The average household on a regulated tariff will pay about €56.70 in July, up 19% from June's €47.65. Heatwaves and the Iran conflict drove up demand and natural gas costs, following a 17% rise in June, when VAT returned to 21%. Year on year, the bill is roughly 13% higher. Regulated tariff customers should brace for higher summer energy costs.
Mortgage applications dropped 30% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, double the eurozone average. Banks tightened lending conditions for the second straight quarter, citing a worse housing market outlook and more buyers using savings. Prospective mortgage borrowers will face stricter criteria, higher costs, and a greater chance of rejection.
The Council of Ministers will declare wildfire-affected areas as disaster zones, unlocking aid for damaged homes, businesses, and farms. Compensation amounts, unchanged since 2005, include up to €15,120 for a totally destroyed primary residence and €18,000 for death or permanent disability. Property owners in the fire zones can apply for these payouts.
More than 100,000 people have been evacuated or confined as wildfires burn across Madrid, Ávila, Castellón, and Toledo. Thousands of hectares have been scorched and around 50 roads are cut. The fires pose immediate safety risks and travel disruptions. Residents in these provinces should follow emergency services' instructions and avoid closed routes.
The Government will approve a benefit that guarantees salary and Social Security payments for workers affected by wildfires, at no cost to companies. Workers also keep their unemployment benefit rights. The measure extends the current four-day paid climate leave. Employees in fire-affected areas will have income protection and job security during the emergency.
A draft law will make it illegal to fire workers who report corruption, rendering such dismissals null and void. The reform modifies five articles of the Workers' Statute and protects against discrimination and reprisals. It goes to the Council of Ministers before reaching Parliament in September. Employees in Spain will gain stronger legal safeguards if they blow the whistle on workplace misconduct.
A heatwave will grip most of Spain from July 29 to at least August 2, sharply raising wildfire danger. AEMET issued a special notice for southwestern river valleys, the Ebro valley, northeast basins, and the Canary Islands. Residents should take precautions against extreme heat and possible energy supply strains.
More than 200 attempted swim entries into Ceuta over the weekend left four dead and at least 20 missing. Over 100 migrants reached the city, filling the CETI center to its full 512-person capacity. Most were from Morocco and Algeria. The tragedy highlights ongoing migration pressure at Spanish borders and may influence policy debates.
The Government delayed approval of a housing royal decree until September, saying it needs more time to reach parliamentary consensus. The last cabinet meeting before the summer break will concentrate on wildfire emergency measures. Those waiting for rental or purchase market reforms will have to wait longer for potential changes.
The Ministry of Youth referred the PP-Vox government in Aragón to the Public Prosecutor for removing a €17 weekly allowance exclusively for unaccompanied migrant minors. Spanish children in care continue to receive the payment. Minister Sira Rego called the measure 'racist' and 'miserable.' The case raises concerns about discriminatory treatment of migrant children.
A photojournalist was struck on the head by a police baton as a large protest against overtourism ended in Palma on Saturday. Organizers claimed 70,000 attendees while police estimated 25,000. Officers used rubber bullets and batons after restricting access to a central square, leaving at least a dozen injured. The incident reflects social tensions over mass tourism that may indirectly affect residents in tourist-heavy areas.
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