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137 newsThe focus is on why developments there matter for Spain, Spanish residents abroad, foreign communities in Spain and readers tracking international news.
Europe’s protests expose the squeeze on household budgets
Protests over living costs spread across Europe this weekend. In France, unrest damaged public buildings as food prices across the EU climbed 34% from August 2021 to August 2026.
Puigdemont questions role as Catalan opposition leader
Carles Puigdemont says a return after the amnesty law is applied would not necessarily make him opposition leader in the Catalan parliament. He wants to see for himself how Catalonia has changed since 2017.
Portillo Wins Spain’s 2026 Performing Arts Prize for Young Audiences
José Antonio Portillo Vesga has won Spain’s 2026 National Performing Arts for Children and Young People Prize, worth €30,000. The jury singled out Museo del Tiempo, where visitors bury objects and log their locations on a map using QR codes.
Remote attacks disrupt supermarkets in three countries
Remote tampering pushed refrigerator temperatures as high as 50°C in French supermarkets, spoiling stock at hundreds of stores. Belgium and the Netherlands faced separate retail disruptions, and investigators have not linked the incidents.
Puigdemont’s return becomes Junts’ biggest election gamble
Spain’s constitutional ruling and the temporary lifting of the arrest warrant have cleared Puigdemont’s immediate path home. Junts now faces the risk that his return could expose the limits of his electoral weight.
Puigdemont can return, but Spain’s courts still hold the key
The Constitutional Court has weakened the legal barrier to Carles Puigdemont’s return. His arrest order is suspended, yet the amnesty still requires a separate court decision.
Peter Marino Restores Coco Chanel's La Pausa
La Pausa has reopened after a careful restoration led by Peter Marino. The villa keeps Coco Chanel's austere design and personal details, while Matthieu Blazy uses it for Chanel's first spring campaign.
Gonzalo Boye accuses Pedro Sánchez of betrayal as Puigdemont eyes return
Gonzalo Boye, the legal architect behind Carles Puigdemont’s defense, claims Spain’s amnesty for the exiled Catalan leader is imminent. Boye sharply criticizes Pedro Sánchez, alleging political manipulation and a lack of real reform.
Spain Breaks Ranks Over the EU's New Return Rules
EU interior ministers have approved rules meant to speed up deportations. Spain was the only country to vote against them, while Belgium abstained.
Spain stands alone against EU migrant expulsion law
Spain will be the only EU country to vote against the new regulation enabling migrant detention for up to 24 months and authorizing deportation centers outside the EU. The move leaves Spain isolated on migration policy as the rest of the bloc pushes for tougher measures.
Olise strikes late as France edges Belgium in high-stakes clash
A dramatic solo run from Michael Olise in the 88th minute handed France a 1-0 win over Belgium. Despite a heavily rotated lineup, Zidane's team dominated possession and chances, but only broke through at the very end. The result puts France at the top of their Nations League group ahead of their next match against Italy.
EQT puts its Parques Reunidos stake up for sale at €1.7 billion
EQT is preparing to sell its controlling stake in Parques Reunidos. JPMorgan will manage the process, which values the holding at about €1.7 billion.
Puigdemont calls Ceuta and Melilla colonies within Morocco
Carles Puigdemont has questioned Spain's position on Ceuta and Melilla. His remarks come as migration pressures drive a new political clash.
Sabotage brings Dutch rail traffic to a standstill as pipes found on tracks
Train service in central and northern Netherlands was brought to a halt after metal pipes were deliberately placed on the tracks. The incident forced emergency stops and widespread closures during rush hour. Police are investigating what they call an unprecedented act.
Aragón’s new extracurricular rules spark resistance from schools
After a student died on a school trip, Aragón introduced Spain’s first law on extracurricular activities. School leaders and unions say the measure falls short and leaves teachers exposed. The future of trips and activities is now in doubt.
Madrid Student Transport Card Rule Forces Outsiders to Pay Triple
Madrid now requires official residency for its youth transport pass. Foreign and out-of-region students face costs nearly triple the local rate. The change disrupts academic life and sparks political backlash.
Taylor Fritz knocked out of US Open after losing two-set lead
Taylor Fritz lost a two-set lead and crashed out of the US Open. Francisco Cerundolo came back to reach the fourth round. Several top seeds have already been eliminated in New York.
Van Aert wins Vuelta stage in brutal Andalusian heat
Wout van Aert took his fourth career Vuelta stage win after a tactical day in 39-degree heat. The Belgian extended his strong season, while rivals struggled to control breakaways and shifting threats.
Van Aert wins bruising Vuelta stage as crashes thin the field in Granada
Wout van Aert powered to victory in Loja after a punishing day marked by crashes and withdrawals. Enric Mas kept the leader’s jersey as the peloton splintered and teams worked to contain threats. The toll on riders was severe.
Ceuta Prosecutors Investigate 20 Sexual Assaults on Migrant Women and Girls
Ceuta’s prosecution service is investigating 20 sexual assaults against migrant women and girls since late July. Five men are under formal investigation. The surge follows a mass border crossing from Morocco.
Spain and Neighbours Approve New Storm Names for 2026–2027 Season
Spain and five European countries have set the official list of 21 names for major storms and danas in 2026–2027. The naming system aims to improve public alerts and cross-border coordination.
ESA Creates Artificial Solar Eclipses Lasting Six Hours
Europe’s Proba-3 mission has achieved a breakthrough: creating artificial solar eclipses in space that last up to six hours. This technology allows researchers to observe the Sun’s corona in unprecedented detail, bypassing the limitations of natural eclipses.
Police Capture Taulant Toma, Notorious Prison Escapee, in Tarragona
Taulant Toma, known for escaping four European prisons, was detained in Tarragona. Spanish police acted after months of surveillance. The arrest ends a long search for one of Europe’s most elusive fugitives.
Severe Storms Cause Damage and Disruptions Across Germany
A powerful storm system brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds to Germany. Westerwald suffered major damage and power cuts. Authorities warn of ongoing tornado risk and further storms overnight.
Illegal Bird Medicine Lab Dismantled in Terrassa: Four Arrested
Spanish authorities have shut down a clandestine lab in Terrassa producing illegal bird medicines. Four people were detained, 150 drugs seized, and international distribution links uncovered.
Belgian Hitman Who Escaped After Fuengirola Murder Arrested Again
Belgian police have detained Shah C., accused of killing a Dutch citizen in Fuengirola at 17. After serving nine months in a Spanish juvenile center, he fled the country. Now, he faces extradition to the Netherlands.
Puigdemont Prepares Return to Catalonia Amid Judicial Uncertainty
Carles Puigdemont is planning a symbolic return to Catalonia. Judicial delays complicate his preferred dates. Junts insists preparations are ready, but the final timing depends on court rulings.
Death Toll Rises to 14 After Los Gallardos Wildfire Victim Dies in Seville
A woman hospitalized in Seville after the Los Gallardos wildfire has died, raising the death toll to 14. Three more victims remain in critical care. The fire, extinguished after 16 days, is the deadliest in Andalusia.
Philipsen's Stage 17 Win Rekindles Tour de France Green Jersey Race
Jasper Philipsen claimed victory in stage 17 of the Tour de France 2026, closing the gap in the points classification. Mads Pedersen, who led the green jersey race, finished eighth after a turbulent day.
From Chile to Rural Asturias: A New Life Among Goats and Silence
After two decades in Santiago, Mónica traded city life for a remote Asturian village, restoring an abandoned family home and caring for 15 goats. Her days now revolve around nature, animals, and plans for a rural meditation retreat.
Humidity at Teatre Grec Stage Forces Risky Performance in Brel Show
A dangerous build-up of humidity on the Teatre Grec stage put dancers at risk during the Brel performance by Rosas. Despite the hazard, the show continued, leaving a strong impression on the audience.
EU Court Ruling on Amnesty Law Leaves Catalonia Unmoved, Madrid on Edge
The EU court’s decision on the amnesty law has not reignited the Catalan conflict. In Barcelona, the issue is seen as settled, but in Madrid, Puigdemont’s possible return is raising political stakes.
Tim Merlier Secures Third Sprint Win Amid Tour de France Drama
Tim Merlier claimed his third sprint victory in the Tour de France, outpacing rivals in Chalon. The stage was marred by a high-speed crash and unpredictable weather. Tension rises as the race heads into the mountains.
European Court Backs Amnesty Law, Pressure Mounts on Spanish Courts
The EU Court's support for Spain's amnesty law has sparked immediate calls for action. Catalan politicians urge Spanish courts to apply the ruling without delay. The decision could impact high-profile exiles and reshape political dynamics.
FIFA President Infantino Faces IOC Ethics Complaint Over Balogun Incident
FIFA’s Gianni Infantino is under formal investigation by the IOC for alleged political bias. The complaint follows a disputed red card reversal for Folarin Balogun. Human rights group FairSquare accuses Infantino of breaching neutrality rules.
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