News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain

housing

Casa Orsola: A Victory Against Gentrification in Barcelona

In a significant victory for the residents of Barcelona and a milestone in the fight against gentrification, the City Council of Barcelona has announced the purchase of Casa Orsola, a 27-unit residential building in the Esquerra de l'Eixample neighborhood. This move comes after intense community mobilization and protests that have been ongoing for several weeks.

The Struggle for Casa Orsola

Casa Orsola has been at the center of a fierce battle against real estate speculation and gentrification. The building, owned by the investment fund Lioness Inversiones since 2001, had been the target of eviction attempts aimed at displacing long-term tenants to make way for high-priced, short-term tourist rentals. The investment firm had implemented various strategies to not renew tenants' contracts, seeking to raise rents from the current 700-900 euros per month to as high as 2,100 or 2,800 euros[2].

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transportation

End of Restricted Zone at Terminal 4 of Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

In a significant development for travelers and airport operations, the restricted zone at Terminal 4 of Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport has been lifted, marking a new era of convenience and efficiency for passengers.

Background and Context

Terminal 4, one of the most modern and expansive terminals at Madrid–Barajas Airport, has been a hub of activity since its inauguration in 2006. However, due to various operational and security reasons, certain areas of the terminal had been designated as restricted zones, limiting access and causing inconvenience to some travelers.

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culture

Exciting Activities and Carnaval Celebrations at Casa Joven in Cantabria

As the vibrant season of Carnaval approaches, Casa Joven in Cantabria is gearing up to offer a plethora of engaging activities for both locals and expats alike. The registrations for these events are now open, inviting everyone to be a part of the festive spirit.

Carnaval Celebrations

Casa Joven, a hub for youth activities and cultural events, is transforming into a vibrant hotspot for Carnaval celebrations. The festivities, which will take place from late February to early March, promise an array of colorful parades, lively music, and traditional dances. Participants are encouraged to don their most creative and elaborate costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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crime-law

Former Journalist SaĂźl Gordillo Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Sexual Assault

In a significant judicial decision, the Barcelona Court has upheld a one-year prison sentence for former journalist and media director SaĂźl Gordillo, following his conviction for sexual assault.

The Incident

The incident occurred during a Christmas party in 2022 at the digital media outlet The Principal, which Gordillo directed. A female journalist who worked at the outlet reported that Gordillo had touched her without her consent, leading to a formal complaint and subsequent legal action.

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business

Local Entrepreneur Gustavo DĂ­az Reaches Finals of 'Tierra de Oportunidades' with Innovative Project

In a significant milestone for entrepreneurial spirit in the Canary Islands, Gustavo DĂ­az, a visionary from the region, has made it to the finals of the prestigious 'Tierra de Oportunidades' competition with his groundbreaking project, "Herrumbre Vivo."

The Project: Herrumbre Vivo

"Herrumbre Vivo," which translates to "Living Rust," is an innovative initiative that aims to revitalize and valorize the industrial and mining heritage of the Canary Islands. This project is part of a broader effort to preserve and promote the unique cultural and historical identity of the region. By transforming abandoned industrial sites into vibrant cultural and tourist attractions, DĂ­az's project seeks to breathe new life into areas that were once the backbone of the local economy.

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health

Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases in Spain: A Growing Concern for Expats

In recent weeks, Spain has witnessed a surge in outbreaks of various infectious diseases, prompting significant public health concerns, particularly for expatriate communities.

Mpox Outbreak in the EU/EEA

One of the notable health issues is the ongoing mpox (monkeypox) outbreak. As of February 12, 2025, a total of 23,882 confirmed cases of mpox have been reported from 29 EU/EEA countries, with Spain being one of the most affected, reporting 8,513 cases[1].

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