Madrid Times

Acciona Energía and Sacyr Shareholders Review Expansion and Investment Plans

Shareholders of Acciona Energía and Sacyr met in Madrid to assess growth strategies, dividend policies, and investment priorities as both companies navigate evolving infrastructure and renewable energy markets.

Valencia Teachers Extend Strike Action Over Funding and Working Conditions

Educators across the Valencian Community have continued indefinite strike action and staged large demonstrations to press regional authorities for improvements in school resources and pay.

Púnica Corruption Trial Returns to Court as Francisco Granados Testifies

Former Madrid regional government official Francisco Granados faced further questioning in the long-running Púnica corruption case, which centers on allegations of fraudulent public contracting involving multiple former local officials.

Madrid Court Continues Trial Over Alleged Jihadist Recruitment Network in Melilla

The Audiencia Nacional has resumed proceedings against eleven defendants accused of recruiting vulnerable minors in Melilla for jihadist organizations, including allegations involving a prominent local imam.

Barcelona Biotech Firm Ona Therapeutics Raises $86 Million for Cancer Drug Development

Ona Therapeutics has secured more than $86 million in Series B financing to advance clinical trials for two antibody-drug conjugates targeting aggressive breast and colorectal cancers, marking a significant investment in Spain’s life sci...

PP and Vox Reach Coalition Agreement to Renew Government in Castilla y León

The Popular Party and Vox have finalized a governing pact containing more than 300 measures, securing the re-election of Alfonso Fernández Mañueco and extending one of Spain’s most closely watched regional political alliances.

Spain’s Competition Watchdog Orders Aena to Cut Airport Charges Through 2031

The National Markets and Competition Commission has rejected Aena’s proposal to raise airport fees and instead called for annual tariff reductions, a move intended to support airline competitiveness and protect Spain’s tourism sector.

OECD Raises Spain Growth Forecast While Warning of Renewed Inflation Pressures

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development now expects Spain’s economy to grow 2.2 percent in 2026, outperforming much of the Eurozone, although rising energy costs are projected to push inflation to 3.3 percent this year.

Guardia Civil Report Links Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Expanding Corruption and Judicial Interference Investigation

An official Guardia Civil report concludes that references to “The One” in communications tied to the Caso Leire investigation refer to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, intensifying scrutiny of alleged efforts to influence judicial proceedi...

Prado Museum Secures State Funding to Retain Historic Artworks in Spain

The Ministry of Culture has provided emergency funding enabling the Prado Museum to acquire rare seventeenth-century paintings, preventing their sale abroad and preserving them within Spain’s national collection.

Spain’s Inflation Outlook Edges Higher as Energy Costs Rise

Economic indicators suggest headline inflation could approach 3% in coming quarters as higher electricity prices and import costs filter through to businesses and consumers.

Iberia Adds Long-Haul Capacity Ahead of Peak Summer Travel Season

Iberia is expanding direct services between Spain and key destinations in North and Latin America as the airline prepares for an expected surge in international tourism during the summer months.

Government Expands Housing Support to Ease Affordability Pressures

Spain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda has increased funding under its housing assistance programs to help households facing rising rents and mortgage costs in major cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Canary Islands Expand Emergency Services Amid Rising Migrant Arrivals

Authorities in the Canary Islands have increased temporary accommodation capacity and mobilized additional public resources as arrivals from North Africa continue to place pressure on local services.

Iberdrola Advances New Offshore Wind Development Projects

Iberdrola has finalized key engineering and equipment contracts for a major offshore wind project intended to expand Spain’s renewable power generation capacity and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Barcelona Port Accelerates Automation to Boost Cargo Handling Efficiency

Container terminals at the Port of Barcelona have begun deploying automated vehicles and advanced tracking systems to increase freight throughput and reinforce the port’s competitive position in Mediterranean shipping.

Spain Upgrades Madrid–Seville High-Speed Rail Corridor

Transport authorities have approved modernization work on Spain’s oldest high-speed rail route, including digital signaling upgrades and additional track capacity designed to improve reliability and reduce delays.

Spain Commits €400 Million to Artificial Intelligence Research Infrastructure

The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training has approved a €400 million funding package to support advanced AI laboratories, strengthen links with industry and develop specialized engineering talent.

Telefónica Expands Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure for Government Networks

Telefónica has completed the rollout of a secure cloud framework across key public institutions, strengthening protections for administrative, health and taxation data systems.

Madrid to Host Driverless Robotaxi Services Under New Mobility Partnership

Companies including Uber, WeRide and Avomo are preparing to launch autonomous robotaxi operations in Madrid before year-end after securing regulatory backing, positioning the Spanish capital as a testing ground for self-driving urban tra...

Spain Launches €9 Billion Energy Transition Plan Backed by European Union Funding

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled a major clean-energy program that includes €4.7 billion for household efficiency improvements and expanded public transport support aimed at reducing the impact of higher energy costs.

European Union Approves €9 Billion Capacity Market to Support Spain’s Power Grid

The European Commission has authorized a €9 billion capacity market mechanism that will allow Spain to support conventional power generation assets and strengthen electricity supply reliability during periods of peak demand.

Spanish Unemployment Falls Below 10% for First Time Since 2008

Data cited by the Banco de España showed the national unemployment rate has dropped to 9.9%, marking the first time in nearly two decades that joblessness has fallen below the double-digit threshold.

European Commission Forecast Sees Spanish Economic Growth Slowing to 2.4% in 2026

The European Commission expects Spain to remain one of the eurozone’s stronger performers, although economic growth is forecast to moderate to 2.4% next year amid energy market disruptions and shipping pressures linked to Middle East ten...

Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos to Face Court Questioning Over Pandemic Contracts

Spain’s National Court has scheduled testimony from former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos as part of an investigation into alleged bribery, kickbacks and misconduct linked to public procurement during the pandemic.

Coalition Allies Warn Sánchez Government Risks Losing Parliamentary Support

Regionalist parties including Junts per Catalunya and the Basque Nationalist Party have warned that support for the government is weakening amid expanding political scandals, raising fresh questions about the durability of the ruling coa...

Police Report Alleges Former Prime Minister Zapatero Linked to Plus Ultra Bailout Network

Spain’s Economic and Tax Crimes Unit has submitted a report alleging that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero played a hidden leadership role in a network that improperly secured a €53 million state rescue package for airl...

Spanish Court Orders Begoña Gómez to Testify in Influence-Peddling Investigation

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to appear in court on June 9 as part of an investigation into alleged influence peddling, adding to political tensions surrounding the government.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Rejects Calls for Early Election and Vows to Govern Until 2027

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he intends to keep Spain’s coalition government in office until the next scheduled general election in 2027, rejecting opposition demands for an early vote as corruption investigations continue to pressu...

Real Madrid Launches New Kit as Club Expands Global Commercial Strategy

Real Madrid and Adidas unveiled the club’s upcoming season apparel, combining heritage-inspired design with new textile technology as the Spanish football giant continues to strengthen merchandising revenues and international brand growth.

Real Madrid Rejects Electoral Irregularity Allegations Ahead of Presidential Vote

The club’s Electoral Board dismissed claims regarding voter access and postal voting procedures, seeking to preserve confidence in the process before the June 7 presidential election.

Catalonia Moves to Avoid Major Education Strike With Salary and Staffing Offer

The Catalan regional government has proposed creating 5,000 new teaching positions and introducing salary increases of up to €600 per month in an effort to prevent an indefinite strike and maintain stability in the education system.

Papal Visit Expected to Deliver Significant Economic Boost Across Spain

Organizers estimate that Pope Leo XIV’s multi-city tour, including stops in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands, could generate more than €150 million in economic activity through tourism, hospitality and related spending.

Spanish Police Dismantle Human Smuggling Network Operating Across the Mediterranean

A joint operation involving the Guardia Civil, National Police and Europol led to the arrest of nine suspects accused of trafficking migrants from Algeria to Spain, highlighting continuing migration pressures along the country’s southern...

Spain and Monaco Mark 150 Years of Diplomatic Relations With Climate and Security Agenda

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hosted Prince Albert II of Monaco in Madrid, where both sides highlighted cooperation on ocean conservation, climate initiatives and broader European security challenges during commemorations of 150 years of ...

Chinese Automakers Capture Record Share of Spain’s Vehicle Market

Chinese brands including Chery and Omoda accounted for 13.7% of new vehicle registrations during the first four months of the year, underscoring the rapid expansion of Chinese manufacturers across Europe and strengthening Spain’s role as...

Spain Pushes Ahead With Residency Plan for Hundreds of Thousands of Undocumented Migrants

The government is advancing legislation that could grant legal status to an estimated 500,000 undocumented immigrants, a proposal that has become one of the country’s most contentious political debates ahead of the summer migration season.

Pope Leo XIV Prepares Historic Visit to Spain Focused on Migration and Social Division

Beginning on June 6, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undertake a seven-day visit that will include an address to the Spanish parliament, with migration, political polarization and solidarity with vulnerable communities among the central the...

Spain Defends Anti-War Position on Middle East Conflict Amid Tensions With Washington

The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly opposed further United States-led military escalation in the Middle East, seeking to shield Spain and Southern Europe from potential energy and supply-chain disruptions while dr...

OECD Raises Spain’s Growth Forecast as Economy Continues to Outperform Eurozone Peers

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development lifted its forecast for Spanish economic growth to 2.3%, positioning Spain among the strongest-performing advanced economies despite expectations of higher inflation driven by ri...

Prime Minister’s Brother Faces Trial as Political Crisis Engulfs Sánchez Government

David Sánchez is set to stand trial on corruption and influence-peddling charges, adding to a growing series of scandals that have already implicated senior political figures and further destabilized Spain’s governing coalition.

Civil Guard Raids Socialist Party Headquarters as Corruption Investigation Deepens

Spain’s Civil Guard carried out searches at the Socialist Party headquarters, seizing evidence linked to an alleged illegal financing network and intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as investigations increasingly focus ...