reporter: santa pau is taking on the world.he going could get tough, but as the villagers say, if things get really bad, they still have their fortress. damien: certainly an explosive situation, and one that the rest of europe is watching closely. that's because other regions are also demanding independence. so, what happens in catalonia could have an impact on the rest of the eu. now, what makes young europeans leave their families to go and fight in the middle east? that question torments many german parents. the german authorities estimate that more than 900 citizens have gone abroad to fight for islamist groups. most are just young people -- some, even teenagers. this unexpected loss of a child is traumatic for the parents. we met with two fathers, whose sons left for syria suddenly, without warning. they don't know whether their children are alive or dead. reporter: fabian and manuel gerhard on their way to join the jihad. aged 22 and 18, the german brothers set out from home in their father's new car. they'd been told the

but many catalans want independence, such as the village of santa pau, where almost all the residentsuding the mayor, josep