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News

News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain.

health

Spain Considers Nationwide Vaccination to Combat Avian Flu and Other Health Threats

In a significant move to enhance public health, Spain is contemplating a comprehensive vaccination strategy, not only to address the rising concerns of avian flu but also to bolster its defenses against other potential health threats.

Avian Flu Vaccination Plans

Following the recent announcement that Spain will participate in the next European joint purchase of vaccines against the H5N1 avian flu virus, health officials are gearing up for a potential large-scale vaccination campaign. This decision comes after the country opted out of the initial European community purchase announced in June 2024. The Spanish Ministry of Health has initiated conversations with pharmaceutical companies to ensure readiness for any additional vaccine acquisitions if necessary.

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housing

Spain Cracks Down on Holiday Rentals and Tackles Housing Shortages

In a significant move to address the escalating housing crisis and soaring rents, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a series of stringent measures targeting the holiday rental market. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure affordable housing and combat fraud in the rental sector.

Tax Increases on Holiday Rentals

Speaking at an economic forum on the future of affordable housing in Madrid on January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Sánchez outlined plans to raise taxes on holiday rentals. The proposal aims to align the tax rates of these rentals with those of businesses, such as hotels, which currently pay a reduced 10% value-added tax (VAT). Sánchez emphasized that it is unfair for individuals with multiple short-term rental properties to pay less tax than hotels or workers.

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housing

Spain Introduces Sweeping Changes to Tackle Housing Crisis and Overtourism

In a bid to address the escalating housing crisis and the impacts of overtourism, the Spanish government has announced a series of stringent measures targeting the short-term rental market, particularly platforms like Airbnb.

Tax Hikes on Holiday Rentals

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has unveiled plans to increase taxes on holiday rentals, aiming to align them with business tax rates. This move is part of a broader strategy to combat the housing shortages and soaring rents that have become pervasive across the country. Sanchez emphasized that it is unfair for short-term rental owners to pay less tax than hotels or workers, highlighting the need for a more equitable tax system[1].

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education

Spanish Language Requirement in Catalan Schools Under Scrutiny

In a significant development that could impact the educational landscape in Catalonia, a proposal has been put forward to eliminate the mandatory Spanish language selection in Catalan schools. This move, if approved, would mark a substantial shift in the region's educational policies and has sparked both support and controversy.

Background and Context

The proposal, registered by the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), a major Catalan nationalist party, aims to give schools more autonomy in deciding their language policies. Currently, Catalan schools are required to offer both Catalan and Spanish as part of their curriculum, with a significant emphasis on Catalan as the primary language of instruction.

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health

Spanish Public Healthcare: Updates and Considerations for Expats

In a significant development for expats and residents in Spain, the Spanish public healthcare system, particularly through the Mutualidad de Funcionarios Civiles del Estado (MUFACE), has extended the deadline for receiving bids from insurance providers. This move comes at a crucial time, especially as one of the major insurance companies, Adeslas, is reconsidering its decision to withdraw from the public healthcare system.

Extended Deadline for Insurance Bids

MUFACE, the healthcare mutual society for Spanish civil servants, has decided to extend the period for receiving offers from insurance companies. This extension is aimed at ensuring a more competitive and comprehensive selection process, which will ultimately benefit the users of the public healthcare system. The original deadline has been pushed back to allow more time for insurance providers to prepare and submit their bids, promising a more robust and diverse range of healthcare options.

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weather

Storm Herminia to Bring Severe Weather to Spain This Weekend

This weekend, Spain is bracing for the impact of Storm Herminia, a powerful maritime storm that is expected to bring widespread rainfall and strong winds across much of the country.

Widespread Impact

Starting on Sunday, January 26, the majority of the Spanish Peninsula and the Balearic Islands will face winds reaching hurricane speeds. Storm Herminia, the eighth storm of the season, is not directly targeting Spain but its proximity will still cause significant weather disruptions. According to Rubén del Campo, a spokesperson for Aemet (The State Meteorological Agency), the storm will result in geographically spread rains and 'hurricane gusts' in various regions[1].

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