Spain regularization: 1.17 million apply, two-thirds eligible for fast-track nationality
Spain's extraordinary regularization process has received 1.17 million applications, with 52% (608,000) already being processed. Most applicants — 67% — come from Central and South America, making them eligible to apply for Spanish nationality after just two years of legal residence instead of the usual ten. Top countries include Colombia (25.9%), Morocco (13.4%), and Venezuela (11.7%), with Catalonia (257,000 applications) and Madrid (202,000) leading regionally. The process offers a clear path to legal status and citizenship for hundreds of thousands of undocumented foreign residents.
Spain beats Austria 3-0 to reach World Cup round of 16
Spain advanced to the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in 16 years with a 3-0 victory over Austria. Goalkeeper Unai Simón set a record with 519 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal; Spain has yet to allow a goal in four matches. The win ignited celebrations nationwide and secured the team's progression in the tournament.
Spanish housing prices rise 12.8%, double the European average
Housing prices in Spain surged 12.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, more than double the EU average of 5.1%. Only Portugal (17.8%), Slovakia (14.4%), and Croatia (14.3%) posted higher increases in the eurozone. The double-digit price growth has persisted since mid-2025, making home purchases increasingly costly for buyers.
Housing minister demands Madrid close or buy 15,000 illegal tourist flats
Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez urged Madrid's regional and local governments to close or acquire 15,000 illegal tourist apartments and convert them into social housing. The Plan Estatal de Vivienda provides €7 billion until 2030, with up to 70% financing available for such purchases. The crackdown aims to expand long-term rental supply in the capital.
Spain reaches 2.5 workers per pensioner, but experts warn relief is temporary
The number of Social Security contributors per pensioner reached 2.5, the highest ratio since 2011, driven by a wave of new affiliations from the migrant regularization. The record 128,533 new affiliates in June boosted the figure, but experts warn the improvement is only temporary and does not solve the system's long-term demographic challenges. The ratio's rise offers short-term relief but leaves structural questions unanswered.
Spain adds 128,533 Social Security affiliates in record June, driven by foreign workers
Spain added 128,533 new Social Security affiliates in June, bringing the total to a record 22.47 million. Foreign workers accounted for 86,630 of those new jobs — two-thirds of the total — largely due to the regularization process. Unemployment fell to 2.29 million, its lowest since 2008, reflecting a rapidly tightening labor market.
EU disburses €5.7 billion to Spain from recovery fund
The European Commission approved a €5.7 billion disbursement to Spain from the recovery fund, along with an additional €302 million for two unmet milestones from the fifth payment. Spain has fulfilled 51 of 67 required objectives so far. The funds support public investments in areas like housing and health, benefiting public services across the country.
Feijóo warns of 'enormous impact' from nationality law with 2.6 million applications
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo warned that the 'Ley de Nietos' nationality law will have an 'enormous' impact on public services, with 2.6 million applications filed. He accused the process of being arbitrary, lacking security and transparency, and offering few guarantees. The law allows descendants of Spanish exiles to obtain citizenship, but the high volume has sparked administrative and political tension.
Ibex 35 closes at all-time high of 19,671.8 points
The Ibex 35 climbed 1.37% to close at an all-time high of 19,671.8 points, briefly touching 19,800 during the session. Strong employment reports from Spain and the US — including 57,000 US jobs added in June — boosted investor confidence. The rally underscores growing economic optimism tied to Spain's job growth.
Work Ministry aims to approve working time registration reform before summer
The Secretary of State for Employment announced the new working time registration reform is being finalized and could win approval from the Council of Ministers before the summer holidays. The reform, which received an unfavorable opinion from the Council of State in March, seeks to prevent manipulation of working hours and enable remote labor inspections. Once approved, it will impose stricter controls on work hours for all employees in Spain.
Tax Agency in crisis after top officials resign en masse
The Spanish Tax Agency is in turmoil after Director General Soledad Fernández and other top officials resigned without named successors. Inspectors' groups condemned a 'strange situation of impasse' and expressed fear of political interference in the agency. The leadership vacuum raises concerns about potential disruption to tax processing and enforcement for all taxpayers.
PP and Vox sign government pact in Andalusia with far-right measures
PP and Vox signed a 150-measure government pact in Andalusia, giving Vox a vice-presidency and including policies such as 'priority national' status and the rejection of unaccompanied migrant children. The agreement omits any reference to gender violence. Vox's Manuel Gavira will oversee Tourism, Local Administration and Justice. The pact cements far-right influence in Andalusia's regional government, with potential effects on social policies affecting foreign residents.
