The 12-month Euribor is set to close July at an average of 2.8%, the highest since September 2024. For a typical €150,000 mortgage over 25 years, that means an extra €712 per year — an 8% increase. The rise follows signals that the ECB will lift rates further in September. Variable-rate mortgage holders, including many foreign residents, will feel the squeeze on their monthly budgets.
Lleida has become the first provincial capital to exit Spain's rent regulation after no longer meeting the criteria for a tensioned housing market. City councilor Begoña Iglesias warned that prices could spike following the decision. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing declared Santiago de Compostela, Basauri, and neighborhoods in Gijón, Avilés, and Gozón as tensioned zones, expanding rent control to 317 municipalities and 9.3 million residents. The changes expand protections for tenants in some areas while removing them in others.
The employers' association CEOE has filed a full amendment against the government's draft law on pay transparency, arguing it adds unnecessary bureaucracy. The reform would require companies to disclose salary ranges and forbid rules that prevent workers from discussing pay. Minister Yolanda Díaz's ministry says the measure simply transposes an EU directive. If approved, the law could give job seekers better insight into what they should earn.
More than 3,000 people are waiting on Moroccan beaches to cross into Ceuta, overwhelming the city's reception capacity. A Civil Guard source links the surge to a 'call effect' after a Supreme Court ruling limited summary returns at sea. The continuous arrivals have strained resources in the autonomous city. The crisis could trigger changes in border policy affecting the region's stability.
A fast-moving forest fire in Fermoselle, Zamora, has forced the evacuation of 12 towns and the confinement of two others, including nursing homes. Around 950 people have been displaced, with up to 200 sheltered in a sports hall in Bermillo de Sayago. Fire crews with 12 aircraft and 13 engines are battling the blaze. Residents in affected areas should follow official instructions.
More than 80% of Spanish homes carry insurance, but the figure drops sharply in provinces like Cuenca (57.7%), Ciudad Real (59.7%), and Almería (60.3%), according to UNESPA. The 2025 insurance report shows significant gaps in coverage against fires and natural disasters. Homeowners in these areas should check that they are adequately protected.
AEMET has issued heat alerts for 13 autonomous communities as a heatwave continues to bake much of Spain. Inland areas are seeing highs above 35°C, with some valleys reaching 42°C. The extreme weather is expected to last into early next week. Authorities advise staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activity during peak hours.
Airport operator Aena posted a first-half net profit of €1,002 million, up from €893 million a year earlier, with passenger numbers rising 3.7% to 156.2 million. The company raised its annual traffic growth forecast to 3%, citing Spain's image as a safe destination and disruptions in high-speed rail. The increase could mean busier airports and more travel options for travelers.
A minimum €3 surcharge per product category on non-EU imports under €150 took effect July 1, targeting platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. Economist Santiago Niño Becerra says the fee will mainly boost tax revenue without driving consumers to local shops. Over 90% of such imports come from China. Shoppers who rely on these platforms may notice slightly higher costs.
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD saw pre-tax profit in Iberia jump 349% to €15.5 million in 2025, with revenues climbing from €176 million to €789 million. The company added 30 employees, reaching 82, and credits better productivity and scale. The growth reflects rising electric vehicle adoption in Spain, which could expand charging networks.
A new CIS fiscal barometer reveals that 77% of Spaniards believe taxes are not paid justly, with the rich paying too little. While 83% agree that cheating the tax office harms everyone, 55% say the government puts too little effort into fighting fraud. The survey also shows strong public demand for more spending on housing and healthcare.
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