Spain News Headlines

Euro Weekly News is a free English-language newspaper in Spain aimed at foreign residents, covering national and regional Spanish news. Its mission is to help expats integrate by providing accessible information on culture, rules and events. A recent article reports on the discovery of a significant lithium deposit in Castilla Leon, potentially reducing Spain's reliance on lithium imports for battery manufacturing. This discovery has attracted interest from Chinese firms, who are major players in the lithium market and have invested heavily in lithium extraction globally. However, concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact of lithium mining and whether the benefits will remain in Spain or be exported. The newspaper also offers various sections, including finance, lifestyle, travel and puzzles. The newspaper aims to be the leading source of news for English-speaking expats in Spain, both in print and online.

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ARY News reports on the income requirements for Pakistanis seeking a Spanish "digital nomad" visa in March 2025. This visa caters to freelancers and remote workers by offering temporary residency. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $2,750, or $3,750 for those bringing families. Further eligibility criteria include non-EU citizenship, foreign employment, a clean criminal record, health insurance valid in Spain, and professional qualifications. Proof of work history and a prior relationship with a foreign company are also necessary for freelancers.

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Madrid's Barajas Airport is facing a growing crisis with a significant increase in its homeless population. This article in TheLocal.es highlights the surge, estimating between 370 and 500 individuals now reside at the airport, compared to just 40 a decade ago. The situation has led to reports of increased crime, unsanitary conditions, and general deterioration of the terminals. Contributing factors include economic hardship and the airport providing shelter. The lack of clear responsibility between airport authorities, city officials, and national government hinders effective solutions, impacting Spain's reputation as a tourist destination. Similar, though less severe, problems exist at other Spanish airports, such as in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.

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Pedro Sánchez of Spain affirms his nation's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. He highlights Spain's active participation in EU sanctions against Russia and its efforts to reduce energy dependence on the country, diversifying supply to North America. Spain has pledged one billion euros annually for the next decade to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities. Sánchez also emphasizes broad societal support within Spain for aiding Ukraine, driven by a shared understanding of the importance of peace and security in Europe. Spain welcomes the enlargement of the EU to include Ukraine and is hosting a Ukrainian hub to assist refugees, recognising their own history of solidarity and support.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Monday April 10, 2023

A British man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in Spain after his wife fell from a balcony in the popular tourist destination of Benidorm. The 36-year-old woman is said to be in critical condition after plunging six storeys from their hotel late on Saturday night. Emergency services were called and the man, aged 40, was taken into custody while police investigate the circumstances of the fall. The couple were staying at the Rio Park hotel and the man will appear before a judge in a private preliminary hearing to determine if he will be held in custody or released pending further investigations.

Spain's Jon Rahm has won the 87th Masters at Augusta National, paying tribute to the late Seve Ballesteros in the process. On what would have been Ballesteros' 66th birthday, Rahm became the fourth Spanish winner at Augusta National after Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia. Rahm's father took up golf after watching Ballesteros captain Europe to victory in the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama, and Rahm believes that without that experience, he may not be where he is today. Rahm finished 12 under par, four shots clear of Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka. Rahm's final par was very much a Seve par, unintentionally testifying to the late golfer's influence on his game.

New research suggests that people were getting high on hallucinogenic drugs in Spain as far back as 3,000 years ago. Scientists found that hair from a burial site in Menorca contained substances derived from plants and bushes, and that these substances would have induced delirium and hallucinations. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, provide Europe's oldest direct evidence of people taking hallucinogenic drugs. The substances were found at the Es Càrritx cave, a ritual and funerary site for about 600 years, until 800 BCE. Researchers believe that the substances may have been used as part of rituals held at the cave, potentially involving shamans who could control the side-effects of the drugs.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Saturday April 8, 2023

A disturbing case has emerged in the Madrid town of Colmenar Viejo, where a well-known and respected doctor and his wife have been arrested for physically punishing and malnourishing their eight children, and confining them to a filthy room. The father, who works at a Madrid hospital, is alleged to have abused his wife as well. The children were being cared for by the state and the mother has been served with a restraining order. The arrests followed a teacher’s report that the children had missed a lot of school, and that the father mistreated the mother, who also allegedly neglected the children. The state of the entire house was described as “shocking” with the only clean room being the father’s office.

Heineken, the Dutch beer company, has announced that it will be launching Spain's top-selling draught beer, Cruzcampo, in pubs across the UK. The beer, which is brewed in Britain, will only be available on tap and will be exclusively sold in pubs. Cruzcampo has gained popularity in Spain due to its attractive low price, and Heineken claims that it has all the advantages of Spanish premium beers at an affordable price, making it a great quality experience for consumers. The launch of Cruzcampo will continue Heineken's commitment to supporting the on-trade, which is important in these times of financial uncertainty. To celebrate its launch in the UK, Cruzcampo is running a promotion in bars across the country until May 14, offering the chance for one lucky winner to host a massive Spanish fiesta in their pub, complete with authentic food, entertainment, and of course, lager.

The City of Málaga has set its sights on becoming Africa's sustainable tourism mentor. The city's bid to host Expo 2027 is based on sharing sustainable tourism practices with several African countries, which would benefit from Malaga's 30-year transformation from one of the "ugliest, dirtiest, and worst cities in the world" to a cultural and heritage tourism hub. Málaga's head of tourism, Jonathan Gomez Punzon, said the city had demonstrated advanced sustainable tech initiatives, which he outlined as part of its proposed Expo 2027 bid project. This could lead to a successful bid and, ultimately, the first Expo hosted in Africa.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Thursday April 6, 2023

Spanish authorities have arrested a Ukrainian and a Russian on suspicion of smuggling military aeronautical equipment to Russia, defying an EU embargo linked to the Ukraine war. The suspects were arrested in the northern Basque Country in an operation by police and customs investigators to stop an "imminent" shipment to Russia. The suspects were running a Spanish company that was evading existing export controls, thereby committing a smuggling offence. Investigators discovered a network to supply military equipment to Moscow's aeronautical sector with a "profound knowledge of transportation logistics." The network had designed a sophisticated system of international customs documentation that allowed it to ship goods "to countries not facing an embargo when in reality the destination was Russia." The raid resulted in the seizure of documentation, computer equipment, and two high-end vehicles.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stressed the importance of his side putting in a complete performance in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona. The Spanish giants trail 1-0 from last month's first leg, but Ancelotti has said that his team must remain calm and play a complete game with and without the ball. While Real have lost their last three games against Barca, Ancelotti believes his team can win without changing their system, saying small details are where they can surprise their opponents. Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has warned his team to be cautious of a "hurt" Madrid side seeking revenge.

Spanish TV star Ana Obregón has revealed that her surrogate baby was fathered by her late son, who died of cancer at the age of 27. In an interview with ¡Hola! magazine, Obregón explained that her son's final wish was to have a child of his own, and before his death, he had stored a sample of his sperm in New York. The birth mother who carried the baby is reportedly a woman of Cuban origin living in Florida. Obregón's revelation that she had a baby by surrogacy in the US had caused controversy in Spain, where surrogacy is illegal. However, adopting a child born abroad is lawful. Obregón sees herself as the baby's mother, even if she is biologically her granddaughter, and plans to register the baby at the Spanish consulate before flying to Madrid.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Wednesday April 5, 2023

Spain's prime minister, Petro Sanchez, has called for Europe to "re-industrialize" in order to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on third countries for energy and raw materials. This comes as Europe seeks to be more "strategically autonomous" following Russia's war in Ukraine. However, Sanchez emphasized that this push doesn't mean reverting to economic protectionism. He also highlighted the need for the EU to reach out to key regions, such as the Caribbean, Latin America, and nations on its southern periphery. Additionally, the reduction of coal use in energy generation and balancing out the cost of energy between producers and consumers are also a priority. Sanchez's comments came after talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who agreed that the EU should seek out alternative energy routes and pivot towards green energy. Both leaders also called for an overall agreement on dealing with migration, which is a key issue for front-line states such as Spain and Cyprus.

Good news for Spain's job market as unemployment fell to its lowest level in March since 2008. The number of people claiming unemployment benefits decreased by 1.6%, or 48,755 people, to 2,862,260. This marks the largest percentage fall for March since 2002. Even with international financial market instability, unemployment fell by 7.93% compared to March 2022, or 246,503 people. The services sector saw the largest decrease in unemployment with 42,789 people (-2.05%) dropping out of the job market, followed by construction, industry, and agriculture. For the first time in nine years, unemployment among young people under 25 also decreased, standing at 215,099. The number of job seekers decreased in all of Spain's Autonomous Communities, except Madrid. In addition, the number of permanent contracts increased by 46.82%, and the average Social Security enrollment gained 206,410 new members, its highest rise in March ever, with the hotel and catering industry seeing the largest influx of new members due to Easter Week hiring.

Spain has officially launched its own national space agency, the Agencia Espacial Española (AEE), with an initial budget of more than €700m. The agency will be based in Seville and will focus on guaranteeing Spain's strategic action in the field of space. This includes technological development and the use of space for areas such as security, Earth observation, geolocation, and telecommunications. Minister for Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, has also made €45m available to fund the development of a domestic microlauncher, which is seen as the commercial future of the space sector. The launch of the Spanish Space Agency is a major boost to the country's spacetech industry and startups such as PLD Space, Zero 2 Infinity, ienai GO, and SATLANTIS.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Tuesday April 4, 2023

In a bid to encourage travel, Spain's main rail operator Renfe has announced that passengers can now apply for a free travel pass that will allow them to travel for free on Cercanías, Rodalies, and Media Distancia services between May 1 and August 31. Users of Renfe's Avant trains can also enjoy a 50% discount on new routes. To obtain the free pass, passengers can use the Rene Cercanías application, Renfe's website, or get it from train stations and vending machines after registering. Passengers will need to pay a deposit of 10 or 20 euros, which is refundable at the end of the four-month period, provided they have taken at least 16 trips. Renfe has implemented certain control measures to prevent abuse of the system, such as allowing only four trips per day on the same route and suspending the pass of passengers who don't cancel unused seats.

Spanish police have arrested 29 people and are investigating another 13 for allegedly scamming tourists out of thousands of euros by renting out non-existent holiday apartments. The operation, dubbed "Rent Scam," was launched after officers noticed a surge in complaints related to fake rentals. The fraudsters reportedly advertised properties they had photographed but did not own on well-known online forums at prices much lower than market rates. The suspects then demanded upfront payments, which were transferred by victims to bank accounts operated by the criminal organisation. The investigation revealed a complex organisation that involved several cells responsible for various steps of the scam. Officers have seized computers, electronic devices and documentation, and blocked more than 75 fraudulent bank accounts.

More than 1,000 staff at the UK passport offices are on strike between April 3 and May 5, which could affect the processing of travel documents for passengers travelling to Spain. The industrial action comes at a crucial time with Easter and two Bank Holiday weekends just around the corner, and the summer season on the horizon. The Public and Commercial union representing passport office workers across the UK has warned that the strike will have a "significant impact" on the processing of travel documents. While the British government has assured that processing should not be unduly delayed, travel experts advise passengers to check their passport expiry dates now and plan ahead to avoid potential bottlenecks. The eight passport offices participating in the strike are in Glasgow, Durham, Liverpool, Southport, Peterborough, London, Newport and Belfast.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Friday March 31, 2023

Spanish police and the Garda’s National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau carried out a joint operation targeting a Sligo gang led by crime boss Barry Young in Alicante, Spain. The searches targeted an international drugs gang with ties to Young, who recently pleaded guilty to directing a criminal organization and is currently awaiting sentencing. The raids were carried out with the support of the Criminal Assets Bureau. Young is regarded as one of the biggest players on the drug scene outside Ireland with ties to major gangs including the ‘Mr Big’ network in Dublin.

The birth of a baby by a 68-year-old actress via an American surrogate has sparked outrage and political debate. Although surrogate pregnancies are banned in Spain, children from such pregnancies born abroad can be registered. The ruling Socialist party has said it will look into toughening legislation covering surrogate pregnancies after it was revealed that soap star Ana Obregon used a surrogate mother in Florida to carry the child. The leftist United We Can coalition partner called surrogate pregnancies a "form of violence against women", while the Socialist Treasury Minister described the practice as "exploitation of a woman's body." The main opposition conservative Popular Party announced that it was open to debating legalizing surrogacy, provided payment was not involved. The fact that it concerned Obregon seemed to generate as much controversy as the issue of surrogacy itself.

The drop in energy prices has led to a rapid fall in inflation rates in Germany and Spain. German consumer prices rose 7.8% YoY on a harmonised basis in March, down from the previous month's rate of 9.3%. However, the figures were still higher than the 7.5% forecast by economists polled by Reuters. Spain's annual inflation rate almost halved to 3.1% for March from 6% the previous month. Despite this, investors are betting that the ECB will have to raise interest rates in May due to the fact that core consumer price inflation, which excludes energy and food prices, has risen in Germany and only slightly fallen in Spain.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Thursday March 30, 2023

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss economic and trade ties between the two countries, as they celebrate half a century of diplomatic relations. However, analysts predict that the real topic of conversation will be the fate of Ukraine, with Spain about to join international efforts to end the Russian invasion. As Europe's first major land war since World War II continues, Spain has been thrust into the spotlight as a possible diplomatic interlocutor in the conflict. Sánchez is expected to push for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine that respects its territorial integrity. The world, he says, should listen to China’s plan for peace, as the country is a global actor.

Renewable energy investors are taking the Spanish government to court in London over lost subsidies, with the outcome of the $125 million lawsuit having implications for clean energy financing across the EU. The case, involving investors from the Netherlands and Luxembourg, centers around a solar plant in southern Spain, which was promised subsidies to encourage growth in renewable energy production. However, the Spanish government controversially slashed the payments without notice after the 2008 financial crisis. Spain has been sued more than 50 times over the retroactive changes, but has not paid out despite losing more than 20 cases. The dispute risks shaking confidence in the EU's investment climate for clean energy, which is already being affected by a new U.S. law offering incentives for homegrown green technology.

Spain's new coach, Luis de la Fuente, is feeling the heat after a lackluster win and a disappointing loss in his first two games in charge. Spain managed to scrape a 3-0 win against Norway in their opening qualifying match for the 2024 European Championship, but their performance was far from convincing. They followed that up with a 2-0 loss to Scotland, which has put De la Fuente under pressure to show significant improvement in their next game. Despite having nearly 70% possession, Spain managed only three shots on target against Scotland, which is a worrying sign for a team that has traditionally focused on possession-based football. De la Fuente replaced Luis Enrique after the team's elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, and he has pledged to make scoring a priority for the national team. However, his early results suggest that he has a lot of work to do to get Spain back to its best. The next few games will be crucial for De la Fuente, and he will be under heightened scrutiny when Spain faces Italy in the Nations League on June 15.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Wednesday March 29, 2023

Spain's competition watchdog, the CNMC, has launched a disciplinary case against Google for allegedly engaging in anti-competitive practices that affect Spanish news agencies and publishers. The investigation will look into whether Google abused its dominant position in the Spanish market and imposed unfair conditions on press publishers. The proceedings involve Google LLC, Google Ireland Ltd, Google Spain, S.L., and their parent company Alphabet Inc. The case was initiated after a complaint was filed by the Spanish Reproduction Rights Centre (CEDRO). The investigation is expected to last for 18 months, during which both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments. A spokesperson for Google Spain said that the company is willing to address any questions the CNMC may have and works constructively with publishers.

Spain is gearing up for a record-breaking tourist season this year, but the country's hospitality sector is struggling to find enough workers to meet the demand. While prices are projected to rise by up to 20% this summer, a lack of trust and enthusiasm among workers for the hospitality industry, fueled by the pandemic, is creating a labor shortage. The Spanish Hotel Alliance reports that bookings for Easter Week are up 20 points from last year, and the sector is expected to exceed 90% occupancy this summer. But the country will need at least 60,000 additional workers in the tourism and hospitality industry, according to human resources company Randstad. Leading companies such as Meliá are scouring social networks for young talent, while hospitality schools in Madrid report that graduates are guaranteed a job if they want one.

In some good news for conservation efforts, a Spanish zoo has successfully bred five Komodo dragon hatchlings, the first of their kind in the country in ten years. The hatchlings were born after their mother, Ora, laid 12 eggs in August last year. The eggs were artificially incubated over a seven-month period, and five were selected to hatch. The tiny hatchlings are currently lighter than a lemon and shorter than a shoebox, but will one day grow to be nearly 3 meters long and weigh up to 70 kilos. Komodo dragons are an endangered species, with only around 1,500 specimens remaining in habitats threatened by climate change. In captivity, the hatchlings will be monitored by vets until they are mature enough to be presented to the public.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Tuesday March 28, 2023

Spanish firefighters have made progress in containing the country’s first major fire of the year, which has ravaged 3,800 hectares of mainly forest since Thursday. Over 500 firefighters backed by 20 water-dropping aircraft battled the blaze on Monday near Villanueva de Viver, local officials said. The fire broke out near the eastern village, where unseasonably warm temperatures neared 30 degrees Celsius. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the blaze proved “the climate emergency exists”. Spain is experiencing long-term drought after three years of below-average rainfall. Climate change amplifies droughts that create ideal conditions for wildfires to spread out-of-control and inflict unprecedented material and environmental damage.

Spain is quickly emerging as a leader in foodtech innovation, with over 400 foodtech startups operating in the country and attracting increasing support from incubators and corporates. While the country has long been known as a major contributor to the global food economy, it has only recently become recognized for its potential in technology-based agrifood transformation. Spain's ideal testing ground for initiatives around soil improvement, water management, controlled environment agriculture, and robotics, along with its strong co-packing industry, has attracted international investors and corporates, leading to a 9.3% increase in foodtech investment in 2022. Collaboration among key players in the agrifoodtech ecosystem has been a crucial factor in accelerating the growth and development of disruptive technologies. With public and private entities creating new and innovative solutions to address various challenges in the sector and increasing government support, the Spanish foodtech ecosystem is poised for incredible growth and is on the brink of a revolution.

The Spanish government has implemented stricter regulations on ship-to-ship oil transfers off its shores after an increase in activity in the area. Oil tankers will now need authorization from the closest Spanish port captaincy to carry out these operations, even outside territorial waters. Additionally, boats servicing these tankers loaded with crude oil or other chemicals will also need specific authorization. This move comes after the Group of Seven nations imposed a price cap on Russian oil and the European Union banned the import of Russian crude and oil products, leading to more ship-to-ship operations. However, these transfers have become a safety concern, with Spanish authorities intercepting several oil tankers suspected of spilling oil into the Mediterranean near Barcelona and the Canary Islands.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Monday March 27, 2023

Spanish officials have warned against so-called "fire tourism" as a wildfire rages in the eastern part of the country. More than 500 firefighters and 20 planes and helicopters have been battling the blaze for four days since it broke out near Villanueva de Viver in the Valencia region. However, police have spotted 14 cyclists near the scene trying to get a closer look, posing risks to themselves and disrupting firefighting efforts. The fire has destroyed over 4,000 hectares of forest and forced 1,700 villagers to evacuate their homes. One firefighter sustained a minor injury while fighting the blaze.

Residents who were forced to evacuate due to Spain's first major wildfire of the year have recounted leaving their homes and animals behind. The blaze scorched more than 4,000 hectares of forest and forced 1,700 villagers to leave their homes in the Valencia and Aragon regions. More than 500 firefighters supported by 20 planes and helicopters are working to bring the blaze under control near Villanueva de Viver. The unusually dry winter across parts of southern Europe has raised concerns that there could be a repeat of last year's devastating wildfires. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which police believe may have been started by a spark from a machine used to gather brushwood.

The Spanish government is facing criticism over allegations that police officers infiltrated far-left and green groups, and used sexual relationships to gain information. The scandal was first reported in January by Catalan media La Directa, which revealed that a police officer going by the name of Daniel Hernández had sexual relations with members of a Barcelona squat and far-left movements since 2020. Six women have filed a complaint against the officer, accusing him of sexual abuse. The scandal deepened when climate activist group Extinction Rebellion said it had been infiltrated by a female police officer who had sexual relations with at least one member. This case echoes the UK's Kate Wilson, who was deceived into a sexual relationship with an undercover officer for nearly two years. Last year, a tribunal ruled that the police had violated her human rights.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Thursday March 16, 2023

In contrast to neighboring France, Spain's left-wing government has secured the support of unions to reform the country's public pension system. The leaders of the country's two main labor unions, UGT and CC.OO., stood alongside the Minister of Social Security to declare the plan "historic." The reform is expected to be vital to ensure pensions for Spain's growing retired population, which is set to increase from 10 to 15 million people by 2048. Meanwhile, in France, labor unions continue to hold massive street protests against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, which he says is necessary to sustain public pensions for the future.

Wedding celebrations in Spain have seen a surge since the pandemic, with Spanish society valuing social conventions and celebrations more than budget constraints. According to Statista, Spain spends almost €22,000 on average for a wedding, making it the second-highest spending country after the US. This is despite countries like France, Italy, and Canada having a higher average salary. Luis Ayuso Sánchez, professor of Sociology at the University of Granada, explains that the Spanish view weddings as a way to expand their family network and show society their support network, which historically was fundamental in the absence of a welfare state. José Melo, VP of sales at The Knot Worldwide, suggests that inflation and the trend for more extravagant weddings are possible factors for the rise in wedding costs.

A Canadian tourist has died in Barcelona after falling from a bridge while being violently attacked and mugged. The incident occurred in the San Martin district of Barcelona on Wednesday morning. Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan police force, suspect that the tourist's fall was not accidental, and that the attack was related to a violent robbery. The police are currently investigating the case and trying to confirm if the incident was a robbery. This comes after shopkeepers in some parts of Barcelona have reported a severe wave of robberies, with thieves breaking into shops using manhole covers to break the windows and doors.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Tuesday March 14, 2023

Spain’s ombudsman has reported that an independent commission set up last year to investigate historic sex abuse by the Catholic church has received testimonies from 445 victims. Spain’s parliament voted in March 2022 to open the first official investigation, led by ombudsman Ángel Gabilondo, into the extent of sexual abuse committed by priests and church officials. The government was compelled to act after allegations of abuse involving more than 1,200 victims were published in Spanish newspaper El País, sparking public outrage. A Madrid-based law firm is conducting a parallel inquiry ordered by the Spanish Episcopal Conference. Spain is one of only a few countries to have government-initiated or parliamentary inquiries into abuse by the Catholic church.

Ukrainian troops have finished a four-week training course in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2 tanks that Western allies have agreed to deliver to help Ukraine fight Russian forces. The 55 Ukrainian trainees arrived in Spain mid-February and have been training 12 hours a day, six days a week at a Spanish military base in Zaragoza. The soldiers received technical and tactical training and will return to Ukraine "with a very acceptable knowledge" of the German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks, said Captain Contreras, who headed the Spanish military unit charged with training the Ukrainian soldiers. The training included exercises on simulators and actual Leopard 2 tanks.

Spain is reportedly considering cancelling nearly half of its orders for Airbus A400M airlifters, raising doubts over the future of the project, according to European defence sources. The A400M is a core defence project in Europe, and Spain has ordered 27 of the troop planes and is responsible for their final assembly. However, Madrid is said to be leaning towards cancelling the remaining 13 or so aircraft that have not been delivered, after its air force indicated that it did not need the extra planes. Any decision on the future of the A400M is expected to trigger intense negotiations over alternative defence orders and Airbus's ongoing investment in Spain.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Monday March 13, 2023

Over 2,000 people in northern Spain rally against NATO, show support for Russia. Protesters in Bilbao express their opposition to NATO's strategy, military aid to Kiev, and the increase in EU countries' military budgets. They call for resources to be redirected towards social spending and assistance to the population. The rally was held in solidarity with Russia, with demonstrators waving Russian and Donetsk and Lugansk people's republic flags. The protest highlights Western aggression towards Russia and the need for peace. It took place in front of the Bilbao mayoral building on Saturday.

Tragedy strikes in Madrid as a 22-year-old man was horrifically stabbed in the heart on Bravo Murillo street in the Tetuán district. Emergency services arrived to find the victim with a chest wound and he later suffered from a cardiorespiratory arrest, despite medical efforts to resuscitate him. Last year, a 47-year-old man also died after being stabbed several times inside a bar in Madrid. Police have not yet identified any suspects in either case.

Spain is set to launch its first micro rocket flight within several weeks, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The sub-orbital launcher, MIURA1, built by Spanish startup PLD Space, is intended to carry out up to four missions per year and may even transport cargo into space and back safely. After MIURA1, the company plans to develop a re-usable small launch vehicle, MIURA5, in 2024 to put small satellites into orbit. Launch pads are springing up across Europe as the small rocket market takes off after decades of institutional dominance by national space agencies.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Friday March 10, 2023

Tragedy has struck at a potash mine in northeastern Spain, where three geologists lost their lives in a tunnel collapse. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on Thursday at the Cabanasses de Súria mine, operated by ICL Iberia, and located 80 kilometers northwest of Barcelona. The victims, aged 28, 29, and 31, were inspecting an interior area of the mine at a depth of 900 meters when the collapse happened. Rescuers recovered their bodies several hours later. Two of the victims were postgraduate students. The incident is being investigated, and a judicial probe has been launched.

Algeria's blockade on Spanish imports and exports has cost Spain a staggering 930 million euros, according to the Ministry of Industry. The blockade has been ongoing for nine months, and Madrid is seeking financial aid from the EU to compensate for its losses. Trade between Algeria and Spain has decreased by 84%, impacting Spanish businesses that previously had a significant market in Algeria. The Spanish government is initiating contact with the European Commission to put an aid plan in place and diversify its markets. However, the EU's focus on the Russia-Ukraine war and securing gas deals with Algeria may mean little diplomatic action is taken.

The Tax Agency in Spain has announced a stricter Tax Control Plan for 2023 to deal with foreign residents who either do not declare their income or declare as non-residents. The plan reinforces controls against the fraud variant of false non-residents, aiming to combat those who spend more than 183 days in Spain and pay the Non-Resident Income Tax IRNR instead of the IRPF Personal Income Tax. Tax lawyer Isaac Abad warns that the agency has detected a large amount of fraud in this sector and is ready to combat it with the large amount of information it has available.

The guidelines also reinforce the need to act on economic activity holders using 'virtual payments', with a special focus on the use of virtual currencies. The Tax Agency will intensify control over areas and business models where there is a risk of a shadow economy, with a special focus on construction, rehabilitation, and refurbishment of real estate.

Isaac Abad advises any foreigner who owns property in Spain or who has any sort of income to consult a qualified tax lawyer to take care of their tax returns.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Thursday March 2, 2023

Good news for air travellers in Spain! From the end of 2023, you might not have to worry about the 100ml hand-luggage limit. Thanks to new 3D scanners, travellers will be able to transport liquids, gels and aerosols larger than 100ml in their hand-luggage. Not only that, but travellers won't have to take electronics out of their bags to head through security. The new scanners will be rolled out gradually across Spain, with Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat set to get them first. Other airports will see the changes in 2025 and 2026. The UK has also committed to similar changes, with most airports ditching the 100ml limit by June 2024. Say goodbye to annoying liquid debates with security!

In Spain, a 29-year-old electric scooter user is on trial for reckless homicide after allegedly running over an elderly man at a zebra crossing. If convicted, he will be the first person in Spain to go to prison for a personal mobility vehicle offense. The tragic incident occurred in Zaragoza last September, and the victim died four days later from severe injuries. Prosecutors have requested a two-year prison sentence and compensation for the victim's family, while they're calling for a harsher punishment of four years in prison and a driving ban for six years. In this landmark case, the Insurance Compensation Consortium has been asked to cover the costs if the defendant cannot afford them. Last year alone, VMPs were involved in 178 accidents resulting in 164 injuries in Zaragoza.

Researchers have discovered the oldest human genome to date in Spain, from the Cueva del Malalmuerzo site in Andalucía. The international team also analyzed the 7,000 to 5,000-year-old genomes of early farmers from other sites in the region. The Iberian Peninsula plays a key role in human population history, having been both a refuge during the last Ice Age and a starting point for recolonization. Extracting DNA from ancient remains in hot, dry climates is a challenge, but the study fills gaps and allows for investigation of potential population contacts across the Strait of Gibraltar. The discovery also confirms the importance of the Iberian Peninsula as a refuge for human populations during the last Ice Age.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Wednesday March 1, 2023

Spanish police have stated for the first time that they do not believe X Factor star Levi Davis went missing voluntarily. Davis disappeared on October 29th after leaving a friend in Ibiza to get the ferry to Barcelona alone. Detectives in Spain do not believe that Davis doesn't want to be found, or that he went missing voluntarily. According to the BBC, Davis sent a voice message to a friend on WhatsApp at midnight on October 30th, just hours after he was seen leaving an Irish bar in Barcelona. In the message, Davis describes Barcelona as "absolutely beautiful" and says he loves it, making it the last known contact he had with any of his friends or family.

Spain's agriculture minister, Luis Planas, has denied that Brexit is the reason for the current salad shortages in UK supermarkets. He explained that cold weather in southern Spain has slowed production, causing an "anomaly not a trend". While exporters face new administrative procedures and additional expenses, Planas said things have generally gone well with Spain's post-Brexit food trade with the UK, despite smaller producers of wine, cheese, and olive oil struggling to accept the higher costs. Trade data shows that although the value of vegetable shipments from Spain has increased since Brexit, the volume has dropped.

Winter weather hits Spain, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures brought on by Storm Juliette. The popular holiday destination of Mallorca has been hit with snow and cold temperatures, dropping as low as -2C. Weather experts have warned of particularly heavy snow across the island's Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, with lower amounts of snowfall even at sea level. A red weather alert is in place due to large waves on the north side of the island, with Spanish officials warning of 8 meter waves. Temperatures in parts of central mainland Spain have dropped as low as -15.8C. More snow is expected across the peninsula in the coming days.

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These are the trending news headlines in Spain on Tuesday Feb 28, 2023

A 24-year-old citizen who was incarcerated in Iran has been released after almost four months. Ana Baneira, a human rights activist, was arrested while allegedly taking part in protests in Tehran. The reasons for her detention were not made public. Baneira was one of two Spanish nationals detained in Iran amid the anti-government protests that erupted in the country after the death of Masha Amini, a woman who died in police custody. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed Baneira's release and said she would fly to Dubai, then to Geneva, and finally to Coruña, her hometown. Her arrival is expected on Monday. The other Spanish national, Santiago Sánchez, remains in custody.

A man in Spain has been sentenced to a year in jail for slapping his wife during a TikTok livestream, despite her not filing a complaint to the police. The court in Soria also banned the man from coming within 300 metres of his wife or communicating with her for three years, and acquiring a weapon during that time. The incident happened during a TikTok “battle” between the woman and three men in January. The woman declined to press charges and refused to take the stand, but police had been called to their home before due to disputes between the couple. The court ruled that gender violence crimes do not require a complaint from the victim to be punished. Domestic violence has been a priority issue for successive Spanish governments.

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These are some of the Trending news in Spain on Thursday February 23rd, 2023.

Spain is set to introduce a pay-per-use system for its motorways by July 2025, with the government yet to decide on the exact toll charges. Spain is currently the only country in Europe where taxpayers pay for roads whether they use them or not. The new system could generate 5 billion euros annually for infrastructure upkeep. President of infrastructure group Seopan, Julian Núñez, has said a minimum investment of 10 billion euros is required to modernise the country's high-capacity roads. Tolls won't be imposed on dual-carriageways and highways anytime soon, but an extension request may be made to delay implementation. Of the 173.5 billion euros granted by the EU, just 6.7% has been allocated to infrastructure.

The Spanish government is considering paying workers extra money to cycle to work as part of its 'State Strategy for Bicycles'. The initiative, called 'En bici al trabajo (By bike to work), aims to encourage more sustainable transport and reduce pollution. France and the Netherlands already have similar schemes where employees can earn up to €800 and €1,500 respectively for cycling to work. The Spanish government is looking at changing tax regulations to allow companies to compensate staff for cycling to work. The Ministry of Transport is also asking larger businesses to provide secure bike parking and changing facilities. The government has allocated €490 million to help promote bicycle use.

Morocco will pay Spain €2 million annually to access its regasification facilities, as per the same rate paid by other countries, including France and Portugal, the Spanish government announced. After Algeria terminated the pipeline contract to supply Spain with gas through Morocco, the North African country signed a deal with Spain for the transport of natural liquified gas through the Maghreb Europe pipeline. Since the deal came into effect, around 1,882 gigawatts per hour of gas have been transferred through the pipeline until mid-January. However, Morocco’s gas subsidies reached MAD 22 billion ($2.1 billion) at the end of last year, going against previously estimated figures of $965.9 million.

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These are some of the Trending news in Spain on Wednesday February 22nd, 2023.

Two top officials in Spain's transport sector have resigned after a costly mistake in a train order. The head of Spain's rail operator Renfe, Isaías Táboas, and the Secretary of State for Transport, Isabel Pardo de Vera, have stepped down after nearly €260m ($275m; £230m) worth of new commuter trains were ordered that did not fit into non-standard tunnels in the northern regions of Asturias and Cantabria. Although the mistake was spotted early enough to avoid financial loss, the region of Cantabria has demanded compensation. The trains will be delivered two years late, in 2026. An investigation is being launched to find out how the error happened.

A British man suspected of hacking the Twitter accounts of celebrities will be extradited to the US, according to a Spanish court ruling. Joseph James O'Connor, from Liverpool, was arrested in Spain in July 2021 and faces charges in connection with the July 2020 hack of over 130 accounts, including those of US President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama. The court statement said that O'Connor will face 14 charges, including the crimes of revelation of secrets, membership of a criminal gang, illegal access to computer systems, internet fraud, money laundering, and extortion. The US authorities want him to face trial in the Northern District of California and the Southern District of New York.

Squatting in the Murcia Region of Spain has increased by 60% in recent years, with nearly 600 cases reported in 2022. Although the number of squatting cases in Spain as a whole decreased slightly last year compared to 2021, the Region of Murcia remains a serious problem area. Between January and November, Murcia registered 597 crimes and misdemeanours for property occupation. This is a slight improvement on 2021 but still represents a significant 60% increase from 2020 when only 391 cases were registered. Squatting in Spain is a complex legal issue, and many homeowners face difficulties evicting uninvited tenants. With the law making distinctions depending on the type of problem, some people have taken matters into their own hands, and gun ownership has increased by 38% across the country due to squatting.

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These are some of the Trending news in Spain on Thursday February 16 2023.

Spain is set to train 55 crew members and technicians from Ukraine on Leopard main battle tanks. The crew will arrive in Spain by the end of the week. Spain is one of the NATO countries that agreed to supply Ukraine with tanks in principle, but the quantity of tanks Spain will send to Ukraine is still unknown. The announcement comes after the German Defence Minister dispelled hopes that European states would quickly form a battalion of modern Leopard 2 tanks, stating that only 14 tanks promised by Germany and three promised by Portugal are currently ready to be sent. The supply of the remaining tanks from other countries is not being discussed at the moment.

Spain will deploy a missile battery in Estonia in April as part of its NATO contribution. The move comes after Margarita Robles, Spain's Minister of Defence, met with her Estonian counterpart and agreed that Spanish Armed Forces will deploy a battery of Nasams missiles in the northwest of the country. The deployment will last for four months and will provide protection for the Amari Air Base in Estonia, one of the bases where allied fighters, including Spanish jets, are deployed on Baltic Air Policing missions. After this deployment, Spain will have two missile defence batteries in the Baltic area. The contingent is also expected to consist of about 85 troops.

Spain's new restructuring law is being put to the test as the economy slows down. The law, just over four months old, aims to help cut high bankruptcy rates by streamlining and speeding up the debt restructuring process. Eurostat figures show that business bankruptcy declarations in Spain jumped 66% in the third quarter of 2022 from the previous one, compared to an average rise of 16% for the European Union. Companies and officials are hopeful that the new law will help address this problem. The success of this reform will be crucial for Spain's economic recovery.

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These are some of the Trending news in Spain on Wednesday February 15 2023.

Brussels has revised its growth forecast for Spain this year, now expecting a 1.4% increase compared to the 1% forecast last autumn. Despite higher interest rates and a slowdown in employment, Spain is expected to perform better than the EU average of 0.8%. The Spanish government is even more optimistic, forecasting 2.1% growth. However, Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, warns of a "difficult" period ahead for the EU. On a positive note, prices in the EU are expected to drop from 4.8% to 4.4%, with the "peak already behind us."

Spain is investigating allegations of secret Chinese police stations operating in the country and other European nations. The Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that it's checking all the facts following reports of these stations, which are said to keep tabs on Chinese citizens abroad and promote Beijing's ideology. However, the Chinese government denies these allegations and says it only has "service police stations" abroad to assist its citizens. The recent rumors have prompted the Spanish department to check all the details to assess the veracity of the facts. Tensions are running high in Europe following a suspected Chinese spy balloon over US airspace. According to official numbers, there were 2,002 arrests and investigations of Chinese citizens in Spain from January to November 2022.

Gary Glitter, the former pop star and convicted pedophile, is reportedly planning to flee the UK and move to Spain after his release from jail. According to reports, his son Gary Pantoja Sosa has told close friends that his father, 78, wants to move away once he is allowed to leave his bail hostel. Glitter was released from HMP Verne prison last week after serving half of his 16-year sentence for sexually abusing three schoolgirls. Authorities say he is currently under strict supervision, including a GPS tag and close monitoring by police and probation officers. However, it has been reported that Glitter is planning to move abroad to be closer to his son, who lives in Spain.

EML Payments has ended its partnership with Up Spain, a year after entering into the deal. The Australian company based in Brisbane issued a statement saying it will engage with Up Spain to dissolve the relationship. The Up Spain deal aimed to give EML a foothold in the European employee benefits market and access to over 1 million users across 4,700 corporate clients in Spain. The partnership was expected to provide EML with an opportunity for future growth, however, it was not expected to make a material contribution to the company's revenue or earnings in FY23. This announcement is the latest setback for EML which has seen a decline in its share price since mid-2021, due to ongoing regulatory investigations and losses from fraudulent activity.

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These are the Trending news headlines in Spain on Tuesday February 14, 2023.

International Cybercrime Ring Busted in Madrid. Spain's National Police and the U.S. Secret Service have taken down a cybercrime organization operating out of Madrid. The gang of 9 members was found to have stolen over 5 million euros from individuals and companies in North America through social engineering, phishing and smishing. The ring maintained more than 100 bank accounts in Spanish banks to launder their illegal funds, either withdrawing cash, sending it to international accounts or converting it to cryptocurrency. Stay vigilant and protect your personal information online, as these cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to deceive their victims.

Spain's left-wing government faces division over its response to the Russia-Ukraine war. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party supports the NATO policy of arming Kyiv, but its coalition partner remains unconvinced. A recent survey shows that a majority of Spaniards are in favor of helping Ukraine in its time of need as the first anniversary of the conflict nears. Begoña Castro, a 43-year-old financial analyst, believes that the Spanish government is not doing enough to help Ukraine and should send more weapons. However, the defense minister has only pledged to send five Leopard tanks to Kyiv. The divided response of the government highlights the challenges it faces in navigating foreign policy decisions.

A sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras has been discovered in Cabra, Spain by archaeologists from University of Málaga, the Carlos III University of Madrid, and the University of Córdoba. The remains of the 2nd-century AD sanctuary, along with evidence of ritual banquets, were found at the Villa del Mitra. The sanctuary is a rectangular room with stone benches where worshipers would sit to perform rituals and banquets. Cooking took place during the banquets, as evidenced by the fragmented remains of pigs, birds, and rabbits found on the burnt layer floor. Mithras was honored as the sun god and patron of loyalty to the emperor by Greeks and Romans.

Spain's electricity prices are going down. On February 14th, the average price of electricity for regulated rate customers linked to the wholesale market in Spain will decrease by 2.49% to stand at €140.55/MWh, according to the operator of the Iberian Energy Market. The cheapest time for electricity will be between 2 pm and 3 pm, at €127.9/MWh, while the most expensive time will be between 8 pm and 9 pm, at €171.37/MWh. Gas companies will receive compensation of €-2.35/MWh, which will be added to the pool price and paid by consumers of the regulated tariff or those on the free market with an indexed rate. The compensation will lower the average electricity price by 4.41% to €140.55/MWh.

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