Newsflash

Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Monday

Spain Marks Two Decades of Gay Marriage Legalization

Twenty years have passed since Spain's Congress of Deputies legalized same-sex marriage on June 30, 2005, under the Socialist government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. This milestone has enabled over 75,000 same-sex marriages in the country. However, the LGBTIQ+ community continues to advocate for full acceptance and protection against discrimination, striving for the right to love freely and live without fear.

Valencia's Metro Service Restored After Devastating Floods

Eight months after the catastrophic floods caused by Storm Dana, which claimed over 200 lives and inflicted extensive damage, metro services have resumed in the hardest-hit areas of Valencia. Over 500 workers repaired the 50km of tracks and 20 stations affected by the floods, primarily in the districts of l'Horta Sud and la Ribera. Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGV) has confirmed that the metro service is now fully operational on the restored lines in the Valencia South-Castelló section.

Trump's Confidence in Spain's NATO Spending Commitment

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his belief that Spain will meet its commitment to spend 5% of its GDP on NATO defense spending, despite Spain's historical low contributions and recent efforts to find alternatives. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has explored ways to delay or soften the financial impact of the 5% target, but Trump remains convinced that Spain will ultimately comply.

Alicante's Topuria Secures Second UFC World Title

Spain's Ilia "El Matador" Topuria, based in Alicante, has secured his second UFC world title by defeating Brazil's Charles Oliveira in a spectacular first-round knockout at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. Born in Germany to Georgian parents, Topuria moved to the lightweight division after an undefeated run in the featherweight division, where he compiled a 16-0 record. His victory solidifies his status as a world-renowned fighter in one of the most competitive divisions in mixed martial arts.

Barcelona Investigates Heatwave-Related Death of Street Cleaner

Barcelona City Council is investigating the death of a 51-year-old street cleaner who passed away during a heatwave. An autopsy will determine if heat stroke was the cause of death, highlighting the dangers of extreme temperatures on outdoor workers. 🌡️💔

Denmark develops tool to predict ice-free Arctic summers

Scientists from Denmark and Belgium have developed an advanced system to predict when the Arctic will experience ice-free summers and to assess the global climate impacts of this phenomenon. The system leverages artificial intelligence, advanced climate modeling, and causal analysis to provide accurate forecasts. The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) warns that ice-free Arctic summers could occur as early as the 2030s, a scenario that would significantly accelerate Arctic warming, which is already happening at a rate four times faster than the global average.

The loss of sea ice in the Arctic is expected to have far-reaching consequences, including more frequent and severe heatwaves and storms, disruptions to meteorological models, and adverse effects on ecosystems and fishing industries. The new predictive tool and its initial alerts are slated to be available by 2028, offering crucial insights and early warnings to help mitigate the impacts of this impending environmental shift. 🌡️🌊

Trump signs executive order lifting Syria sanctions

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a significant shift in American foreign policy towards the war-torn nation. The order, effective July 1, terminates the national emergency declared in 2004 and revokes five subsequent Syria-related orders, citing major political changes and "positive actions" by Syria's new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This move follows the December 2024 ousting of Bashar al-Assad and reflects support for a stable, unified, and peaceful Syria. The sanctions removal does not extend to individuals or entities linked to terrorism, chemical weapons use, human rights abuses, or the former Assad regime. Instead, it expands sanctions targeting former officials and those involved in narcotics trafficking. The order also initiates a review of Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This policy change was made in consultation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and follows Trump's announcement at the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh. The new Syrian government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, took power after opposition forces seized the capital, with Assad fleeing to Russia. 🇸🇾💥

After war with Israel and US, Iran Rests on a Knife Edge

Following a devastating 12-day war with Israel and a brief U.S. intervention, Iran stands at a critical juncture, grappling with existential threats and internal divisions. The conflict, which targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and political infrastructure, has left the country economically strained and politically fractured. Despite the destruction, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory, but the Islamic Republic faces significant challenges in maintaining its grip on power.

The war has exposed deep rifts within Iran's leadership. President Masoud Pezeshkian, a moderate, advocates for liberal reforms and a potential nuclear deal to mend ties with the West. However, hardliners, including powerful figures within the Revolutionary Guard, resist any concessions, fearing they could lead to the regime's collapse. This internal strife is compounded by a crackdown on dissent, with hundreds of arrests and executions, as the government seeks to quell unrest.

Iran's deterrence capabilities have been severely weakened, leaving the country vulnerable to further attacks. The Supreme Leader must now focus on rebuilding his nation's defenses while navigating internal power struggles. The Islamic Republic's survival instincts, honed through decades of conflict and repression, will be tested as it confronts a future fraught with uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Iranian diaspora watches from afar, torn between hopes for change and fears for their loved ones back home. The recent conflict has reignited debates about Iran's political future, with some advocating for a more democratic and secular society, while others remain steadfast in their support for the theocratic regime. The path forward for Iran remains uncertain, as the country grapples with the aftermath of war and the challenges of internal reform. 🇮🇷💥

China seeks closer Europe ties to counter the US in a 'volatile' world

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, is embarking on a European tour to strengthen ties with the EU, France, and Germany, aiming to establish a stable counterweight to the United States in an increasingly volatile global landscape. Wang's visit comes amidst significant geopolitical tensions, including China's close relationship with Russia despite its ongoing war in Ukraine and substantial economic frictions between China and the EU.

Wang will engage in high-level strategic dialogues with EU officials in Brussels, discussions on diplomacy and security with Germany's new conservative-led government, and meetings with France's foreign affairs minister. The war in Ukraine is expected to be a major topic, with European leaders criticizing China's perceived support for Russia. Despite China's portrayal of neutrality, Western governments urge Beijing to exert more pressure on Moscow to end the conflict.

Economic tensions between Europe and China are also high on the agenda. The EU has imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, leading to retaliatory measures from China, including duties on French cognac. Additionally, the EU has banned Chinese firms from government medical device purchases worth over €5 million, citing market access restrictions in China. China has accused the EU of double standards and proposed a "green channel" to facilitate the export of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for various industries, including electric vehicles. These minerals are a contentious issue, as China controls a significant portion of global production and refining. The diplomatic and economic discussions during Wang's visit will be pivotal in shaping the future of EU-China relations amidst these challenges. 🌍💼

Stocamine in Alsace: 'Toxicity of chemical waste won't disappear, nobody knows how to deal with it'

In Alsace, France, a Strasbourg court has approved the permanent containment of approximately 42,000 tonnes of highly toxic chemical waste, including cyanide, arsenic, and mercury, within the former Stocamine potash mine. This decision involves injecting concrete to seal the mine galleries, aiming to safeguard Europe’s largest aquifer, the Upper Rhine, which provides drinking water to millions in France, Germany, and Switzerland. However, concerns persist about potential long-term risks, such as geological subsidence, heat-induced rock shifts, and the corrosion of containment barriers, which could lead to toxic leakage into the aquifer. The situation has been described as a "timebomb for future generations," highlighting the complex challenges of managing hazardous waste and ensuring environmental safety. 💥💦

France, UK, Germany slam threats against IAEA chief after allegations of Mossad ties

In a joint statement, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemned threats against Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The threats followed allegations from a hardline Iranian newspaper, Kayhan, which accused Grossi of ties to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency and called for his execution. The newspaper's article, closely associated with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not been publicly endorsed by Iranian officials, but it has fueled tensions between Iran and the IAEA.

The three European nations expressed full support for Grossi and the IAEA, urging Iran to resume cooperation and ensure the safety of IAEA personnel. Iran has been increasingly critical of Grossi and the IAEA, accusing them of bias and providing justification for Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, criticized the IAEA's "double standards" and claimed that Grossi had not acted impartially towards Iran's nuclear file. Iran has since halted cooperation with the IAEA, citing Grossi's "destructive" behavior.

The situation is further complicated by Iran's grievances over Israel's exemption from nuclear inspections and its estimated nuclear arsenal. Iran has raised the death toll from recent Israeli and U.S. strikes, and its retaliatory actions have resulted in casualties on both sides. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has stated that it cannot guarantee the safety of IAEA inspectors following the attacks on its nuclear facilities. The Iranian parliament has approved a bill mandating the government to withdraw cooperation with the IAEA, further escalating the standoff. 🇮🇷🇮🇱🇺🇳

DOJ charges 15 in record $10.6 billion health care fraud case

In a significant crackdown on healthcare fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged 15 individuals in a record-breaking $10.6 billion scheme targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. The operation, dubbed "Operation Gold Rush," involved a transnational criminal enterprise based in Russia and other countries, which stole the personal data of over one million Americans to file fake Medicare claims for durable medical equipment. The group used shell companies, international banks, and cryptocurrency to launder proceeds, with four suspects arrested in Estonia and seven others still at large.

In related cases, four additional individuals were charged separately for various fraud schemes. These include kickbacks for over-the-counter products, billing for unnecessary equipment, charging for undispensed drugs, and a large-scale fraud and opioid distribution case. The indictments are part of the DOJ’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, aimed at combating fraud in federally funded health care programs and protecting vulnerable Americans. Approximately $27.7 million in assets linked to the operation have been seized, with investigators uncovering elaborate methods to conceal the group's activities. 🏥💸🚔

Head of Poland’s Catholic news agency resigns in protest against bishops’ “totalitarian” takeover

The longstanding head of Poland’s Catholic Information Agency (KAI), Marcin Przeciszewski, has resigned in protest against the Polish Episcopal Conference (KEP) plans to establish "totalitarian" control over the agency. Przeciszewski, who led KAI since its inception in 1993, stepped down in response to KEP's proposal to incorporate KAI into a new "KEP Media Consortium," effectively ending the agency's editorial independence. The KEP aims to create a unified media strategy for the church, particularly in crisis situations, but critics argue this move would turn KAI into a propaganda outlet.

Leaked documents and statements from KAI’s board describe the KEP’s plans as "illegal" and reminiscent of totalitarian practices, intending to produce biased, positive information about the church. The KEP's dissatisfaction with KAI's reporting, particularly on issues like sexual abuse by priests, has been a longstanding point of contention. The church's influence in Poland remains significant, with 71% of Poles identifying as Catholic, but it faces challenges due to recent scandals and a growing disillusionment among the public. The KEP has not yet commented on Przeciszewski’s resignation or the alleged plans to overhaul KAI and other church-linked media outlets. 🇵🇱📰

'You'll be on your own after 4pm': The Norwegian office culture you need to know

Norway is facing a significant labor shortage, with approximately 34,000 job roles unfilled last year, prompting companies to recruit more foreign professionals, particularly in tech. However, newcomers often encounter unique aspects of Norwegian office culture that can be surprising and challenging to adapt to. The country's strong emphasis on work-life balance, self-sufficiency, and trust shapes the workplace environment in distinctive ways.

One of the most notable aspects is the early workday, with most employees leaving around 4 PM. This can be isolating for newcomers from cultures where long hours are the norm. Additionally, Norwegians value their weekends, and scheduling meetings on Friday afternoons is generally avoided, especially if the weather is pleasant. The self-sufficient nature of Norwegian society means that household chores are typically handled independently, contrary to what some foreigners might expect in a wealthy country.

Adapting to Norwegian office culture takes time, with experts suggesting it can take up to a year for a newcomer to fully integrate. Successful adaptation involves asking questions, doing research, and utilizing community networks. Trust is a fundamental value in Norwegian workplaces, and while employees enjoy many rights, such as taking time off for family events, it's important not to abuse these privileges.

Beyond the office, Norwegians have a strong coffee culture, with an average of four cups consumed daily. The workplace hierarchy is flat, with collaboration valued over titles, and consensus decision-making is the norm. Punctuality is crucial, and meetings follow a strict agenda. Family comes first, and it's expected that employees will stay home if their child is sick. Vacation time is generous, with at least 25 working days mandated annually. Lunch is typically early, and even in international offices, Norwegian is often spoken during breaks. The dress code varies by industry but tends to be less formal than in other countries. During Christmas parties, formal attire is expected, along with traditional songs, games, and alcohol. Overall, Norway's high-trust work model requires respect and responsible use of employee rights. 🇳🇴🏢

Danish government confirms proposed changes to work permit rules

Denmark is set to lower the salary threshold for the Pay Limit work permit scheme from 514,000 kroner to 300,000 kroner annually for 16 specified non-EU countries. This change aims to facilitate Danish employers' hiring from these countries, which include the USA, UK, China, India, and several others. To prevent social dumping, companies must sign collective bargaining agreements with trade unions. The government expects this move to increase the number of foreign workers in Denmark by 550, contributing to economic growth. The scheme will be suspended if unemployment rises, ensuring Danish workers are not displaced. This compromise between the Social Democratic party and pro-business allies reflects a nuanced approach to foreign labor, balancing economic needs with domestic employment concerns. The plan is expected to pass parliament, where the government holds a majority. 🇩🇰💼

Mitsotakis: Task force to trace illegal farmer subsidies

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced the formation of a special task force to investigate illegal EU subsidy payments made to fake farmers through a Greek organization responsible for distributing the aid. This initiative comes in response to a scandal that has exposed significant fraud within the agricultural support system. The task force, in collaboration with European authorities, will work with Greece’s financial police and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue to thoroughly examine suspicious aid payments and recover misappropriated funds.

Mitsotakis acknowledged the government's shortcomings in addressing the issue, stating that "clientelism cannot govern the way we conduct business." He also admitted to government failings, expressing indignation and outrage over the revelations. The cabinet meeting, which included four new ministers replacing those who resigned over the scandal, underscores the government's commitment to reforming the agricultural support system and ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of EU funds. 🇬🇷💸

Spain records highest June temperature ever – when will the heatwave end?

Spain experienced its highest June temperature on record this past weekend, with El Granado in the Huelva province reaching a scorching 46°C. This surpassed the previous June record of 45.2°C set in Seville in 1965. The intense heatwave, known as an "ola de calor," has significantly impacted western Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha, with temperatures soaring to 42-44°C in many areas. This extreme heat is expected to persist until at least July 2nd, with yellow and orange heat warnings issued for numerous provinces.

On June 30th, temperatures were forecast to exceed 40-42°C in southwestern regions, including Extremadura, Andalusia, and Castilla-La Mancha, as well as in the Ebro Valley and inland areas of Catalonia and Aragón. The interior of Valencia and Mallorca also experienced high temperatures, with the Canary Islands' mountain ranges reaching up to 32-34°C. The intense heat is expected to remain unchanged on July 1st, but a gradual decrease will begin in some northern regions by July 3rd. However, certain areas, particularly around Seville and Córdoba, will continue to experience high temperatures of around 40°C.

Starting July 4th, a cooler front is anticipated to bring relief from the heat, accompanied by rain and potential storms. This front will move across Spain, affecting regions from Galicia to the Ebro River and bringing clouds and isolated showers to the south. The cooler weather is expected to persist through the weekend of July 5th and 6th, and into the beginning of the second week of July, providing a much-needed respite from the scorching temperatures. 🌡️🌞🌧️

Ban on cargo ship wastewater dumping takes effect

Starting July 1, 2025, Finland will enforce a groundbreaking law prohibiting cargo ships from discharging toilet wastewater, sulphuric wash water, and scrubber sludge into its coastal waters. This legislation, approved by Parliament in December 2024, makes Finland the first country to implement such comprehensive wastewater regulations for cargo vessels, although similar restrictions for passenger ships have been in place for years. The new law aims to protect marine ecosystems from harmful pollutants and eutrophication, a process where excess nutrients fuel algae growth, depleting oxygen and damaging aquatic life. While the law includes transition periods for greywater discharge and allows all wastewater discharge outside Finnish territorial waters, it marks a significant step towards cleaner coastal environments. 🌊🚢💨

Gov’t unveils €8 bln EU-funded program for energy, housing and transport projects

The Greek government has launched an €8 billion initiative, funded by the European Union, to address critical challenges in energy, housing, and transport. The funding, drawn from the Social Climate Fund, the Modernization Fund, and the newly established Island Resilience Fund, aims to tackle energy costs, housing shortages, environmental protection, and transport upgrades, while supporting vulnerable households and micro-enterprises.

Key components of the plan include the electrical interconnection of the Dodecanese, North Aegean, and Cyclades islands, which is expected to reduce public utility service costs for consumers. The initiative also focuses on subsidizing energy upgrades for residential and commercial buildings and encouraging private sector investment in energy efficiency. Support for vulnerable and low-income households is a central pillar, with provisions for heating allowances, rent subsidies, and the construction of social housing. Renovations to student dormitories are also planned to ease accommodation pressures on university campuses.

In the transport sector, the plan includes the procurement of new electric buses for Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as a major upgrade of the Athens metro. Additionally, projects addressing water scarcity, such as desalination and dam construction, will be prioritized. The government will also provide targeted support for micro-enterprises to modernize their energy systems, invest in energy-saving technologies in industry, and offer subsidies for public servants in areas facing housing shortages. Furthermore, the initiative aims to support the energy upgrading of ships through partnerships with Greek shipyards. 🇬🇷💡🏠🚌

Hard-right MP sworn in as migration minister

A hard-right lawmaker, Thanos Plevris, has been sworn in as the new migration minister, replacing Makis Voridis, who resigned amid allegations of involvement in a European Union farm subsidy scandal. Voridis, along with three deputy ministers and a secretary general, stepped down following accusations that they facilitated the distribution of EU funds to undeserving recipients through a government body known as OPEKEPE. The alleged scheme involved providing subsidies to individuals who falsely claimed ownership or lease of non-existent pastures or livestock.

Plevris, a 48-year-old politician, is expected to uphold the government's stringent migration policies. Both Plevris and Voridis joined the conservative New Democracy party in 2012 from the right-wing populist Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party. Voridis has denied any involvement in the fraud and resigned to clear his name. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has passed a substantial file to Parliament, detailing potential ministerial involvement in the scandal. Lawmakers in Greece enjoy immunity from prosecution, which can only be lifted by a parliamentary vote.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the government's failure to eradicate corruption, stating that significant reform efforts had been made but fell short. He vowed that anyone found to have received undeserved EU funds would be required to return the money. Mitsotakis emphasized that law-abiding citizens and farmers would not tolerate fraudulent activities. 🇬🇷💸

Prosecutor seeks guilty verdict for seven suspects in EU subsidy fraud

A Greek prosecutor has called for the conviction of seven individuals accused of defrauding the European Union through an illegal farm subsidy scheme. The defendants, who allegedly received subsidies from OPEKEPE, a now-defunct Greek agency, are facing misdemeanor charges of fraud against the EU. Among the accused is a person responsible for mapping Greek pastures, who is also mentioned in a case file sent to the Greek Parliament by the European Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutor Kalliopi Dayanta argued that the defendants committed the alleged acts and urged the court to dismiss their claims of legal error and attempts to have the charges dropped due to the return of the funds. Dayanta emphasized that the money belonged to the EU, not OPEKEPE, and thus the conditions for dismissing the charges were not met. Additionally, the prosecutor recommended that the case file be forwarded to the European Public Prosecutor to investigate potential felony fraud committed by OPEKEPE employees who approved the defendants’ subsidy applications. The trial underscores the ongoing efforts to combat fraud within EU subsidy programs. 💸🚨

U.S. charges 4 North Koreans in cyber plot to fund weapons development

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted four North Korean nationals for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated cyber scheme aimed at funding the North Korean regime’s weapons and cyber programs. The suspects, identified as Kim Kwang Jin, Kang Tae Bok, Jong Pong Ju, and Chang Nam Il, are accused of posing as remote IT workers to infiltrate U.S. companies, steal over $900,000 in virtual currency, and launder the proceeds through fake identities and international accounts.

The indictment details how the four men used stolen and fabricated personal identities to conceal their North Korean citizenship and secure employment as IT specialists with blockchain and digital asset companies in the United States and abroad. In 2019, they entered the United Arab Emirates using North Korean passports and operated as a team. By 2020 and 2021, two of the suspects had secured positions with a blockchain R&D company in Atlanta and a Serbian virtual token company, respectively. Using fake identification documents, they gained access to their employers’ digital assets.

In early 2022, the defendants allegedly stole approximately $175,000 and $740,000 in virtual currency by exploiting their positions. The stolen funds were then laundered through a virtual currency mixer and funneled into exchange accounts controlled by the other two suspects, who used fake Malaysian identification documents and aliases. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that these schemes are designed to evade sanctions and support North Korea’s illicit programs, including its weapons development.

This investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s DPRK RevGen: Domestic Enabler Initiative, launched to disrupt North Korea’s global efforts to generate illicit revenue. The initiative targets both foreign actors and their U.S.-based enablers, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by state-sponsored cybercrime. 💻💸🇰🇵

'Science refugees': French university welcomes first US researchers

The University of Aix-Marseille (AMU) in France has launched an initiative called "Safe Place for Science" to attract scholars from the United States who face threats due to political views and funding cuts under President Donald Trump's administration. Nearly 300 applicants from prestigious institutions like Stanford, NASA, and Berkeley have expressed interest, with 20 scholars set to relocate to France by September. These researchers, specializing in fields such as health, climate science, astrophysics, and the humanities, seek a more open academic environment.

The initiative comes as U.S. universities face significant federal funding cuts and potential detention or deportation for staff with dissenting political views. Historian Brian Sandberg, one of the scholars relocating, cited concerns about his status as a researcher and the broader attack on academic freedom in the U.S. Another academic, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the direct impact of Trump's policies on her work on gender and climate change, noting the absurdity of restrictions on using terms like "female."

France and the European Union are capitalizing on this situation, offering financial incentives and legal protections to attract foreign researchers. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged €100 million to support this effort, while the EU plans a €500 million package. AMU, with a budget of €15 million, aims to welcome 20 American researchers, promoting the concept of "science refugees" and global research collaboration. This initiative builds on France's history of providing refuge to scholars from conflict zones like Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan, and the Palestinian territories. 🌍📚

Polish state energy giant Orlen celebrates ending final oil contract with Russia

Polish state energy giant Orlen has successfully ended its last contract for Russian crude oil supplies to its refinery in the Czech Republic, marking a significant step in freeing Central Europe from dependence on Russian energy. The move comes after years of efforts to reduce reliance on Russian oil, coal, and gas following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. By March 2023, Orlen had already transitioned to 100% non-Russian crude oil supplies for its refineries in Poland and Lithuania. However, the Czech refinery in Litvinov continued to receive Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline under a long-term contract, which expired today and will not be renewed.

The Czech Republic, along with other landlocked countries like Slovakia and Hungary, had been exempt from the EU's ban on Russian oil imports due to the challenges of quickly finding alternative sources. Orlen's decision to end the contract means that the entire region is now free from Russian crude oil. This achievement was made possible through the support of the Polish government, cooperation with partners, and the upgrade of the Transalpine (TAL) pipeline, which now supplies oil from the Italian port of Trieste to the Czech Republic. Orlen has also adapted its Litvinov refinery to process different types of crude oil, ensuring a secure energy future for the region. 🇵🇱🛢️🇷🇺