The Spanish government wants the 1st August bilateral commission meeting between Spain and Catalonia to discuss the Catalan government's participation in multilateral cooperation and coordination bodies. The Catalan government plans to explain its position on a self-determination referendum, as well as the situation of the political prisoners.
The two questions are included as "considerations" on the agenda for the meeting planned for next Wednesday in Barcelona.
Point seven
Specifically, point seven relates to "considerations of the Spanish state relating to the participation of the Catalan government in the multilateral bodies of cooperation and coordination", like the council of fiscal and financial policy. Point six talks of "considerations of the Catalan government on the political situation in Catalonia".
This latter point is divided into two sections: one on rights and freedoms and another on the way Catalan citizens can take part in decisions on their political future.
The agenda includes 13 points. Point seven was added at the request of the Spanish government, point six at the request of the Catalan government. This way, both sides can explain what they want, but without negotiation.
Sources from the Spanish territorial policy ministry have said there is "nothing to negotiate" when it comes to a self-determination referendum, saying such a vote isn't contemplated in Spanish legislation, nor the legislation of any democratic country.
Transfers
The topics which will see debate are those relating to the report on the situation of the transfers of functions and services between the governments still to be formalised and the analysis of and exchange of information on the disputes over competences raised before the Constitutional Court.
Before turning to the official agenda, there will be a presentation of the meeting and the new representatives on the two sides.
It is also expected they will read and approve, if applicable, the minutes of the eighth meeting, held on 19th July 2011. There will also be a report presented by the permanent secretary.
Similarly, another document about collaborative relations between the two governments will be studied and information about pending matters of economic commitments and financial questions exchanged.
Third additional provision
Another topic is the exchange of information about investment in infrastructure, transport and fulfilling the third additional provision of Catalonia's Statute of Autonomy, which says such investment in Catalonia has to be proportional to Catalonia's contribution to Spain's GDP.
They will also discuss the application of Catalan and Spanish legislation in educational and linguistic areas, the Catalan government's international actions and measures to reactivate bilateral cooperative bodies.