Basque separatists sought an independent homeland in northern Spain and southwestern France through decades of political conflict and a historic armed campaign.

Basque separatists sought an independent homeland in northern Spain and southwestern France through decades of political conflict and a historic armed campaign.

Origins and the ETA

• Foundation: The armed separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) was founded in 1959 during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco to promote Basque identity and independence.
• Campaign of Violence: ETA carried out bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings targeting Spanish security forces and political figures, resulting in over 850 deaths across a four-decade span.
• Decline and Disarmament: Increased counterterrorism cooperation between Spain and France, combined with a shift toward democratic autonomy, eroded ETA's support. 

ETA announced a definitive end to its offensive operations in 2011 and completely surrendered its remaining weapons in 2017. In 2018, the group dissolved entirely.

Current Political Landscape

• Shift to Legality: Modern Basque independence goals are now pursued through legal, democratic political parties rather than violence.
• Electoral Influence: Left-wing pro-independence coalitions, such as EH Bildu, compete strongly in regional parliaments alongside the moderate Basque Nationalist Party (PNV).
• Public Opinion: While cultural autonomy is widely embraced, polls show that outright support for total independence remains a minority view compared to regional autonomy within Spain.