Madrid Times

Spain Seeks Mainland Transfers for 1,100 Children Stranded in Ceuta

The unaccompanied minors remain in the Spanish enclave after a deadly mass crossing from Morocco, overwhelming a child-protection system built for only 29 places.

United States Congressional Resolution on Ceuta and Melilla Raises Tensions for Spain

A resolution in the United States Congress supporting Moroccan historical claims to the Spanish-administered enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla has heightened security concerns in Madrid and added to diplomatic tensions surrounding Spain's po...

Italy Tightens Border Measures With Spain After Ceuta Migration Surge

The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has temporarily suspended sea and air arrivals from Spain and suggested suspending Spain's participation in the Schengen free movement area, highlighting growing divisions within the Europe...

Spanish Government Dismisses National Security Communications Chief After Ceuta Migration Crisis

The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has dismissed the communications chief of the National Security Directorate after the agency briefly acknowledged that more than 40,000 irregular migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta wit...

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.

AI Is Remaking the US Economy, From GDP Growth to iPhone Prices

The race to build data centres and buy advanced chips is lifting investment, construction and stock values, while increasing debt, import demand and pressure on technology supply chains.

Europe’s Heat and Drought Are Now Disrupting Power, Shipping and Tourism

Record-low rivers are restricting freight on the Rhine and Danube, straining nuclear and hydropower systems and deepening the economic damage from wildfires across the continent.

World War II munitions discovered after wildfires in southern France

The discovery of 400 historic shells follows intense burning in Le Porge, where explosions were mistaken for gas cylinders.

Wildfire Emissions Raise Air Quality Concerns for Tourism

Environmental monitors said wildfires across Spain and southern Europe have released around 18 million tonnes of carbon emissions, worsening air quality and increasing risks for outdoor tourism activities.

Rising Living Costs Change Domestic Travel Habits in Spain

Higher household expenses are prompting many Spanish families to take shorter holidays closer to home, even as international tourism continues to reach new highs.

Spanish Cities Tighten Rules on Short-Term Rentals

Regional and local governments are expanding restrictions on short-term rental platforms in response to housing shortages and growing public opposition to overtourism.

Nearly One-Third of Spaniards Cannot Afford a Summer Holiday

The National Statistics Institute reported that about 32 percent of Spain's population cannot afford a one-week holiday this year because of higher living costs, housing pressures and inflation.

International Tourist Spending Set to Exceed 64 Billion Euros

Foreign visitors are expected to spend more than 64 billion euros between June and September, providing a major boost to hotels, restaurants and retailers.

Spain Expects Record 43 Million International Summer Visitors

Spain is on course to welcome 43 million international visitors during the peak summer season, reinforcing tourism's central role in the national economy.

Catalonia Commits 2.5 Billion Euros to Housing and Urban Renewal

The Catalan government will invest 2.5 billion euros in housing, neighbourhood regeneration and social housing projects across 120 municipalities to address affordability pressures.

Catalonia Passes First Regional Budget Since 2023

Catalan President Salvador Illa secured approval for the region's first budget in two years through agreements with the Republican Left of Catalonia and the Comuns, strengthening political stability.

Wildfires Burn More Than 116,000 Hectares Across Spain This Year

Emergency services reported that wildfires have destroyed more than 116,000 hectares of land, forcing evacuations and causing extensive environmental damage.

Heatwaves and Drought Continue to Pressure Spain's Agriculture

Copernicus climate data showed persistent heat and below-average rainfall are intensifying drought conditions across Spain, increasing pressure on farming and water resources.

Study Finds Climate Change Greatly Increased Spain's Drought and Wildfire Risk

Research by the World Weather Attribution consortium concluded that carbon emissions made the severe drought and wildfire conditions affecting the Iberian Peninsula at least 20 times more likely.

Catalonia Advances Major Railway Expansion Linking Barcelona Airport

The Catalan government approved plans to integrate the airport rail line into the regional commuter network by 2030, improving passenger transport and regional connectivity.

Shell Sells Spanish and European Onshore Renewable Portfolio to TotalEnergies

Shell has agreed to sell its European onshore renewable energy portfolio, including wind and solar assets in Spain, to TotalEnergies as the energy sector continues to consolidate.

Renewable Energy Upgrades Add Battery Storage to Spain's Power Grid

Newly approved renewable energy projects will include more than two gigawatt-hours of battery storage, helping improve the stability of Spain's increasingly renewable electricity system.

Spain Approves 600 Million Euro Renewable Energy Modernisation Programme

The government has committed more than 600 million euros from European Union recovery funds to modernise ageing wind and hydroelectric facilities, with the projects expected to attract more than three billion euros in private investment.

Women-Led Deep Technology Startups Receive New European Funding Support

The Open Horizons initiative has opened a new funding programme combining equity-free financing with corporate partnerships for women-led deep technology companies in Spain and across Europe.

Spain Expands Support for Technology Startups With 300 Million Euro Fund

The national innovation agency has launched a 300 million euro financing programme offering equity-free funding to innovative small businesses, strengthening support for Spain's growing startup sector.

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...