Live News From Spain As It Happens

If you’ve been browsing the Spanish property portals lately, you’ll know that €310,000 doesn’t always go a long way. In Marbella or Madrid, it might net you a stylish one-bedroom apartment. In Barcelona, perhaps a well-located studio. But for American entrepreneur Jason Lee Beckwith, that same amount just bought him an entire village.

The news has sent ripples through the expat community and real estate circles alike. Beckwith, a musician and hotelier from California, has officially become the owner of Salto de Castro, an abandoned hamlet in the province of Zamora, nestled right on the border with Portugal.

From Hydroelectric Hub to Ghost Town

Salto de Castro isn't your typical medieval "pueblo." It was purpose-built in the 1940s and 50s by the electricity company Iberduero (now Iberdrola) to house the families of workers constructing the nearby dam. At its peak, it was a self-sufficient community featuring 44 homes, a church, a school, a bar, a guesthouse, and even Guardia Civil barracks.

However, once the dam was completed and the industry moved on, the residents followed. By 1989, the last doors were locked, and Salto de Castro was left to the elements. For decades, it sat as a hauntingly beautiful "ghost village," eventually landing on heritage watchlists for at-risk monuments.

A €310,000 Vision

While many see ruins, Beckwith saw a "life-changing switch flip in his head." After selling his guesthouse in California to fund the venture, he plans to relocate to the Zamora region with his wife to personally oversee the transformation.

His vision is ambitious. Rather than a private estate, he intends to revive the village as a sustainable holiday resort. The plans include:

• The "Farm to Table" Experience: Utilizing the fertile Aliste region to highlight local beef, honey, chestnuts, and wild mushrooms.

• Wine Tourism: Developing a vineyard and winery over the next decade.

• A Multicultural Hub: Repurposing the village church into a multi-use event space.

• Local Impact: Beckwith estimates the project will create roughly 35 jobs for local residents, a vital boost for an area struggling with rural depopulation.

If all goes to plan, the first phase—including the hotel, hostel, café, and pools—could open as early as late 2026.

Is "España Vaciada" the New Frontier for Expats?

This sale highlights a growing trend in the so-called España Vaciada (Empty Spain). As coastal prices continue to climb and the "digital nomad" lifestyle makes remote living more feasible, abandoned hamlets are becoming attractive to investors with deep pockets and big imaginations.

Salto de Castro isn't the only one. Other deserted villages, such as Candelago in Galicia (€150,000) and Matandrino in Segovia (€180,000), have also appeared on sites like Idealista, catching the eye of international buyers looking for something more substantial than a villa with a sea view.

The Reality Check

Of course, buying a village for the price of an apartment is just the beginning. The "rack and ruin" state of many of these properties means renovation costs will likely run into the millions. There are also environmental hurdles; Salto de Castro sits within the protected Arribes del Duero Natural Park, meaning every brick laid will be under the watchful eye of local authorities.

For Jason Beckwith, however, the reward isn't just financial. It’s about breathing life back into a corner of Spain that the world had forgotten.

What do you think? Would you trade your coastal apartment for a set of keys to your own village, or is the "Empty Spain" dream a renovation nightmare waiting to happen? Let us know in the comments below!

Spain is set to become one of the first European nations to implement a strict ban on social media for children under the age of 16, as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ramps up the government’s efforts to protect minors from the darker corners of the internet.

Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai this week, Sánchez used strong language to describe the current state of the internet, referring to it as a "digital Wild West."

"Today, our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone," Sánchez told the summit. He highlighted a list of concerns, including addiction, online abuse, pornography, and violence, stating flatly: "We will no longer accept that. We will protect them."

More Than Just a "Check Box"

The proposed legislation, which Sánchez hopes to see passed as early as next week, aims to move beyond simple age-verification "check boxes" that are easily bypassed. The Prime Minister called for "real barriers that work," acknowledging the flaws seen in other regions—such as Australia—where children have circumvented restrictions using simple workarounds like using photos of adults.

Key measures of the proposed plan include:

Mandatory Age Verification: Platforms must implement robust systems to ensure users are 16 or older.

Executive Accountability: Tech company executives could be held personally responsible for illegal or harmful content hosted on their platforms.

Algorithm Regulation: The laws would criminalise the manipulation of algorithms that amplify illegal content or disinformation for profit.

Anti-Hate Tracking: A new system will be developed to track how digital platforms fuel social division and amplify hate speech.

Targeting Tech Giants

The announcement comes at a time of increasing tension between European governments and major tech platforms. Sánchez specifically mentioned investigations into Grok (X’s AI tool), TikTok, and Instagram.

This move aligns with broader European actions; the European Commission and the UK have already launched investigations into Grok over concerns regarding the creation of sexualized images. Furthermore, the offices of X (formerly Twitter) in France were recently raided as part of a cybercrime investigation.

The reaction from tech leaders has been swift and sharp. Elon Musk, owner of X, reacted to the news by labelling Sánchez a "tyrant and traitor." Meanwhile, social media companies have argued that such bans are difficult to enforce and risk isolating vulnerable teenagers who rely on digital communities for support.

Will the Law Pass?

While Sánchez is pushing for a quick resolution, the path to implementation may be tricky. His left-wing coalition government does not hold a parliamentary majority.

However, there appears to be some cross-party consensus. The conservative People’s Party (PP) has indicated support for the spirit of the ban, noting they have proposed similar restrictions in the past. On the other hand, the far-right Vox party has already voiced its opposition.

A Growing Global Trend
Spain is not alone in its crusade. Australia made history last year by becoming the first country to implement a national social media ban for minors. In Europe, France is leading a similar charge, with President Emmanuel Macron aiming for an under-15 ban to be in place by September. Denmark, Austria, and the UK are also currently consulting on similar age-limit restrictions.

As Spain moves toward a vote, the eyes of the world—and the tech industry—will be on Madrid to see if the government can successfully tame the "Wild West" or if the digital barriers will prove too difficult to build.

What do you think? Is 16 the right age for social media, or is this an overreach of government power? Let us know in the comments below.

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — Elon Musk has ignited a fresh debate over Europe’s renewable energy future by proposing that the sparsely populated regions of rural Spain could serve as a massive solar generator for the entire continent.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO suggested that "España vaciada" (Empty Spain)—areas known for their low population density and abundant sunshine—is ideally situated to host the scale of solar infrastructure needed to power Europe.

The Proposal

During a wide-ranging discussion on energy and technology with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Musk argued that the physical land and solar resources are already available. He specifically highlighted rural Spain, along with parts of Sicily, as prime candidates for utility-scale solar farms.

"Relatively sparsely populated areas... could generate all the electricity Europe needs," Musk stated. He emphasized that the barrier to this vision is not technological but rather a matter of investment and political will. To bolster his argument, he pointed to China, which is already operating solar farms capable of producing hundreds of gigawatts annually, proving that infrastructure of this magnitude is feasible.

Beyond Energy: Robots and AI

Musk’s appearance at Davos was not limited to energy policy. He used the platform to make bold predictions about the near future of technology:

• Robotics: He predicted that robots would eventually outnumber humans, with Tesla’s own humanoid robot, "Optimus," potentially ready for consumers by 2027.

• Artificial Intelligence: Musk forecasted that AI could reach human-level intelligence as early as late 2026 or 2027, with "super-intelligent" AI surpassing collective human reasoning by the early 2030s.

Challenges and Reactions

While Musk’s comments highlight the strategic advantage of Southern Europe's geography, the concept faces significant practical hurdles. Transforming vast tracts of rural land into a continental power hub would require:

• Massive upgrades to the European electrical grid to transport power north.

• Complex international regulatory agreements.

• Strict environmental impact assessments to protect local biodiversity.

As of now, neither the Spanish government nor European Union institutions have adopted this specific vision as official policy. Experts acknowledge that while Spain is rapidly expanding its renewable capacity, dedicating its rural interior to powering the rest of Europe remains a hypothetical scenario rather than a planned reality.

Nevertheless, Musk’s proposal has successfully thrust the potential of "Empty Spain" back into the spotlight, challenging European leaders to think bigger about how they utilize their geography in the transition away from fossil fuels.

For British expats, property owners, and regular visitors to Spain, the bureaucratic landscape of post-Brexit travel has been a source of constant "will-they-won't-they" tension. In a significant update for the 2026 travel season, it has been confirmed that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed once again, with a new rollout target of 2027.

Here is what this latest reprieve means for the Eye on Spain community and your upcoming travel plans.

The ETIAS Delay: A Brief Sigh of Relief

The ETIAS system—often compared to the US ESTA—is designed to require non-EU citizens (including Britons) to apply for a €7 travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. Originally slated for 2024, then 2025, and then 2026, the system has faced repeated technical hurdles.

The latest reports from Brussels indicate that the infrastructure is still not ready for a seamless launch. Consequently, British travellers can continue to visit Spain throughout 2026 without the need for this specific digital permit.

Why the Delay? The EES Connection

The primary reason for the ETIAS postponement is its dependency on the Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EES is the automated system that will replace manual passport stamping with biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial scans) at borders. EU officials have prioritized getting the EES hardware and software operational at major hubs—like Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and Málaga airports—before layering the ETIAS permit system on top of it.

What Does This Mean for Your 2026 Travel?

1. No Extra Fees (For Now): You won’t need to pay the €7 fee or fill out the ETIAS application form for your summer 2026 holidays or visits to your Spanish home.

2. Passport Stamping Continues: Until the EES is fully active, the "old-fashioned" manual passport stamping will remain the norm. This means you must still be diligent about the 90/180-day rule.

3. 90-Day Rule Still Applies: It is vital to remember that the delay of ETIAS does not change the residency or duration-of-stay rules. British visitors are still limited to 90 days in any 180-day period unless they hold a TIE (residency card) or a relevant visa.

Preparing for the Future

While the delay to 2027 offers a temporary reprieve, the digital border is still coming. Once ETIAS eventually launches:

• Validity: The permit will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires).

• Cost: It will be free for those under 18 or over 70, and €7 for everyone else.

• Application: It will be a digital-only process, usually approved within minutes, though travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure.

The Bottom Line for Eye on Spain Readers

For those planning their 2026 trips to the Costas or the Islands, this news removes one layer of potential travel friction. You can book your flights and ferries with the confidence that, for another year at least, the only "paperwork" you'll need is your valid passport and, if applicable, your proof of Spanish residency.

In December, Christmas begins to make itself felt in every corner. Streets sparkle with lights, the scent of traditional sweets fills the air, and artisan stalls take over squares and promenades across Spain. For anyone who enjoys the festive atmosphere, Christmas markets are simply unmissable.

In Spain, Christmas markets offer a perfect combination of tradition, culture and local life. From historic squares to illuminated promenades, each market reflects a different way of celebrating.

We have selected 10 of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Spain, ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit, explore new cities or enjoy a festive experience.

1. Plaza Mayor in Madrid - Madrid

The classic par excellence. With more than 100 stalls, the Christmas market in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor offers nativity scene figures, lights, decorations, toys, traditional sweets and all sorts of traditional products. Its historic setting alone is worth a visit. The market will be open from 27 November to 31 December 2025.

If you’re enjoying Christmas with your family in Madrid, another highly recommended option is the Torrejón de Ardoz Fairground, just half an hour from the city centre. This unique space offers shows, a nativity scene, a Ferris wheel, fireworks and a wide range of food and drink, ideal for enjoying with the family. This market is open until 6 January 2026.

2. Fira de Santa Llúcia - Barcelona

Next to the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, this Christmas fair, held since 1786, is one of the oldest in Spain. It has more than 200 stalls dedicated to nativity scenes, fir trees, crafts and the typical Catalan ‘caganers’. With a cosy, family atmosphere, it’s an excellent opportunity to discover Catalan Christmas culture in a monumental setting. It will be open from 28 November to 26 December.

3. Plaza del Pilar - Zaragoza

A giant nativity scene, an ice rink and more than 40 stalls make up the Zaragoza Christmas market, held in one of the country’s most iconic squares. From 29 November to 6 January, Plaza del Pilar is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with a nativity scene featuring more than 50 figures. With a wide range of handmade products, decorations, and regional food, it offers a wonderful blend of festive atmosphere and cultural setting.

4. City of Arts and Sciences - Valencia

From 12 December to 6 January, this Christmas market is set up next to the Valencia Science Museum. Some 60 stalls occupy one of the city’s most iconic settings, with activities for the whole family. Children can deliver their letters to the Three Kings and Father Christmas, take part in workshops and enjoy Christmas shows. You’ll also find food trucks and typical products to savour Christmas in the mild Mediterranean climate.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

Spain, a consistently popular destination for British holidaymakers, is implementing a comprehensive series of new rules and regulations designed to curb overtourism and anti-social behaviour. Visitors are now advised to familiarise themselves with changes ranging from stricter border controls to new local restrictions and hefty fines, with some violations on beaches carrying a penalty of up to £2,517.

Stricter Entry and Exit System (EES)

The European Union has begun rolling out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) in phases, which will change the border experience for non-EU visitors, including those from the UK.

Under the new system, which began implementation in October 2025 at border crossings:

• Biometric Data: Tourists will be required to provide fingerprints and photographs upon arrival and departure.

• Schengen Code Questions: Border officials will ask visitors a standard set of questions, including the purpose of travel, proof of sufficient funds for the stay, and details of accommodation.

Higher Tourist Taxes

Several popular Spanish destinations are raising their local tourist taxes to manage the cost of increased visitor numbers.

• Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera): Overnight charges are set to rise, with guests in four and five-star hotels during peak summer months potentially paying significantly more per person per night. Cruise passengers will also see a sharp fee increase, with some charges going up by 200%.

• Barcelona: The city's tourist tax is scheduled to double by the end of 2025, reaching a higher charge per person per night for those staying in top-tier hotels.

New Local Restrictions on Accommodation and Activities

In a direct response to local anti-tourism protests, several Spanish communities are introducing measures to protect local life and housing markets.

• Holiday Rental Crackdowns:

  • In Málaga, a new three-year law starting January 14, 2025, will prohibit the registration of any new holiday rentals across 43 districts.

  • Palma, Mallorca, has banned new tourist rentals and new youth hostels, with existing hostels encouraged to convert to residential housing or hotels.

• Crowd Management:

  • Palma has capped the size of walking tours to a maximum of 20 people per group.

  • The Majorcan town of Sóller has implemented a 'residents-only' driving zone, banning hire cars and non-locally registered vehicles from the town centre.

• Party Activities: Palma has announced a ban on party boats operating near certain coastal areas.

Strict Behavioural Rules and High Fines

Holidaymakers are warned that certain behaviours and items are now strictly prohibited in certain zones, resulting in steep financial penalties.

Alcohol Bans and Limits

• Late-Night Ban: In areas of Majorca and Ibiza—including Llucmajor, Palma, Calvià (Magaluf), and Sant Antoni—a late-night alcohol ban prohibits the sale of drinks between 9:30 pm and 8 am. Drinking on public roads during these hours is also prohibited.

• Six-Drink Cap: All-inclusive resorts in specific areas like Magaluf are enforcing a six-drink limit on alcoholic beverages as part of the package, generally restricting guests to three drinks at lunch and three at dinner.

Beach Prohibitions and Fines 

Authorities in places like Gran Canaria have issued a comprehensive list of banned activities on beaches, promenades, and coastal zones. Fines for breaking these rules are categorised as:

Prohibited Beach Acts Include:

• Smoking and Vaping.

• Playing music in sunbathing areas.

• Cooking on the beach.

• Using large umbrellas, tents, or shelters.

• Reserving spaces on sun decks or bathing platforms.

• Collecting shells or rocks.

• Fishing with a rod within 150 meters of bathing areas.

• Public sexual activity.

• Wasting water or washing with soap at public showers and foot-washing stations.

The summer of 2025 will be etched into Spain’s history not only as a season of sun-drenched beaches and cultural vibrancy but as the year the nation’s tourism sector delivered a monumental statistical paradox. Despite a concerted national effort to introduce "overtourism measures" aimed at managing visitor numbers and mitigating local discontent, Spain smashed all previous visitor records. The sheer volume of international arrivals has thrown the government's balanced approach into question, sparking a renewed debate over whether current policies are merely token gestures against an unstoppable wave of global demand.

The Statistical Surge: A Tsunami of Tourists
Preliminary figures for the peak summer months (June through September) indicate that Spain welcomed an unprecedented number of foreign visitors, far surpassing the previous record set in 2023. Reports suggest an increase of approximately 12-15% in arrivals compared to the year before, with spending per tourist also seeing a healthy rise. Coastal hubs like the Balearic Islands and the popular cities of Barcelona and Madrid felt the brunt of the surge, with hotels running at near-100% occupancy and key attractions registering record daily foot traffic.
This boom is a testament to Spain's enduring global appeal, fueled by robust post-pandemic travel sentiment, favourable exchange rates, and effective international marketing. Yet, it simultaneously highlights the ineffectiveness of the recently implemented measures designed specifically to dial back the volume.

The Policy Response: A Whisper Against a Roar
In late 2024 and early 2025, Spanish regional governments—under pressure from mounting resident protests over housing shortages and environmental stress—rolled out several high-profile anti-overtourism policies. These measures were intended to shift the focus from volume to value and improve the quality of life for permanent residents.

The key measures introduced included:

Tourist Tax Hikes: In regions like Catalonia and the Balearics, the sustainable tourism tax was significantly increased, particularly for short stays and cruise passengers.

Short-Term Rental Restrictions: Major cities enforced stricter licensing rules, creating "red zones" where new tourist apartments were banned, or imposing a minimum stay duration to discourage transient visitors.

Cruise Ship Limitations: Ports in Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona established stricter daily limits on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock, aiming to reduce the short, intensive bursts of tourist activity that overwhelm local infrastructure.

Access Fees: Pilot programs were introduced for popular natural sites and remote island beaches, requiring pre-booking and a nominal fee to cap daily attendance.

The intended effect of these policies was clear: to introduce friction, raise the cost of visiting, and favour tourists who stay longer and spend more locally. The actual result, however, suggests the market simply absorbed the new costs without a noticeable reduction in demand.

The Expansion: Why the Floodgates Stayed Open

The failure of the 2025 measures to deter visitors is rooted in several powerful economic and psychological factors that government policies failed to account for:

1. The Revenge Travel Phenomenon Persists
Despite being years removed from the initial wave of post-lockdown travel, the global appetite for experiences—often referred to as "revenge travel"—continues to drive tourism. Spain, perceived as a relatively safe, accessible, and high-value European destination, remains the primary choice for millions prioritising a major international trip. A small increase in tourist tax or a slightly higher hotel price is viewed as an insignificant barrier compared to the desire to travel.

2. Global Economic Resilience
Targeted policy measures are only truly effective when the economy is soft. With relatively strong consumer spending in key source markets (UK, Germany, France, and the US), tourists can easily afford the marginal price increases. The cost of an entire holiday in Spain remains highly competitive compared to alternatives like Italy or the South of France.

3. Destination Diversification and Appeal
While the core measures focused on urban hubs and major islands, Spain's tourism appeal is vast. The surge was not just concentrated in Madrid and the Costa del Sol; increasingly, regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Castilla-La Mancha saw significant growth. This widespread popularity means that local measures in traditional hotspots can be easily bypassed by tourists seeking new, equally appealing Spanish destinations.

4. Policies Aimed at Management, Not Reduction
A critical analysis suggests that the implemented measures were too gentle. They were designed to manage the impact of tourism (by using the tax revenue for better services) rather than fundamentally reduce the number of visitors. To truly curb a 15% year-on-year rise, structural limits—such as strict, enforceable caps on new hotel licenses or a complete cessation of certain short-term rental categories—would be required.

A Policy Reckoning: The Future of Spanish Tourism

The record-breaking summer of 2025 serves as a clear warning to Spanish policymakers: the current suite of overtourism measures is insufficient to manage the current level of global demand.
As resident frustration continues to mount, particularly in areas where locals are being priced out of housing, the government faces an inevitable reckoning. Future debates will likely move away from incremental taxes and toward more radical, structural solutions. Potential future actions could include:

• Moratoriums on Development: Total, multi-year freezes on new tourist accommodation construction in high-density areas.
• Zoning Overhauls: Redefining residential zones to explicitly exclude short-term rental activity across entire municipalities.
• Environmental Levies: Introducing significant fees on high-impact activities, such as high-emission air and sea travel, to fund crucial environmental infrastructure upgrades.

Spain’s dilemma is clear: how to reconcile the massive economic benefit of tourism—which accounts for over 12% of its GDP—with the social and environmental sustainability of its most beautiful destinations. The shattered records of 2025 confirm that achieving that balance will require aggressive policies in the years to come.
 

Driven by a search for a better quality of life and new visa opportunities, a record number of Americans are choosing Spain as their new home. New Eurostat data shows Spain issued the most first-time residency permits to U.S. citizens in the EU in 2024, an unprecedented number that more than doubles the figure from 2015. For many, the decision is fueled by a desire to escape political fatigue and the high cost of living in the U.S.

According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), the number of U.S. citizens living in Spain reached 50,623 as of January 1, 2024—a 26% increase in just two years. Data shows the surge is not primarily driven by retirees but by a younger demographic, with a significant number in the 20 to 39 age bracket, many of whom are utilising the country's Digital Nomad Visa.

The lure of lifestyle and affordability

For many Americans, Spain offers a compelling antidote to the pressures of modern life in the United States. Expats report a more relaxed pace, a welcoming Mediterranean climate, and a significantly lower cost of living. A strong U.S. dollar against the euro has increased purchasing power, making real estate more accessible to American buyers.

Real Estate Boom: U.S. property purchases in Spain increased by 57% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, with Americans becoming the fastest-growing foreign buyer group.

Cost of Living: Many expats find that daily expenses in Spain are approximately 30% lower than in the U.S., including more affordable housing and fresher, less expensive food.

Political Fatigue: For some, the decision is a direct response to political polarisation in the United States, which gained momentum following the 2024 presidential election.

Digital Nomads and new residency pathways
The recent surge was significantly influenced by Spain's introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa, which streamlines the residency process for remote workers. While Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program for property investors in April 2025, other pathways, including the non-lucrative visa for those with passive income, have continued to attract long-term residents.

This new wave of expats is also spreading out geographically, settling beyond traditional hubs. While Madrid and Barcelona remain popular, other cities like Valencia and Málaga have become major draws for remote workers and those seeking a more authentic Spanish experience.

The economic and social impact
The influx of high-earning Americans, especially remote workers and investors, brings new purchasing power to the Spanish economy. However, this trend also fuels concerns about the potential for rising real estate prices and inflationary pressures in popular areas, a concern voiced by some Spanish citizens. Despite this, the economic injection and cultural exchange are widely seen as a boon for the country.

Looking ahead
The data indicate that this trend is likely to continue. With a strong U.S. dollar, supportive visa policies, and a culture that appeals to those seeking a better work-life balance, Spain remains a top destination. As more Americans discover the benefits of life on the Iberian Peninsula, the cultural and economic exchange between the two nations is set to grow even stronger.

Spain’s summer of 2025 has cemented its place in the history books, ranking as one of the two hottest on record, nearly matching the historic summer of 2022. This extreme heat has been driven by extended periods of high temperatures, which have intensified wildfire risks and posed significant threats to public health across the country.

According to Spain's national meteorological agency, AEMET, the summer’s defining feature was a historic August heatwave that set a new record for intensity. With a temperature anomaly of 4.6°C, this event surpassed the previous record set in July 2022. The heatwave lasted 16 days, making the period from August 1st to 20th the warmest of its kind in Spain since at least 1961. The ten-day stretch from August 8th to 17th was the hottest ever recorded in the country.

The persistent heat has made 2025 the second-warmest year on record from January to August, trailing only 2024. This marks a concerning trend, as the last four years have all ranked among the hottest ever recorded, clearly surpassing previous historical benchmarks. While March was notably cold and May was near average, all other months of the year have been classified as warm, very warm, or extremely warm.

The Rising Threat of Climate Change

The trend of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves is a direct consequence of climate change. AEMET data shows that the average temperature in Spain has risen by 1.69°C between 1961 and 2024. Scientific evidence confirms that heatwaves are becoming longer, more widespread, and more severe. While Spain has always experienced hot summers, recent years have seen an alarming increase in both daytime and nighttime temperatures.

The most intense heatwaves are becoming more frequent. The fact that five of the 20 warmest periods on record occurred during the recent August heatwave, and 15 have happened since 2022, underscores this trend. AEMET emphasised on social media that "The persistence of extreme heat intensifies its adversity," noting the severe impact on vulnerable populations and the escalating danger of wildfires.

A Glimpse into the Future

Climate projections suggest that by the middle of the 21st century, typical summers in the Mediterranean region could be approximately 2°C warmer than they were between 1981 and 2020. Alarmingly, the summers of 2022 and 2025 are already comparable to these mid-century conditions.

The data is undeniable: four of the five most intense heatwaves in Spain have occurred since 2019. This is not a coincidence but a clear indication of a long-term trend towards more extreme summers. While not every summer will be hotter than the last, the overall trajectory is clear and undeniable. This reality highlights the urgent need for both adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.

A recent YouGov poll has shed light on public opinion regarding the UK potentially rejoining the European Union, revealing a complex picture of conditional support both in the UK and across the continent.

The poll, conducted in six Western European nations, found that a clear majority of people in the EU's four largest member states—Germany, Spain, France, and Italy—would welcome the UK back into the bloc. Support for a UK return was as follows:

Germany at 63%

Spain at 60%

France at 53%

Italy at 51%.

However, this support is not without conditions. When asked if the UK should be allowed to rejoin while keeping its previous opt-outs, such as remaining outside the euro and the Schengen passport-free zone, the numbers shifted dramatically. In the four largest EU countries, barely one-fifth of respondents (ranging from 19% in Italy and France to 22% in Germany) felt the UK should be allowed to return on those terms. A majority, between 58% and 62%, believe that the UK must participate in all of the EU's main policy areas.

The survey also highlighted a similar divide within the UK. While 54% of Britons now support rejoining the EU, this support is also conditional. The number drops to just 36% if rejoining means giving up the UK's previous opt-outs. This reveals a "public opinion impasse" where both sides want rejoining on their own terms, which are currently incompatible.

The results indicate a growing sentiment in favour of closer ties, but the details of what that would look like remain a significant hurdle. The poll also found that while a majority of Britons now see Brexit as a failure, there is still a divide on whether rejoining is the right priority for the government at this time.