimity from New York. Pedro Sánchez’s government may block new EU accessions if this language demand remains unresolved. Junts spokesperson Josep Rius criticised the government for being late in achieving official status. The party claims Madrid failed to use the formation of the European Commission to unblock the issue, which remains a significant point of domestic political tension. [#EU]() #Catalan #Galician #Basque [#Spain]() ## Related news ## [Two arrested over AI-powered airport bomb threats]() 16 October 2026 at 15:18 ## [Feijóo demands Navy deployment near Ceuta]() 16 October 2026 at 14:50 ## [Italy extends Spain travel controls for seven days]() 16 October 2026 at 11:49 ## [40 detained at Ceuta port for identity fraud]() 15 October 2026 at 20:59 ## [EU urges faster migrant returns from Ceuta]() 13 October 2026 at 19:51