Catalonia extends rent caps as supply drops in Barcelona
Catalonia will extend rent caps in 118 municipalities, with the total number of regulated towns rising from 271 to 302. However, the population covered falls from 7 million to 6.1 million as caps are removed in Lleida, Reus, and Granollers. Meanwhile, experts warn that the policy has slashed rental supply — down 17% in Barcelona, 38% in Navarra, and 47% in A Coruña. The average rent in Catalonia dipped 1.28% to €876.56 per month, but fewer available homes could offset the savings.
Immigrant workers push Spain's unemployment below 10%
Spain's unemployment rate fell to 9.87% in the second quarter of 2026, dropping below 10% for the first time since 2008. The active population reached a record 25.27 million, and employment hit 22.4 million. Foreign-born workers accounted for 388,000 of the 510,000 new jobs created in the last year, with their activity rate at 70% — 13 points above the Spanish rate. The jobs surge highlights the key role of foreign residents in the labor market.
Economist: Spanish pensions more generous than Germany's, but unsustainable
Economist Gonzalo Bernardos pointed out that Spain's pension replacement rate exceeds 82% of a worker's last salary, higher than in Germany. He warned that this generous system will be hard to maintain and predicts later retirement ages for future generations. This insight is relevant for anyone contributing to social security and planning retirement in Spain.
Vox targets 238 migrant minors in Aragón with forensic age tests
Vox, in coalition with PP in Aragón, is focusing on 238 unaccompanied migrant minors, proposing forensic age tests and removing their weekly allowances. Two complaints have been filed with the Prosecutor's Office over the measures. The policies have raised concerns about discrimination and the rights of these minors.
Electric car savings: €5 charge vs €90 gas tank
Rising fuel prices mean filling a gasoline car can cost about €90, while charging an electric vehicle at home runs €5 or less. The per-kilometer savings can exceed 90%. This is making EVs more attractive for cost-conscious drivers across Spain.
Government to invest €17.9 billion in electricity grids by 2030
The Spanish government approved an additional €17.9 billion for electricity network investment through 2030 to support renewable energy and rising demand. A separate €615 million modification to grid planning is expected to save €450 million annually. The upgrades aim to connect housing, industry, and electric transport, improving energy reliability for all residents.
Spain expands early retirement for disability to include Parkinson's
The government approved early retirement for workers with 11 specific diseases, including Parkinson's, spina bifida, and Huntington's disease. Eligible individuals aged 56 with a disability of at least 45% can retire without pension reduction. The measure is expected to benefit around 50,000 people, offering financial relief to those with qualifying disabilities.
European body flags police force and prison mistreatment in Spain
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture cited excessive use of force by Spanish police and physical mistreatment in prisons. It also noted a shortage of medical staff, with more than 100 vacancies nationwide. The report's visits included police stations and prisons in Andalusia, Madrid, and Badajoz. These systemic issues could affect anyone detained, including foreign nationals.
55,000 hate messages during World Cup, mostly targeting North Africans
OBERAXE detected nearly 55,000 hate messages on social media from June 11 to July 21, with 52% directly linked to the World Cup. The main targets were the French national team and Spanish player Lamine Yamal, while 66% of the messages targeted the North African population. The surge reflects underlying discrimination that can affect residents of North African origin.
Wildfires scorch 173,651 hectares, six times 2025 area
From January 1 to July 28, 2026, wildfires burned 173,651 hectares across Spain, compared to 29,817 hectares in the same period last year. The number of large fires rose to 35 from 7 in 2025. Active blazes currently affect Ávila, Madrid, Toledo, and Castellón, posing air quality and safety risks for residents in those regions.
7 of 9 women killed in June-July lived with aggressor
Nine women were killed in gender-based violence in Spain during June and July 2026. Seven of the victims lived with the aggressor at the time of the murder. The Ministry of Equality has convened a crisis committee to study the cases. The high rate of violence affects all residents, and foreign women may face additional barriers to seeking help.
