Regularization gets 1.2M applications, may ease housing crisis
The mass regularization process for migrants, originally planned for 500,000 people, has generated 1.2 million applications. Many applicants already live in Spain in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Gaining legal status could allow them to secure formal jobs and access better rentals or mortgages. This may relieve pressure on substandard housing as newly documented residents improve their living situations.
PP seeks to annul nationality law for exile descendants
The PP has asked the government to annul the instruction implementing the 'ley de nietos', which grants Spanish nationality to descendants of exiled Spaniards. EU lawmaker Alma Ezcurra (PP) questioned the procedural guarantees of the process and demanded the suspension of all applications. The law has been in force for four years. The move threatens access to citizenship for many foreign residents with family ties to Spanish exiles.
Mortgage signings fall, ending 22-month growth streak
The number of home mortgages signed in Spain fell 0.1% year-on-year in May, ending 22 consecutive months of increases. A total of 42,213 loans were registered. The average interest rate rose to 2.98%, up from 2.9% in April, with fixed-rate mortgages accounting for 60.9% of new loans. The average loan term was 25 years, and the average amount increased 12.1%.
Sánchez seals gas deal with Algeria after six-year rift
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Algeria to normalize bilateral relations after a six-year dispute over Western Sahara. The two countries reached a political agreement to increase gas supply; Algeria currently provides 35% of Spain's gas imports. A high-level meeting is planned for October in Spain. The deal aims to stabilize energy supply for Spanish consumers.
Butane cylinder hits €17.83 after VAT cut expires
The price of a traditional butane cylinder in Spain rose 16% to €17.83. The main driver was the restoration of VAT from the temporary 10% rate to 21%. Without the VAT change, the increase would have been only 4.94%. This directly raises household expenses for the millions of residents who rely on butane for cooking and heating.
2026 inflation forecast raised to 2.9% as growth holds at 2.4%
The General Council of Economists revised its 2026 inflation forecast for Spain upward to 2.9%, while maintaining GDP growth at 2.4%. The government expects 2.6% growth, and the eurozone is forecast to grow just 0.9%. Some analysts predict inflation could reach 3.2%. Rising prices will continue to pressure household budgets across the country.
Spain swelters in third heatwave as temperatures hit 45°C
Spain is experiencing its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching 45°C in some areas. Such an early third wave was unprecedented before 2017. Thirty-three provinces are recording their warmest year on record, and 109 temperature records have already been broken in 2026. Authorities urge residents to take precautions against the extreme heat.
Ryanair profit dips 34% to €538M as fares fall 6%
Ryanair's net profit fell 34% in its fiscal first quarter to €538 million. The airline cited a 6% drop in average fares and higher fuel costs, even as passenger numbers rose 6% to 61.3 million. Total revenue edged up 1% to €4.38 billion. The results may signal continued low fares for travelers using the budget carrier.
Housing Secretary of State David Lucas dies at 58
David Lucas, Spain's Secretary of State for Housing, died at age 58 after going on medical leave on June 30 to battle cancer. He was a key architect of housing policy, most notably the Operación Campamento project, which aims to build 10,700 public homes in Madrid. His death may disrupt the implementation of ongoing and planned housing initiatives critical for addressing Spain's housing shortage.
EU fines AliExpress €550 million for selling illegal products
The European Commission fined AliExpress €550 million for violating the Digital Services Act. The platform allowed the sale of counterfeit goods, unsafe toys, and dangerous cosmetics, often leaving listings live for weeks after detection. The penalty aims to enforce stricter controls on product safety, which could affect online shopping for Spanish consumers.
