Stories from Spain

Spain has implemented a sexual criminal law reform that redefines sexual consent. Under the rules active since 2022, only consensual sexual acts are exempt from prosecution. Any sexual act, including kissing, performed without explicit consent is classified as sexual aggression. The reform aims to establish clear standards for sexual autonomy. Since 2022, Spain has applied a 'only yes means yes' rule regarding sexual consent. Under the 2022 reform, the distinction between sexual coercion and sexual aggression was removed, which led to reduced minimum sentences for certain offenders. A subsequent reform passed by Parliament in April 2023 introduced higher penalties for offenders who use violence or intimidation against victims. The source noted that similar consent laws have existed in Sweden since 2018 to prevent such occurrences.

Madrid Metro will allow passengers to pay using bank cards at smart turnstiles starting in June. The update follows recent discussions regarding suburban transit improvements. No specific technical requirements for the hardware were detailed. The system will be available in the lobbies of more than 300 stations. This payment method has been in use on intercity buses since July 1 of last year. The rollout aims to eliminate the need for passengers to purchase physical tickets or passes. This change coincides with the upcoming visit of the Pope to Madrid. Additionally, the price of the transport pass will not increase for the remainder of the year. Transport Counselor Jorge Rodrigo announced the measure, which has been proposed for over two years. The system is already implemented in EMT bus services. The system is intended to streamline and facilitate access for travelers.

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.