The role of the 'relator' in the discussions between Catalan political parties has sparked controversy in Spain. The Spanish Government views the 'relator' merely as a notary to document the meetings, while independentists liken the role to that of a UN mediator, which could help internationalize the conflict and potentially bring the case against Catalan independentists to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Theresa May faces another crucial vote that could lead to a quicker resolution on Brexit or extend the issue. Amendments to the UK-EU agreement will be voted on, including Yvette Cooper's to avoid a no-deal Brexit by extending Article 50 and Graham Brady's for an alternative solution to the Irish border issue. The EU has stated the rejected deal will not be reopened, while May seeks to convince Brussels that with some leeway, particularly on the Irish border, the Brexit deal could pass the British Parliament.

Kenneth Rogoff, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stated that despite Brexit, London will remain Europe's major financial center, a position not easily overtaken by Frankfurt or Paris. He highlighted that Europe's tough stance on the UK might not be as strong as believed and that a divorce could significantly impact European productivity, especially in the financial sector. Rogoff, a former chief economist at the IMF and current professor at Harvard University, also mentioned that while the world is still recovering from the last financial crisis, he is optimistic about the global economy's current direction.