AGP Executive Report

Catalan in the EU Stalls: Spain’s push to make Catalan, Basque and Galician official EU languages has hit a wall again, with the needed unanimity still missing and the issue not even making the agenda as Cyprus’ presidency winds down. Pope Leo XIV’s Spain Visit: A full archive of the pontiff’s speeches shows a trip focused on migration, reconciliation and Spain’s culture wars, with major stops across Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands. Andalusia Exports Surge: Andalusian agri-food exports rose nearly 4% in Q1 2026, reaching €4,926m and keeping the region as Spain’s export heavyweight. Justice & Accountability: The Spanish Senate prepares hearings tied to prosecutor contacts, with fiscal general Teresa Peramato expected to explain unlogged meetings. Child Abandonment Case: A British couple who left three young children alone in a Costa del Sol hotel have received suspended prison terms and bans from approaching their kids. Security & Pay Protest: The Spanish Troop and Navy Association calls for a rally demanding higher pay and recognition of military work as high-risk. Healthcare Milestone: 12 de Octubre University Hospital completed Spain’s first simultaneous intestine-pancreas en bloc transplant. Local Finance Reform Debate: After 25 years, municipal funding rules are back under scrutiny as councils call the system unsustainable.

Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a week in Spain by warning migrant traffickers in the Canary Islands to “Stop. Repent,” after highlighting the Atlantic deaths and the “monsters” exploiting people trying to reach Europe. EU Consumer & Transport Policy: Spain voted against an EU deal to update air passenger rights, arguing it doesn’t go far enough on protecting hand luggage rights, even as compensation levels and some deadlines stay unchanged. Defense Industry: Airbus is pushing a new “Team Gen 6” sixth-generation fighter effort under German and Spanish leadership after the earlier FCAS/NGF approach faltered, with Spanish firms now closely integrated. Agriculture & Trade Rules: Spain, France and Italy’s agriculture ministers are central in shaping EU phytosanitary rules, and producers are rejecting the EU’s approach to phytosanitary products. Public Services & Social Policy: Spain’s “Young Summer 2026” plan rolls out major discounts on bus and train travel, while the government also activated a special heat-at-work plan with more inspections.

Migration & Rights: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his Spain visit by urging humane treatment for migrants and warning against indifference, including at Gran Canaria’s “dock of shame,” where Spanish charity Caminando Fronteras says 1,317 people died trying to reach Spain in the first five months of 2026. Digital Consumer Protection: Spain is pushing in EU talks for a stronger Digital Fairness Act to tackle dark patterns, addictive design and manipulative pricing—especially to protect minors and improve enforcement. Counter-Extremism/Justice: The Basque Government defended ETA prisoner benefits as lawful and rehabilitation-focused, after PP criticism over alleged court non-compliance. Public Safety: Spain’s Civil Guard extended a security operation in Huelma (Jaén) to prevent further clan altercations after a May 27 shooting. Housing Transparency: Canary Islands launched an interactive map showing where public housing projects are completed, under construction, or awaiting tender—over 3,400 homes in the pipeline. Economy: Goldman Sachs expects Spain’s 2026 growth to outpace the eurozone, citing productivity gains and improved fiscal conditions.

EU Telecom Security: Spain opposes the EU’s draft Cybersecurity Act that would let the European Commission label “high-risk” vendors and effectively bar Chinese suppliers like Huawei from telecom networks, arguing national governments should decide what threatens their security. Migration & Humanitarian Response: Pope Leo XIV continued his Spain visit by meeting migrants and NGOs in the Canary Islands, urging Europe to protect migrants’ dignity and warning that history will judge those who let people suffer. Catholic Church & Public Life: In Barcelona, the pope blessed Sagrada Família’s Tower of Jesus Christ, linking the milestone to charity and hope, as Spain marks the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. Social Protection & Justice: A Spanish case in Burgos involving an alleged gang-rape by 11-12-year-olds has sparked outrage after the school imposed only a one-week suspension, citing criminal responsibility rules. Online Platforms & Consumer Rights: Spain’s “single market” distribution watchdog warns online platforms can’t become a “Wild West,” targeting regulatory gaps that affect consumer protection. World Cup Backdrop: The tournament kicks off in Mexico City amid protests and public health concerns, with FIFA’s global reach raising questions for host-city planning.

Pope’s Migrant Focus in the Canaries: Pope Leo XIV arrived in Spain’s Canary Islands to meet migrants after dangerous Atlantic crossings, laying flowers at a memorial and urging a more humane approach to immigration as thousands continue to risk the route. Press Freedom Call: Spanish journalist Alicia Armesto remains detained in Benghazi with other aid convoy activists; international journalists’ federations demand her immediate release and urge Spain to intensify efforts. Healthcare Surge for Papal Visit: Canary Islands authorities deployed around 300 medical professionals, including field hospitals and emergency vehicles, and temporarily reorganised services across 24 centres to cover major events in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Local Safety Tragedy: A two-year-old drowned in an inflatable pool in Almasona (Soria); a forensic examination has been ordered and authorities are investigating the circumstances. Politics & Polling: Spain’s CIS barometer was published amid the Plus Ultra case and related investigations, showing PSOE still leading but with narrowing gaps and shifts in support for PP, Vox, and smaller parties. Youth Online Safety Debate: Canada’s under-16 social media restriction proposal adds pressure to the wider European discussion, with Spain among countries that have considered similar measures. Sports Infrastructure: FC Barcelona formally submitted its bid to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final with support from Barcelona City Council and the Catalan government.

Papal Visit & Culture: Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, marking the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and urging people to “lift their gaze” to Christ. Governance & Justice: In the “Plus Ultra” case, Zapatero’s legal team asked Spain’s National Court to seek more details from the US about how a former airline executive’s phone data was accessed, arguing due-process gaps. Public Safety & Mobility: Spain’s DGT is tightening control for drivers over 65 during licence renewals, while the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES) may still mean border queues for up to two more years, worrying travel operators. NGO & Migration: An NGO warns that more than 1,300 migrants have died trying to reach Spain’s coast in 2026. Regional Policy: Murcia is moving ahead with an €80m wildfire-prevention and response contract, and Spain’s “Young Summer 2026” transport discounts (up to 90%) are set to open for eligible young people. Environment & Land Use: A new study says Europe’s natural land loss to construction is nearly double earlier estimates, with satellite monitoring missing many small developments.

Public Finance Oversight: Spain’s Court of Auditors president Enriqueta Chicano has ordered a special investigation into the fallout from the lack of an approved budget, including how “excess” EU-linked funds were used to pay pensions. Parliamentary Control & Justice: The PP is pushing hard in Congress, grilling Defense Minister Margarita Robles on her role and whether Spain can guarantee security without budgets, while Vox seeks answers from Félix Bolaños over claims of a “judicial plot” tied to corruption probes. Judicial Governance Reform: In the Senate, the PP is advancing a law to change how the CGPJ is elected, aiming to let judges and magistrates choose the judicial bloc directly. Migration & Health Services: Pope Leo XIV’s visit is driving a major Canary Islands healthcare operation with around 300 professionals and field hospitals, while Spain also moves on STI prevention with free condoms for young people. Tech & Mobility Contracts: Indra and Alsa have teamed up to run the bus network for Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiyah mega-project, using real-time fleet management and onboard tech. NGO Watch: Oxfam says Europe’s biggest multinationals, including Telefónica, are fuelling inequality by prioritising shareholder payouts over wages and equality.

Papal Visit & Migration: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up the Madrid leg of his Spain trip, telling thousands of volunteers that a Europe “filled with self-interest” needs Christians to act as “leaven of selflessness,” while his wider addresses to Spain’s civic leaders pushed for respect for migrants and an end to polarisation. Privacy & Transport Tech: Spain clarified rules for connected V16 roadside beacons, aiming to reassure drivers about when personal data can be accessed and when it cannot, after privacy concerns followed the January 2026 rollout. Canary Islands Tax Relief: A new BOE-published decree raises the REPEP eligibility turnover cap for Canary Islands self-employed workers from €30,000 to €50,000 from 1 July 2026, cutting tax and admin burdens for more freelancers. Corporate Accountability: Oxfam warned that Europe’s biggest firms are fuelling inequality by prioritising shareholder payouts over green investment, citing Spain’s Telefónica among companies highlighted. Church Abuse Response: Coverage around the Pope’s meetings with clergy abuse survivors in Madrid continued to focus on reparations and improving the Church’s response.

Church Abuse & Migration: Pope Leo XIV met six clergy sexual abuse survivors in Madrid, pledging to consider their recommendations and improve the Church’s response, as Spain’s reckoning continues after an ombudsman report estimated hundreds of thousands of possible victims. EU Fisheries Aid: The European Commission approved Spain’s €25m fuel-price support for commercial fishers under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework, aimed at offsetting higher costs linked to the Iran war. EU Migration Rules: EU institutions agreed on the Return Regulation, streamlining return procedures and creating “return hubs” outside the bloc as the Migration and Asylum Pact takes full effect on 12 June—prompting renewed civil society rights concerns. Defence Cooperation: France and Germany agreed to abandon the joint FCAS fighter jet programme due to industrial disagreements, though parts of the wider system are set to continue. Education & Schools: Sweden is set to ban mobile phones in schools from the fall, joining a wider push to reduce screen time amid reported declines in reading and writing. Public Health Watch: An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has disrupted preparations for the team’s World Cup opener, with US entry rules requiring 21 days outside affected countries.

Clergy Abuse Accountability: Pope Leo XIV told Spain’s bishops and met six abuse victims in Madrid, urging a “culture of care,” prevention, and reparations, while promising “additional efforts” to improve the Church’s response. Migration & Polarisation: In a rare address to Spain’s parliament, he warned the world is in a “profound” crisis marked by violence and polarisation, calling for safe, legal migration pathways and rejecting rearmament. Housing Policy Clash: PSOE’s Castilla y León housing chief Ana Casado criticised the regional Junta for suppressing the Housing Ministry, arguing it undermines the State Housing Plan and worsens youth access to an “effective right” to housing. Education Rights Ruling: Valencia’s High Court upheld parents’ right to choose the primary language of instruction for the 2026/27 school year, rejecting challenges over online voting and alleged discrimination. Tech & Security Noise: A report claims a US-linked AI propaganda site (“La Tilde”) is being used to seed pro-American military messaging in Latin America, raising concerns about misinformation tactics.

Papal Visit & Rights: Pope Leo XIV used his first address to Spain’s parliament to call for a “moral renewal” in public life, urging respect for the dignity of migrants and the most vulnerable, and framing peace as a duty grounded in international law. Church Abuse Victims: Spanish victim groups say they were not invited to meet the pope during his Madrid visit, criticizing a tightly controlled process that they fear will not reflect their reality. Road Safety Reform: Spain’s traffic authority (DGT) is considering income-linked, progressive fines for violations, so penalties could rise with drivers’ earnings—an approach already used in parts of Europe. Migration & Diplomacy: In the same parliamentary push for reconciliation, the pope warned that war is a “painful defeat” of negotiation, as Israel-Iran violence escalates and Spain’s political debate over migration and polarization continues. Local Governance Dispute: Catalonia’s left is debating a proposed unified front ahead of elections, with former ERC leader Joan Tardà arguing fragmentation could hand power to PP and Vox.

Church Abuse Accountability: Spanish clergy-abuse victim groups say they were not invited to a meeting with Pope Leo XIV during his Madrid visit, with the Vatican offering only that a meeting will occur and details will come after. Massive Public Event: Pope Leo XIV drew over 1.2 million people to an open-air Mass in Madrid’s Cibeles Square, urging Spaniards to treat faith as a “school” for today and calling for unity and compassion; the event triggered a major security and logistics operation and 323 medical assistance requests. Papal Outreach to Society: At a Madrid gathering, the pope called for dialogue and human dignity, bringing together culture, education, business, unions and sport leaders. Migration & Polarisation Theme: Multiple reports frame the visit around migration and reducing polarising narratives, with the pope also meeting welfare-related settings and migrants. Transport/Traffic Impact: Madrid warned Monday would be especially disruptive due to Pope routes overlapping with work traffic, schools and deliveries. Government & Mobility Policy: Spain’s traffic sign overhaul is rolling out, with suppressed signs needing removal before July 1, 2026. Aviation & Inclusion: IATA announced winners of its Diversity & Inclusion Awards, highlighting airline efforts to expand opportunity.

Catholic Church & Social Welfare: Pope Leo XIV’s first papal visit to Spain in 15 years is drawing huge crowds, with Sunday’s open-air Mass at Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles expected to bring more than 1 million people, alongside a major security and logistics operation. Migration & Public Debate: In royal-palace remarks, the Pope urged Spain to “end polarising narratives” and warned against “sterile simplifications,” while praising Spain’s “faithful adherence to international law” and its open-doors approach to migrants. Church Abuse Focus: The visit also includes meetings tied to victims of sexual abuse, with the Pope reiterating that abuse remains an “open wound” for the Church. Civil Society Spotlight: On Saturday, he visited a Caritas welfare centre for homeless people in Madrid, highlighting integration stories and calling out prejudice. Political Tensions: Spain’s opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo is pushing for a no-confidence motion, arguing the government lacks majority and is mired in corruption allegations. Sports & Visas: Iran’s World Cup players received US visas, though some administrative staff reportedly still faced delays.

Papal Visit & Polarisation: Pope Leo XIV kicked off his week in Spain by urging leaders and citizens to “set aside” polarising narratives and “sterile simplifications,” calling for reconciliation and deeper dialogue as the country debates migration and political division. Church Accountability: He also told journalists that sexual abuse in the Church remains “an open wound,” saying he will keep pushing commissions and norms personally. Humanitarian Focus: On day one, Leo visited Cáritas’ 24-hour homeless support centre in Madrid, hearing testimonies from people rebuilding their lives and stressing that “no one is left alone.” Royal Protocol Update: Spain’s farewell ceremony in the Canary Islands will be led by King Felipe VI instead of Queen Sofía, according to Zarzuela. Digital ID & Privacy: Spain’s data protection regulator AEPD warned that biometric data can’t be the sole verification option for EUDI Wallets, raising concerns about how the EU identity scheme will work in practice. Housing Policy Debate: A new national affordable housing plan (2026–2030) would jointly fund construction and tighten rules on keeping subsidised homes off the open market. Tourism Tensions: In Lanzarote, locals escalated anti-tourist stunts, including glueing Airbnb key lockboxes and using fake tape to block access to beauty spots.

Papal Visit & Social Justice: Pope Leo XIV arrived in Spain for a week-long trip focused on immigration and social justice, with a packed agenda including a speech to Spain’s parliament, a Mass in Madrid, and visits to the Canary Islands and Barcelona’s Sagrada Família. He told reporters that sexual abuse in the Catholic Church remains “an open wound,” and is set to meet victims. Church Accountability: The Vatican says the visit will include meetings with survivors of clergy abuse, amid Spain’s wider push to compensate victims after a March agreement between the Socialist government and the Church. Government & Civil Society: The trip begins with a welcome at the royal palace by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, followed by meetings with government officials and civil society representatives. Migration Focus: In the Canaries, Leo will meet migrants and organisations helping them and join Sanchez to honour those who died trying to reach Europe, as irregular crossings remain a central political flashpoint.

Papal Visit & Humanitarian Focus: Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Spain kicks off with a major Madrid stop where he will address the Congress of Deputies, while the Barcelona and Canary Islands legs emphasize Church-state dialogue and humanitarian care for migrants. Government Accountability & Corruption Watch: Coverage continues on Pedro Sánchez and the PSOE coalition facing mounting corruption allegations, with political stability now increasingly tied to internal party pressures. Church Abuse Reparation Tensions: Ahead of the Pope’s arrival, Spanish victim associations press for a private meeting and warn of protests if the agenda doesn’t include direct engagement on sexual abuse reparation. Tech & Business Diplomacy: Economy Vice President Carlos Cuerpo travels to Silicon Valley to deepen Spain’s ties with global tech leaders and announce a new Spain commercial office in San Francisco. EU Policy & Migration Compliance: The EU moves to tighten monitoring across Schengen, with new reporting requirements that could affect how governments and companies track third-country nationals. NGO Advocacy (Cuba): The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights urges the EU to back an international compensation fund for victims of crimes against humanity under the Cuban communist regime.