Spain

Spanish authorities have called for people to avoid forest fires in Castellón and Teruel, near Valencia. So-called "fire tourists" can put themselves at risk and disrupt efforts to control wildfires. "We ask again, especially tourists, not to approach the perimeter." In Castellón and Teruel, near Valencia, Spain, wildfires have burned large parts of the region to ashes. Since Saturday, 700 firefighters have been trying to contain the fire. In addition, firefighting planes and helicopters were deployed. It is the first major forest fire in Spain this year. The forest fire destroyed more than 4,000 hectares of forest. As a result, about 1,700 Spaniards had to leave their homes. Since the wildfires started, several disaster tourists have explored the neighbourhood. The police have a...

During the NATO summit in Madrid next week, host country Spain wants to discuss the threats to the southern flank of the military alliance in addition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.   Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said on Wednesday. Spain faces neighbours in North Africa who are at odds with each other. Defense Secretary Margarita Robles stressed that the war in Ukraine is also impacting countries south of NATO, such as famine-stricken Somalia. In addition, Russia is increasingly present in certain Sahel countries. NATO wants to come out in Madrid with a united message regarding the Russian aggression. The question is whether Turkey will abandon its opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the alliance.

The Spanish region of Catalonia has announced new corona measures that will take effect next Friday. In the region, including Barcelona, corona infections have risen rapidly in recent weeks.   Nightclubs, bars and cafes have to close, there will be a curfew from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., and the maximum occupancy in restaurants will be significantly reduced. People are also allowed to receive fewer guests at home. The rules apply for a period of fifteen days. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday about the corona situation in the country with the leaders of the Spanish regions. The regions largely determine their own corona policy. The consultations are about possibly stricter measures, such as in Catalonia, and about harmonizing all the rules. S...