Supreme Court Upholds Migrant Regularization, Citing Human Interest
Spain's Supreme Court has refused to suspend the extraordinary regularization of migrants, citing a 'public interest with a human substratum.' The ruling rejected challenges from PP-led Aragón and Valencia, which argued the decree harms regional interests. The court noted the permits are temporary and suspension would leave applicants in an irregular status. The decision preserves a legal pathway for thousands of undocumented foreign residents.
Spain’s Tax Burden Rises Most in EU, Driven by Labor Taxes
The European Commission reports that Spain's tax burden rose by 2.9 percentage points of GDP between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024, the highest increase in the EU. The jump was driven almost entirely by higher taxes on labor, and Spain remains the only EU country with a net wealth tax. Foreign workers and asset-owning residents face a heavier tax load on income and wealth.
House Prices Jump 14% as Madrid Tops €4,000 per Square Meter
The average house price in Spain hit €2,315 per square meter in the first quarter of 2026, a 14% jump year-on-year. Madrid is the most expensive province at €4,047.5/m2, followed by Baleares (€3,885.6) and Guipúzcoa (€3,419.7). Barcelona and Málaga also recorded steep prices, making property purchases increasingly difficult.
Spanish Room Rents Defy European Drop, Leaving Barcelona at €650
Room rental prices in Spanish cities continue to rise while the rest of Europe sees an average drop of 4.6%, according to HousingAnywhere. Barcelona leads with an average of €650 per month, up 8.3% from a year ago, followed by Madrid at €600 and Valencia at €425. Foreign students and young professionals face mounting costs for shared accommodation.
Only 20% of New Jobs Go to Unemployed, OECD Warns
Despite record social security affiliation, only one fifth of new jobs in Spain are filled by people who were previously unemployed, the OECD has warned. The organization called unemployment the country’s main economic challenge, with the reduction in joblessness slowing. Job seekers may face stiffer competition or a skills mismatch.
Romanian Population in Spain Drops by a Third Since 2012
The Romanian community in Spain has shrunk from 900,000 in 2012 to 609,000 in 2025, a decline of about one third. Similar exits are seen among Bulgarians, driven by stagnant salaries, expensive housing, and better purchasing power back home. The departure of active workers and professionals affects social networks and services for residents from other countries.
Casa 47 Gets 131 Proposals for €100M Used-Home Purchase Plan
Spain’s public housing company Casa 47 received 131 proposals for its first €100 million purchase offer to buy used homes and expand affordable rental stock. Companies submitted 88% of bids, mostly in Andalusia, Castile and León, Catalonia, and Extremadura. The plan, part of a broader effort to build over 55,000 homes, could help alleviate rental pressure.
Volkswagen’s 23,000 Spanish Workers Spared from German Job Cuts
Volkswagen’s 23,000 employees in Spain will not be affected by the company’s radical restructuring in Germany, which could cut up to 100,000 jobs. Spanish plants, including Seat and Landaben, are key to VW’s electric vehicle offensive and are producing new electric models. The move offers job stability and could create opportunities for workers from abroad in the automotive sector.
Second Heatwave Kills 463 in Spain, Surpassing June’s Toll
Spain’s second heatwave of the summer, lasting from July 5 to 9, caused at least 463 preliminary deaths, exceeding the 333 fatalities of June’s first heatwave. Temperatures topped 42°C in many areas, with peak mortality on July 9. All residents, especially vulnerable populations, should take precautions during extreme heat.
EU Hits Chinese Tires with 45% Tariff, Ending Cheap Imports
The EU is imposing anti-dumping tariffs of up to 45.3% on Chinese tires after their market share in the bloc surged from 18% to 28%. The tariffs address unfair competition, as Chinese tires were up to 35% cheaper than European versions. Car maintenance costs in Spain will likely rise, affecting all drivers.
Airbus Open to Talks as Strike Over Pay, Telework Continues
Airbus workers in Spain have been on strike since July 1 over salary cuts and reduced telework, and the company now says it is open to dialogue. In a statement, Airbus acknowledged that the strike is affecting operations and clients, adding that it 'takes note' of worker concerns. The strike is scheduled to last until July 31, with limited direct impact on most people.
Almería Wildfire Kills 12, Engulfs Town Half Foreign, Mostly British
A wildfire in Almería has killed at least 12 people, with 23 missing and four seriously injured, after burning 3,150 hectares. The blaze forced 1,405 evacuations, with Los Gallardos—a town of 3,000 where nearly half are foreign, predominantly British—at the epicenter. A broken power line is the suspected cause. Residents should stay informed about safety updates.
🛒 Mercadona is closed tomorrow — stock up your fridge!
