Economy - Page 10
2966 newsVon der Leyen faces critical test as EU confronts new threats
Ursula von der Leyen prepares for a pivotal address as the EU faces hybrid attacks, migration tensions and shifting alliances. The presence of Canada’s prime minister signals a recalibration of global partnerships.
Spain Struggles to Fill 20,000 Mechanic Jobs as Workshops Turn Away Customers
Thousands of Spanish auto repair shops are at risk as a severe shortage of mechanics leaves 20,000 positions unfilled. A new fast-track training scheme aims to bring in fresh talent and keep the industry running.
Spain seeks EU backing for new fuel aid as prices surge
Spain is preparing a fresh round of fuel subsidies from October as diesel and petrol prices approach historic peaks. The government is now relying on Brussels to shape the next steps. The outcome will affect millions of drivers and businesses this winter.
Spanish airport fees spark political rift as government approves DORA III
Spain’s government has approved DORA III, locking in a minimal rise in airport fees and a €13 billion investment plan. The move has drawn sharp criticism from coalition partner Sumar and major airlines, exposing deep divisions over the future of Spanish aviation infrastructure.
Fuel price surge triggers sharp inflation in Extremadura
Inflation in Extremadura has jumped to 4.2 percent over the past year. The main driver is a dramatic rise in petrol and diesel prices. Authorities and unions now face mounting pressure over wages and living costs.
CaixaBank steps up risk transfers to protect dividends as lending surges
CaixaBank is selling more risky loan portfolios to investors to keep dividends steady, even as lending grows faster than expected. The bank aims for risk-weighted assets to rise much more slowly than its loan book.
Used Car Buyers in Spain Face Hidden Risks as Fraud Remains Widespread
Nearly one in three Spaniards has encountered fraud when buying a used car. While price still drives the market, lack of reliable vehicle history and missing information are pushing buyers to demand more transparency.
Drivers in Melilla Face the Highest Car Insurance Bills in Spain
Car and motorcycle insurance in Melilla now costs up to 400 euros more per year than in most of Spain. High accident rates and intentional damage drive up premiums, leaving local drivers with the steepest bills in the country.
Owning a Car Slips Out of Reach for Thousands in Spain
A growing share of Spaniards can no longer afford to buy a car as vehicle prices soar and incomes stagnate. The shift is pushing more people toward used cars and leaving many young adults without a driving licence.
Investor caution rises as fund managers boost cash holdings
Fund managers have raised cash levels to 3.9 percent, reflecting growing unease over bond volatility and US political uncertainty. While enthusiasm for AI investments remains, risk appetite is cooling.
European Pharma Faces Rising Pressure from US Tariff Policy Shift
US tariff policy changes are forcing European pharmaceutical firms to cut drug prices or face new barriers. The European industry warns of growing risks to investment and innovation. The sector now trails China and the US in new treatments.
Spain Faces Housing Crunch as New Households Outpace Construction
Spain is seeing a surge in new households that far exceeds the pace of new home construction. This mismatch is fueling sharp increases in both purchase and rental prices, leaving many young adults unable to move out on their own.
EQT and Norges Bank move to acquire all of Acciona Energía
A Swedish-Norwegian consortium is pushing to buy 100% of Acciona Energía, which could see the Spanish renewables company leave the stock market. Competing offers from France and Canada add pressure to the talks.
Shock in Salamanca after sudden death of José Antonio Campal in motorcycle crash
José Antonio Campal, a leading figure in Salamanca’s agribusiness sector, died at 54 in a motorcycle accident near Vitoria-Gasteiz. His unexpected passing leaves a major void in the region’s economic and rural landscape.
Spanish Drivers Turn to Asian Cars as Seat Disappears
Seat’s closure marks a blow to Spanish industry but buyers are choosing Asian brands and cheaper hybrid models. Economic pressure and shifting technology are changing what sits in Spanish garages.
Acciona rallies as EQT and Norges team up for energy bid
Acciona shares rose more than 3 percent after EQT and Norges Bank Investment Management announced a joint bid for Acciona Energía. The move follows a sharp drop in the previous session and has drawn close attention from the Spanish market.
Acciona Energía takeover fight intensifies as bidders face technical and regulatory hurdles
Acciona Energía is at the center of a heated takeover contest. EQT and Norway's sovereign fund have joined forces to challenge Ardian, with the outcome likely to reshape Spain's energy sector and lead to a delisting at a premium.
Debt market fears drag Spanish stocks as bond yields climb
Spanish stocks are under pressure as bond yields reach levels last seen in 2007. Fund managers now see turmoil in debt markets as the main risk, overtaking concerns about an AI bubble. The mood marks a new phase of market anxiety.
Electric fleet orders in Spain hit new milestone as diesel fades
Spanish companies are rapidly shifting to electrified fleets, with over 20 percent of new rental vehicles now hybrid or electric. Diesel’s dominance is slipping as businesses seek cost savings and regulatory compliance.
Spanish Inflation Tops 4% as Fuel Prices Climb
Inflation in Spain has jumped to 4.3 percent, the highest level since early 2023, as fuel and energy costs rise sharply. The government faces questions about its relief efforts as households feel the strain.
Acciona shares jump as EQT and Norges Bank bid for green energy unit
Acciona stock rose over 3% after EQT and Norges Bank teamed up to bid for Acciona Energía, reshaping the sale process and offering a path to faster debt reduction.
Mercadona Loses Ground as Shoppers Seek Cheaper Alternatives
Mercadona's grip on Spain's supermarket sector is slipping as inflation and fuel prices climb. With government relief measures ending, more shoppers are turning to Dia and Lidl for lower prices.
Fuel prices drive Spain’s sharpest inflation spike since early 2023
Spain’s inflation hit 4.3 percent in August, the highest since February 2023. Fuel prices jumped by more than 21 percent, and government discounts did little to cushion the blow.
Mercadona's market share stalls as inflation and fuel costs reshape Spanish supermarkets
Mercadona's market share has stopped growing as inflation and rising fuel prices push shoppers toward discount chains. With government subsidies set to expire, Spanish households face more uncertainty.
Spanish inflation hits 18-month high as fuel prices surge
Spain's inflation rate climbed to 4.3% in August, the highest since February 2023. Fuel prices led the increase, pushing up household expenses for the second month in a row. The government is keeping tax relief measures in place as families feel the strain.
Inditex posts record profit even as store numbers fall
Inditex reported its highest-ever first-half profit, despite closing dozens of stores worldwide. Still, shares dropped after results missed market expectations, showing the gap between strong operations and investor demands.
Canary Islands Offer Appliance Swap Vouchers Up to 450 Euros
Starting September 15, Canary Islands residents can apply for government vouchers to replace old appliances. The largest discounts go to vulnerable families upgrading to top-rated fridges, with strict eligibility and timing rules. The program aims to lower energy bills and update homes.
Salamanca mourns after fatal motorcycle accident claims business leader
José Antonio Campal, co-director of Bernabé Campal, died at 54 in a motorcycle accident near Vitoria. His sudden death has left a mark on Salamanca’s business and agricultural communities. The company is a major player in Spain’s agri-food sector.
Housing Shortage in Spain Fuels Sharp Rise in Prices
Spain faces a growing gap between new households and available homes. Construction lags far behind demand, driving up both purchase and rental prices. Key regions feel the strain as young adults struggle to move out.
Spanish hauliers face strict deadline for diesel aid claims
Spanish transport companies and self-employed drivers who do not qualify for professional diesel refunds have until 30 October to claim up to €900 per eligible vehicle. The new aid targets those hit hardest by fuel tax changes, with payments scaled by vehicle type and location.
Spain raises payroll taxes as pension reforms take hold
Spanish employers and high earners are now paying more into the pension system after a series of reforms. The OECD singles out Spain’s new payroll surcharges and solidarity quotas as part of a wider European trend to shore up pension finances.
Morocco's king stays silent as Ceuta border crisis unfolds
As thousands crossed into Ceuta during Morocco’s main holiday, King Mohamed VI remained out of sight. His continued silence during social and migration crises is fueling new debate.
Half of Europeans Cannot Afford a Fifty Square Meter Home
A new study exposes a stark reality for millions across Europe. In cities like Madrid and Paris, average earners can no longer afford even a small apartment. The research highlights how rising prices and stagnant wages are pushing home ownership and even renting out of reach for nearly half the urban population.
VW Navarra to train over one thousand without pay or contract
VW Navarra will train 1,050 people for new weekend shifts without salary or contracts. The regional government is allocating one million euros for the program. Unions warn of exploitation and demand transparency.
Alcoy offers up to 2300 euros for new shop openings and takeovers
Alcoy is giving entrepreneurs up to 2300 euros to open or take over a shop this year. The grant covers most eligible costs, with a bonus for signage in Valencian. Applications close 6 October.
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