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EU Court Upholds Spain’s Catalan Amnesty Law

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The European Union’s highest court has ruled that Spain’s controversial amnesty law for those involved in Catalonia’s independence movement does not violate EU law. The decision strengthens Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, as the legislation was central to securing the support of Catalan separatist parties after the 2023 election.

The Court of Justice of the European Union said the amnesty is within Spain’s legal authority and can help reduce political tensions and promote reconciliation. However, it rejected one part of the law that required Spanish courts to suspend certain financial liabilities and legal proceedings within a fixed two-month period while awaiting broader EU decisions.

The ruling could benefit former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who has been living in self-imposed exile in Belgium, though a final decision on whether the amnesty applies to him still rests with Spain’s Constitutional Court. While Spain’s government welcomed the judgment, separatist leaders said the law has yet to be fully implemented for many eligible individuals.

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Trump Targets Spain and Revives Greenland Claim at NATO Summit

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U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain during the NATO summit, calling it a “wasted cause” and a “terrible partner in NATO” while threatening to cut trade ties with the country. Trump accused Spain of failing to meet NATO’s defence spending expectations and expressed frustration over Madrid’s refusal to allow greater U.S. military use of its bases during operations linked to the Iran conflict.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the remarks, saying his conversation with Trump at the summit was friendly and focused on topics such as the FIFA World Cup. Spanish officials stressed that relations with the United States remain strong, while the European Union backed Spain, describing EU-U.S. trade as mutually beneficial and pledging to protect the interests of all member states.

Trump also renewed his claim that the United States should acquire Greenland, arguing the Arctic territory is vital for U.S. security. Denmark and Greenland once again rejected the idea, insisting Greenland is not for sale. Despite the disagreements, all 32 NATO members reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance’s collective defence principle, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte describing the summit as a success.

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Spain’s Citizenship Law Triggers Political Clash Over Overseas Voters

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Spain’s citizenship law granting nationality to descendants of Spaniards exiled during the Civil War and the Franco dictatorship has become the center of a political dispute ahead of the country’s next general election. Since the law was expanded in 2022, more than 544,000 people have obtained Spanish citizenship, with over 306,000 registering to vote, while hundreds of thousands of applications are still awaiting approval.

Opposition parties, including the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox, have accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government of using the citizenship process to influence future election results. They allege, without providing evidence, that the government is strategically processing applications and voter registrations. The government has firmly denied the claims, calling them irresponsible and stating it has no control over where new citizens choose to register to vote.

The legislation extends earlier reparations measures by allowing more descendants of Spanish exiles, as well as people affected by historical discrimination, to claim citizenship. Similar ancestry-based citizenship laws exist in several European countries. While overseas voting has traditionally been low, the growing number of new citizens has intensified debate over the potential political impact of Spain’s expanding diaspora electorate.

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Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party HQ Raided as Corruption Probe Deepens in Spain

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Spanish police raided the Madrid headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) as part of an expanding corruption investigation involving alleged illegal financing and attempts to obstruct judicial proceedings. Authorities seized documents linked to claims that party operative Leire Díez led a misinformation campaign aimed at interfering in legal cases affecting the government. Searches were also conducted at the homes of senior party figures and a businessman connected to the probe.

The latest development adds pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose administration has been rocked by multiple scandals involving current and former allies, as well as members of his family. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the conservative People’s Party accused the government of being consumed by corruption and renewed calls for early elections. Sánchez, however, rejected demands to step down and said he would complete his term in office.

Several prominent Socialist figures are now facing investigations or trials, including former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over alleged influence-peddling linked to a 2021 airline bailout. Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos is also awaiting a verdict in a separate corruption case involving pandemic-era contracts. Meanwhile, Sánchez’s wife Begoña Gómez and his brother David Sánchez are facing separate legal proceedings, though all involved have denied wrongdoing and the prime minister has described the allegations as politically motivated attacks.

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Pope Leo XIV to Visit Canary Islands During Spain Tour

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Pope Leo XIV will travel to Spain from June 6–12, marking his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy since becoming pontiff. As part of the trip, he will visit the Canary Islands—a major entry point for migrants crossing dangerous Atlantic routes to Europe.

During his time on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the pope is expected to meet migrants and humanitarian organizations supporting them. The visit comes amid growing concern over migration, with thousands losing their lives attempting the journey, and as Spain rolls out a mass amnesty program for undocumented immigrants under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The tour will also include stops in Madrid and Barcelona, where the pope will meet King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and inaugurate a new tower of the iconic Sagrada Familia. The visit highlights his increasingly vocal stance on global issues, particularly migration and humanitarian concerns.

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Spanish PM’s Wife Formally Charged in Corruption Probe

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Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been formally charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, and misappropriation of funds following a two-year criminal investigation. The charges center on allegations that Gómez leveraged her position to advance her career, specifically regarding a master’s degree directorship at Madrid’s Complutense University. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who launched the probe in early 2024, highlighted Gómez’s alleged lack of relevant qualifications for the post as a key point of interest in the case.

The legal action stems from a complaint filed by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias, which the Prime Minister has characterized as a far-right “harassment strategy” designed to destabilize his coalition government. Sánchez previously suspended his public duties for five days to reflect on his future in office, citing the political “mud-slinging” directed at his family. Despite the charges, Gómez denies all wrongdoing, and the couple proceeded with a scheduled official visit to China as the ruling was made public.

This legal development adds to a growing list of scandals surrounding the Prime Minister’s inner circle. Sánchez’s brother, David Sánchez, is currently under investigation for alleged influence peddling, while former transport minister José Luis Ábalos recently went to trial over pandemic-era kickbacks. It is now up to the Spanish courts to review the evidence and determine if Gómez will face a formal trial, a decision that carries significant weight for the country’s political stability.

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Spain PM Gains Support On Anti-War Stance As Far-Right Backing Slips

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Spain’s ruling Socialist Party, led by Pedro Sánchez, has seen a rise in voter support following its strong opposition to the U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran. Recent polls show the party gaining momentum after Sánchez took measures such as restricting U.S. military flights linked to the conflict from Spanish airspace and bases, positioning himself as a leading critic of the war.

At the same time, support for the far-right Vox party has declined, with surveys indicating a drop in voter backing. Vox, which has supported the military offensive and maintains close ideological ties with Donald Trump’s movement, has faced backlash as public opinion in Spain largely turns against the conflict, with a majority of respondents opposing the war.

Despite the Socialists’ gains, the conservative People’s Party (PP) continues to lead in overall voter intention, keeping the possibility of a right-wing coalition government alive. Polls suggest a shift of support from smaller and more extreme parties toward mainstream groups, while Spain’s fragmented political landscape means coalition-building will remain essential ahead of the 2027 general election.

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Sánchez Rejects Trump Trade Threat, Reaffirms Spain’s ‘No to War’ Stance

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat to sever trade ties with Spain, reiterating Madrid’s opposition to war and what he described as breaches of international law. In a televised address from the Moncloa Palace, Sánchez said Spain’s position on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran could be summed up as “no to war.” Trump had warned he would cut off trade with Spain after Madrid reportedly refused to allow US forces to use the jointly operated bases at Morón and Rota for strikes on Iran, calling Spain a “terrible partner” in NATO.

Sánchez avoided directly mentioning Trump’s trade ultimatum but stressed that “you cannot answer one illegality with another,” warning that escalating military actions risked wider catastrophe. He said Spain was assessing economic measures to shield citizens from the fallout of global tensions. The Spanish leader drew parallels with the 2003 Iraq invasion, recalling the “Azores trio” meeting between former US President George W. Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Spain’s then-leader José María Aznar, and argued that intervention had left the world less secure.

European leaders rallied behind Madrid, with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President António Costa expressing solidarity. Domestically, Sánchez’s stance may resonate with voters, as recent polling suggests a strong majority of Spaniards hold negative views of Trump. However, uncertainty remains over whether Washington will follow through on its economic threats, adding pressure to Sánchez’s already fragile coalition government amid ongoing political and corruption challenges.

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EU Urges Restraint and Respect for International Law in Iran Conflict

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The European Union’s 27 member states have called for “maximum restraint” and full adherence to international law amid escalating hostilities involving Iran. In a statement issued after an emergency meeting of foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed the need to protect civilians and uphold the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The appeal followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel, U.S. forces and Gulf countries, which the EU described as inexcusable violations of sovereignty.

The bloc also voiced concern about the broader regional and economic fallout of the conflict, warning against escalation that could destabilize the Middle East and beyond. It highlighted the importance of keeping critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz open, citing risks to global energy supplies and supply chains. Disruptions to oil flows could have significant economic consequences for Europe, which is already grappling with geopolitical uncertainty.

The joint statement reflected differing views within the EU over the U.S.-Israeli military action. While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled caution against criticizing allies, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the strikes as contributing to global instability. Diplomats acknowledged that Europe has limited leverage over the unfolding crisis, despite the potential for serious regional and economic repercussions.

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Spanish Train Drivers Announce Nationwide Strike Over Rail Safety After Deadly Crashes

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Train drivers in Spain will begin a three-day nationwide strike on Monday, protesting what they describe as serious safety lapses across the country’s rail network. The strike follows two fatal train accidents in January that have shaken public confidence in Spain’s rail system and caused widespread travel disruption.

The deadliest crash occurred on 18 January in Adamuz, southern Spain, where a high-speed train derailed and collided with another train travelling in the opposite direction, killing 46 people in the country’s worst rail disaster in over a decade. Just two days later near Barcelona, a local train derailed after a wall collapsed onto the track, killing a trainee driver and injuring at least 37 passengers. Subsequent safety inspections revealed maintenance faults on several routes.

The train drivers’ union Semaf is demanding increased staffing, greater investment, and improved maintenance, warning of the “constant deterioration” of the rail network. While Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to face tough questions in parliament, the government has rejected claims of underinvestment, noting €700 million spent on upgrades to the Madrid–Andalusia line. Transport Minister Óscar Puente said authorities do not see systemic failures in maintenance or infrastructure.

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