A judge at the Audiencia Nacional has placed former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero at the head of an alleged stable and hierarchical structure of influence trafficking, marking the first time a former PM is investigated for corruption in democracy. The case revolves around the Plus Ultra rescue operation.
Spain recorded 225,662 donations in 2025, a 134% increase over a decade, driven by tax cuts in seven autonomous communities that introduced 99%+ deductions for direct family donations. The surge is especially stark in Andalucía (+884%) as families try to help younger members buy property in a crisis.
In a 23-9 vote, the Supreme Court has ruled that family members with a particularly close bond can challenge a medically approved euthanasia in court, a door ultra-Catholic groups have already used to delay deaths. The decision was split.
Spain's food safety agency has extended the listeria warning for fresh cow cheese after additional distributors were identified. The affected lots, including brand Goya, are distributed across most of Spain. Consumers are urged not to eat the product.
The EU finalized a trade agreement with the US early Wednesday, extending protection until 2029 with new safeguards, after Trump threatened 25% tariffs on European cars. Meanwhile, the impact of previous tariff uncertainty is already visible: Spanish food and drink exports to the US fell 9.6% to 3,041.7 million euros, even as overall food exports hit a record 52,565 million.
The extraordinary regularization process for undocumented migrants has seen 120,000 petitions in the first week of the month-long process, due to end June 30. However, the Supreme Court will hear a request from the Madrid region on Friday to suspend the decree, citing strain on public services.
The Bono Joven remains at 250€/month for two years with updated income thresholds (max 25,200€, up to 33,600€ in some regions), and a new supplement of up to 100€ extra is available if the rental is in a stressed zone where it exceeds 30% of average salary. Several autonomous communities have also activated this supplement.
The Spanish Cancer Association AECC has launched the first protocol to guide employers on supporting employees from diagnosis to return to work. Testimonials highlight the hidden challenges of returning: 'they think you're the same, but you're not.'
Nine out of ten construction firms surveyed say the Middle East war has significantly impacted their business, with fuel prices rising over 20% for 60% of companies and energy costs up to 20%. The sector warns viability is at risk if the situation persists.
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