Newsflash

What happened to the 150,000 homes that vanished from Spain's rental market?

Spain is grappling with a severe housing crisis, exacerbated by the post-pandemic surge in tourist rentals and a dwindling supply of long-term rental properties. The average Spaniard now spends 47% of their salary on rent, while salaries have only grown by 7.4% in the last three years. This crisis is fueled by landlords converting rental properties into more profitable tourist accommodations, such as Airbnbs, and the influx of tourists and digital nomads.

A significant factor contributing to this issue is the controversial Housing Law, enacted in May 2023. Since its implementation, an estimated 150,000 rental properties have disappeared from the market, with stock falling by 17% overall. In cities like Barcelona, Córdoba, and Bilbao, the decline in rental stock is even more pronounced, with drops of 46%, 66%, and 36% respectively. The law's rent caps in 'stressed' markets have sent a chilling effect to landlords, leading many to withdraw their properties from the long-term rental market or convert them into seasonal rentals to avoid regulations and maximize profits.

The competition for rental properties is fierce, with an average of 61 families vying for each available flat in Barcelona. This crisis is further complicated by landlords' fears of "inquilinos" (squatters) and the uncertainty brought about by the Housing Law. As a result, many landlords are opting to sell their properties or keep them vacant, further reducing the available rental stock. The combination of profit motives, regulatory uncertainty, and the allure of short-term tourist rentals has created a perfect storm, pushing affordable housing further out of reach for many Spaniards. 🏠💸🏙️

U.S. Embassy closures in Israel as tensions with Iran escalate

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and its consular sections in Tel Aviv will be closed from Wednesday through Friday due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This decision aligns with the Israel Home Front Command's guidance, reflecting growing concerns over regional security. The closure comes amid heightened speculation about potential U.S. involvement in the conflict, although no official confirmation has been issued by the Trump administration.

President Trump abruptly left the G7 summit to return to Washington for urgent national security consultations, calling for the evacuation of Tehran and expressing a desire for a decisive end to the conflict. He also hinted at knowing the location of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, but stated that the U.S. would not target him at present. Meanwhile, Khamenei vowed a strong response to Israel, promising no mercy to the "terrorist Zionist regime." Israeli military operations within Iran continue, with recent warnings issued for civilians to evacuate specific areas in Tehran, indicating imminent strikes on military infrastructure.

The situation remains fluid, with no official announcements regarding U.S. military involvement or evacuation plans for American citizens in the region. The closures and heightened tensions underscore the volatile nature of the current geopolitical landscape, as both Israel and Iran brace for potential escalations. 🌍💥

Fears of energy costs soaring

Tensions in the Middle East are driving up energy costs across Europe, sparking fears of a new energy crisis. Since the onset of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, oil and natural gas prices have surged by 7% and 6%, respectively, while wholesale electricity prices in Europe have seen significant increases. France, Germany, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, and Greece have all experienced substantial price hikes, with the average price per megawatt-hour reaching €91.93.

Starting Wednesday, consumers will feel the impact as fuel prices at the pump are expected to rise by 20 cents for gasoline and 36-38 cents for diesel per liter. The situation is particularly concerning for Greece and Eastern Europe, where summer demand, limited interconnections, and low water reserves already strain the energy supply. At a recent Council of Energy Ministers meeting, Greece called for the activation of an energy task force to address price disparities between Northern and Southeastern Europe. The task force's first meeting for Southeast Europe is scheduled for late June, with a plenary session in September. The escalating conflict in the Middle East and its ripple effects on global energy markets underscore the urgent need for coordinated European action to mitigate the impending energy crisis. 💥💸

EU moves ahead with Russian gas ban despite Hungary, Slovakia vetoes

The European Union is forging ahead with a ban on Russian gas imports, despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia. The European Commission plans to propose legislation on Tuesday to phase out Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2027. This move, announced last month, aims to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian energy and bolster its energy security. Hungary and Slovakia, however, have vetoed a joint statement endorsing the plan, citing concerns over national sovereignty and energy security. Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjártó, emphasized that energy policy is a national competence and that the proposed ban threatens Hungary's sovereignty and energy security. Slovakia's EU representation also confirmed its opposition.

The Commission intends to use a legal basis that allows the ban to pass with a "reinforced majority" of countries and a majority of the European Parliament. This requires at least 15 of the EU's 27 members, representing at least 65% of the EU's population. During a closed-door meeting on Monday, most energy ministers expressed support for the ban, although some raised concerns about potential legal risks and financial penalties for companies with long-term gas contracts. The EU is determined to proceed with the ban, despite the vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia, to strengthen its energy independence and reduce reliance on Russian gas. 🇪🇺💨

Parliamentary report urges Paris to apologise for French Polynesia nuclear tests

A French parliamentary report released on Tuesday called for Paris to formally apologize to French Polynesia for the decades-long nuclear testing that exposed locals to dangerous radiation. From 1966 to 1996, France conducted 193 nuclear tests, primarily at the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls, to bolster its atomic weapon arsenal. These tests, both atmospheric and underground, resulted in severe health impacts on tens of thousands of residents, creating a significant public health crisis that has largely been overlooked.

The report emphasized that an apology from France is essential for reconciliation and should be integrated into the 2004 law that granted French Polynesia semi-autonomous status. The tests are seen as a stark example of colonial disregard for the lives of islanders, fueling deep resentment in the region. Residents are also seeking compensation for those affected by radiation exposure, as only a few dozen civilians have received compensation since the tests ended. The report underscores the need for a formal apology as a crucial step towards healing and justice for the people of French Polynesia. 🌴💥

'Scarier things to come': How foreigners view Germany's immigration crackdown

In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Union (CDU/CSU) parties have initiated a "migration turnaround," sparking a mix of concern and support among the public, particularly among foreigners residing in the country. While some respondents appreciate the government's tougher stance on immigration, viewing it as a necessary political response to public concerns, others are deeply troubled by the harsh rhetoric surrounding the issue. Many fear that the inflammatory language used by politicians could fuel discrimination and institutional racism, making them feel less valued and more vulnerable.

The government's actions have elicited a range of reactions, from deep concern to a degree of sympathy. Some respondents worry about being scapegoated or treated as "less German," while others fear increased discrimination and institutional racism. Despite the varied responses to the government's policies, there is a broad consensus that the rhetoric surrounding immigration is problematic and could lead to further division and hostility. Some respondents also express frustration with the government's approach, arguing that it overlooks the significant contributions made by immigrants and fails to address the shortcomings of integration policies. There is a shared concern that the current climate could empower far-right parties and lead to further marginalization of immigrants, regardless of their legal status or contributions to society. The overarching mood is one of uncertainty and apprehension, with many fearing that the situation could worsen in the coming years.

SYRIZA to abstain from Tempe probe vote

The Greek political landscape is tense as SYRIZA, the left-wing opposition party, has announced it will abstain from the upcoming parliamentary vote on establishing a preliminary investigation committee for the deadly Tempe train collision. The party objects to the procedural framework set by the Parliament speakers committee, which will not vote individually on each person and offense involved in the case. SYRIZA accuses the ruling New Democracy party of attempting to cover up the incident and silence public demands for truth and justice by using a fast-track process and limiting the scope of the investigation.

The February 28, 2023, train disaster, which claimed 57 lives, mostly students, will be the subject of a special parliamentary session on Wednesday. Three proposals are on the table: one from New Democracy targeting former transport minister Kostas A. Karamanlis, another from PASOK naming eight political figures, and a third from citizens and smaller parties, including current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with charges of high treason. The vote is unprecedented in its complexity, requiring 14 ballot boxes and a secret ballot format, making it one of the most procedurally intricate and politically charged votes in recent Greek history. The outcome will significantly impact the ongoing investigation and the political fallout from the tragic event. 🚂💔

North Korea to send military construction workers, deminers to rebuild Russia's Kursk region

North Korea has agreed to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to aid in the reconstruction of Russia's Kursk region, further solidifying the alliance between the two nations. Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu, during a visit to Pyongyang, announced that North Korea will dispatch 1,000 deminers and 5,000 military construction workers to support restoration efforts in the region. This move follows North Korea's previous commitments, including sending troops and conventional weapons to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The deepening military partnership between North Korea and Russia is evident in their collaborative efforts to repel Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory. North Korea's involvement has been significant, with reports indicating that thousands of North Korean laborers have been sent to Russia under bilateral industrial cooperation programs. Additionally, North Korea has suffered notable casualties, including 600 deaths, on the Russia-Ukraine battlefronts. This strategic alliance underscores the mutual support and cooperation between the two nations, as they work together to address security challenges and rebuild affected regions. 🇷🇺🇰🇵💥

11 Latvians evacuated from Israel to Jordan

Due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Latvian nationals in Israel and Iran are facing significant challenges in evacuating the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has arranged evacuation flights from Jordan to Vilnius, Lithuania, with departures scheduled for tonight and tomorrow. However, direct air evacuation from Israel is currently impossible due to the closure of Israeli and regional airspace, as well as the suspension of flights in neighboring countries.

For those looking to leave Israel, several land border crossings remain open. Travel to Egypt is possible through the Taba border crossing, while journeys to Jordan can be made via the Allenby Bridge, Jordan River, or Yitzhak Rabin border points during specified hours. However, the MFA strongly advises caution, as movement within Israel is dangerous due to the threat of large-scale Iranian attacks. It is crucial to stay near bomb shelters and follow local authorities' instructions. The situation is fluid, and departure options may change rapidly.

The MFA has been in contact with 82 Latvian nationals in Israel and 3 in Iran since the conflict escalated, a significant increase from the 4 registered before the intensification of hostilities. With 6,062 Latvian residents in Israel and 3 in Iran, the MFA urges those in the affected regions to inform their relatives of their safety and to contact the emergency helpline at +371 26337711 or email [email protected] for assistance. 🛬️🇱🇻🇮🇱

'The system will collapse': Spain's immigration staff go on strike

Spain's new Immigration Law, which came into effect less than a month ago, aims to regularize the residency documents of hundreds of thousands of foreigners, significantly increasing the workload of civil servants at the country's immigration offices. These offices, already stretched thin, have seen their workload surge by 50 to 400 percent since the law's implementation. On June 16th, immigration staff across Spain staged a two-hour strike to highlight their plight, with participants in cities like Murcia, Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga.

The strike underscored the critical need for additional staff and resources to manage the influx of applications. Union representatives and immigration officials have warned that the current system is on the brink of collapse, with waiting times for residency documents already increasing dramatically. In Madrid, the wait time for a response to an application has risen from 76 to 90 working days in just a week. The situation is exacerbated by outdated job structures, low salaries, and a lack of training and clear guidelines for implementing the new regulations.

The backlog is expected to worsen as summer holidays approach, with overworked employees taking time off and no new staff to fill the gap. Estimates suggest that between 400,000 and 800,000 foreigners in Spain need to obtain or update their residency papers, putting immense pressure on the already strained system. The situation affects not only public employees but also migrants seeking to regularize their status and employers in sectors like agriculture and construction that rely on this workforce. The urgency for reform and increased support for immigration offices is clear, as the current system struggles to keep up with the demands of the new law. 🇪🇸📜

How alarmed should we be about Europe's tightening citizenship rules?

Across Europe, numerous countries are revisiting and tightening their citizenship requirements, reflecting shifting political landscapes and public sentiments on immigration. Sweden and Finland have extended residency requirements to eight years, with Sweden also introducing stricter security checks and considering language and civics tests. Germany is reversing a fast-track citizenship path for highly integrated individuals, while Italy has limited citizenship by ancestry to two generations. Denmark has increased citizenship fees and is exploring screening applicants for antidemocratic views. In the Nordics, Norway's potential right-wing coalition aims to tighten citizenship rules, and France is considering a history and civic test. The Netherlands and the UK are both proposing to lengthen residency qualification periods.

Professor Maarten Vink of the European University Institute notes that such changes are common in democracies, where political shifts often lead to legislative adjustments, especially when migration is a hot-button issue. Despite the recent tightening trends, Vink observes a broader, unidirectional shift towards accepting dual citizenship, driven by increased migration and gender equality. Most European countries adhere to the European Convention on Nationality, which sets a maximum residency requirement of 10 years for citizenship, with five years being the most common. This convention limits the extent to which governments can unilaterally alter citizenship laws, ensuring some consistency across the continent. 🇪🇺📜

Today in Denmark: A roundup of the news on Tuesday

Denmark has significantly enhanced its maritime surveillance capabilities by deploying two unmanned ships, developed by the U.S. company Saildrone, in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. These drones, part of a three-month trial by the Danish navy, will conduct surveillance missions in Danish waters, bolstering the country's defense and security measures. Additionally, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have formed a strategic partnership to jointly procure ammunition through Norwegian producer Nammo, aiming to streamline and accelerate the supply of ammunition for their militaries. This collaboration is expected to triple ammunition production in the Nordic region and facilitate cross-border sharing and storage.

In domestic news, Denmark has expanded the functionality of the Rejsekort app to include children and teenagers under 18. This update allows young users to register an account linked to a parent or guardian, enabling them to check in for public transport journeys using their smartphones. The app also features reminders to check out at the end of journeys, addressing common issues with forgotten cards. Furthermore, the Letbanen light rail network in Aarhus will offer more frequent services starting June 29, connecting the city to Grenaa and Odder more often during evenings and weekends, enhancing public transportation options for leisure and cultural activities. 🚢🌊🚇

How alarmed should we be about Europe's tightening citizenship rules?

Across Europe, numerous countries are revisiting and tightening their citizenship rules, reflecting shifting political landscapes and public sentiments on immigration. Sweden has proposed extending its residency requirement to eight years and introduced stricter security checks, while Finland has already implemented an eight-year residency period for naturalization. Germany is considering scrapping a fast-track citizenship path for highly integrated individuals, and Italy has limited citizenship by ancestry to two generations. Denmark has increased citizenship fees and is exploring screening applicants for anti-democratic views. In the Nordics, Norway's potential right-wing coalition aims to tighten citizenship requirements, while France and the Netherlands are also considering stricter rules. The UK's Labour government plans to extend the residency qualification period as part of broader immigration reforms.

Professor Maarten Vink of the European University Institute notes that such changes are common in democracies, where political shifts often lead to legislative adjustments, especially when migration is a hot-button issue. While citizenship laws in Europe have seen dynamic changes, the most consistent trend is the growing acceptance of dual citizenship, driven by increased migration and gender equality. Most European countries adhere to the European Convention on Nationality, which sets a maximum residency requirement of 10 years for citizenship, with many countries maintaining a five-year requirement. Despite these changes, citizenship laws remain subject to international conventions and evolving family law developments, ensuring a degree of consistency and protection for applicants.

‘Greece won’t kneel’ – Samaras renews criticism of Mitsotakis over foreign policy

Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has renewed his criticism of the current government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, focusing on Greece's foreign policy, particularly its relations with Turkey. Speaking at a book launch, Samaras accused the government of being naive and failing to respond adequately to Turkish provocations. He also criticized the inclusion of Turkey in the recently announced Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense fund.

Samaras directed personal attacks at Mitsotakis, labeling him arrogant and dismissive of other viewpoints. He specifically targeted Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and National Security Secretary General Thanos Dokos, suggesting that Mitsotakis should rely solely on their advice. Samaras emphasized his duty to speak out for his country, asserting that Greece must not be left to face its challenges alone and that it will never capitulate. His remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions and debates within Greece regarding its foreign policy and national security. 🇬🇷🗣️

Spain's PM rules out elections and dares opposition to file confidence motion

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces mounting legal and political pressure as a judicial report implicates top Socialist officials in a corruption scandal. The report suggests that Santos Cerdán, a high-ranking Socialist figure, accepted kickbacks in connection with the alleged improper awarding of public contracts. Cerdán has since resigned from his party positions and been expelled from the Socialist Party. Additionally, former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and his ex-adviser Koldo García were also implicated in the report.

In response to the scandal, the main opposition Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party have demanded Sánchez's resignation and called for early elections. However, Sánchez has refused to step down or call for early elections, instead challenging the opposition to present a no-confidence motion and outline their vision for Spain. He has also vowed to continue discussions with the far-left and separatist parties that support his government, asserting that the Socialist Party is "clean" and will not tolerate corruption within its ranks.

The scandal has further complicated Sánchez's political landscape, as he already faces ongoing legal investigations involving his wife, brother, and the country's Socialist-appointed top prosecutor. The PP has reiterated its demand for Sánchez's resignation, arguing that early elections would allow the Spanish people to have their say in the face of the growing corruption scandal. 🇪🇸🏛️

European anti-racism council raises concerns over Swedish government policy

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) has released its sixth report on Sweden, acknowledging the country's progress in combating racism and intolerance since its last assessment in 2017. Sweden has made notable strides, including establishing a Holocaust museum, criminalizing Holocaust denial, and implementing new guidelines for investigating hate crimes. Additionally, the country is working to increase preschool enrollment for children with immigrant backgrounds.

However, the report identifies several areas of concern, many of which are tied to policies outlined in the Tidö Agreement. These policies, such as tightening family reunification conditions, restricting permanent residency, and deporting foreign nationals for inappropriate conduct, could exacerbate feelings of marginalization and exclusion among migrants, hindering integration efforts. The report also notes that Sweden's Discrimination Act and Criminal Code do not adequately protect against sex-based discrimination and hate speech, leaving vulnerable groups at risk.

The ECRI report highlights that Black individuals and people of African descent, particularly youth, are frequent targets of hate crimes, despite underreporting due to mistrust in the criminal justice system. The introduction of "security zones," where police can conduct stop-and-searches without suspicion of a crime, raises concerns about racial profiling. The report recommends that Sweden enhance education on intercultural understanding, provide compulsory teacher training on racism and stereotypes, and strengthen public officials' responses to hate speech. Additionally, Sweden should improve data collection on hate crimes and review police guidelines to prevent racial profiling, especially involving children and young people. 📚🏛️

'€10 a month': Germany to set up pension accounts for all children from age 6

The German government is set to introduce an early start pension, known as the Frühstart-Rente, to encourage schoolchildren to begin saving for retirement from a young age. This initiative, part of the coalition agreement between the conservative Union and the center-left Social Democrat parties, will provide every schoolchild in Germany with a monthly €10 contribution to an individual pension portfolio starting from the beginning of 2026. The goal is to familiarize children with the capital market and promote long-term asset building.

Under the plan, every child aged 6 to 17 will receive these payments, which will be deposited into a tax-free custody account. Once the child turns 18, government contributions will cease, but individuals or their guardians can continue to add to the account voluntarily. The conservative Union parties propose that the funds be protected from state access and only accessible at the standard retirement age.

The potential financial impact is significant. Over 12 years, each child could accumulate €1,440 before interest and returns. According to Sparkasse bank's estimates, if the DAX continues its long-term return of about 8% per year, a child's account could grow to over €100,000 by retirement age without additional contributions. With further monthly contributions of €10, the portfolio could reach approximately €175,000.

However, the plan faces uncertainties, particularly regarding investment management and its effectiveness in fostering financial literacy. Financial experts like Johannes Geyer from DIW Berlin and Christoph Schmidt from the RWI Leibniz Institute for Economic Research express skepticism about the scheme's ability to increase savings motivation and financial knowledge. Despite these concerns, the initiative is likely to be well-received by many German families. 💰🏦

Athens navigates escalating crisis

Greece is actively managing an escalating crisis stemming from the conflict between Israel and Iran, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis leading emergency security meetings and issuing safety advisories for Greek citizens in both countries. Following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Greece convened its top decision-making body on foreign and defense policy to address the potential for broader regional instability. Mitsotakis engaged in crucial diplomatic conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, emphasizing Greece’s commitment to regional stability and citizen safety.

The Greek Foreign Ministry swiftly activated its Crisis Management Unit, providing urgent safety guidelines for nationals in Israel and Iran and preparing evacuation plans if necessary. Greece’s response underscores its delicate geopolitical position, balancing defense ties with Israel while maintaining regional relationships and addressing domestic political pressures. The government’s cautious approach has drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Communist Party of Greece, which advocates for an end to military cooperation with Israel.

Additionally, Greece is concerned about its maritime interests, particularly Greek-owned ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route. The government has issued guidelines to safeguard these interests amid the escalating tensions. This multifaceted response reflects Greece’s efforts to navigate its Western alliances, regional partnerships, and domestic political landscape in the face of a volatile geopolitical environment. 🇬🇷🌊

Article 50: What the post-Brexit carte de séjour entitles you to in France

Following the Brexit negotiations, a unique group emerged: British citizens living in the EU before Brexit and EU nationals in the UK, who were granted a "half and half" status by the Withdrawal Agreement. This status allows them to retain some pre-Brexit rights, particularly around residency, but limits others, such as onward migration and voting rights. This group is distinct from Brits who moved to the EU post-Brexit, who now fall under general rules for non-EU nationals.

In France, this group holds an Article 50 TUE carte de séjour, often called the Withdrawal Agreement Residency Permit (WARP). This card is primarily for those resident in France before December 31, 2020, and sometimes extends to their spouses or family members. It confirms the holder's rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, but as Brexit fades from memory, the specific rights associated with this card are often misunderstood, even by French administration staff.

The Article 50 card grants several key rights: - Residency: Holders can live in France permanently with a 10-year card, renewable every decade, or a five-year card, convertible to permanent status after five years of legal residency. - Professional Activities: Holders can engage in any professional activity, including employment, self-employment, remote work, or unemployment, without updating their residency status. - Study and Retirement: Holders can study in France and live there without working, without needing to prove financial means. - Travel: Holders can leave France for up to two years without losing residency status. - Pension Rights: Those who have worked in both the UK and an EU country can combine their pensions into a single payment. - Driving: UK or NI license holders have a specific process for exchanging their licenses for French ones. - Language Exemptions: Holders are exempt from language tests for certain long-term residency permits.

However, the Article 50 card does not entitle holders to: - Voting: Holders cannot vote in local or European elections, hold elected office at a local level, or take on fonctionnaire roles. - Onward Migration: Holders can only live in France and must follow non-EU rules if they wish to move to another EU country. - Citizenship: Holders can apply for French citizenship under the same rules as everyone else, with no language test exemptions. 🇫🇷🇬🇧

How alarmed should we be about Europe's tightening citizenship rules?

Across Europe, numerous countries are revisiting and tightening their citizenship rules, reflecting shifting political landscapes and public sentiments on immigration. Sweden has proposed extending its residency requirement to eight years and introduced stricter security checks, while Finland has already implemented an eight-year residency period for naturalization. Germany is considering scrapping a fast-track citizenship path for highly integrated individuals, and Italy has limited citizenship by ancestry to two generations. Denmark has increased citizenship fees and is exploring screening applicants for anti-democratic views. In the Nordics, Norway's potential right-wing coalition aims to tighten citizenship requirements, while France and the Netherlands are also considering stricter rules. The UK's Labour government plans to extend the residency qualification period as part of broader immigration reforms.

Professor Maarten Vink of the European University Institute notes that such changes are common in democracies, where political shifts often lead to legislative adjustments, especially when migration is a hot-button issue. While citizenship laws in Europe have seen dynamic changes, the most consistent trend is the growing acceptance of dual citizenship, driven by increased migration and gender equality. Most European countries adhere to the European Convention on Nationality, which sets a maximum residency requirement of 10 years for citizenship, with many countries maintaining a five-year requirement. Despite these changes, citizenship laws remain subject to international conventions and evolving family law developments, ensuring a degree of consistency and protection for applicants.