Roberto do Carmo Jesus spent 45 minutes fighting a 160-kilo pirarucú in the Marinheiro River in São Paulo. Too large for his boat, the catch comes as Brazil tightens rules on the invasive species outside the Amazon, showing the growing impact of non-native fish in Brazilian waters.
Repsol’s CEO has raised concerns about Europe’s ability to secure enough diesel and kerosene this summer. Spain is better prepared, while other EU countries face greater vulnerability due to refinery closures and global tensions.
Granollers and other Catalan cities are leaving the list of regulated rental zones. Agencies report a lack of available flats, while new limits are coming into force in Tordera. Authorities and property experts warn of a deepening rental crisis.
Grupo Aviserrano’s new poultry plant in La Carlota has received nearly 10,000 job applications, but hiring is still underway. The company is seeking production workers and specialists as it prepares for a September launch with an initial workforce of 300-500 employees.
A new undersea fibre-optic network will connect Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Morocco, promising faster, more resilient digital links. The €47 million investment is set to change communications between Europe and Africa, with completion expected by 2028.
Dacia CEO Katrin Adt says a quarter of the company’s development resources are spent meeting EU regulations, not addressing customer needs. She argues for stable rules as Dacia pursues a pragmatic electrification strategy in a changing market.
Castilla-La Mancha has rapidly expanded its pistachio plantations, which now cover nearly 70,000 hectares. Just over a third of the area is producing, yet the 2025 harvest exceeded expectations. One farmer’s story highlights the scale and promise of this agricultural shift.
From August, filling up in Spain will cost significantly more as fuel tax discounts are reduced while VAT remains at 21%. Drivers face the highest prices of the year as summer travel peaks.
Salvador Illa defends his government’s record after the Pisa report setback. He urges PP-led regions to back the new funding model, as daily transport disruptions and unrest in schools add pressure.
Stellantis has rebounded from last year’s losses, posting a €670 million profit in the first half of 2026. Strong growth in North America and improved operating margins signal a decisive shift for the group.
Renault posted a €705 million profit in the first half of 2026, reversing last year’s record losses. Sales growth and cost cuts helped lead the turnaround, with electrified models adding momentum.
BMW plans to eliminate 8,000 positions worldwide to simplify operations and reduce costs. Most cuts will affect non-production staff in Germany, with early retirement and severance programs likely to account for much of the reduction.
The Generalitat Valenciana has approved €67 million in aid for those affected by the La Vall d’Uixó wildfire. The package funds direct payments and municipal support, alongside interest-free loans. Applications open on August 10.
Mercedes-Benz has seen its profits in China plunge by 94% in just three months, despite strong results in Europe and the US. The German brand now faces a critical challenge as local demand for European luxury cars weakens.
A major retail park in Aranjuez is set to open in late 2026, bringing together Mercadona, Lidl, Decathlon and other brands. With 98% of its space leased, more than 350 jobs are expected, and a local job fair will connect residents with employers this September.
The Madrid government will sell a luxury penthouse in Chamberí following recent wildfires in Sierra Oeste. Proceeds will go toward reconstruction in affected areas.
A Spanish bazaar owner raised concerns after finding Temu cables for as little as €1, well below his €4.95 retail price and even below what he said he paid his supplier. The case highlights the pressure on small shops as global e-commerce platforms reshape local retail.
A single speed camera on the A-7 in Valencia recorded more than 90,000 complaints in 2025, as traffic-penalty revenue in Spain reached a new high. The surge in enforcement is prompting debate over the purpose of these devices.
Wildfires have destroyed historic vineyards across Ávila and Madrid, leaving growers facing major losses and concerns about smoke taint in upcoming wine harvests. The full scale of the damage is still emerging.
Two former Volkswagen engineers were reportedly detained in California over alleged stock trades tied to the company’s partnership with Rivian, but do not corroborate the arrests. The partnership is documented; no basic charging document or official agency statement confirming the alleged case was identified.
The Valencian Community is set to receive its largest-ever state funding allocation in 2027, with €16.3 billion earmarked. The Spanish government is urging regional authorities to negotiate reforms that could bring additional resources, as tensions rise over the region’s refusal to discuss the new model.
José Luis Díaz, a leading financial advisor, recommends setting aside 5-10% of yearly income for holidays. Planning and automating savings can help families avoid debt and enjoy trips with less financial stress. Here’s how to build vacations into a healthy budget.
Heavy machinery has arrived in Turianova as work begins on Infinity, a vast shopping and leisure destination planned for Valencia’s southern gateway. Backed by General de Galerías Comerciales, the project targets a 2028 opening, with more than 220 shops plus restaurants and entertainment, a hotel and offices.
Salvador Illa calls for balanced business relations between Catalonia and Vietnam and urges the PP to engage on regional funding reform. His visit highlights Catalonia’s economic ambitions in Asia.
A self-employed woman in the Basque Country was denied her pension after 16 years of contributions. The court ruled that her registration in the RETA system ended too late for her to qualify under the old rules, forcing her to wait longer for retirement benefits.
Apple is introducing a leasing program in the US that lets customers rent iPhones and other devices for up to three years. The move comes as device prices rise and the company ends its previous Upgrade Program.
A Chinese company has started mass-producing a critical chipmaking tool, but analysts say its performance and production scale remain uncertain. ASML’s dominance is not expected to face a serious near-term threat.
Catalonia insists on passing the new regional funding model by 2026. The government warns that any further delay could threaten budget plans and political alliances. The reform would bring €4.7 billion more annually to the region.
Spanish Social Security expert Alfonso Muñoz explains why some retirees with only 15 years of contributions may receive more in pension benefits than they paid in. Pension caps and minimum supplements, alongside early-retirement rules, help produce this surprising outcome.
Asturias remains at the center of a dispute over Aucalsa’s AP-66 tolls and the concession’s duration. Protesters cite a 2021 expiry date and a European Commission procedure, while no final ruling or service-related penalty is confirmed.
Barcelona has launched the next phase of the Montjuïc Fira redevelopment. Demolition and construction are underway to meet the 2029 centenary deadline. The project includes a new multifunctional venue and restored historic buildings, alongside hundreds of protected homes.
In 2025, Spanish speed cameras generated nearly €247 million in fines, with almost half of all traffic penalties linked to speeding. Valencia’s A-7 radar issued more tickets than any other device nationwide.
Spain’s Plan Auto+ replaces the old MOVES scheme, offering eligible private buyers up to €4,500 for a passenger car. Strict criteria determine who can claim the full amount. Here’s what buyers need to know to maximize their subsidy.
Spain has spent just a quarter of €401 million in EU funds for wildfire prevention since 2022. Most projects remain incomplete. Regional governments handle most spending, while basic state initiatives stall.
Mercadona is nearing completion of a new supermarket in Dos Hermanas, set to become the municipality’s second-largest retail space. The two-level building will feature covered parking and a spacious sales floor, reflecting the chain’s latest design standards.
