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European Council President Donald Tusk has explicitly ruled out any EU action over Catalonia, despite the "concerning" situation.

"There is no room, no space for any kind of mediation or international initiative or action," he said, according to BBC.

He was speaking at a joint news conference with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Catalans voted to secede in a 1 October referendum, which was outlawed by Spain and has prompted mass demonstrations.

Mr Tusk's remarks came hours after Spain said it was beginning the process of imposing direct rule on the autonomous region.

"I am of course for many reasons in permanent contact with (Spain's) Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy," Mr Tusk said. "There is no hiding that the situation in Spain is concerning, but our position... is clear."