News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain

crime-law

Crime Trends in Spain: A Detailed Look at 2024 Statistics

As expats living in Spain, understanding the current crime trends can be crucial for ensuring safety and making informed decisions about where to live and visit. The latest statistics for 2024, released by the Ministry of the Interior, provide a comprehensive overview of the criminal landscape across the country.

National Overview

Despite a slight overall increase in criminality of 1.2% nationwide, the crime rates in Spain were not uniform across all regions. While some areas saw significant increases, others experienced notable decreases.

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emergency-response

Devastating Fire Engulfs Bingo Hall in Valencia, Spain

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, a severe fire broke out at a bingo hall in Valencia, Spain, prompting widespread evacuations and causing significant concern among the local community.

Location and Impact

The fire occurred at a bingo hall located in the heart of Valencia, a popular gathering place for both locals and expats. The rapid spread of the fire led to the immediate evacuation of the premises and surrounding areas to ensure public safety.

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social-welfare

Domestic Adoptions in Spain See a Decline Despite Regional Variations

In a trend that reflects broader societal and economic changes, the number of domestic adoptions in Spain has seen a decline in recent years, despite some regional variations that highlight ongoing interest in adoption.

National Trends

In 2022, the number of children adopted domestically in Spain dropped to 681, marking a continuation of a fluctuating but generally downward trend. This figure is significantly lower than the 770 domestic adoptions recorded in 2013 and even below the lowest point of 525 adoptions in 2014[1].

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emergency-response

Expats in Spain: La Palma Volcanic Eruption Sparks Human Rights Appeal to European Court

In a significant development, the association Tierra Bonita has taken a bold step by appealing to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against the Spanish judiciary's decision not to investigate the handling of the 2021 volcanic eruption on La Palma. This move comes as a response to what the association perceives as a lack of accountability and transparency in the management of the emergency.

Background of the Eruption

On September 19, 2021, the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma, in Spain's Canary Islands, erupted after more than half a century of dormancy. The eruption, known as the Tajogaite eruption, lasted for 85 days, making it the longest recorded in the island's history. The disaster resulted in the destruction of nearly 3,000 buildings, the displacement of around 7,000 people, and the devastation of large tracts of economically vital banana plantations[2][4].

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education

Expats in Spain: New Initiative Combines Education and Environmental Conservation in the Canaries

In a significant move to enhance both educational opportunities and environmental conservation, the Consejería de Transición Ecológica y Energía of the Government of Canarias, led by Mariano H. Zapata, has partnered with the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) to launch a comprehensive program of practical training in the national parks of the Canary Islands.

A Four-Year Commitment to Conservation and Education

This initiative, set to run for four years, will enable students to engage in both curricular and extracurricular practices within the four national parks of the archipelago. This collaborative effort aims to provide students with hands-on experience in various disciplines related to environmental conservation and biodiversity.

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health

Heartfelt Expressions: Cancer Patients' Photographs on Display at Valdecilla Hospital

In a poignant and uplifting initiative, the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital in Santander, Spain, is hosting a unique exhibition that delves into the emotional journeys of cancer patients through photography. The exhibit, titled "Revelando Sentimientos" (Revealing Feelings), features photographs taken by the patients themselves, offering a profound glimpse into their experiences and emotions.

The Exhibition

The exhibition, which opened on February 7, 2025, is a collaborative effort between the hospital and the patients undergoing cancer treatment. The photographs, each a personal and intimate reflection, capture the diverse emotions and moments that define the patients' lives during this challenging period.

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