The Local Spain


EU countries override France to greenlight Mercosur trade deal

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:05:51 +0100

The EU gave the long-delayed go ahead on Friday to a huge trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur championed by business groups but loathed by many European farmers -- overriding opposition led by France.


Spain capitalising on wealthy Britons fleeing UK tax regime

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:43:07 +0100

A recent report in the Spanish press has highlighted how wealthy individuals are fleeing the City of London and moving to Spain, with Spanish law firms capitalising on the trend.


What you need to know about using winter tyres in Spain

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:55:24 +0100

It may still seem like summer in some parts of Spain, but the season is slowly changing with more rain, storms and falling temperatures, so it may be time to start thinking about changing your tyres.


Spain won't fine drivers without V-16 light for 'reasonable' amount of time

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:47:42 +0100

Spain's Interior Minister has confirmed that drivers who haven't bought the new V-16 emergency light (compulsory since January 1st) will be given a grace period before being fined, but authorities are still being rather vague about when the deadline really is.


GUIDE: All the transport discounts available in Spain in 2026

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:49:47 +0100

The era of free train travel in the years following the pandemic finished halfway through 2025, but thankfully there are still many discounts this year to help travellers out.


Spain signs agreement with Catholic Church to compensate abuse victims

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:24:31 +0100

The Spanish government and the Catholic Church signed a landmark agreement Thursday to compensate victims of sexual abuse by clergy, aiming to settle what officials described as a "moral debt".


PM hails Spain's immigration approach as model for Europe to follow

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:23:38 +0100

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Thursday hailed Spain’s openness to immigration as a model for Europe, saying it has benefited the economy and bolstered state coffers.


Today In Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Friday

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:22:34 +0100

Spain recovers stolen Roman sculptures on display in New York museum, Finland overtakes Spain as country with highest unemployment rate in EU and more news on Friday January 9th.


Do I have to pay the estate agent a commission when renting in Spain?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:05:54 +0100

Who has to pay the real estate agent commission (usually equivalent to one month's rent) in Spain: the landlord or the new tenant? And are there exceptions to the rules or underhand tricks agents use to get tenants to cough up more money?


Spain braces for rain and strong winds as Storm Goretti brings 'weather bomb'

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:35:09 +0100

Following a chilly Christmas period that saw snow in many parts of the country, Spain faces another storm with several regions on weather alert from Thursday January 8th.


Spain open to sending troops to Ukraine and Palestine

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:24:07 +0100

Spain is ready to send troops to Palestine for peacekeeping "when the opportunity presents itself," just as it is willing to deploy forces to Ukraine, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Thursday.


More scandals and early elections? What's in store for Spanish politics in 2026

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:32:48 +0100

Elections, corruption, sex scandals, fragile government coalitions and perhaps an early end to Pedro Sánchez's Socialist government? Spanish politics promises to have it all in 2026.


Spain to see its first total solar eclipse in over a century in 2026

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:36:56 +0100

The first total eclipse visible from mainland Spain in 114 years will take place in August 2026, one of three eclipses people in the Iberian Peninsula will be able to witness in the next three years.


Spain mulls cheaper train fares for standing passengers

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:22:31 +0100

Rail passengers in Spain could soon benefit from cheaper train travel if they stand instead of being guaranteed a seat, the country's transport minister has proposed.


Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:53:33 +0100

Tourism and immigration behind 95 percent of Spain’s GDP growth, PM says Spain willing to participate in peacekeeping mission in Ukraine and more news on Thursday January 8th.


EXPLAINED: How to change your electricity provider in Spain

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:08:18 +0200

What happens if you want to change your electricity supplier in Spain? How do you go about it and what are the pitfalls to watch out for?


Blackface lives on in Spain during Epiphany despite growing outrage

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:01:00 +0100

After a Three Kings Day parade in Seville featured Andalusia's regional president in blackface playing King Balthazar, the debate over the outdated and racist practice has again been reignited in Spain.


Oil and immigration: How the situation in Venezuela can affect Spain

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:10:37 +0100

Donald Trump's military offensive in Venezuela and capture of leader Nicolás Maduro has plenty of implications for Spain, a country which is home to some 600,000 Venezuelans and with longstanding business interests in the Latin American country.


Europe faces transport chaos as deadly cold snap persists

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:52:42 +0100

Snow, ice and high winds brought transport chaos to swathes of Europe for a third day on Wednesday, with hundreds of flights cancelled and passengers stranded.


Rebajas: What you need to know about the winter sales in Spain

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 15:58:59 +0100

In many countries around the world such as the US, the UK and Australia, winter sales begin straight away after Christmas on Boxing Day, but here in Spain it’s slightly different.