Stories from Barcelona · Spain

A second flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza has sailed from Barcelona. Israeli warships reportedly attacked the flotilla west of Crete using drones and lasers. The flotilla consists of 58 boats that set sail from Spain.

Spanish banking group CaixaBank reported profits of 1.5 billion euros for the first three months of the year. This represents a 7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Commissions grew by 1.5 percent to reach 85.5 million euros. The results were presented to the markets this morning. CaixaBank reported profits exceeding 1.5 billion euros according to an administrative report released this morning. The bank released these data points in a statement this morning. CaixaBank is the owner of PPI in Portugal.

The independentist union U.S.T. is continuing strikes in Catalonia despite agreements reached between the government and the Comisiones Obreras and UGT unions. The strikes are occurring alongside discussions regarding an increase in social educator staff.

The Levant Movement has labeled Israeli actions against a maritime flotilla in the Mediterranean as an act of piracy and a violation of international law. The flotilla consists of 70 vessels carrying humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip.

The Parliament of Catalonia has sent a proposal to the Spanish Congress for the reform of the Uttan law. The move follows political discussions regarding regional legislative priorities. The source did not provide specific details on the content of the law reform.

Rosalia, hailing from Barcelona, has been named Writer of the Year. The BBC Radio 4 report noted the award recognizes her multiple contributions. Spanish pop star Rosalia will receive an award at next month's Ivor Novellos. Musician Rosalia is set to receive a major songwriting award at the Ivan Novello awards next month. The singer is a former Flamenco student from Barcelona. The Barcelona-born artist, a former Flamenco student, is being recognized for her music which organizers say is redefining the art of songwriting. Her fourth album, Lux, recently earned her the Brit Award for Best International Artist. Other nominees for the upcoming ceremony include Olivia Dean, Seamat, and Lily Allen.

The 33-year-old singer Rosalia will be named an International Songwriting Award recipient. The Barcelona-born artist is a former Flamenco student whose fourth album, Lux, combines classical music with pop. Organizers stated the award recognizes her multilingual album Lux. The award also acknowledges her role in redefining the art of songwriting. Rosalia is a former Flamenco student from Barcelona. Her fourth album, Lux, combines classical music with pop and earned her the Brit Award for Best International Artist last month. Singer Rosalia is set to receive a major songwriting award at the Ivan Novello awards next month.

Catalonia currently holds over 200,000 patients on medical waiting lists, the highest figure in Spain. One in three patients in the region waits longer than six months for treatment. These figures were discussed in relation to regional variations in surgical waiting lists.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has departed Barcelona, Spain, en route to Gaza. Tiago Avila, a 39-year-old Brazilian internationalist and ecologist, is serving as a coordinator for the Nuestra America convoy. The mission is part of the broader flotilla movement.

The Port of Barcelona launched its Fifth Strategic Plan covering the period from 2026 to 2030. The plan marks the beginning of a new long-term operational phase for the maritime hub.