Miqdad Asaria – Heatwaves don’t affect us all equally
Heatwaves not only affect the poor much more than the rich, they also contribute to widening inequality between the classes.
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David Hearst – Why the Mecca Agreement has given the UAE-Israel alliance the jitters
Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could potentially offer an alternative basis for power in the Middle East for more countries seeking alternatives to US-Israeli hegemony. David Hearst is co-founder and editor-in-chief of Middle East Eye.
Middle East Eye – Israel allows Jewish ritual at Al-Aqsa Mosque in unprecedented violation of status quo
It is quite clear that what is happening in Israel ahead of October elections is the pursuit of all out Jewish supremacy in every ambit.
Hossam Shaker – Gaza genocide: How Israel made horror a ritual of daily life
A portrait of life under genocide.
Dropsite News – U.S.-Iran MOU expires without agreement; Israeli strikes kill 11 in Lebanon
Latest from the Middle East, where things are going from bad to worse. Read the article HERE.
Ceuta migrants stage beach protest demanding asylum from Spain
HUNDREDS of migrants still roaming the streets of Ceuta after last month’s unprecedented border crossing have staged a protest demanding the right to claim asylum in Spain.
Endangered orca ‘blasted by shotgun’ in the Strait of Gibraltar
A CRITICALLY endangered orca has been found with what conservationists fear are shotgun pellet wounds after being spotted off the coast of Cadiz.
Teenager killed in Huelva narco massacre was innocent bystander
A drive-by shooting that massacred a family in Isla Cristina, Andalucia, saw a pregnant woman, 39, and a grandmother, 62, killed.
Russian Supreme Court Rejects Yabloko’s Appeal Over Candidate List Ban
Russia’s Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by the liberal Yabloko party, upholding a decision to cancel the registration of its federal slate of candidates for next month’s State Duma elections.
Five Malaga beaches are shut after fecal bacteria is detected
MALAGA has banned swimming at six beaches across the city after water samples revealed dangerous levels of E. coli bacteria.
Brussels extends flexibility in energy accounts
Brussels – The European Commission is opening the way for greater freedom and flexibility in spending for Member States that need to strengthen their energy security and accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels. The EU executive has adopted a notice clarifying how to extend the National Escape Clause, NEC—already used to allow countries to temporarily increase defence spending without automatically falling foul of European fiscal rules—to these measures. This possibility had been announced on 3 June in the European Semester 2026 Spring Package.
Rapper Ye Set to Perform in St. Petersburg in October
The performances will take place on Oct. 10 and 11 at the Gazprom Arena, a venue capable of hosting around 80,000 spectators.
SoftBank invests $200M in Swiss robotics startup Gravis Robotics
SoftBank has invested $200m in Swiss robotics startup Gravis Robotics, in what has been billed as a record investment. Gravis says the Series A funding round, in which the Japanese investor was the sole investor, is the largest Series A in construction robotics history.
Benalmadena beaches reopen after mystery skin reactions
THREE beaches in Benalmadena have reopened to swimmers after a mystery skin reaction left around 20 bathers affected over the weekend, while two others stay closed.
Police officer accidentally shoots himself in leg in Marbella
A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the leg while inside a station on the Costa del Sol.
Dozens of migrants feared dead or missing off Balearics
FEARS are growing for around 86 migrants after three boats disappeared on the same route from Algeria to the Balearics in one weekend, with only four confirmed survivors.
Spanish scientists develop material to cool buildings without electricity
SPANISH researchers have created a new material capable of cooling buildings by more than 10C without electricity, potentially leading to huge cost and energy savings amid rising temperatures worldwide.
International school Hamelin-Laie students reach top universities
A leading Barcelona international school has opened admissions for the 2026–27 academic year after celebrating another strong set of exam results, with The students of Hamelin-Laie international school in Barcelona secured places in top global universities, their IB and PAU results show.
Judge Sentences Lev Shlosberg to 11 Years in Prison
A judge in the Pskov region has sentenced veteran opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years and one month in prison for “discrediting” and spreading “fake news” about the Russian military, Russian media reported Monday.
EU Plans Most Far-Reaching Sanctions Against Russia, Kallas Says
The European Union plans to significantly expand sanctions against Russia in the coming months over its war in Ukraine, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, told the German newspaper Die Welt.
Monzo chairman Gary Hoffman to stand down after nearly eight years
The chairman of Monzo’s board, who was reportedly in a boardroom battle with some Monzo shareholders over the departure of its former CEO, is standing down from the role. Banking veteran Gary Hoffman is standing down from the role at the digital bank next month after nearly eight years.
EU allocates 2.3 million euros to curb cholera in Africa
Brussels – The European Commission has allocated 2,3 milioni euros in humanitarian funding today (17 August) to support Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Chad in tackling the ongoing cholera outbreak. According to figures from the World Health Organisation, over 61,000 cases were recorded in the African region during the first five months of 2026. The European Commissioner for Equality, Crisis Preparedness and Management, Hadja Lahbib, stated that cholera is both “preventable and treatable.
Nebex launches €100M initiative to turn global space spending into revenue for French startups
Nebex is turning cross-border space spending into domestic revenue, giving French startups access to global government contracts while promising €1 of industrial return for every €1 spent abroad.
Manhunt for Huelva massacre shooters after they torch motorbike
POLICE have launched a massive manhunt after masked gunmen who slaughtered three generations of one family in a suspected revenge hit torched their getaway motorbike to distract authorities.
Spanish F-18s in Romania shoot down Russian drone in NATO airspace
The two Spanish Air Force F-18 fighter jets shot it down early on Sunday morning after it was detected entering NATO airspace from Moldova.
Malaga residents protest mega solar project ‘harming environment’
A local residents association in Coin slammed the scale of the construction project, which is using heavy machinery in the middle of August.
Defence tech investor and builder Gallos raises $50M
A defence tech investor and builder which counts Sir Jeremy Fleming, the former director of the UK’s security and cyber agency GCHQ, as an advisor has raised $50m.
Astute raises $1.2M and launches B2B new media platform
Astute, a platform that helps B2B companies manage partnerships with newsletter, podcast and social media creators, has raised an oversubscribed $1.2 million pre-seed round as it launches its new platform. The round was backed by Flyer One Ventures, Silicon Gardens, Marathon Fund and Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator, alongside strategic angel investors.
Myanmar’s Military Leader Heads to Russia for Official Visit
Myanmar’s junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing left for Russia on Monday for his first official visit to the country since he assumed the presidency in April, state media reported.
Business insolvencies outpace registrations in the second quarter of 2026
Brussels – In the second quarter of 2026, business registrations in the EU fell by 0.5 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2026, while insolvencies rose by 5.7 per cent, according to Eurostat figures released today (17 August). Between April and June, the manufacturing sector recorded the sharpest decline in new business start-ups (-3.6 per cent), followed by accommodation and food services (-3.4 per cent), and education and social services (-3.2 per cent).
Colombian national arrested over Huesca fire that killed firefighter
A COLOMBIAN national who arrived in Spain just one month ago has been arrested after allegedly deliberately starting a major wildfire that led to the death of one forest fighter
VEB Chief Economist Fired After Warning Russia Cannot Win ‘War of Attrition’ – The Bell
The chief economist at Russia’s state development corporation VEB.RF has been fired after presenting a report earlier this year warning that Russia cannot win a prolonged war of attrition against Ukraine and is falling behind economically and technologically, The Bell reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Latvia is asking the EU for 7 billion to cover defence costs
Brussels – Seven billion euros to help cover the costs associated with defence and the severing of trade ties with Russia: this is what the Latvian Prime Minister, Andris Kulbergs, is asking of the European Union. In an interview with Politico, Kulbergs explained that these funds should be allocated through the Competitiveness Fund as part of the upcoming long-term EU 2028-2034 budget (MFF).
Restaurants in Spain are seeing a surge in unpaid bills thanks to AI
DISHONEST customers across Spain are increasingly using AI to do a runner in restaurants. One of the cases was reported in 2025, when a couple of tourists in Tarragona showed
‘A nervous system as a service’: Julian Teicke’s new bet on human connection
Across Europe, accessing professional mental health support can mean long waits or costly private care. Yet there is also a gap between needing clinical treatment and feeling fine.
Rolf Dealership Founder Jailed 9 Years in Absentia
A judge in Moscow sentenced the founder of Russia’s largest car dealership and ex-lawmaker Sergei Petrov to nine years in prison in absentia after finding him guilty of using fake documents to smuggle billions of rubles out of the country.
Hitmen gun down pregnant woman and teenager in Huelva horror
AT least three people have been killed in a popular Andalucia holiday resort after two masked men gunned down three generations of a family in the middle of the street.
Malaga fair kicks off with one stabbing and bizarre trapped head
Malaga’s famous August fair got off to a rocky opening weekend as a one man was stabbed and another got his head trapped in a table foot rest.
War in Ukraine: Kallas announces “new sanctions against Russia in the autumn”
Brussels – The European Union is trying not to stand idly by in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which shows no sign of abating, and is seeking to stay one step ahead. “This autumn, I will present the most ambitious list of sanctions since the start of the war,” said the Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for the EU’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in an interview published today (17 August) by the German newspaper Die Welt.
Turkey advances energy annexation of Northern Cyprus as European Parliament raises the prospect of sanctions
Brussels – Northern Cyprus: Turkey is drawing that part of the island ever closer to itself, distancing it further and further from southern Europe. The Ankara government’s decision to secure energy links through targeted investments is once again bringing to the fore an issue that has never been resolved: an island that is more contested than ever, against a completely new backdrop that includes discussions on sanctions against a NATO member state.
British tourist among Mallorca hotel guests robbed by employee
Hotel worker in Mallorca’s Porto Cristo used key cards to steal from rooms including €30k Rolex watch and jewellery- sold to pawn shop.
This Week In Spanish History – El Cid, Lorca and Rafael Nadal
This week, Michael Coy recalls a famous El Cid triumph,
Tobacco: EU Commission consultation has closed
The Commission is continuing to prepare the review of the directives on tobacco products and advertising, following the call for evidence which received over 80,000 responses. The issues under discussion include the protection of young people, online advertising and the different risk profiles of traditional cigarettes and nicotine alternatives.
European tech weekly recap: Over €763M invested across 35+ deals
Last week, we tracked more than 35 tech funding deals worth over €763 million and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.
British tourist assaults two taxi drivers outside Mallorca airport
British tourist told off by taxi driver about using Palma airport crossing when red light showed but then punched him and colleague.
Heatwave and wildfires: Belgium is also ablaze. Two deaths in Greece
Brussels – France, even more so Greece, and then Belgium again. Heat and drought, as well as the resulting wildfires, continue to grip the European Union. The last twenty-four hours have seen what is probably the most serious emergency yet, with two fatalities from the fires on the Greek island of Salamis and the largest fire ever to have affected Belgium, in the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve on the border with Germany.
Ukrainian Rocket Attack on Belgorod Kills At Least 6
At least six people were killed in a Ukrainian rocket attack in the western Belgorod region, local authorities said Monday morning.
Two women killed in flood and landslide in Spain after torrential rain
Two people died and two babies were injured after flood and landslide in Ponferrada area village of Manzanedo de Valdueza on Saturday.
amber raises €7M to expand its AI-powered business knowledge platform
AI platform amber has raised €7 million in Series A funding to expand across Europe and further develop its technology to help small and medium-sized businesses access and use internal company knowledge. The round was co-led by existing investor Ventech and NRW.Venture, the venture capital fund of NRW.BANK.
Costa del Sol hotel prices soar for Spain’s 2027 solar eclipse
SPAIN may have only just experienced its first total solar eclipse for more than a century – but millions are already looking ahead to the next one.
How the anti-AfD firewall broke German politics
A policy designed to keep the far right from office has ended up strengthening it
The brave female soldier buried in Malaga who died fighting Franco
HISTORIANS believe they have discovered the remains of celebrated female fighter hidden among six men in a Spanish Civil War mass grave in Malaga.
Ronda’s Cortijo del Canto is a true fantasy escape, where privacy is coupled with nature and history
IT feels like the home of a Roman senator, while its arrival reminded me of a scene from Eyes Wide Shut.
The Grayzone: Palestine Action facing new rigged ‘terrorism’ trials
As the British state seeks to destroy Palestine Action, a new trial is underway in which a judge has threatened defendants with a ‘terrorism connection’ if they explain the motives behind their activism.
Why Andalucia gets earthquakes after powerful Granada tremor
No injuries were reported after a magnitude-5 earthquake,
Alastair Crooke – Netanyahu’s réprise of the ‘Iraq WMD deceit’ – re-launched to promote war on Iran
Trump’s pivot to economic pressure as the key to Iranian capitulation is not a credible strategy.
Stargazer’s dream: Spain’s top five locations for the clearest view of the night sky
CONNECT with Spain’s starlit skies this summer and take part in the country’s astrotourism.
Morocco makes 111 arrests after new Ceuta migrant crossing fails
MOROCCAN authorities said they made more than 100 arrests on Saturday after a fresh wave of migrants attempted to reach Spanish territory,
Richard Murphy – The YouTube problem
As is the case of so many corporate internet media the youtube is being corrupted in soporate interest and propaganda. Richard Murphy is an economic justice campaigner.
Michael Roberts – A value theory of inflation
What actually causes inflation? There are a number of theories. Part 3 Michael Roberts is an Economist in the City of London and a prolific blogger.
Branko Milanović – Apocalypse, When?
On a new film about the Reagan-Gorbachev 1986 summit in Reykjavik Branko Milanović is an economist specialised in development and inequality.
Suspected Russian Drone Shot Down in Romanian Airspace
An F-18 fighter on a NATO air policing mission shot down a drone that illegally breached Romanian national airspace, the fourth unmanned aircraft shot down over the country this year, Romania’s Defense Ministry said on Sunday.
Five lesser-known Spanish retreats to escape the heat waves this summer
ESCAPING to the beach may be your first thought when it comes to cooling off this summer,
North Korea’s Kim, Russia’s Putin Reaffirm Ties on Korean Liberation Day
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the deepening of ties with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin as Pyongyang marked the anniversary of independence from Japan’s colonial rule, KCNA state news agency said on Sunday.
Ukrainian Drones Strike Moscow Region, Killing One
Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow region overnight on Sunday in what the provincial governor said was one of the largest attacks to have targeted the region, and which he said had left at least one person dead.
German Recession: German auto manufacturing employment hits 14-year low
Employment across Germany’s automotive sector fell to 721,400 workers at the end of September, the lowest level recorded since mid-2011 when the industry employed 718,000 people. The federal statistics office reported the sector shed 48,700 positions over the 12 months to September, representing a 6.3% decline and marking the steepest drop among major industrial sectors employing over 200,000 staff.
Art Deco dreams: How Spain gave glamour a home in the hardest of times
WHEN someone once asked Prime Minister Clement Attlee to define socialism, he replied that he couldn’t - but he knew it when he saw it.
Russia Seeks Explanation From U.S. and Turkey Over Reports of Possible Arms Transfer
Russia has asked Washington and Ankara to explain reports of possible plans to transfer to Kyiv a “substantial arsenal” of U.S. weapons and ammunition held by Turkey, the spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry said on Saturday.
Summer Campaign Led to Capture of 19 Settlements in Southeast Ukraine – Defense Ministry
Russian troops have taken control of 19 settlements in southeastern Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions over their summer campaign, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
WATCH: The secret gem just one hour from Madrid in the Spanish heartlands that you should visit because it’s ‘untouched by tourism’
IN a country increasingly overrun by selfie sticks and package tours, finding a place that still feels authentically Spanish can feel like winning the lottery. But social media star Maria,
Panic as powerful magnitude-5 quake strikes Granada
A powerful earthquake shook Granada on Saturday morning, prompting authorities to declare an emergency as terrified residents fled their homes.
A secret waterfall in Spain’s heartlands reached by a beautiful hike is perfect to escape the heat
IN the heart of the UNESCO Global Geopark Las Loras, on the border between Palencia and Burgos, lies one of Spain’s most striking hidden gems: the Covalagua waterfall.
Own a piece of history: 11th-century castle in southern Spain goes on sale
Castillo de Arcos de la Fontera, an 11th century castle, has just gone up for sale at €7.9 million for the first time in a century.
Ukraine Strikes Industrial Facility in Samara Region
Ukraine struck industrial infrastructure in Russia’s Samara region on Saturday, local authorities said.
EXPLAINER: What to expect in Ceuta on this weekend
With rumours of a second mass crossing this weekend,
Costa del Sol home security tips in age of hi-tech burglary
A home security expert dishes out some welcome advice on what not to do and how to protect your home from increasingly advanced burglars.
The Spain Relocation Roadmap: Every Step Explained
Thinking of moving to Spain? Learn about visas, residency permits, the NIE, TIE and the essential paperwork needed to relocate successfully.
Larry C. Johnson: A Dependency Decades in the Making: How Washington Let Five Minerals – and China – Take the US Arsenal Hostage
There is a single sentence in a 2025 defense-industry study that ought to end a certain kind of complacency in Washington. Researchers at Govini, a firm that maps the Pentagon’s supply chains, found that more than 80,000 parts across roughly 1,900 weapon systems incorporate just five processed minerals — and that the global supply of all five is dominated by China. The conclusion, in the report’s own words: nearly 78% of all Department of War (DoW) weapon systems are potentially affected.
Electronic Intifada: The Zionist Anti-Defamation League wants to cancel Susan Abulhawa
As genocide continues in Gaza, the pro-Israel lobby in the US is stepping up its campaign against Palestinian cultural expression in the West.
Jonathan Cook – Thatcher warned in 1989 of a climate crisis. She did nothing. Nor will her successors
Governments knew what was coming. They failed to act because the political costs of taking on the corporate sector were too immense.
Epstein-linked ex-model boss Gerald Marie faces fresh sex charges
A FORMER modelling boss is facing fresh allegations of rape and human trafficking five years after he dodged previous charges on a technicality Ibiza-based Gerald Marie,
Marbella protest planned after trans woman stabbed to death
A RALLY has been announced on Sunday in San Pedro, Marbella, following the violent death of a transgender woman in the area on Monday. A 35-year-old trans woman,
Michael von der Schulenburg – Are Western illusions of victory driving Ukraine towards collapse?
Ukraine is hardly a state – let alone an army – to which the media could realistically attribute an imminent military turnaround or even victory.
Thomas Palley – Ukraine and the failure of Western journalism: even the brilliant Simon Jenkins has fallen victim
An open letter to the brilliant British journalist, Simon Jenkins, concerning his writings concerning the Ukraine war.
Marbella tuna found dead days after being rescued from El Ancon beach
A HUGE tuna has been found dead off the coast of Marbella just days after a giant fish was rescued in the same waters – sparking fears it could be
Spain grants ageing nuclear plant three-year extension amid Middle East crisis
One of Spain’s biggest nuclear power plants will keep running until at least 2030, officials said, as the Middle East crisis fuels uncertainty in global energy markets.
Civilian Casualties in Ukraine in July Hit Highest Monthly Toll Since March 2022, UN Says
Civilian casualties in Ukraine in July reached their highest level since the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, as Russian forces intensified long-range missile and drone strikes on towns and cities far from the front line, the UN said in a report published Friday.
Lovable raises $400M, Duolingo acquires Animade, and Isembard is a politician’s “wet dream”
This week, we tracked more than 35 tech funding deals worth over €763 million and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.If email is more your thing,
Man City’s Rodri heads to Liverpool as transfer speculation hots up
MAN City star midfielder Rodri was spotted returning to the UK from Spain amid growing rumours of a multi-million-euro transfer to Barcelona.
In 2026, irregular arrivals fall, and there is no migrant crisis: Frontex exposes the EU countries’ false claims
Brussels – EU: there is no migrant crisis. Frontex, the European Union’s border and coastguard agency, reports a fall in irregular arrivals. The preliminary data released today (14 August) on trends for the first seven months of the year show a general decrease in landings and border crossings.
Yabloko Appeals Russian Supreme Court Ruling Barring It From State Duma Elections
The liberal Yabloko party filed an appeal with Russia’s Supreme Court on Friday, challenging a ruling to cancel the registration of the party’s federal slate of candidates for next month’s State Duma elections.
Spain wildfire surrounds San Juan de la Peña monasteries in Aragon
Spain’s wildfires forced army specialists to temporarily abandon their rescue of historic artefacts due to the intense heat at historic grounds.
Zabaikalsky Region Declares State of Emergency Following Summer Flooding
Governor Alexander Osipov said that the emergency declaration was needed in order to speed up financial aid to residents impacted by the flooding and repairs to damaged infrastructure.
Spain is warming on tourism sector - apart from in Andalucia
THE opinion of tourism in Spain has improved over the past year, according to a new report, but complaints over rising housing costs and overtourism continue to exist.
A €4,000 scam sparked a startup that stops phone fraud before your mobile even rings
For Rita Barbosa, the idea for her startup, Guardian Labs, began when a phone scam targeted her grandmother. She recounts: “The scammers told her that the water she was drinking wasn't safe.
Russia Dismisses Calls for Black Sea Ceasefire
Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Friday dismissed the idea of a ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, saying it saw no grounds for “half-measures” that would offer a respite to Ukrainian forces.
Drink spiking bracelets handed out at Malaga Feria in Spain
MALAGA will be giving out over 3,000 drug-detecting bracelets to people at the summer feria as part of a new scheme to reduce spiking incidents.
EU Q1 2026 greenhouse gas emissions up 0.3 per cent
Brussels – Greenhouse gas emissions from the European Union’s economy rose again in the first quarter of 2026, but at a slower pace than at the end of last year. According to figures published today by Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical office, between January and March, 837 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent were emitted, up 0.3 per cent from the 835 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2025. At the same time, the EU’s gross domestic product remained stable.
EU May asylum applications down by 22 per cent
Brussels –In May 2026, 42,525 third-country nationals filed an initial application for international protection in a Member State of the European Union. Asylum applications fell by 22 per cent from May 2025, when there were 54,765, and by 2 per cent from April 2026, when there were 43,360 applicants. Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union, released the data in its monthly update on asylum applications published today (14 August).
State Prosecutors Seek 12-Year Prison Sentence for Lev Shlosberg
State prosecutors in the northwestern city of Pskov have asked a judge to sentence veteran opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to 12 years and one month in prison for “discrediting” and spreading “fake news” about the Russian military, the liberal Yabloko party said Friday.
Uber ups robotaxi offensive in Europe, with partnership expansion
Uber is upping its robotaxi offensive across Europe, after signing an expanded partnership with a Chinese autonomous driving company. The US ride-hailing company and Pony.ai are deploying more than 2,000 of Pony.ai's self-driving taxis across four European cities, as the commercialisation of autonomous vehicles heightens.
Morocco militarises Ceuta border amid fears of new mass crossing
Rabat has deployed hundreds of police and military personnel around the border and begun installing barbed wire at sensitive points.
German child abuse fugitive arrested in Velez-Malaga
The 39-year-old was hiding out on the coast working maintenance jobs to evade a European Arrest Warrant for abusing a 13-year-old girl in Leipzig, Germany.
Spain spam calls must use 400 prefix from October
Numbers in the 400 range cannot receive incoming calls, so a missed spam cannot be returned. Operators must block marketing calls from anywhere else.
Moscow Court Jails Man 23 Years for Spying for Poland
A judge in Moscow has sentenced a Russian man to 23 years in prison after finding him guilty of treason for allegedly spying for Poland, Russia’s FSB security service said Friday.
Costa Blanca people-smugglers caught in high-speed boat chase
Police arrested five people who charged migrants up to €10k each for journeys from Algeria to Spain’s Murcia coast using high-end speedboats.
Fire Breaks Out at Ust-Luga Port After Ukrainian Drone Attack
A fire broke out Friday at Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, a major hub for oil exports, following a Ukrainian drone attack on Friday, regional authorities said.
The Kyiv Independent: Massive explosion rocks Italian ammunition plant that produces artillery for Ukraine
A large-scale blast hit an ammunition factory in the Italian town of Colleferro, near Rome, on Aug. 13, local authorities and regional media reported.
Tonnes of rubbish found in cave of Picos de Europa beauty spot
MOUNTAIN rescuers and volunteers have hauled around a tonne of decades-old rubbish from a remote chasm in Spain’s spectacular Picos de Europa.
BBC: Romania shuts only nuclear plant as heat causes huge drop in Danube River level
Romania has shut down its only nuclear power station because of extremely low water levels in the Danube river caused by prolonged hot weather affecting much of Europe.
Medea Benjamin, Nicolas J. S. Davies – Paper Tiger: the Failure of America’s Trillion Dollar War Machine
The failure of the US military despite trillions of dollars to defeat Iran Medea Benjamin is co-founder of Global Exchange and CODEPINK: Women for Peace Nicolas J. S. Davies is an independent journalist and a [...]
Aurelien – Worse Than Hate…Fear is the mind-killer
The influence of fear on the behaviour of states.
Michael Roberts – WAPE 2026: Adam Smith, imperialism and financialisation – and an award
A closer look at the work of the Adam Smith Michael Roberts is an Economist in the City of London and a prolific blogger.
Eyewitness says Nikoline ‘disoriented’ before hit-and-run death
A NORWEGIAN teenager who was killed in a mystery hit-and-run incident was ‘barely able to speak’ and appeared heavily under the influence, it can be revealed.
Fires, Floods and Foul Air: In Siberia’s Tyumen Region, Weather Disasters Turn Biblical
Tyumen, one of Siberia’s largest cities, made national headlines in July when flooding along the local Tura River began to resemble scenes of a biblical plague. Unusually heavy rain fell nearly every day in June and July, pushing the river to 8.96 meters (29.4 feet) by early August, just below the 9.15-meter record set in 1979. As the water rose, local residents complained of an unbearable stench coming from the river and reported seeing scores of dead fish washed ashore.
Moscow Universities See Record Admissions Competition Amid Wartime Quotas and Budget Cuts
High school graduates will face higher competition for tuition-free university spots in Moscow this academic year, state media reported Thursday, as paid seats are being eliminated while military quotas expand.
American eclipse-hunter recounts once-in-a-century event in Spain
An American photographer said she was left ‘mesmerised’ as she captured a total solar eclipse from Juliobriga in northern Spain.
Novosibirsk Activist Who Documented Farmer Protests Arrested on Terrorism Charges
Authorities in Siberia’s Novosibirsk region have arrested an activist who documented rare local farmer protests this year on charges of calling for terrorism online, her supporters said Thursday.
Eurostat: EU coal consumption at an all-time low: 9.2 per cent in 2025
Brussels – Coal is losing ground in the European energy mix. In 2025, bituminous coal and lignite together accounted for just 9.2 per cent of the European Union’s gross electricity generation, marking the lowest level ever recorded. The figure confirms a long-term trend in which coal’s share of EU electricity generation fell from over a third in 1990 to less than a tenth last year. This is demonstrated by Eurostat data, the Statistical Office of the European Union.
Orsk Refinery Shutters for 6 Months After Ukrainian Attack
A major Russian oil refinery in the city of Orsk near the border with Kazakhstan has shut down for up to half a year following a Ukrainian drone attack earlier this week, authorities said Thursday.
New Monzo CEO “huge advocate” of Monzo’s business bank
The new CEO of Monzo is a “huge advocate” of Monzo’s business bank, according to its general manager, who hailed hitting one million business customers as “really big”.
IA, EPC: “The EU is closing the gap with the US and China with more compute capacity”
Brussels – Europe is attempting to bridge the gap with the United States and China in the global race for computing power—the computational power required to train, run and develop artificial intelligence models.
Iberian Orca pictured ‘shot’ in the dorsal fin in Gibraltar Strait
An Iberian orca matriarch was pictured with mysterious wounds that resemble shotgun pellets near the Strait of Gibraltar.
A liberal party is barred in Russia for implicitly opposing the war
Russia’s authorities are increasingly fearful of the slightest sign of dissent
Might Moldova merge with Romania?
Its leaders are starting to mention an alternative route to joining the EU
Europe’s dry rivers are exposing mammoths and Nazi warships
Record heat and drought are crippling
Europe must do more to guard its airports from Russian drones
The Leipzig attack shows the danger of Russian-style hybrid warfare
Europe’s true architects of integration
The nominees for the Charlemagne column prize are
Spain to get second total eclipse in 2027 over Costa del Sol
SOUTHERN Spain will host Europe’s only total solar eclipse next year when the moon’s shadow will plunge the region’s summer morning into darkness.
Heatwaves, EU: “Energy supplies are stable; there is no cause for concern”
Brussels – “There is no cause for concern; energy supplies are stable“. The European Commission, through its spokesperson Eva Hrncirova, has sought to allay fears of a blackout caused by the shutdown of nuclear and power stations due to extreme summer weather.
Russian Military Officer Killed in Annexed Crimea Bomb Explosion
A senior Russian military officer was killed in a targeted bombing in annexed Crimea, Kremlin-installed officials and the Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday.
Costa del Sol dominates Spain’s ultra-luxury property market
MALAGA has claimed over a third of all ultra-luxury homes for sale across Spain, comfortably beating both Madrid and the Balearics in the three-million-euro market.
Barcelona to install 100 CCTV cameras to deter crime
Barcelona authorities hope that the new CCTV cameras will deter crime in several areas across the city, as part of new safety measures.
NEURA Robotics acquires Bosch Rexroth’s ACTIVE Shuttle to expand Physical AI ecosystem
The German robotics company will integrate the autonomous transport system into its shared AI infrastructure for mobile, industrial, and humanoid robots.
Search underway for vulnerable Belgian who vanished in Alicante
Juanito Rafael Maria Lopez, 40, went missing this week while en route back to his native Belgium. His family said they were ‘very worried.’
Duolingo snaps up UK animation studio Animade
The acquisition brings Animade’s motion design and interactive expertise in-house to support product innovation and growth.
EU row over wind power. Sovereigntists: turbines release microplastics; Commission: levels far lower than other sources
Brussels – Wind turbines release microplastics into the atmosphere, making them less sustainable than claimed. True, but not nearly as unsustainable as the traditional fossil-fuel-based economy. There is a clash over the green economy between the European Commission and the Eurosceptic sovereigntists in the European Parliament. Quoting a scientific study, the Austrian MEP Gerald Hauser (FPO/PfE) denounces that “one wind turbine can shed up to 62 kg of microplastics annually, with harmful effects on the air, water bodies, soil and oceans.”
Brit tourist dies after Benidorm parasailingcrash
Authorities are investigating the parasailing crash in Benidorm, as a second person was rushed to hospital in Alicante.
Klarna and Zilch launch new paid membership packages
Swedish fintech giant Klarna and UK payment fintech Zilch have today launched new membership packages, as they look to take on incumbent credit card firms and lock in customers with perks. Klarna has revamped its paid membership offerings, saying it was bringing “US-style credit card benefits to Europe".
Moscow Court Upholds Visiting Businessman’s Treason Arrest Over Ukrainian Tax Payments, Mediazona Reports
A Moscow judge has upheld the pre-trial detention of a 60-year-old businessman accused of state treason for paying taxes in Ukraine, the exiled outlet Mediazona reported Wednesday.
Germany’s top-funded tech companies in H1 2026
Germany ranked as Europe’s second-largest tech funding market in H1 2026, with investment led by robotics, fintech and security, while early-stage activity remained broad across the technology ecosystem.
LONDON CALLING: Expat students headed to UK universities after top A-level results
International students in Spain are celebrating top A-level results, with one pair in the Costa del Sol acheiving top grades.
Why International Buyers Turn to Rhead Estates in Sotogrande
By Natalie Rhead Having lived on the Costa del Sol since 1985 and worked in luxury real estate for over a decade,
Eurozone: cash still the top payment method
Brussels – In the euro area, cash remains the most widely accepted payment method, according to the European Central Bank’s survey on Use of coins and banknotes. In 2026, 92 per cent of retail outlets, cafés, restaurants, hotels, cinemas and museums reported receiving and accepting cash payments. This figure marks a slight increase compared with 2024 (90 per cent).
Estepona: The Costa del Sol Town That Grew Without Losing Its Soul
Estepona has modernised without losing the character of a traditional Andalusian town, strengthening its appeal both as a place to live and to invest. Discover the latest developments shaping Estepona,
Putin Makes First Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands Amid Protests From Japan
President Vladimir Putin visited Russia’s far-eastern Kuril Islands for the first time on Thursday, prompting protests by Japan, which also claims the territory.
What to do if you encounter wild boards on the Costa del Sol
The Olive Press spoke to medical professionals and researchers about what steps to take if you tangle with disease-carrying wild boards.
British tourist is saved after suffering heart attack on Costa del Sol
The 61-year-old British tourist’s life was saved by the quick thinking of his wife and the property owner who performed crucial CPR before paramedics arrived.
Spain to raise diesel tax cut at filling stations due to rising prices
Iraq conflict increased diesel prices by 15.7% in July with Spanish government increasing VAT cut to 20 cents per litre from September
ECB: early EU talks on the post‑Lagarde era, with power balances and negotiations tougher than ever
The president of the Central Bank has been cryptic about her future and the possibility of her term ending early, sparking the usual speculation about potential successors.
Europol: expanded powers lead to greater risks to privacy
Brussels – The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has published an opinion on the Proposal to reform the Regulation governing Europol, the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation. The text would substantially expand the Agency’s remit and data-processing capabilities, allowing it to process data relating to individuals with no established links to criminal investigations or proceedings, for an extended and unspecified period.
Ukrainian Drones Attack Wildberries Hub and Oil Refinery in Bashkortostan
Ukrainian drones targeted a logistics hub owned by Wildberries and caused a fire at one of Russia’s largest oil refineries in the republic of Bashkortostan Thursday, according to regional officials and exiled news outlets.
ATLAS Network: Italy to take a leading role among Europe’s elite counter‑terrorism units
Brussels – In 2025, the ATLAS network — which brings together the 38 special intervention units (SIUs) from EU Member States and associated countries (the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland), comprising around 4,000 personnel — has organised 50 activities in 33 countries, involving 1,500 operators.
Europe is entering a new hardware age: ‘Made in EU’ starts long before the factory floor
As the EU pushes for more European-made technologies, CAD ROOMS CEO Christina Rebel says sovereignty must also encompass the tools, data infrastructure, skills, and supply chains behind them.
Spain on fresh alert for extreme weather this Thursday
Forecasters issue yellow and orange warnings for high temperatures, storms, and heavy rain across large parts of Spain.
Millow raises €2M to expand mycelium protein across Nordic foodservice
Swedish foodtech company Millow has raised €2 million in funding to expand production capacity and strengthen its commercial operations as it targets the Nordic foodservice market. The round was led by serial entrepreneur and angel investor Magnus Emilson, with participation from Jan Enhager, co-founder of Vitamin Well, the group behind NOCCO and Barebells, who will also join Millow as a strategic adviser to CEO Fredrik Öhrn.
Metal Morph raises £700K to recover industrial resources from wastewater
UK-based water technology startup Metal Morph has raised £700,000 in pre-seed funding to advance its technology for recovering industrial resources from water and wastewater treatment processes. The round was co-led by Sustainable Ventures and Green Angel Ventures, with participation from Aqcelerator and Found Capital.
Spanish skateboarder times stunt with total solar eclipse
Viral footage captured the epic moment a Spanish skateboarder timed a mid-air stunt with a total solar eclipse on Wednesday.
Millions watch total eclipse in Spain
Spain was one of the best countries in mainland Europe to see the event with hotel bookings up with Mallorca attracting many visitors
Ann Pettifor: On Converging and Systemic Crises… and Operation Economic Fury
What is happening to the US dollar? Why has the Federal Reserve set up a ‘pawnshop’ on its estate? Why do Japan’s low rates of interest threaten the US? Why are Europeans angered by US Treasury Secretary Bessant’s not-so-stealthy hedge-fund-style moves? And what has that all got to do with the AI bubble and Silicon Valley’s vast mountains of debt?
Jonathan Cook – A dying West is eating its children. Yet we still can’t imagine life without capitalism
Our unwillingness to think about how to change our reality may simply be the noise of capitalism speaking through us.
Chris Hedges – Gaza’s Board of Pieces
Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza is a mirage, a conjuring trick in which peace is unilaterally declared as Israel seizes more Palestinian land and brings the genocide to its grim conclusion.
Branko Milanović – The strange case of China’s urban consumption
Why are the rich not consuming? Branko Milanović is an economist specialised in development and inequality.
John Bellamy Foster, Lynn Fries – Why “Albert Einstein’s ‘Why Socialism?’”?
John Bellamy Foster reflects on the enduring relevance of Einstein’s “Why Socialism?” in this fourth segment of our series on ecology and materialism.
Middle East Eye: Libya reels from assassination, oil strikes and central bank turmoil
The violence has shaken claims of stability and placed further pressure on Libya’s divided authorities
Eurostat on universities: 4.5 million new graduates
Brussels – In 2024, the European Union recorded 4.5 million new graduates, with women clearly outnumbering men at university: 2.6 million were women. This gap has widened over the years: in 2022, there were around 2.5 million female graduates, compared with 1.8 million men. However, the greater presence of women in higher education has not eliminated imbalances across different fields of study.
The Mediterranean is becoming increasingly dangerous for migrants
According to the report by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the most dramatic figure relates to the Central Mediterranean route: between January and April 2026, arrivals fell by 46 per cent,
Tyumen Region Imposes Mass Pig Culls Over Mystery Outbreak
Authorities in western Siberia’s Tyumen region have begun forcibly seizing and culling domestic pigs across several rural villages following an outbreak of an undisclosed disease, the local outlet 72.ru reported Wednesday.
Fuengirola train passenger wins €20,700 after incident on escalator
The woman was struck by a falling suitcase after an escalator suddenly stopped at Fuengirola rail station ten years ago.
Son of Former Senior Official Reportedly Arrested in Moscow Murder Investigation
The son of a former Russian government official has been arrested on murder charges in Moscow after allegedly stabbing an acquaintance to death inside an apartment, law enforcement sources told the media Wednesday.
ECB experts: “Reforms are needed to boost investment, starting with the labour market”
Brussels – Reforms, reforms, reforms. Time and again, the European Union in its various forms—the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the Eurogroup—has called on national governments to adopt a decisive policy agenda in the name of competitiveness and resilience to external pressures. The call for structural reforms stems from the crises the eurozone experienced in the early 2000s, and since then this call has never ceased, as Italy, which continues to be under pressure, is well aware.
Frederiksen: “If the influx resumes, we’ll close the borders”
Brussels – The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, is not backing down one iota on the issue of migration. Indeed, just today (12 August), speaking in the Danish Parliament, she reaffirmed her determination to maintain control over the management of migration flows. Speaking before the Folketing, which had convened in an extraordinary session to discuss the crisis in Ceuta, she reiterated that “a strict migration policy is essential for Denmark and for Europe,” describing the images coming from the Spanish enclave as “disturbing.”
Andalucia population hits record 8.78 million after foreign surge
ANDALUCIA is closing in on a population of nine million after a record-breaking influx of people born abroad sent its population soaring.
St. Petersburg Philosophy Professor Detained Over $40 ‘Extremist’ Navalny Donations
“I personally supported Alexei Navalny,” Zaytsev told the officers on camera.
Russian Combat Drone Forum Postponed Over Fears of Ukrainian Attack
Organizers of a major forum for Russian military drone operators have postponed this year’s event, citing intelligence that Ukraine was preparing an attack involving ballistic missiles and what they described as “terrorist bio-drones.” The annual Dronnitsa meeting, scheduled for Aug. 29-30 in the city of Veliky Novgorod northwest of Moscow, brings together combat drone operators, technical specialists and volunteers involved in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
American tourist drowned in Malaga rental pool, says autopsy
AN AUTOPSY has confirmed that an American tourist died from drowning this week in a Malaga holiday rental home swimming pool.
NASA and BBC take over Spanish ghost towns to watch eclipse
NASA and BBC crews have rented out properties in ghost towns near Burgos, northern Spain, to broadcast Wednesday's eclipse.
Ad Spending on Wildberries Nosedives After Ukrainian Drone Attacks, Kommersant Reports
Advertisers are slashing their ad budgets on Wildberries after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on the company’s warehouses, the Kommersant business newspaper reported Wednesday, citing sources at major ad agencies.
Air transport, Tzitzikostas: “Stocks of some fuels are tight”
Brussels – As regards the aviation sector, “at present, there is no immediate threat to the security of supply,
Spain holidaymakers warned over hotel booking scam
Going to Spain? Watch out for this very convincing hotel booking scam Fraudsters are targeting holidaymakers with messages that know where you are staying,
Four arrested as cops bust illegal adoption scam in Spain
Police detained two couples over the illegal surrogacy cheme as a Murcia family tried to circumvent Spain’s tough adoption laws.
Ceuta Is Europe’s Berlin Wall Moment — Run in Reverse
Like Berlin in 1989, Ceuta was an accident of history — but Europe's response may entrench its walls.
Costa Blanca airport had bumper July led by UK passengers
Alicante-Elche airport had 11.1% rise in passenger numbers during July to reach 2.3 million with 2025 annual record of 20 million travellers set to be smashed.
End-of-life vehicles: New regulations come into force on 13 August
Brussels – Every year in Europe, between 10 and 12 million vehicles reach the end of their useful life and are treated as waste. In addition to the loss of “millions of tonnes” of raw materials, if they are not managed properly, they can cause serious environmental problems. Tomorrow (13 August), new rules on the design, production, collection and treatment of end‑of‑life vehicles will enter into force to strengthen the circularity of the automotive sector and support Europe’s strategic autonomy.
MSCA-backed QuBriC brings Alice & Bob into Europe’s quantum error correction push
Today sees the expansion of QuBriC, Europe's first Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network dedicated to quantum error correction (QEC), with the addition of fault-tolerant quantum computing scaleup Alice & Bob.
Extreme heat is becoming a problem for agriculture as summer and winter yields come under threat
Warnings are being issued at both the international and European levels: the FAO and the JRC highlight how the climate has added to the uncertainties facing a sector already under strain due to international geopolitical tensions
Lovable’s valuation doubles to $13.3BN as raises new funds
Swedish vibe-coding startup Lovable has raised $400m in new funding, at a $13.3bn valuation, more than double its valuation at its last funding round, in a round which was co-led by Europe’s new €5bn investment fund. Lovable, one of Europe’s most prominent startups, has raised a Series C round which was co-led by Silicon Valley investor Menlo Ventures and the Scaleup Europe Fund, managed by EQT.
Orenburg Region Imposes Fuel Rationing After Ukrainian Refinery Attack
Russia’s Orenburg region near the border with Kazakhstan has introduced fuel rationing and an odd-even license plate system at gas stations, following a Ukrainian drone attack on a local oil refinery. “I’ll be honest, our region is facing a difficult fuel situation.
Three Spanish beaches named among Europe’s most valuable
Research by property portal CV Villas valued Playa de Bolonia, in Tarifa, at an eye-watering €365 million - the third in Europe and sixth in the world.
Five EU countries are considering building a repatriation centre in Uganda
Brussels – Rwanda and Albania weren’t enough. Now it is Uganda’s turn. According to reports from the Greek daily eKathīmerinī, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece are finalising a plan to build a repatriation centre in Uganda, aiming to send irregular migrants outside the EU’s borders.
British tourist arrested for slapping Magaluf officer
The group had approached police shouting abuse before the tourist tried to flee — he was caught after a chase but released by a judge in Palma.
Putin Threatens Retaliation if Europe Seizes Russian Ships
President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would retaliate in kind if European countries carried out plans to seize Russian commercial vessels, describing the proposed measures as “piracy and robbery.” “We see the authorities of certain countries attempting, in violation of international maritime law, to restrict the movement of vessels operated by our businesses,” Putin said during a meeting with Pacific Fleet personnel aboard the missile cruiser Varyag on Wednesday.
Russia Forced to Import Gasoline From India Amid Domestic Shortages
Russia last week received its first shipment of gasoline from India to offset domestic fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil refineries, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing ship tracking data.
Olive Press Podcast: The Rest is Spain is out now
The team discusses the Ceuta migrant crisis, a dodgy British fixer on the Costa Blanca, and the mystery hit-and-run death of Norwegian teen Nikoline.
Rock legend Brian May heads to Spain to chase total eclipse
The veteran musician shared his excitement over the upcoming solar eclipse and warned fans to take care and use proper eye protection.
Costa del Sol narco bought property with Rotterdam drug profits
A SUSPECTED high-level drug trafficker has been arrested in Estepona on allegations he laundered of millions of euros in drug profits into property on the Costa del Sol.
Operation Matryoshka: Russia influences German elections
This is a sophisticated hybrid warfare and disinformation campaign that takes its name from the famous Russian dolls because it layers propaganda across multiple levels: from mimicking Western media to spreading fake news to influence the European political processes