Stories from Spain

Spain is set to implement mandatory electronic invoicing starting October 1, 2027. This regulatory shift aims to modernize business management and digitalize the national economy. The move will impact all businesses operating within the country, requiring updates to software and accounting processes. New regulations in Spain require the modernization of elevators, which may cost up to 40,000 euros in certain communities. The regulations, approved by Royal Decree in 2024, entered into force on July 1, 2024. Periodic inspections are now required, and failure to comply may result in sanctions. Spain currently has approximately 1.2 million elevators installed, averaging 24 elevators per 1,000 inhabitants.

Spanish club El Real Club Priego has advanced to the brink of a European final following a dominant victory in France. The team's authoritative performance has secured their position in the upcoming championship rounds. This marks a significant milestone for the club's international standing. Forrest secured a 1-0 win in the first leg of their competition. A New Zealand striker scored his fifth goal of an injury-impacted season. The team is currently on a nine-match winning run in all competitions. They hold a five-point lead over the Premier League relegation zone. The victory places the club near a Europa Showpiece final.

A local councilwoman, Almeida, and two high-ranking municipal officials have been formally accused of workplace harassment within the Chamartín Board. The allegations involve misconduct in the Madrid local government. This development follows formal complaints filed against the officials. The PSOE of Madrid has denounced the Assembly's harassment protocol, alleging it has not been correctly applied for ten years. The party is calling for accountability regarding institutional handling of such cases. The cases involve the same defendants, identified as Carlos Mour, Francisco Javier Martínez, and Pablo Busca. The investigation focuses on the consequences of these specific government protocols. Lawyer Eduardo Ranz, representing the families, stated the cases involve identical claims of health discrimination within the same territory and timeframe.

The Catalan government is deploying plainclothes 'Mossos d'Esquadra' officers to conflict-prone educational institutions. These agents are the same personnel who previously responded to classroom incidents. The deployment aims to prevent potential conflicts rather than responding to an active emergency. The President of the Generalitat has launched a pilot plan intended for 14 centers in Catalonia. Some educational institutions have already expressed opposition to the initiative. At least four of the 14 selected centers have reportedly refused to participate in the program. The specific nature of the plan was not detailed in the broadcast. Regional Education Minister Esther Newbo stated the model shifts from reactive policing to a prevention-based approach. The plan involves incorporating coexistence agents directly into educational establishments to mitigate potential disputes.

The rail startup Velvet has announced plans to launch its first TGV-style high-speed train service starting in 2028. The service is expected to connect major French cities including Paris, Bordeaux, Rennes, and Nantes, positioning itself as a competitor to the state-owned SNCF. This move signals a significant shift in the French rail market landscape. A 29-page report details a critical minute during a train accident involving a vehicle traveling at 216 kilometers per hour. At 19:43:06, the vehicle was moving at high speed before a derailment occurred 27 seconds later. The train subsequently slowed to zero kilometers per hour and invaded the opposing track, resulting in a collision. An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly being considered for a position at Real Madrid as internal discussions continue. The move follows his departure from the Premier League and marks a potential major shift in European football leadership. No official confirmation has been released by either club. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is considering Portuguese coach José Mota for the head coaching position, according to reports from The Athletic. Mota currently leads Benfica in Lisbon.

American tennis player Coco Gauff defeated Sorana Cirstea in a match involving a medical timeout. Cirstea led the first set 6-4 but lost the match after Gauff won the deciding set 7-5. Gauff requested medical intervention for digestive issues during the second set. The match concluded with a final score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Arthur Fils, the number 21 seed, won his quarter-final match at the Mutua Madrid Open. The victory avenged his previous 6-2, 6-2 loss to Lehečka.

Labor unions in Spain have called for a national strike on May 7 targeting early childhood education services for children aged 0 to 3. The strike aims to secure reduced shifts, early retirement options, and a 35-hour work week. Negotiating efforts with the Ministry of Health have reportedly failed, leading to mutual accusations of manipulation. Approximately 200,000 doctors in Spain have been called to strike following failed negotiations with the Ministry of Health. The medical professionals are protesting the draft of the Framework Statute, demanding changes to working hours and a flexible retirement system for those aged 60 to 70. Minimum services have been set at 100% for emergency departments and between 50% and 75% for primary care, depending on the autonomous community. Essential treatments such as dialysis and oncology are expected to maintain minimum service levels.