News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain

sport

Villarreal Condemns and Cooperates with Authorities After Attack on Disabled Fans

In a disturbing incident that has shaken the Spanish football community, two fans with disabilities associated with Villarreal CF were physically assaulted outside the Estadio de la Cerámica following a Spanish league match against Valencia on Saturday, February 17.

The Incident

The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was marred by the violent incident that occurred after the game. The two fans, one of whom is a member of Villarreal's squad for players with intellectual disabilities, were taken to the hospital with significant injuries, including a contusion and a jaw fracture.

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international-affairs

Algerian Minister's Visit to Spain Marks Significant Thaw in Diplomatic Relations

In a significant development, Algeria's Interior Minister, Brahim Merad, visited Spain on Monday, February 25, 2025, ending a nearly three-year diplomatic freeze between the two countries. This high-level visit underscores a renewed commitment to cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and the fight against cross-border crime.

Reaffirming Security Cooperation

During his visit, Merad met with his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, in Madrid. The meeting highlighted Algeria's robust efforts in combating human trafficking and smuggling networks. Grande-Marlaska praised Algeria's work, noting that "the essential work Algeria has done to fight mafia trading in human lives has led to the dismantling of numerous criminal organisations at the source."[1]

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social-welfare

Expanding Protection for Children from Violence: Expert Analysis and New Initiatives in Spain

In a significant move to enhance the protection of children, particularly those vulnerable to violence, experts in Spain are delving into comprehensive strategies to address this critical issue. This effort comes at a time when the country is also focusing on broader social welfare initiatives, including a new universal child benefit and reforms in immigration regulations.

The Universal Child Benefit: A Step Towards Reducing Child Poverty

Spain's government, led by Minister of Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy, has proposed a new universal child benefit as part of the 2025 budget. This initiative aims to provide a €200 monthly grant to all households with children, regardless of income, as long as they file taxes as residents of Spain. High-earning households will be subject to a tax on this grant. This measure is expected to significantly reduce child poverty, which currently affects 34.5% of children in Spain, the second highest rate in the European Union[1].

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government

Expedited DNI Renewal: A Lifesaver for Expats in Spain

For expatriates living in Spain, maintaining a valid Spanish National Identity Card (DNI) is crucial for accessing essential services, including employment, healthcare, and banking. However, the process of renewing a DNI can often be cumbersome and time-consuming. Recently, the Spanish government has introduced a solution to streamline this process, particularly beneficial for expats.

The DNI Expres: A Quick Fix

The "DNI Expres" initiative is designed to expedite the renewal of the DNI, a document that serves as the primary identification for Spanish citizens and residents. This new system aims to reduce the waiting time significantly, making it a boon for expats who rely heavily on their DNI for daily life.

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infrastructure

La Gomera’s GM-1 Tunnel Undergoes Critical Maintenance Works

In a significant development for the infrastructure of La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo (the island's governing body) has announced ongoing maintenance works on the tunnels of the GM-1 road. This crucial route connects the capital city of San Sebastián with the town of Hermigua, and the works are aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth operation of this vital transportation artery.

The Importance of the GM-1 Road

The GM-1 road is a lifeline for La Gomera, facilitating travel between the island's capital, San Sebastián, and various other towns, including Hermigua. This road is not only essential for local residents but also for tourists and hikers who flock to the island to explore its stunning landscapes and trails. La Gomera, known for its 600 km of interconnected hiking trails and the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park, relies heavily on well-maintained infrastructure to support its growing tourism industry.

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environment

La Palma's Hydrological Plan Under Scrutiny: Addressing the Root of the Problem

In the aftermath of the devastating volcanic eruption on La Palma, the island's hydrological plan has come under intense scrutiny, with critics arguing that it fails to address the fundamental issues plaguing the region's water management.

The Volcanic Eruption's Impact

The 2021 volcanic eruption on La Palma, which lasted for nearly three months, brought significant challenges to the island's infrastructure and environment. The eruption not only displaced residents and destroyed homes but also severely impacted the island's agricultural sector, particularly the banana plantations that are a cornerstone of La Palma's economy.

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