The Local Spain

EU gets new powers over powerful AI from Sunday Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:30:47 +0200 The European Union will from Sunday have the power to enforce landmark artificial intelligence rules and hit any companies breaking the law with fines.

Spain's Ceuta enclave returns to normal as migrants depart Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:44:36 +0200 Almost all of the tens of thousands of migrants who entered Spain's enclave of Ceuta in North Africa had left by Saturday, officials said, as some EU countries bolstered their border controls over the sudden influx.

Three of EU's 15 largest wildfires since 2016 occurred in July Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:06:16 +0200 Three wildfires that broke out within days of each other in Spain and France this month are among the 15 largest recorded in the European Union since 2016.

EU countries call for talks over migrant influx into Spanish enclave Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:00:35 +0200 A majority of EU countries called on Saturday for emergency talks on the sudden inflow of tens of thousands of migrants into Spain's enclave of Ceuta in North Africa.

Italy suspends Schengen agreement with Spain Sat, 01 Aug 2026 10:03:17 +0200 Italy said Friday it had suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain, following the influx of migrants into Madrid's Ceuta enclave in north Africa, bordering Morocco.

Spain says integrity of Schengen area 'absolutely guaranteed' Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:25:52 +0200 More than 48,000 migrants have now returned to Morocco from Spain's Ceuta as the Spanish government assures that the integrity of the Schengen area is 'absolutely guaranteed'.

KEY POINTS: What changes about life in Spain in August 2026 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:46:50 +0200 Spain 'closes' for the month, the first total solar eclipse in a century, new AI laws come into effect, more wildfires expected, bottled drinks to cost more at bars, and plenty more - Here's what's happening in August 2026.

How to get free glasses to see Spain's total solar eclipse Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:51:38 +0200 If you're planning on viewing the total solar eclipse in Spain on August 12th, you'll need safety glasses. Here are all the places where you can get them for free.

Your key questions answered about the Schengen area's 90-day rule Thu, 18 May 2023 11:19:22 +0200 The EU/Schengen area's '90-day' rule is a complicated one that causes much confusion for travellers - here we answer some of the most common questions from readers of The Local.

Why did Morocco 'open the border' for migrants at Spain's Ceuta enclave? Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:20:13 +0200 Analysts have said Moroccan security forces "have been sitting on their hands" as tens of thousands of people crossed the border into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta on Thursday and Friday. Was the move intentional by Moroccan authorities?

Trump and far right seize on Spanish migration crisis Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:21:14 +0200 US President Donald Trump led far-right attempts Friday on both sides of the Atlantic to make political capital from Spain's migration crisis, portraying the migrant surge in Ceuta as a warning for America if his opponents get into power.

MAP: Where are the wildfires in Spain right now? Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:27:45 +0200 There are still several active wildfires in Spain on Friday July 31st, including the blaze in the Valencia region.

Can an EU member state be kicked out of Schengen zone? Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:18:33 +0200 Several EU countries have caused a stir when they called to shut Spain out of the EU's visa-free Schengen travel zone after the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in Morocco was overwhelmed this week by thousands of migrant arrivals. Is that possible?

How a rumour sparked Moroccan migrant rush to Spain's Ceuta Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:00:29 +0200 When Fatima Zahra heard the rumour of a rare border opening between Morocco and Spain, she joined thousands in rushing to attempt a perilous journey into the Ceuta enclave by land or sea.

How safari park animals grazed calmly amid Spain's 'terror' of fire Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:18:30 +0200 The elephants carried on grazing peacefully as the flames approached, imperturbable despite the fires ravaging the land around their wildlife park west of Madrid.

What happens to undocumented migrants after they arrive in Spain? Tue, 18 May 2021 16:40:42 +0200 Spain is one of the gateways into Europe for African migrants seeking a better life. But what happens when they arrive on Spanish shores? Are they given accommodation? Can they be repatriated or are they granted asylum?

Strikes at Barcelona and Mallorca airports threaten August travel in Spain Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:08:43 +0200 Two indefinite strikes are set to disrupt operations at Barcelona-El Prat and Palma airports beginning on August 4th, with Spanish authorities estimating up to 2 million travellers could be affected during the peak summer season.

How to apply for the 'convenio especial' to pay for public healthcare in Spain Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:25:09 +0200 Did you know that you can pay to access public healthcare in Spain even if you're not paying social security? Here's what you need to know about who is eligible and how to apply.

France to 'step up controls' at Spanish border Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:26:47 +0200 France will tighten its borders with Spain, the country's interior minister said on Friday, after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's north African Ceuta enclave.

Why are Ceuta and Melilla Spanish? Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:35:45 +0200 As Ceuta and Melilla are brought back into the international spotlight after thousands of Moroccans crossed their borders illegally, The Local considers how these two cities in North Africa became Spanish and why they remain so to this day.