Latest news with #PedroSánchez
Euractiv
18 hours ago
- Business
- Euractiv
Spain's Sánchez dodges backlash over Huawei deal amid EU and US concerns
The Spanish government is declining to comment on growing criticism over a controversial contract it awarded to Chinese tech giant Huawei, after both EU and US officials expressed concerns . As Pedro Sánchez prepares to depart for the Canary Islands on his annual summer retreat, yet another scandal has emerged that he is unwilling to address: his government's €12 million contract with China's Huawei, which involves the storage of sensitive judicial wiretap data. The deal, revealed earlier this month, has triggered sharp criticism at home and raised alarm in Brussels and Washington over alleged security risks related to Huawei's ties to Beijing. Sánchez made no mention of the controversy during his last press conference of the summer on Monday, and his government has refused further comment, despite growing pressure both domestically and from international allies. In a statement to Euractiv on Friday, a European Commission official called the contract with Huawei a "national decision" but emphasised that Huawei 'represents materially higher risks' in critical infrastructure like 5G. As first reported by the Financial Times , this muted warning came as Brussels urged EU member states to phase out the Chinese vendor in favour of more trusted EU alternatives. Washington also weighed in , with senior lawmakers on the US Senate and House intelligence committees calling for a review of intelligence sharing with Spain, fearing that secrets could be leaked to the Chinese Communist Party. The controversy over the contract comes at a sensitive time for Sánchez, who is already under scrutiny in a separate domestic scandal involving alleged influence-peddling. It also highlights Spain's unusually close ties to China at a moment when the EU is hardening its stance toward a country it has labelled as 'a systemic rival'. Bad optics A meeting on Sunday between Socialist Catalan leader Salvador Illa and Huawei executives in Beijing – though described as 'institutional' and unrelated to the contract – has added to the negative optics. The Spanish Interior Ministry, which had previously defended the procurement by asserting there were no security risks and that the public tender was independently awarded, declined to respond to a request for comment from Euractiv regarding the Commission's latest warning. A spokesperson for Sánchez did not respond either. A spokesperson for Huawei Europe said: ' All Huawei products available in the Spanish market fully comply with local laws, regulations, and applicable product admission criteria and standards.' Regarding the security concerns over storing judiciary wiretap, they added that 'all the information stored in hardware belongs to and is at the exclusive disposal of the customer.' Spain's China ties under scrutiny The decision to proceed with Huawei has drawn criticism from Spain's conservative opposition. Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of compromising national security and questioned the influence of former Socialist premier José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero – a key figure in Spain's close relationship with Beijing. Zapatero, widely regarded as Sánchez's political mentor, reportedly lobbied for the implementation of the Huawei 5G network in Spain, despite the Commission's mandate for EU countries to phase out such 'high-risk' equipment over espionage concerns. Critics accuse him of being behind Spain's abstention in Brussels last October, when the EU voted on tariff measures against Chinese-made electric vehicles. Local media, including investigative outlet Voz Populi, have also highlighted his connections to Beijing through the Gate Center – a think tank known for promoting Chinese interests in Spain – where he serves as president of the advisory council. His multiple trips to China to promote diplomatic and commercial relations have led critics to accuse Zapatero of lobbying for China within the Sánchez government . Huawei troubles in Brussels While some governments – such as Spain and Hungary – continue to work with Huawei, others like Sweden or France have accelerated efforts to phase out Chinese equipment from their mobile networks, viewing it as a potential conduit for Chinese state espionage – a claim Huawei denies. Adding to the controversy, Huawei is under investigation in several EU member states, most recently in Belgium, where authorities launched a wide-ranging probe in 2025 into alleged corruption involving EU officials. According to exclusive reporting by Euractiv and its partners , investigators are examining whether the company's lobbying efforts may have crossed into bribery. Huawei has not been charged with any offence and denies instructing employees to break the law. Belgian intelligence services have also assessed potential espionage risks, having interviewed Huawei staff in recent years, according to documents seen by Euractiv . Since the investigation began, Huawei has been banned from meeting with members of the European Parliament and the Commission. (aw)
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Spain to Air-Drop 12 Tons of Food Aid Over Gaza
Israa Farhan Spain announced on Monday its plan to air-drop 12 tons of humanitarian food aid over Gaza later this week, as famine risk escalates in the war-torn and blockaded Palestinian territory after 21 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Spain becomes one of the few Western nations to join Middle Eastern countries in delivering aid by air to Gaza's civilian population, which is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign in response to the Hamas attacks, stated during a press conference that the aid operation is scheduled for Friday and will be launched from Jordan using Spanish Air Force aircraft. The Spanish Ministry of Defense confirmed that the aid will follow a similar format to a previous mission in March 2024, when Spain delivered 26 tons of food supplies to Gaza by air. Sánchez emphasized the urgency of the mission, calling the famine in Gaza a stain on humanity and stressing that stopping it is a moral obligation. The planned air drop highlights growing international concern over the dire conditions in Gaza, where access to food, water, and medical supplies remains severely limited due to the prolonged conflict and blockade. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"
Local Spain
a day ago
- Business
- Local Spain
Spanish PM says backs EU-US trade deal 'without any enthusiasm'
Politics Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Monday he backed a European Union trade deal with the United States but "without any enthusiasm". Please, login for more See Also
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
How to retire to Spain – and stop the taxman raiding your wealth
Sunny Spain is the dream retirement destination for thousands of us – golden coasts, delicious food and a rich culture are hard to resist. It is little wonder that more than 100,000 British pensioners have already settled in the country. Relocating to a warmer climate may be enticing, but it is crucial to plan ahead before making the move. If rushed, it could kick up surprise tax bills and pension headaches. However, the sun could be about to set on this expat dream. Pedro Sánchez, the country's socialist prime minister, plans to impose a 100pc tax on property purchases by non-residents living outside the EU – and may ban sales altogether. He branded these buyers 'speculators', who were out 'just to make money'. While current British residents in Spain would be unaffected by this proposed plan, it threatens to put an abrupt end to the phenomenon. Here, Telegraph Money explains everything you need to know about relocating to Spain, from taxes and visas to pensions and property prices. How much money you will need to retire to Spain Pensioners are categorised as 'economically inactive' in Spain, which means they have to fulfil extra requirements to stay in the country, compared with working age people. There were two types of visas to earn the right to live in the country: the 'non-lucrative visa' and the 'golden visa'. The non-lucrative visa requires proof of your financial resources to pass the income check, which applies for one year. On renewal, the visa then lasts for another two years. As of 2025, the income requirement is €28,800 (£25,043), plus €7,200 per dependent for each year you live in Spain. The immigration authority will also accept available savings. The visa renewal process requires you to prove your income will last over each period, or that you have roughly double the savings compared with the initial one-year application. The income requirement increased by 3.5pc last year, so plan around an annual increase of around this size. Today, if you receive the full new state pension of £11,973 each year, you would need another €13,976 from other sources as a single person. A more flexible option was the 'Golden Visa', which provides permanent legal residency without the requirement to spend any time in Spain – but it required a €500,000 investment in real estate, or €1m in investment funds, bank deposits, or listed company shares in Spanish financial institutions, €2m in Spanish government debt, or a business investment that delivers jobs. But in a crackdown on non-EU buyers, the government axed this scheme, and it closed on April 3 this year. It is another sign of hostility towards British buyers. How you will be taxed in Spain Anyone planning their move must consider their financial and tax situation before they relocate, or risk facing hefty bills. British tax-efficient investments, such as Isas and National Savings & Investments, do not have the same tax-efficient treatment abroad. In Spain, any interest, dividends or capital gains arising within these accounts will be taxable. When it comes to pensions, income is taxable where the pension holder lives. The only exception is government employee pensions, which will only be taxable in the UK. Importantly, the 25pc tax-free pension cash rule will not apply if you take this after relocating to Spain. Your cash lump sum is taxable because Spain does not have a non-taxable element of a pension fund. Those planning ahead may be better off taking the tax-free cash before relocating. Anyone planning to sell their family home in Britain after making the move may also be stung by charges. Jason Porter, of Blevin Franks, said: 'Most countries have some form of main home tax relief, so in the normal course of events no capital gains tax arises on sale, but the UK's rules are significantly different than those in Spain. While the sale may not lead to a tax liability in the UK, it may in Spain if it occurs after you have left.' Similarly, anyone planning to delay selling a British business until they have left to avoid UK capital gains tax, are likely to find the sale taxable in Spain, he added. Spain, like other countries in Europe, has additional taxes that do not exist in Britain, such as a wealth tax. This means expats must fill in additional tax return forms. Any assets must be declared on a wealth tax return where they exceed €2m after use of allowances. Previously, several Spanish regions considered matching Madrid's 100pc exemption to wealth tax. In 2023, the central government, fearing a significant reduction in tax collection, decided to impose a 'solidarity tax' at a national level, starting at 1.7pc on wealth over €3m, then to 2.1pc at €5m and 3.5pc at €10m. There are additional charges that vary between regions. Where both wealth and solidarity tax might be payable, a taxpayer will not pay twice on the same assets. Overseas assets exceeding €50,000 must also be declared on a form 'modelo 720'. Failure to do so could result in significant penalties. Inheritance taxes vary hugely from region to region in Spain. Some areas like Madrid have 100pc relief on inheritance tax, while other regions can charge up to 34pc in death duties. Buying Spanish property Spanish property is much cheaper than the value of an average British home. The national average square metre in Madrid costs €5,316 (£4,638), compared to £8,110 in London, according to Global Property Guide. In Córdoba to the south of the country prices fall to €1,532 a square meter. However, buying real estate in Spain attracts certain taxes, stamp duty and fees. These costs can amount to between 12pc and 14pc of the property purchase price, mainly due to VAT, according to Spanish Property Insight. In addition there are conveyancing fees, typically around 1pc of the property purchase price. Getting health cover or insurance Britons must prove they will not be an 'undue burden' on the Spanish state, which requires them to have comprehensive health insurance. For many of Spain's long term visa options, having full private health insurance coverage is a condition of application. However, if you receive the state pension in the UK you may be eligible for some costs to be covered by the UK government via an S1 FORM. Benefits of retiring in Spain There are many benefits of spending your later years in the sun-filled land of Spain: Property is cheaper, meaning you can get a lot more bang for your buck if you choose to move. It's expat friendly. Malaga, Valencia and Alicante were named the top three cities for expats in 2025 by InterNations, a global community for people who live and work abroad. Spain ranks seventh in the World Healthcare Index, surpassing Portugal and Italy, for instance. It spends 11pc of its GDP on healthcare, which is more than most European countries. However, you will have to get an expensive, comprehensive health insurance. Disadvantages of retiring in Spain But there are serious disadvantages to consider as a backlash against tourists spreads across the country: Spain has certain taxes that don't exist in the UK, such as a wealth tax. Isas and NS&Is do not have the same tax-efficient treatment abroad. While its cities are welcoming of expats, there is a wider backlash against tourism across Spain's holiday hotspots. Last summer, protesters in Barcelona drenched tourists with water pistols to highlight the damage they believe they are doing to their city. The coveted 'Golden Visa' no longer exists. And bear in mind Mr Sánchez's plans to impose a 100pc tax on property purchases by non-residents living outside the EU. It will be enough to dissuade many buyers. You may also experience serious pension headaches. The 25pc tax-free pension cash rule will not apply if you take this after relocating to Spain. Your cash lump sum is taxable because Spain does not have a non-taxable element of a pension fund.
Euractiv
2 days ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
Even corruption probes can't ground Sánchez's holiday plans
As Pedro Sánchez lands in the Canary Islands for his annual summer retreat, the turbulence rocking his government is still waiting for him on the mainland Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Inés Fernández-Pontes Euractiv Jul 28, 2025 05:40 4 min. read Analysis, News Based on factual reporting, although it Incorporates the expertise of the author/producer and may offer interpretations and conclusions., Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. MADRID – Under fire at home and in the air, the Spanish prime minister is learning that even a corruption scandal can't cancel summer in the Canary Islands. A bombshell police report released in early June has detonated what many now call the gravest crisis of Sánchez's time in office – a sprawling 'mafia-like' corruption scheme allegedly rooted deep within the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE). Before boarding his return flight from Paraguay, where he had wrapped up a three-day tour of Latin America, Sánchez calmly told journalists that he 'felt strong," despite the political crisis that had forced some of his key allies to step down. But the scandal is likely to follow him to his annual summer retreat. At a tense Tuesday Council of Ministers meeting, Sánchez's government pushed through the first stage of a new state secrets law – legislation that would hand the executive power to decide what constitutes an official secret. The move raised eyebrows across Madrid, with critics condemning the new bill as a move to shield the prime minister and his inner circle from judicial and public accountability. Further reports on the corruption probe are expected before the end of summer. Even within Sánchez's ranks, unease is growing, as Defence Minister Margarita Robles reportedly refused to uphold the law. The handling of state secrets, until now overseen by the national intelligence centre under her ministry, will now fall under the ministry of the presidency, justice, and relations with the courts. The defence ministry did not respond to Euractiv's request for comments. The Dominican connection The new law could also hinder ongoing investigations tied to the prime minister, particularly the hundreds of undisclosed, taxpayer-funded flights that have drawn increasing scrutiny as part of the broader PSOE corruption scandal. Sanchez has taken 582 flights in five years, according to an investigation published by El Mundo, more than any of his predecessors. But one destination stood out. Among hundreds of flights, 63 official flights were to the Dominican Republic, as first reported by Spanish outlet The Objective. The country appears central to the probe into the alleged network of kickbacks, rigged tenders, and influence peddling surrounding ex-Transport Minister, José Luis Ábalos. Testimony from businessman Víctor de Aldama – said to be a middleman linking private firms to government contracts – placed the Dominican Republic at the heart of the operation. Prosecutors claimed bribes paid to Aldama's Dominican business network were laundered and repatriated to Spain as cash, then distributed among officials tied to the plot. In April, witnesses testifying before the Spanish Supreme Court, admitted making cash payments in the Dominican Republic to =former advisor to ex-Transport Minister Ábalos -and key facilitator in the plot- Koldo García's, whose brother allegedly collected the cash following Aldama's orders. Public accountability Last year, Defence Minister Margarita Robles reported to the Senate, at the request of the main opposition Popular Party, that the Caribbean island's strategic position made it a crucial destination for layovers and technical stops. The, she said, was the reason behind the 62 trips – not 63, she noted. But to this day, the government has repeatedly refused to confirm the identity of the passengers of those flights, f uelling suspicions that the list could potentially include prosecuted officials in the kickback scheme. That wall of silence is starting to crack. A binding resolution published last Sunday by Spain's Transparency Council – following a request from media outlet El Debate – will force Sánchez to release full details of 122 flights taken in 2023 and 2024: including passenger names, destinations, dates and reasons for travel. Access to that information is of "great importance" as it "clearly and directly contributes to the control of public activity, the management of resources and the accountability to which the administration is bound," the report states. However, with the new official secrets law set to be approved by the Spanish parliament after the summer recess, critics claim the executive will be able to shield itself from further revelations, reports, and leaks crippling Sánchez's tarnished government. For now, the prime minister may be soaking up the sun in Lanzarote, but back in Madrid, the heat is only rising. (mm) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project
