The 'Black Legend' of Philip II: How a 16th-Century Information War Created the Image of Spain's Most Sinister Monarch. Philip II is remembered in history as the 'Prudent King', but beyond Spain's borders he was seen as a bloody tyrant. We explore the origins of the Black Legend, reveal who was behind its creation, and examine why this narrative proved so enduring, shaping perceptions of Spain for centuries.
EU New Car Market Drops by 0.7% by July 2025. From January to July 2025, new car sales in the European Union fell by 0.7%, totaling 6.49 million vehicles. However, July marked the most successful month of the year, with registrations rising by 7.4%. Electric and hybrid vehicles continue to gain market share, displacing traditional petrol and diesel models.
Spain Remains Europe's Leader in Youth Unemployment. In Spain, one in four young people under the age of 25 is unable to find a job. The situation is particularly severe in Extremadura, where youth unemployment reaches 39%. This problem leads to a brain drain and increases social instability.
The Black Legend: How a 16th-Century Information War Shaped Spain’s Negative Image for Centuries. Discover how the 'Black Legend' emerged—a large-scale propaganda campaign against the Spanish Empire. Who created the image of a cruel and fanatical nation, and how do the myths of the 16th century still influence perceptions of Spain today?
Luxembourg: How One of Europe’s Richest Countries Spent Over 150 Years as Part of the Spanish Empire. Few people know that Luxembourg, one of the world’s wealthiest countries, was part of the Spanish Empire for more than 150 years. Discover how this duchy became a key military fortress for the Habsburgs, earning the nickname "the Northern Gibraltar," and what Spanish legacy remains there to this day.
How Spanish Monarch Philip II Became King of England and Ireland for Four Years, Uniting Historic Rivals. In the mid-16th century, a political marriage united the crowns of Spain and England. Philip II, the most powerful monarch in Europe, became King Consort of England. Discover the brief alliance that preceded a century of rivalry between two great powers.
Spain Reaches NATO Military Spending Target — 2% of GDP for the First Time. In 2025, Spain fulfilled its military spending commitment for the first time by allocating 2% of its GDP to defense. This decision has strengthened the country’s position within NATO and sparked lively debates within the government and among politicians. More details in our report.
Pimiango: The Lost Village in Asturias Where Mountains Meet the Sea and Cliffs Hold Prehistoric Secrets. Discover Pimiango — an Asturian village with fewer than 100 residents. Enjoy views of the Picos de Europa, witness coastal blowholes, explore a UNESCO-listed cave with prehistoric rock art, and experience unique local traditions. An ideal destination for nature and history enthusiasts.
Monarchs' Timeless Treasures: Watches Worn by the Spanish Royal Family and Their European Counterparts. While Spain’s Queen Letizia prefers to avoid wristwatches, other European royals showcase impressive collections. From iconic Cartier to exclusive Richard Mille, discover which timepieces serve as status symbols and family heirlooms for today’s kings, princes, and princesses.
Julio Iglesias and Miranda Rijnsburger: 15 Years Since Their Secret Wedding in Marbella and Life in Different Countries. In 2025, it will be 15 years since the wedding of Julio Iglesias and Miranda Rijnsburger. We recall the details of their private ceremony in Marbella and share how the couple lives today, choosing different countries as their residences but maintaining their union.
Kia Launches Production of First EV4 Electric Car for Europe at Slovakia Plant. Kia has started production of its first fully electric vehicle, the EV4, at its European plant in Slovakia. The new crossover is designed to meet the needs of European drivers and marks an important milestone in the company's electrification strategy.
Spanish Brands in European Royal Wardrobes: What Queens and Princesses Are Choosing for the 2025–2026 Season. Europe's royals continue to favor accessible Spanish fashion. We analyze which new pieces from the autumn-winter collections of Zara, Massimo Dutti, and other brands may find their way into the wardrobes of Queen Letizia, Kate Middleton, and other royal figures in 2025.
The Battle of Rocroi 1643: How One Defeat Sparked the Decline of the Invincible Spanish War Machine. On May 19, 1643, the Battle of Rocroi in northern France ended the hegemony of the Spanish Empire. This defeat was more than just a tactical failure — it became a symbol signifying the beginning of the decline of the legendary tercios and a shift in the balance of power in Europe.
How One Naval Battle in the Caribbean Crippled the Spanish Empire’s Economy and Shifted the Balance of Power in the Atlantic. In 1628, the Dutch fleet captured a Spanish treasure convoy in Matanzas Bay. This blow led to the bankruptcy of Philip IV’s treasury and became a turning point, marking the beginning of the decline of the Spanish Empire’s naval supremacy.
The Spanish Royal Family’s Summer Vacation Mystery: Key Theories on Felipe VI and Letizia’s Whereabouts in Greece. The summer getaway destination of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia remains a major enigma for the press. All that is certain is that the royals are in Greece. Theories range from a stay with the Dutch monarchy to renting a private villa, amid heightened attention to the wildfire situation in Spain.
