Madrid Times

Spain’s Digital Loyalty and E-Commerce Rewards Market Approaches $1.7 Billion

Spain’s digital loyalty and e-commerce rewards market is projected to reach $1.7 billion in 2026 as retailers, airlines and mobility companies invest more heavily in mobile payment and customer-rewards platforms.

Spanish Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Attack on Left-Wing Activists in Oviedo

National Police arrested five suspects over an assault on two left-wing activists during festivities in Oviedo, with investigators examining alleged assault and hate-related offences.

Spain Considers US Extradition Request for Activist James ‘Fergie’ Chambers

Spanish authorities are considering a US extradition request for American activist James Chambers, who was detained in Ibiza and whose lawyers argue that the case is politically motivated.

Spanish Aviation Sector Expands Sustainable Fuel Partnerships

Airlines and aviation companies operating in Spain are increasing efforts to secure sustainable aviation fuels derived from waste as the sector prepares for tighter European environmental requirements.

Seville Prepares to Host 2026 Tourism Innovation Summit

The Tourism Innovation Summit will bring aviation, hospitality and technology executives to Seville to examine uses of generative artificial intelligence, predictive data and automation across the travel industry.

Spanish Regions Tighten Water Controls to Protect Agriculture

Authorities in eastern and southern Spain are maintaining restrictions on agricultural and municipal water use while deploying satellite monitoring to manage low reservoir levels and protect key export crops.

More Spaniards Over 45 Remain in Rental Market as Homeownership Becomes Harder

Economic and demographic data indicate that a growing number of Spaniards over 45 are remaining renters as high property prices make homeownership increasingly difficult.

Andalusia’s Juanma Moreno Contrasts Regional Stability With Uncertainty in Madrid

Andalusian President Juanma Moreno used the regional parliament’s first control session of the new term to defend his government’s stability while criticising uncertainty surrounding Spain’s national administration.

Aena Expands Airport Investment After Record Passenger Volumes

Spanish airport operator Aena is increasing investment in digital services, retail facilities and biometric processing after its global airport network handled more than 384 million passengers.

Ceuta Medical Workers Warn Health Services Are Under Severe Strain

Doctors and nurses in Ceuta say overcrowded migrant reception facilities, infectious disease cases and limited healthcare resources are placing mounting pressure on the enclave’s public health system.

Nearly 300 People Investigated Over Wildfire Starts Across Spain

Spanish law enforcement agencies are investigating nearly 300 people for allegedly starting wildfires intentionally or through negligence as extreme heat increases fire risks across the country.

Anti-Tourism Protests Spread Across Spanish Cities as Housing Pressure Grows

Residents in several Spanish municipalities are organising demonstrations against short-term rentals, gentrification and pressure on public spaces as debate intensifies over the costs of mass tourism.

Spanish Economy and IBEX 35 Maintain Strong Momentum

Spain’s central bank and financial institutions are highlighting resilient economic activity and corporate profitability as the IBEX 35 outperforms broader European equity markets.

Spain’s Technology Startups Raise €1.7 Billion in First Half of 2026

Spanish startups attracted €1.7 billion in venture capital during the first six months of the year, with aerospace, quantum computing and artificial intelligence among the sectors drawing investment.

Spanish Prosecutors Challenge Semi-Liberty Status for Former ETA Member Henri Parot

The National Court prosecutor’s office has appealed the Basque government’s decision to grant Henri Parot third-degree prison status, arguing that the move to broader semi-liberty is premature.

Judge in David Sánchez Case Alleges Efforts to Undermine Investigation

The judge who investigated Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s brother has asked to join a separate National Court case, alleging that a suspected network sought to discredit her and interfere with sensitive investigations.

Spanish Banks Warn Housing Shortage Will Keep Property Prices Under Pressure

Spanish financial institutions expect residential prices to continue rising as limited housing supply, high construction costs and strong demand keep affordability under strain in major cities and coastal markets.

EU Migration Commissioner Heads to Madrid for Talks With Spanish Government

European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner is due to meet Spanish government representatives in Madrid as European institutions deepen coordination over migration pressures affecting Ceuta.

Spanish National Court Expands Investigation Into Ceuta Border Crisis

A National Court judge has summoned Ceuta President Juan Vivas and former government officials as witnesses while examining prior warnings and operational decisions surrounding the mass border crossings in July.

Spanish Congress Approves Emergency Financial Support for Ceuta

Spain’s Congress validated emergency financial assistance for Ceuta as authorities respond to pressure on essential services, security and migrant reception following large-scale irregular border crossings.

Getafe Diocese Suppresses Religious Group Following Abuse Allegations

The Diocese of Getafe has dissolved a religious association following allegations including sexual abuse and unauthorized exorcism practices reported by former members. ([El País][14])

Revolut Offers Spanish Customers 3.51% Promotional Savings Rate

Digital bank Revolut is offering an enhanced 3.51% annual rate on qualifying savings accounts in Spain, adding competitive pressure to the country’s retail deposit market. ([Revolut][13])

Iberia Expands Madrid Airport Facilities and Long-Haul Network

Iberia has opened its new Emerald Lounge Sorolla at Madrid-Barajas while expanding direct long-haul connections from the Spanish capital to Tokyo, Toronto and Monterrey. ([IBERIA.COM][12])

Barcelona Commuter Rail Hit by Six Copper Cable Thefts in 10 Days

Six copper cable thefts around Barcelona’s França station in 10 days have disrupted the R2 South commuter line, causing cancellations and significant delays for rail passengers. ([El País][11])

Grenergy Reports First-Half Profit of €74 Million

Spanish renewable energy developer Grenergy said first-half net profit doubled to €74 million, supported by stronger operating revenue from its renewable power business.

Spanish Police Investigate 272 People Over Suspected Roles in Wildfires

Spanish authorities are investigating 272 people over alleged involvement in forest fires this year, a 40% increase as the country contends with a severe summer wildfire season. ([EL PAÍS English][10])

Técnicas Reunidas Wins Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project in South Africa

Madrid-based engineering company Técnicas Reunidas has secured a design and development contract for a €1.5 billion green hydrogen and ammonia facility in South Africa.

Santander and BBVA Earnings Outlooks Improve on Floating-Rate Mortgage Portfolios

Analysts have raised net interest income estimates for Santander and BBVA as their large floating-rate mortgage portfolios continue to benefit from the prevailing European interest-rate environment.

Spain’s Short-Term Rentals Face Registration and Neighbourhood Approval Requirements

Owners seeking to operate new tourist rentals face centralized registration requirements and must secure approval from three-fifths of their homeowners’ association under Spain’s tighter short-term rental framework. ([BOE][9])

Spain Moves to Tighten Oversight of Tourist Housing

The Spanish government is advancing a Tourist Housing Observatory intended to map tourism pressure across neighbourhoods as authorities increase scrutiny of short-term rentals and illegal holiday accommodation. ([La Moncloa][8])

Catalonia Reaffirms Goal of Spending 6% of GDP on Education

The Catalan government led by Salvador Illa has renewed its commitment to raise education spending to 6% of regional GDP, although officials have not set a firm timetable for reaching the target. ([El País][7])

Spain Centralises Control Over Strategic Investment Incentives

Spain has introduced a framework giving the central government greater control over which projects qualify as strategic investments for state incentives, reducing the discretion of autonomous regions over some development subsidies. ([E...

Spain Approves €7 Billion State Housing Plan for 2026-2030

Spain’s government has approved a €7 billion housing program aimed at expanding the supply of public and affordable homes, strengthening anti-fraud controls and improving access to housing. ([La Moncloa][5])

Spain Commits €719 Million to Madrid-Catalonia AI Gigafactory Project

The Spanish government has approved €719 million for a public-private artificial intelligence computing project with planned sites in Madrid and Catalonia and participation from Santander, Telefónica and ACS. ([La Moncloa][4])

Spanish Supreme Court Refuses Amnesty for Carles Puigdemont on Embezzlement Charge

Supreme Court Justice Pablo Llarena maintained that Spain’s amnesty law does not apply to the embezzlement case against former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, prolonging the legal dispute over his position. ([El País][3])

Spain Plans Permanent Migrant Identification Centres in Ceuta and Melilla

The Interior Ministry is preparing permanent identification facilities with capacity for 800 people each in Ceuta and Melilla as authorities respond to heavy migration pressure at Spain’s North African enclaves. ([El País][2])

Spain Raises 2026 Economic Growth Forecast to 2.6%

Spain’s Economy Ministry lifted its GDP growth forecast to 2.6%, supported by tourism, consumer spending and employment as the economy continues to expand faster than the wider eurozone. ([Mineco Portal][1])

Spain Extends National Team Coach Luis de la Fuente’s Contract Through 2030

Luis de la Fuente will remain Spain’s men’s national football coach through the 2030 World Cup after extending a contract that had previously run until the 2028 European Championship. ([RTVE.es][21])

Spanish Transport Minister Criticises Madrid Formula One Circuit Design

Transport Minister Óscar Puente publicly criticised the new Madrid Formula One circuit after its first Spanish Grand Prix, focusing on limited overtaking opportunities and prompting responses from Madrid’s regional and municipal leaders....

Scientists Identify First Diplodocus Fossils Found Outside North America in Spain

Palaeontologists identified Diplodocus remains from a site in Teruel, eastern Spain, providing the first confirmed evidence of the dinosaur genus outside North America and new clues about Late Jurassic animal dispersal. ([EFE Noticias][...

Barcelona’s Camp Nou Selected to Host 2029 UEFA Champions League Final

UEFA selected Barcelona’s Camp Nou to stage the 2029 Champions League final, returning European club football’s showpiece match to the stadium for the first time since 1999. ([UEFA.com][18])

King Felipe VI Praises Public Servants and Volunteers Responding to Ceuta Crisis

King Felipe VI publicly recognised the work of emergency personnel, public servants and volunteers in Ceuta as authorities continue managing the consequences of the large-scale migration arrivals recorded in late July. ([El País][17])

Spanish Senate Backs Broader Security Measures for Ceuta

The Popular Party used its Senate majority to advance a package calling for stronger border controls, faster returns and additional security measures in response to the migration crisis affecting Ceuta. ([Senado España][16])

Zapatero Seeks to Limit Scope of Judicial Inquiry Into His Financial Dealings

Former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s lawyers have challenged parts of an investigation into his business and financial affairs, arguing that judicial and police inquiries should not extend beyond the proper scope of the c...

Madrid Hospital Staff Allege Manipulation of Surgical Waiting-List Data

Healthcare professionals at a public hospital in Madrid have accused administrators of lowering recorded patient severity to alter official waiting-list figures, prompting calls for scrutiny of the allegations.