Spain has reached the World Cup final with the most solid defence in its history, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament – bettering the two goals allowed by the 2010 champions. The only goal came from Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere in the quarter-finals. Spain will face Argentina in the final, marking the second official match between the two countries and settling the cancelled Finalissima from March.
The PP will propose an immigration law reform allowing security forces to return migrants intercepted at sea trying to reach Ceuta and Melilla. It follows a Supreme Court ruling that banned such returns. PP spokesperson Alma Ezcurra noted that irregular entries in the Balearic Islands jumped from 700 in 2018 to 7,500 last year. The reform is limited to those two enclaves.
Junts has demanded that the government release data on the demographic effects of its recent immigration measures. These include the extraordinary regularization of about 1 million undocumented immigrants, who received one-year permits, and the law of grandchildren, which has generated 2.4 million nationality applications since 2022. The party argues the policies were adopted without rigorous planning and could affect legal residency and citizenship processes.
The government will soon publish a decree requiring that flood risk information be registered in the Property Registry before selling a home in a flood-prone area. The regulation, set for public consultation on Thursday, also imposes building restrictions and creates a catalogue of historical floods. Buyers will have access to this data before completing a purchase.
Spain's consumer price index stayed at 3.2% in June for the third consecutive month, according to final data from the INE. A 5.1% monthly drop in fuel prices and softer food inflation offset a 16.1% jump in electricity costs. The government's Middle East response plan and a new fiscal package helped contain prices, though the VAT reduction on fuels was swapped for a lower hydrocarbon tax.
A new study shows 98% of small and medium businesses in Catalonia consider their area a 'stressed' market, and 63% struggle to fill vacancies. More than half blame travel costs or commuting time, while 33% point to the lack of affordable housing or high cost of living near workplaces. The report, commissioned by employers' group Pimec, highlights how the housing crisis is hitting the labour market.
Starting January 1, 2027, workers born between 1961 and 1965 must have at least 38 years and 6 months of contributions to retire at 65 with a full pension. The requirement has been raised from 38 years and 3 months under the previous rule. Those with shorter contribution histories will need to wait until age 67 to receive full benefits. The change marks the final phase of Spain's pension reform.
The Ministry of Economy has given the state-owned ICO a 30-day deadline to present financial instruments for the Spain Crece sovereign fund. The fund, designed to replace EU recovery money after August 31, aims to mobilise €120 billion with a focus on housing, renewable energy, and SME financing. It will rely on €13.6 billion from EU funds.
The European Commission is in talks with Washington to remove a 15% tariff on €115 billion worth of EU exports, including olive oil, wine, cheese, and machinery. The negotiation follows a trade treaty ratified in May; the EU scrapped its tariffs on US goods on July 1. Meanwhile, President Trump had threatened 25% duties on European cars.
Pedro Sánchez has declared that the removal of the Verja border fence with Gibraltar closes a 'three-century wound' and begins a new era of opportunities for the Campo de Gibraltar region. Spain will continue to assert its territorial claim over the British colony. The end of the physical barrier is expected to ease cross-border movement and boost economic ties.
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