Madrid Times

Spain and Morocco Trade Blame After 72,000 Migrants Enter Ceuta

Madrid says criminal networks drove the mass crossing into the Spanish enclave, while a Moroccan official points to a court ruling that curtailed summary returns at sea.

Spain Launches European Union's First Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Sandbox

Spain has introduced the European Union's first regulatory sandbox for artificial intelligence, allowing startups and small businesses to test high-risk systems before commercial deployment and reduce compliance risks.

Spain's Artificial Intelligence Regulator Begins Full Enforcement

The Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence has become fully operational in A Coruña, taking responsibility for enforcing the European Union's new artificial intelligence rules and issuing penalties for non-compliance.

European Union Artificial Intelligence Act Enters New Compliance Phase in Spain

The latest stage of the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act has taken effect, requiring Spanish companies using high-risk artificial intelligence systems and chatbots to label synthetic content or face substantial penalties.

Spain's Public Debt Surpasses 1.7 Trillion Euros

General government debt has exceeded 1.7 trillion euros, remaining above 100 percent of gross domestic product and keeping fiscal discipline high on the government's agenda.

Spain's Foreign Direct Investment Reaches Record High

Spain's stock of foreign direct investment climbed to a record 867 billion dollars, equivalent to almost half of gross domestic product, reflecting continued multinational investment in technology and energy projects.

Banco Sabadell Approves British Banking Unit Sale Ahead of Takeover Battle

Banco Sabadell shareholders approved the sale of the bank's British retail unit for more than £2.6 billion to Banco Santander, with the proceeds set to fund an extraordinary dividend as management seeks to win investor support.

BBVA Presses Ahead With Hostile Takeover Bid for Banco Sabadell

BBVA confirmed it will continue its takeover offer for Banco Sabadell ahead of the shareholder acceptance period in September, despite Sabadell's sale of its British retail banking business.

BBVA Completes Record Four Billion Euro Share Buyback

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria completed its largest-ever share repurchase programme, returning excess capital to investors while maintaining a strong capital position.

OECD Forecasts Spain Will Outpace Many European Economies in 2026

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development expects Spain's economy to expand by 2.2 percent next year, supported by strong employment growth and continued investment through European Union recovery programmes.

Spain's Inflation Climbs to Highest Level Since 2024

Spain's annual inflation rate rose to 3.5 percent in July, according to the National Statistics Institute, as higher energy and fuel prices linked to Middle East tensions increased pressure on households and businesses.

Pedro Sánchez Defends Spain's Border Policies Amid Criticism Over Ceuta Crisis

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected criticism of Spain's border enforcement, saying swift voluntary returns and coordinated security measures demonstrated that the Schengen area remains secure.

Spain and Morocco Strengthen Border Cooperation Following Ceuta Migration Surge

Spanish and Moroccan authorities worked together to restore order and carry out the rapid voluntary return of most people who entered Ceuta irregularly, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation in managing Mediterranean migra...

European Union Holds Emergency Security Summit After Mass Ceuta Border Crossings

European interior ministers convened an emergency meeting after thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, putting renewed focus on border security and migration policy across the European Union.

Record-Low Danube Forces Nuclear Cuts and Emergency Power Curbs

Hungary faces the first complete shutdown of its sole nuclear plant as Romania uses explosives to protect its remaining reactor and industries across the region reduce electricity use.

Spain Expands Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Campaign

The Health Ministry and regional governments have launched an expanded vaccination and public awareness campaign in response to rising regional human papillomavirus case rates, reinforcing preventative healthcare efforts.

Banco Santander and BBVA Restructure Digital Banking Operations

Banco Santander and BBVA are reorganizing their digital banking divisions to improve efficiency and strengthen their competitive position against rapidly expanding financial technology firms.

Spanish Civil Guard Dismantles Drug Trafficking Network at Port of Algeciras

A joint operation involving the Spanish Civil Guard and European partners has dismantled an international narcotics network that used commercial fruit shipments to smuggle drugs through the Port of Algeciras.

Port of Valencia Advances Automated Container Terminal Expansion

The Port of Valencia has begun the next stage of its automated terminal project, introducing robotics and digital tracking systems to strengthen its position as a leading Mediterranean logistics hub.

Renfe Expands High-Speed Rail Links Between Northern Spain and Mediterranean Ports

Renfe has launched new direct high-speed services connecting industrial centres in northern Spain with Mediterranean port cities, reducing travel times for passengers and freight.

Spanish Researchers Announce Bronze Age Discovery in Mongolia

The Spanish National Research Council has published findings from an archaeological expedition in Mongolia that uncovered previously unknown Bronze Age settlements, offering new insights into ancient nomadic societies.

Telefónica Completes Major Rural 5G Expansion Across Spain

Telefónica has finished a large-scale rollout of 5G services to rural communities, supporting efforts to improve digital connectivity and counter population decline in less densely populated regions.

Asian Chipmaker Chooses Valencia for New Semiconductor Facility

A leading Asian semiconductor manufacturer plans to establish a design and fabrication facility in Valencia with support from European Union incentives aimed at strengthening Europe's technology supply chain.

Amazon Web Services Expands Cloud Infrastructure in Aragon

Amazon Web Services has announced a multi-billion euro expansion of its data centre infrastructure in Aragon to meet growing European demand for artificial intelligence computing powered by renewable energy.

Court Ruling Delays Offshore Wind Projects Along Galicia's Coast

Spanish courts have ordered stricter environmental assessments for planned offshore wind developments in Galicia, delaying projects while balancing renewable energy goals with the protection of fishing grounds.

Spain Expands Desalination Capacity to Protect Catalonia's Water Supply

The national government has approved emergency funding to increase desalination capacity along the Catalan coast in response to persistent freshwater shortages affecting the Barcelona metropolitan area.

Iberdrola Secures Financing for Andalusia Green Hydrogen Project

Iberdrola and institutional investors have finalized financing for a major green hydrogen facility in southern Spain, supporting the country's ambitions to become a leading exporter of renewable fuels.

Southern Spain Introduces Emergency Water Restrictions as Drought Intensifies

Agricultural cooperatives in Andalusia and Murcia have activated emergency irrigation measures as falling reservoir levels threaten olive oil and citrus production.