Spain's Constitutional Court has, in plenary session, agreed to suspend the Plan on Foreign Action and Relations with the European Union approved by the Catalan government in June. As such, the court accepts the Spanish government's argument that details of the plan come into conflict with their competence over foreign policy.
The judges unanimously agreed to the precautionary suspension requested by the Spanish government with the support of the State Council. The central government made the request after the Catalan government refused to accept an order to drop its plan sent in August.
The suspension is backdated to 28th October, when the Spanish government filed its dispute. The court has also invited the Catalan government to submit whatever documents and arguments "it may consider opportune".
The Spanish government, and specifically acting foreign minister Josep Borrell, have gone to great lengths to block the Catalan government's international strategy. In July, they asked the High Court of Justice of Catalonia to close Catalonia's delegations in Berlin, London and Geneva as a cautionary measure, arguing they "serve an unconstitutional secessionist project". That request was dismissed by the court. More recently, he appealed against the opening of delegations in Argentina, Mexico and Tunisia.
The Spanish cabinet agreed on 18th October to challenge the plan in court. They argue it violates the principle of constitutional loyalty in exercising powers. Spokesminister Isabel Celaá says it ignores the need to coordinate with Madrid and includes no mention of Spain. All of this, she said, quoting the Council of State, within an "independence process which aims to discredit Spain's international image."