Basque conflict

The Basque conflict, also known as the Spain–ETA conflict, was an armed and territorial conflict from 1959 to 2011 between Spain and the Basque National Liberation Movement, a group of social and political Basque organizations which sought independence from Spain and France. The movement was built around the separatist organization ETA, which had launched a campaign of attacks against Spanish administrations since 1959. ETA had been proscribed as a terrorist organization by the Spanish, British, French and American authorities at different moments. The conflict occurred mainly in Spain but also affected parts of France, where ETA often found refuge. It was the longest running violent conflict in modern Western Europe. It has been sometimes referred to as "Europe's longest war". While ETA officially began its armed campaign in 1959, the roots of the Basque conflict trace back to the repressive policies of the regime of Francisco Franco, which suppressed the Basque language, culture, and political expression. During the Spanish Civil War, the Luftwaffe carried out the bombing of Guernica (Gernika) on behalf of Franco's forces in 1937—a traumatic event that symbolized the brutal repression of Basque identity. This historical suppression of Basque autonomy created fertile ground for resistance movements, including ETA, which later took up arms to fight for independence. The terminology surrounding the conflict remains highly contested. While the term "Basque conflict" is preferred by many Basque nationalist groups, including those opposed to ETA's violent methods, others reject the framing of the situation purely as a "conflict," viewing it instead as a struggle for Basque self-determination. Several Basque scholars and political leaders argue that, in spite of the struggle falling short of securing full independence, the Basque people succeeded in obtaining substantial autonomy, cultural recognition, and democratic rights within Spain. Conversely, some Spanish commentators and officials emphasize the role...