Spain's national football team won its second World Cup, sparking massive celebrations across the country. An estimated two million people took to the streets to mark the historic win. The tournament saw standout performances, including 22 goals by Kylian Mbappé and a record 799 passes by Rodri. The victory is a major morale boost for the nation.
Criminal groups are charging up to €6,000 for visa appointments at Spain's embassy in Islamabad, exploiting hundreds of Pakistani families with approved residency applications. Some families have waited over two years for an appointment despite having all authorizations in hand. The situation leaves them with no choice but to pay, according to ATPCat, an association that supports the Pakistani community in Spain. The practice severely impacts family reunification for Pakistani families.
Sumar confirmed that the new housing decree will automatically extend rental contracts until 2028, a measure designed to protect around 4 million tenants. Anti-eviction provisions are still under negotiation with parliamentary groups. The extension aims to provide greater stability for renters amid rising housing costs. For foreign tenants, the change offers a longer-term guarantee of housing security.
The European Central Bank is expected to keep its key interest rate at 2.25% this month after eurozone inflation eased to 2.8% in June, its first decline in 2026. Analysts, however, see a possible rate hike in September if oil prices push inflation up again. The decision affects Euribor, the benchmark for many variable-rate mortgages in Spain, leaving homeowners in a holding pattern. With eurozone GDP stagnant in the first quarter, monetary policy remains cautious.
A new report reveals that replacing a self-employed worker during the first month of leave costs €2,339.90, while the average net monthly income is just €2,298. This gap puts 3.4 million autónomos at risk of business failure if they take family or personal leave. For Spain's self-employed, many of whom are foreign nationals, achieving work-life balance remains a major financial challenge.
The Supreme Court has asked the Electoral Board (JEC) to provide documentation on the ley de nietos, which grants Spanish nationality to descendants of exiles. The request comes after organization Iustitia Europa appealed the suspension of the CERA census, arguing the law affects electoral rolls. The outcome could influence future nationality applications under this route, a key path to Spanish citizenship for some foreign applicants.
Hospitality associations warn that a proposed anti-tobacco law banning smoking on terraces could force the closure of 30,000 bars and cost up to 300,000 jobs. The legislation, already approved by the Council of Ministers, still needs parliamentary approval. Terraces account for 30-50% of revenue for many establishments, making the ban a potential death blow. The sector, which employs many foreign workers, is bracing for a major hit.
Ford and Chinese automaker Geely have agreed that Geely will use an idle assembly line at the Almussafes plant in Valencia to produce vehicles. Ford retains ownership of the plant, which once built 420,000 cars a year but now has a surplus of 1,000 workers. The deal, attended by President Pedro Sánchez, secures the plant's future and brings much-needed jobs to the region. Foreign nationals in Valencia stand to benefit from the industrial investment.
Aemet has activated a red alert for extraordinary danger in parts of Murcia and Valencia, warning that temperatures could exceed 44°C in the Vega del Segura and Guadalentín valleys. Interior areas of southern Valencia and Alicante are also expected to reach 42°C or more, with orange and yellow alerts covering the rest of eastern and southern Spain. Authorities urge all residents to take precautions against the extreme heat, as the health risks are severe. The heatwave marks the worst of the summer so far.
Regional health councils have called on Health Minister Mónica García to restart negotiations on the Estatuto Marco, a healthcare reform that has sparked months of doctor strikes. The agreement with unions would cap on-call shifts at 17 hours and set a 45-hour maximum workweek, but doctors' unions want a separate statute with a 35-hour week. Strikes have occurred monthly since February, with the threat of an indefinite strike in September. Resolution is critical for maintaining public healthcare services relied on by foreign nationals.
Les Corts approved the 2026 regional budget of 33,305 million euros, a 3.1% increase, with votes from governing parties PP and Vox. The budget, the first under President Pérez Llorca, includes a controversial 'prioridad nacional' clause, while a Vox amendment to cut 1 million euros from the AVL language academy was rejected by PP. PSPV and Compromís voted against the budget. The spending plan shapes public services in a region home to a large international community.
A 30-year-old woman died and a six-month-old baby was resuscitated after a cayuco carrying 165 migrants arrived in El Hierro. The boat had spent about 10 days at sea after departing from Gambia on July 12. The baby suffered cardiac arrest and was evacuated to Tenerife, while 14 other migrants were hospitalized, several in serious condition. The incident underscores the continuing humanitarian crisis at Spain's southern maritime border.
Provisional data shows wildfires have burned 101,163.82 hectares in Spain so far this year, with 22 large fires recorded by July 22. The figures come from MITECO and the European Forest Fire Information System, reflecting a severe fire season. The damage threatens air quality, property, and safety, particularly for residents in rural areas. Fire risk remains high as the heatwave intensifies.
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