Euskadi ta Askatasuna (ETA) is an acronym that stands for "Basque Homeland and Liberty" in English. It is a Basque separatist group that originated in the 1950s in Spain's Basque Country and primarily operates in Spain and France. ETA's goal is to establish an independent socialist state for the Basque people, who reside in the regions of Spain and France along the western Pyrenees.
The group has used various strategies to achieve its aims, including acts of violence such as bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. Over the years, ETA has been responsible for numerous casualties and has been labeled as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Spain, France, and the United States.
ETA's ideology draws from nationalist, socialist, and revolutionary ideas, and it perceives itself as fighting against perceived oppression and cultural assimilation of the Basque people. The group has cited historical grievances, language rights, and territorial disputes as motivations for its actions. However, ETA's methods and tactics have been strongly condemned for their indiscriminate nature and violation of human rights.
Throughout its existence, ETA has gone through different stages marked by cycles of violence and ceasefires. In 2018, the group declared its dissolution, thereby ending its armed activities. Nonetheless, ETA's legacy continues to affect both Spain and France, as efforts are made towards reconciliation, justice, and addressing the consequences of its actions.
