Basque Fatherland and Liberty, commonly known by its Basque acronym, ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna), is a separatist and paramilitary organization founded in 1959 with the aim of establishing an independent Basque state encompassing regions in northern Spain and southwestern France. ETA's objective is to achieve the liberation of the Basque Country from what it perceives as oppressors, primarily the Spanish and French states.
ETA has used a range of violent tactics to further its goals, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. The organization's violence has caused significant loss of life and destruction over its history, resulting in considerable social and political turmoil in the Basque region.
The political ideology of ETA is rooted in Basque nationalism and socialism. It seeks to protect, promote, and preserve Basque language, culture, and identity, emphasizing self-determination and the right to control local resources. According to its ideology, ETA considers itself a vanguard revolutionary movement fighting against colonialism and for the self-determination of the Basque people.
Over time, ETA has experienced periods of relative calm and truces, as well as periods of increased violence. However, its activities have declined significantly since the early 2000s, and in 2018, the organization announced a definitive end to its violent activities. ETA's disarmament in 2017 marked a significant turning point in its history.
Today, ETA remains a controversial and historically significant organization that has had a profound impact on the Basque Country and the wider region. While its violent activities have largely ceased, its legacy continues to shape the Basque political landscape and the ongoing debate surrounding Basque identity, regional autonomy, and self-determination.
