Madrid Times

Spanish Court Orders Podemos Leader Ione Belarra to Pay Damages for Defaming Former Judge

A Spanish court has ordered Podemos Secretary General Ione Belarra to pay €9,000 in damages after she publicly accused former magistrate Manuel García-Castellón of corruption, intensifying debate over politics and judicial independence i...

Pope Leo XIV Urges Action Against Human Trafficking Networks During Canary Islands Visit

Concluding his apostolic journey to Spain, Pope Leo XIV condemned criminal organisations involved in migrant smuggling along the Atlantic route and called for international efforts to dismantle trafficking networks operating between West...

King Felipe VI Sends Royal Aircraft to Return Pope Leo XIV to Rome After Plane Malfunction

King Felipe VI provided his personal Falcon jet after the aircraft carrying Pope Leo XIV suffered a mechanical failure following the pontiff's visit to the Canary Islands, ensuring his safe return to Rome.

Water Restrictions Return to Parts of Southern Spain as Groundwater Reserves Remain Depleted

Municipalities across Málaga province have reimposed limits on agricultural and domestic water use, warning that underground aquifers have not recovered despite recent rainfall and highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in the region's ...

World's First Utility-Scale Hydrogen Engine Connects to Spanish Electricity Grid

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has successfully demonstrated a fully hydrogen-powered engine supplying electricity to the grid in Bermeo, marking a milestone for renewable energy storage and the decarbonisation of heavy power infrastr...

European Union Migration and Asylum Rules Take Effect Across Spain's Borders

The new European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum has entered into force, introducing stricter border screening measures and faster deportation procedures that will reshape Spain's management of irregular arrivals from North Africa.

Spain Remains Europe's Leading Hotel Investment Market Ahead of Record Tourism Year

Spain has retained its position as Europe's top destination for hotel investment for a third consecutive year, with Madrid and Barcelona attracting substantial capital as the country prepares to welcome an estimated 100 million internati...

European Court of Justice to Rule on Spain's Controversial Amnesty Law in Mid-July

The European Court of Justice will issue a binding decision on whether the amnesty granted to Catalan separatist leaders, including Carles Puigdemont, breaches European Union rules on embezzlement and terrorism.

European Commission and Goldman Sachs Forecast Spain Will Outperform the Eurozone This Year

New projections indicate the Spanish economy will expand by between 2.1 percent and 2.4 percent this year, with unemployment expected to fall below 10 percent for the first time since 2008 as productivity and fiscal resilience improve.

Spain Launches €15.5 Billion Sovereign Wealth Fund to Boost Technology and Advanced Manufacturing

The Spanish government has established a €15.5 billion national investment fund to support strategic industries, clean energy projects and infrastructure development, aiming to reduce external dependencies and attract private capital int...

Spain Women’s Team Beats Iceland 6-1 in World Cup Qualifier

The reigning women’s world champions recorded a dominant victory over Iceland, maintaining strong momentum in qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Judicial Scrutiny Intensifies Over Alleged Payments Linked to Socialist Party Activities

Spanish media reported that investigators are examining more than €125,000 in payments allegedly made by the Socialist Party to lawyers connected to political espionage and whistleblower cases.

State Development Lender Supports Sustainable Insulation Manufacturing Expansion

COFIDES approved a €1.5 million loan for Thermogreen to build its first international factory producing recycled thermal insulation materials.

Competition Regulator Investigates Energy Providers Over Telemarketing Practices

Spain’s antitrust authority has launched an inquiry into aggressive sales tactics by electricity suppliers following a sharp rise in customer switching complaints.

Spanish Authorities Question Former Officials Over Tubos Reunidos Bailout

The Civil Guard’s Central Operative Unit has interrogated a former secretary of state for the economy as part of an ongoing investigation into the state rescue of steelmaker Tubos Reunidos.

Bank of Spain Grants Devengo New Authorization for International Payments

Fintech company Devengo received a regulatory license allowing direct processing of payments between the Single Euro Payments Area and global markets, challenging traditional banking channels.

Repsol Receives Key Approvals for Major Battery Storage Project in Cantabria

Repsol secured environmental and administrative permits for a large-scale battery energy storage facility that will support grid stability as renewable energy generation increases.

Iberdrola Commits €4.5 Billion to Modernize Brazil’s Electricity Grid

The Spanish utility announced plans to invest nearly €4.5 billion in power infrastructure in Brazil’s Bahia state by 2030, expanding its presence in Latin America’s energy sector.

Iberdrola Calls for Long-Term Certainty on Spain’s Nuclear Power Policy

Iberdrola Spain chief executive Mario Ruiz-Tagle urged the government to provide stable long-term regulation for nuclear energy, arguing that predictable policy is essential for industrial competitiveness.

Spain and Montenegro Sign Agreements on Taxation, Business and Cybersecurity

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić signed new bilateral accords covering taxation, corporate cooperation, mining, telecommunications and cybersecurity.

El Corte Inglés Expands Data Centre Capacity With €50 Million Investment

The retailer has opened a major technology expansion in Valencia, tripling the capacity of its Kumo subsidiary to support growing demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence services.

National Retirement Applications Reach Record High in Early 2026

More than 125,000 workers retired between January and April, increasing pressure on Spain’s social security system and intensifying labour shortages in several sectors.

Protected Housing Construction Reaches Highest First-Quarter Level Since 2012

Developers completed more than 5,000 subsidized housing units in the first quarter, marking the strongest start to a year for affordable housing construction in more than a decade.

Spanish Defence and German Officials Advance Talks on Next-Generation Fighter Jet Program

Spain and Germany have opened negotiations on the development and production of a sixth-generation European fighter aircraft, seeking to strengthen industrial capabilities and defence cooperation.

International Tourist Spending in Spain Exceeds €36 Billion Through April

Foreign visitors spent more than €36.7 billion in Spain during the first four months of the year, led by strong demand from British, German and French travelers visiting major tourism regions.

Spain Nears Population Milestone of 50 Million as Immigration Drives Growth

The National Institute of Statistics said Spain is approaching 50 million residents, with immigration offsetting historically low birth rates while increasing demand for housing and infrastructure.

Telefónica Shares Rise After Debt Reduction and Dividend Confirmation

Telefónica stock gained 5% after the company reported a €1.5 billion reduction in net debt, improved customer retention in Spain and reaffirmed its dividend plans.

Spain’s Inflation Holds at 3.2% as Lower Energy and Food Costs Offset Fuel Prices

Official data showed consumer inflation remained unchanged in May, with declines in electricity, natural gas and fresh food prices helping balance higher global fuel costs.

Spain Expected to Outpace Eurozone Growth Again in 2026

Economic forecasts indicate Spain will expand by 2.4% this year, well above the eurozone average, supported by strong domestic demand and continued deployment of European Union recovery funds.

European Commission Takes Spain to EU Court Over Emissions Trading Rules

The European Commission has referred Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully implement emissions trading and aviation emissions regulations required under EU law.

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Shared European Response to Migration During Canary Islands Visit

Concluding a week-long trip to Spain, Pope Leo XIV met migrants and aid organizations in Tenerife, condemned human traffickers and urged European governments to take collective responsibility for migration routes from Africa.

Spain Set to Begin Drafting 2027 Budget as Government Targets Lower Deficit and More Housing Investment

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said work will begin on Spain’s 2027 budget, with the government aiming to reduce the public deficit to 2.2% of GDP while increasing investment in public housing.

Spain Receives Boost as Yamal and Williams Return Ahead of World Cup Campaign

Spanish national team wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have returned to full training in the United States after recovering from hamstring injuries. Their availability strengthens Spain’s squad ahead of its opening World Cup match ...

Mar Menor Lagoon Remains Environmentally Fragile Ten Years After Ecological Crisis

Scientists warn that the Mar Menor coastal lagoon in southeastern Spain remains vulnerable despite restoration efforts a decade after severe agricultural pollution triggered a major environmental collapse. Researchers say long-term risks...

Spanish Space Technology Firm FOSSA Systems Expands Into Japan Through Strategic Alliance

Madrid-based satellite company FOSSA Systems has opened its first Asian office in Tokyo and entered into a partnership with Kanematsu Corporation. Backed by a NATO defense innovation program, the move strengthens the company’s position i...

Pope Leo Backs Spanish Migration Approach During Visit to the Canary Islands

Pope Leo concluded a high-profile visit to Spain by calling for safe and legal migration pathways during a stop in Gran Canaria. The visit, which also included a warmly received appearance in the Spanish parliament, provided political su...

Former Prime Minister Zapatero Faces Intensifying Scrutiny in Venezuelan Money-Laundering Probe

Spanish judicial authorities are expanding their examination of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over allegations of influence peddling and money laundering linked to Venezuela. The investigation threatens to cast a sha...

US Ambassador Criticizes Spanish Government Over Diplomatic Access and Defense Spending

US Ambassador Benjamín León Jr publicly expressed frustration at being unable to secure a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, highlighting growing tensions between Madrid and Washington. The dispute comes as the Trump administrati...

Spain’s Population Tops 50 Million as Tourism Boom Strains Housing and Public Services

Spain’s resident population has surpassed 50 million while annual international visitor numbers have reached 100 million, prompting warnings from economists and regional authorities about mounting pressure on housing, transport systems a...

Spain Cuts 2026 Growth Forecast as Rising Energy Costs Weigh on Industry

CaixaBank Research has lowered Spain’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.1%, warning that higher energy prices linked to the conflict involving Iran are increasing pressure on the country’s energy-intensive industries. Domestic consumpt...