International-Affairs

International-Affairs

Latest International-Affairs news and updates about Spain

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international-affairs

Lebanese Investors Eye Rural Spanish Village in Latest Investment Venture

In a notable trend of international investment, a group of Lebanese investors has set its sights on acquiring a rural village in Spain, highlighting the growing interest of non-EU nationals in European real estate and residency programs.

The Village in Question

The village, located in a picturesque region of Spain, has garnered significant attention from these investors due to its potential for redevelopment and the allure of Spanish residency. While the exact name of the village has not been disclosed, it is understood to be a small, charming settlement that offers a unique opportunity for restoration and investment.

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international-affairs

Pro-Chinese Operation Exploits Public Unrest Over Spain's 'Gota Fría' to Destabilize Authorities

In a startling revelation, an analysis by the American social network analysis agency Graphika has uncovered a sophisticated online operation aimed at exploiting public discontent in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region, to destabilize local and national authorities. This campaign is linked to a pro-Chinese group known as Spamouage, which has been active since 2017 and has previously influenced events in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.

The 'Gota Fría' Crisis

The 'Gota Fría' (Cold Drop) is a severe weather phenomenon that caused significant damage and loss of life in the Valencia region. The crisis began around December 9, 2023, and continued into January 2024. During this period, fake social media accounts on platforms such as BlueSky, Facebook, Gettr, TikTok, X, and YouTube disseminated critical content against the Spanish and Valencian governments. These accounts masqueraded as part of a campaign by the human rights organization Safeguard Defenders, which had previously exposed a network of clandestine Chinese police stations worldwide, including several in Spain.

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international-affairs

Western Balkans Face Demographic Crisis: Emigration, Ageing, and the New Era of Immigration

The Western Balkans, a region that includes countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and others, is grappling with a severe demographic crisis that threatens the very fabric of its societies. This crisis is characterized by rapid population ageing, high levels of emigration, and chronic labour shortages, but there are signs that the region is on the cusp of a significant demographic shift.

Population Decline and Ageing

The population of almost every country in the Western Balkans is shrinking at an alarming rate. Croatia, for example, has seen its population drop by 9.64% in just a decade, from 4.28 million in 2011 to 3.87 million in 2021. This decline is largely attributed to emigration and low birth rates. The country is also experiencing a rapid ageing of its population; in 1991, only 12% of the population was aged 65 or over, but by 2021, this figure had risen to 22.45%[1].

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international-affairs

Spain Reaffirms Strong Support for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a robust display of solidarity, Spain has once again reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine, as the country continues to face the brunt of Russia's aggressive actions. This commitment was underscored by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who has been a vocal advocate for Ukraine's cause.

Condemning Trump's Remarks

Robles' latest statements come on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial remarks about Ukraine. On February 19, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting that he had done a "terrible job" and that Ukraine was left "destroyed" with "millions of people" killed. Trump also implied that Ukraine needed to hold elections to earn a place at the negotiating table and questioned the accountability of funds provided by Washington.

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international-affairs

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Reaffirms Support for Ukraine During Emotional Meeting with Zelensky

In a poignant display of solidarity, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on February 24, 2025, marking a significant moment of support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.

A Symbolic Visit

The meeting took place during an international summit in Kyiv, which commemorated the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This visit was particularly meaningful, coming on the heels of a heated exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Zelensky, which had sparked widespread concern among European leaders.

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international-affairs

COVID-19 Origins and the Role of Chinese Laboratories: A Global Debate

As the world marks five years since the emergence of COVID-19, the debate over the origins of the virus and the role of Chinese laboratories continues to be a contentious issue. For expats in Spain, understanding this complex narrative is crucial, especially given the significant impact of the pandemic on Spanish-Chinese relations and global health policies.

The Early Days of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold in late December 2019, with reports of atypical pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Doctors like Li Wenliang, who warned his contacts about the danger of this unknown disease, were initially silenced by Chinese authorities. Li Wenliang's subsequent death from the virus made him a symbol of the lack of transparency that characterized the early response to the pandemic[4].

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