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This episode examines the wave of protests by farmers and livestock producers across Europe—especially in Spain and France—against the EU–Mercosur trade agreement. We explore why the agricultural sector fears unfair competition from Latin American imports, rising input costs, and weaker sanitary standards. From road and port blockades to bans on foreign chemicals in France and the threat of indefinite strikes in regions like Catalonia, the protests reveal a deep crisis over the future and survival of Europe’s primary sector.

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This episode breaks down Spain’s new 2026 measures aimed at strengthening social protection and economic stability. We cover inflation-linked pension increases—especially for minimum pensions and the Minimum Vital Income—the extension of the “social shield” to prevent utility cutoffs and evictions, and the decision to keep current self-employed contributions. We also look at continued public transport subsidies, green tax incentives, disaster recovery support, and reforms to early retirement and healthcare workforce retention.

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This episode explores Spain’s decision to firmly reject a return to compulsory military service, opting instead for a professional army supported by stronger voluntary reserves. While other European countries revisit conscription amid geopolitical instability, Spain is focusing on incentives, specialized training, and modern defense structures. We discuss public skepticism rooted in the legacy of the old “mili,” logistical constraints, and the rise of private military-style training as a reflection of shifting attitudes toward defense and discipline.

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This episode reviews Spain’s 2025 economic performance as presented by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, weighing official data against political claims. We examine strong GDP growth of 2.9%, well above the EU average, alongside persistent unemployment. The discussion covers gains in the minimum wage, increased education grants, and crackdowns on illegal tourist rentals—while highlighting housing affordability as the country’s most pressing unresolved issue and the effort to balance defense spending with social welfare.

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This episode looks at how four decades of EU membership reshaped Spain and Portugal, turning once-isolated economies into modern European nations. We explore the role of EU funds in upgrading infrastructure, boosting living standards, and deepening social integration through mobility and the euro—while also addressing the lingering challenges of past crises, demographics, and productivity.

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This episode examines Spain’s rental market as prices reach historic highs after a steady rise since early 2022. Barcelona and Madrid top the rankings, but sharp increases are now spreading to smaller regional markets. We discuss how limited supply is driving an elite-only rental landscape, widening the gap between wages and housing costs, and leaving many families locked out despite existing regulations.

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This episode explores why the holiday season is especially challenging for people living with addiction. We look at how broken routines, nostalgia, and the social normalization of alcohol and gambling increase the risk of relapse. Through expert insights and personal testimonies, we discuss the pressure to justify sobriety at celebrations and why separating fun from consumption is crucial for mental health and long-term recovery.

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This episode examines the cooling of Europe’s labor market as 2026 approaches, revealing a growing divide among major economies. While the UK posts negative figures amid rising costs and regulatory uncertainty, Spain and Italy lead in job vacancy growth. In contrast, France and Germany see declines driven by political uncertainty and weak consumer demand. Despite strong job creation, Spain still faces the EU’s highest unemployment rate, highlighting the complex role of productivity and business investment in shaping Europe’s employment outlook.

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This episode explores how Madrid has emerged as a global center for tourism governance after being chosen as the new headquarters of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Beating major international rivals, the Spanish capital benefited from a favorable tax environment, strong air connectivity, and institutional support. Hosting both the WTTC and UN Tourism positions Madrid at the heart of global public–private decision-making, reflecting Spain’s shift from a holiday destination to a strategic leader in the world tourism industry.

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This episode looks at the steadily rising cost of Christmas meals in Spain, where festive food prices have climbed for more than a decade. With an average of €130 per person for Christmas dinner and total holiday spending reaching €800—€100 more than last year—we explore why inflation has pushed the Christmas basket up 57% over ten years. From surging meat and seafood prices to turrón rising nearly 16% in a single year, we discuss how families are adapting and why buying early is becoming essential to keep celebrations affordable.