Stories from Spain

Banks in Spain significantly tightened criteria for accessing credit during the first quarter of 2026. A study by the Bank of Spain confirmed these more complicated lending conditions. The findings were released in the quarterly bank lending survey. The report indicates that the start of 2026 has brought increased complications for credit access. The number of loans requested during the first three months of 2026 has decreased across all sectors. Interest rates and terms remain largely unchanged, though mortgage costs have increased slightly. The decline in loan volume is noted as a trend for the current year. Banks in the Eurozone are tightening lending requirements due to risks associated with the Iran-related conflict. The European Central Bank reports that rising energy prices are making financial institutions less willing to take risks.

Spain's active population has reached a milestone, surpassing 25 million people according to EPA data. The country has a total population of nearly 50 million. Employment rates have also reached a new historical high following an increase of 5.32 percent.

Spain's unemployment rate has risen to nearly 11 percent. The current labor market situation was described as. This represents the worst first quarter recorded in the last 13 years. Despite these figures, the organization Caritas reported that nearly 15,000 vulnerable people found employment in 2025. According to the report, approximately one in four people supported by Caritas successfully secure jobs through their professional orientation programs. The country saw a reduction of 230,000 unemployed individuals in the last three months. The report also noted economic conditions in Germany regarding energy production and coal usage. Spain's unemployment figure has fallen to 2.4 million people, marking the lowest level in 18 years. The country has added more than half a million jobs over the last year, bringing the total number of workers to over 22 million.

Unemployment in Catalonia rose by 84,400 people during the first quarter of 2026, pushing the rate above 10 percent. Spain overall saw a loss of 170,300 jobs in the same period.

Chinese automaker FAW Hongqi is in discussions with Stellantis to utilize a Spanish manufacturing plant. The move is intended to accelerate the brand's expansion within the European market.

Amazon is requiring sellers to provide original copyright holder documentation or a security deposit to obtain verification badges. The security deposit is set at 3% of the seller's brand turnover on Amazon over the last year. If a product is found to be counterfeit, Amazon will remove it from sale and retain the security deposit. These measures follow recent antitrust claims regarding the use of verification badges. Anton Lesnikov of the Amazon press service was contacted for comment regarding seller issues with badge acquisition. Sellers report that marketplaces are increasingly adopting strict tools to manage legal risks, including lawsuits and documentation issues related to counterfeiting. Business representatives noted that the prevalence of Chinese counterfeit products makes it easier for platforms to use automated tools rather than investigating individual cases.

Tennis player Bia Haddad won her debut match at the clay court tournament in La Bisbal d'Empordà, Spain. The world number 69 defeated Spanish player Andrea La-Saru Garcia with a score of 6-3, 7-6. Haddad will face American Ashlyn Krueger in the round of 16 on Wednesday. This victory allows the Brazilian athlete to advance to the round of 16.

The retailer El Corte Inglés is reviewing its strategic investment plan to accelerate growth.

Guardia Civil agents stated that a businessman paid a salary to a former minister and advisor to form a criminal organization. The report follows recent disclosures regarding political implications involving the PSOE and Bildu. Files were reportedly sent to suggest attacks against Judge Peinado in Congress.

A fire involving several vehicles occurred early Tuesday morning outside a car dealership in Leganes. The dealership is located on a street within the city's automotive district. No casualty figures or specific causes for the fire were provided.