'Spaniards-first' plan sparks backlash from Spanish government
Irregular arrivals to Ceuta and Melilla triple in 2026, Interior Ministry data show
EU pauses biometric Entry/Exit checks, giving Spanish airports breathing room
Latest News
Forwarders protest ‘unsustainable’ IAG Cargo delays at Madrid-Barajas
Freight-forwarder body Ateia Madrid claims widespread tracking failures and 72-hour release delays at IAG Cargo’s Barajas facility, risking supply-chain integrity and inflating relocation costs. IAG has launched a task-force but diversions to other EU hubs are being considered.
Queues Around the Block: Spain’s Mass Legalisation Drive Triggers Record Application Surge
More than 130,000 people have applied for Spain’s new one-year work-and-residence permits introduced under RD 316/2026, overwhelming extranjería offices and sparking political debate. Employers see a chance to fill labour gaps, but mobility managers should expect appointment backlogs and fast-changing documentation rules.
Spain-Led Frontex Sweep Nets 460 Firearms and a Tonne of Drugs Across South-East Europe
A Spain-commanded Frontex operation seized hundreds of firearms, explosives and more than a tonne of drugs in South-East Europe, making 904 arrests and denying entry to 540 travellers. The sweep highlights Madrid’s growing role in EU border-security policy and signals tougher, data-driven checks that could affect corporate travel itineraries into and through the Balkans.
Madrid Demands Immediate Release of Spanish Flotilla Activist Held in Israel
Spain has demanded the release of Saif Abu Keshek after an Israeli court prolonged his detention for attempting to breach the Gaza blockade. The case highlights consular-risk exposure for Spaniards abroad and is prompting companies to revisit emergency protocols for staff working near conflict zones.
Iberia Issues Free Rebooking for Madrid–Brussels Passengers Ahead of 12 May Belgian Strike
Iberia will allow free date or routing changes for Madrid–Brussels flights around Belgium’s 12 May general strike, also covering hotel costs if needed. The move gives Spanish businesses time to re-route critical EU-affairs trips and underscores the importance of real-time airline waiver monitoring.
ETIAS Still on Track for Q4 2026—but Spain’s Golden Visa Remains the Real Mobility Play
A CEOWORLD deep-dive stresses that ETIAS, due Q4 2026, is merely a €20 travel authorisation and not a substitute for Spain’s residency-by-investment Golden Visa. Businesses should budget for ETIAS fees but continue to view the Golden Visa as the key strategic tool for long-term EU presence.
May Holiday ‘Operación Retorno’ Puts 1.1 Million Cars on Madrid Roads, DGT Warns of Evening Gridlock
Spain’s DGT forecasts six million holiday-return journeys, with 1.18 million of them converging on Madrid on 3 May. Evening peak-hour congestion and HGV restrictions could disrupt airport transfers and road-freight timetables, so businesses are advised to reroute or reschedule travel.