10/07/2026
SPANISH NEWS FRIDAY 10TH JULY 2026
SPAIN DOES NOT PAY ITS FEE TO NATO President Trump orders the U.S. to cut all trade and official visits with Spain, saying that Spain is a terrible partner.
Trump slammed Spain’s socialist government led by the far-left Pedro Sánchez, complaining that Spain refuses to participate as a defender of Western interests, specifically citing their pushback against NATO's 5% GDP defense spending benchmark and their refusal to back U.S. military operations against the Islamic regime in Iran.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara, Trump stated: "We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore... Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don't participate, they don't pay. We don't want anything to do with Spain." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from Turkey after the summit, dismissed suggestions of any confrontation between the two leaders and described their interaction as cordial.
NEW PARK FOR TORREVIEJA / LA MATA Construction on the Alto de la Casilla park in Torrevieja will begin in August and is expected to be completed by spring.
The €10.3 million project includes an area with 37 play areas, a picnic area, a restaurant, and the planting of 500 trees. New shaded areas and additional children's play equipment are among the improvements offered by the winning bidder. The contract for the Alto de la Casilla urban park has already been awarded. This 37,000-square-meter space is destined to become one of Torrevieja's most important green spaces, after more than two decades of semi-neglect. The project revives the initial attempt, under Mayor Pedro Hernández Mateo in the early 2000s, when—at a cost of over half a million euros—thousands of tons of inert materials were piled up to raise the ground with a structure flanked by concrete walls. This structure has since welcomed drivers passing through the municipality on the N-332 highway.
Although the initial timeline, set in January, was for the tender to be resolved in April, with construction beginning in May and completion in the first quarter of 2027, the local governing board has now awarded the contract with an investment of €10,370,583.
The company that has secured this lucrative contract is the joint venture Abala Infraestructuras-Orthem Servicios y Actuaciones Ambientales—both companies belonging to the Hozono Global Group—which obtained the highest overall score in the process with 97.49 points. This score was based on the evaluation of the technical and economic criteria established in the tender specifications, and the winning bid was 13% lower than the initial budget, representing a savings of €1,549,627, as this newspaper previously reported.
Following this contract award, the City Council anticipates that construction will begin next August and will last eight months from the signing of the site handover report. If all deadlines are met, the project could be completed by spring 2027, just before the municipal elections. One of the park's main attractions will be its recreational offerings, especially designed for children and families. The space will feature 37 children's play structures, distributed across two large themed areas. These distinct yet complementary zones are integrated into the landscape and adapted to different age groups, with a combined capacity for 400 children.
The first zone, called Pink Lagoon, is inspired by the natural environment of the salt flats and the scenic beauty of the municipality. This area recreates an environment linked to water and nature, with games that encourage children's imaginations, such as the Salt Tower and Mountains, the Mine Wagons, and two large hexagonal structures with slides that simulate salt molecules. Up to 230 children can enjoy this children's area at the same time, which will feature 22 different games.
THE MUSICA CONCERT OF THE SUMMER IN TORREVIEJA Leiva will close out Brilla Torrevieja with a unique concert this year in the Valencian Community.
The festival returns from August 7th to 15th to Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja with an experiential program combining national and international artists, family entertainment, and a food area. Live music, gastronomy, and experiences for all ages will come together from August 7th to 15th in Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja to celebrate the sixth edition of one of the most acclaimed festivals: Brilla Torrevieja. This edition also features one of its biggest draws: Leiva announces the final leg of his Tour Gigante in Spain, the most impressive and exciting show of his career, and Brilla Torrevieja will be his only date in the entire Valencian Community, Murcia, and the Levante region.
Brilla Torrevieja returns with international artists and leading national acts in a diverse program that combines top-tier performances, themed events, and activities for different generations, maintaining the friendly, family-oriented, and experiential spirit that has characterized the event since its inception. Since 2021, this festival has established itself as one of the most unique in the Spanish Levante region thanks to its distinctive and appealing offering, which has already been enjoyed by more than 150,000 people from various countries, resulting in a significant economic impact for the host city.
Brilla Torrevieja Lineup
The program kicks off on August 7th with La Trend Fest, one of the most promising urban music parties of the moment, headlined by JC Reyes, one of the most listened-to artists on the national scene, accompanied by several guest DJs who will transform Antonio Soria Park into the epicenter of urban music during the first big night. The following day, August 8th, Brilla Remember will take place, an event that has become one of the festival's defining features. This year's lineup includes exceptional artists such as Belgian singer Kate Ryan, who will celebrate her 25-year musical career with a live performance accompanied by her band.
The program continues on August 12th with K-pop warriors, one of the fastest-growing cultural and musical phenomena among children and teenagers in recent years. Finally, on August 15th, Brilla Torrevieja will feature a performance by Leiva, who will give his only concert of 2026 in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the most influential musicians on the current Spanish scene live, following his announcement of a hiatus from performing.
Food Area
As in previous editions, Brilla Torrevieja will once again feature a carefully curated food area, designed to complement the audience's experience with a wide range of dining options, diverse culinary offerings, drinks, and relaxation spaces where attendees can enjoy the summer atmosphere before and after each concert. With six editions under its belt, Brilla Torrevieja continues to evolve while maintaining its core essence: to offer a complete cultural experience that connects music, leisure, gastronomy, and the region, further solidifying Torrevieja's position as one of the Mediterranean's premier summer destinations.
HUMAN PEOPLE TRAFFICKING RING CLOASED DOWN Twelve arrested in Alicante in an international operation against a human and drug trafficking network between Algeria and Spain. The National Police attributes the irregular entry of more than 400 migrants to the organization and links it to the shipwreck of a boat in which 12 people died in the Mediterranean. The province of Alicante has been one of the main scenes of an international operation against a criminal organization allegedly dedicated to human and drug trafficking between Algeria and Spain. The investigation, coordinated by EUROPOL and EUROJUST, has resulted in 20 detainees, of which 12 have been arrested in Alicante.
The operation has been developed by the National Police, with the collaboration of the French National Police, the Belgian Federal Police and Customs Surveillance officials from the Tax Agency. The network had a presence in Spain, Belgium, Algeria, Morocco and France and operated with a transnational structure linked to both the irregular transfer of migrants and the transport of narcotic substances.
According to the investigation, the organization would be behind the irregular entry into Spain of more than 400 migrants and a migratory episode in which 12 people died after the sinking of a boat in Mediterranean waters.
The investigation began after a shipwreck with 12 missing
The police investigation began in October 2022, after the sinking of a boat transporting migrants from Algeria to Spain. In that episode, 12 people disappeared in the Mediterranean.
Based on the statements of several witnesses and open investigations, the agents detected the presence in Spain of a criminal organization directed by a family clan based in Belgium, which used Spanish territory as a base for its drug and human trafficking operations.
A network with an operational base in Alicante
The organization had two main and interdependent branches: one established in Belgium and another in Spain. The Spanish branch was in charge of managing the maritime route with Algeria, maintaining the vessels, coordinating the pilots, storing the drugs in properties used as nurseries and implementing security measures to avoid police detection.
This structure in Spain was directed by an investigator who is currently in prison and who, according to the Police, gave instructions to the members of the network based in the province of Alicante. Researchers attribute to this Spanish branch the preparation of the vessels, the availability of pilots and fuel, as well as the coordination of departures from the Algerian coast and landings in Spanish territory.
Migrants captured in Algeria and transfers of up to 10,000 euros
The criminal activity began with the recruitment of migrants in Algeria. Members of the organization offered transportation services to Spain and, once the agreed amounts had been paid, the migrants were transferred to safe houses, where they remained hidden until the maritime and weather conditions allowed the journey to begin.
For each person transferred, the network charged between 8,000 and 10,000 euros at origin. Researchers have accredited the introduction of at least 400 migrants, which would have generated a benefit close to four million euros.
Powerful boats without security for migrants
The transfers were carried out in high-powered boats, without security measures for the migrants. When conditions were favorable, those responsible for the organization in Spain gave the order to the Algerian branch to mobilize people to specific points on the Algerian coast, where the shipment took place.The pilots left from different points on the Spanish coast and made previously selected stops to load the fuel necessary for the journey. This practice, known as “petaqueo”, allowed boats to be supplied while traveling.
The same boats were used to transport drugs.
The investigation indicates that the vessels were not only used to smuggle migrants into Spain. They were also used to transport synthetic drugs and co***ne from Northern Europe to Algeria.
The Belgian branch of the organization served as the headquarters for the family clan that formed the network's leadership. From Belgium, the shipment of synthetic drugs and co***ne to the south was coordinated, using vehicles modified with hidden compartments for road transport.
Once in Spain, the drugs were stored in properties used as stash houses and could then be shipped to Algeria. Police estimate that, combining the profits from human trafficking and the transport of synthetic drugs, the organization may have earned up to eight million euros.
Collaborators in Algeria, Moroccan pilots, and recruiters in France.
The organization's structure extended across several countries. In Algeria, it had collaborators responsible for recruiting clients, collecting money, and preparing the maritime departures.
The network also employed Moroccan pilots specializing in navigating fast boats. In France, it had recruiters and was also one of the main final destinations for many of the migrants arriving in Spain.
Violence, weapons, and settling scores
Police maintain that the organization did not hesitate to use violence to maintain internal discipline and protect its operations. Investigators point to the use of fi****ms in settling scores with other criminal organizations and to prevent drug rip-offs, that is, robberies between drug trafficking groups.
During the raids, two fi****ms were seized in Belgium, one of them stolen, as well as a replica firearm and a long gun in Spain.
Twenty arrested in Spain and Belgium
The final phase of the operation was carried out simultaneously in Spain, Belgium, and France, under the direction of the Investigating Section of the Court of First Instance of Dénia - Plaza Dos and with coordination from Europol and Eurojust. A total of 20 people have been arrested: 16 in Spain and 4 in Belgium. In Spain, the arrests were made in the provinces of Alicante (12), Madrid (2), Vitoria (1), and Murcia (1). Of those arrested in Spain, four have been remanded in custody. In Belgium, one of the four people arrested has also been remanded in custody.
Furthermore, two of the main suspects had outstanding arrest warrants for extradition requested by Algeria on drug trafficking charges.
Eleven searches, eight of them in Alicante
The operation involved 11 raids and searches, eight of which were carried out in the province of Alicante and three in Belgium.
During the searches, officers seized two speedboats used for human and drug trafficking. One was equipped with a 300-horsepower engine and the other with two 250-horsepower engines.
A pickup truck used to launch the boats, a 40-horsepower outboard motor, 27 jerrycans of fuel, and extensive documentation related to the acquisition of boats and motors were also seized.
Drugs, money, phones, and logistical equipment
In addition to the boats and weapons, officers seized 1,179 grams of M**A powder, five precision scales, 35 mobile phones, and €12,430 in cash.
Police also seized a large amount of logistical equipment linked to the organization's activities, both for preparing the sea voyages and for transporting and storing drugs. A total of 20 people have been arrested: 16 in Spain and 4 in Belgium. In Spain, the arrests were made in the provinces of Alicante (12), Madrid (2), Vitoria (1), and Murcia (1). Of those arrested in Spain, four have been remanded in custody. In Belgium, one of the four people arrested has also been remanded in custody.
Furthermore, two of the main suspects had outstanding arrest warrants for extradition requested by Algeria on drug trafficking charges.
Eleven searches, eight of them in Alicante
The operation involved 11 raids and searches, eight of which were carried out in the province of Alicante and three in Belgium.
During the searches, officers seized two speedboats used for human and drug trafficking. One was equipped with a 300-horsepower engine and the other with two 250-horsepower engines.
A pickup truck used to launch the boats, a 40-horsepower outboard motor, 27 jerrycans of fuel, and extensive documentation related to the acquisition of boats and motors were also seized.
Drugs, money, phones, and logistical equipment
In addition to the boats and weapons, officers seized 1,179 grams of M**A powder, five precision scales, 35 mobile phones, and €12,430 in cash.
Police also seized a large amount of logistical equipment linked to the organization's activities, both for preparing maritime crossings and for transporting and storing drugs. The operation, due to its international scope and the size of the structure based in Alicante, represents a blow against a network that combined human trafficking from Algeria with drug routes originating in Northern Europe and destined for North Africa.
ARE YOUR CI******ES REAL OR FAKE Six illegal to***co factories dismantled in Alicante, Cuenca, Huelva, Murcia, Seville, and Toledo
The Civil Guard arrests 51 people and seizes more than 20 million ci******es and 38.4 tons of loose and shredded to***co in Crevillent and warehouses in other provinces. The Civil Guard has dismantled two international criminal organizations based in Spain dedicated to the clandestine manufacture of to***co, in a major operation involving raids in Alicante and five other provinces. Six clandestine cigarette factories were dismantled, one of which was located in Crevillent. The operation resulted in 51 arrests, more than half of them in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, and 23 searches of homes, properties, and industrial warehouses.
According to the Civil Guard, agents seized more than 20 million ci******es and 38.4 tons of loose and shredded to***co, with an estimated value exceeding 10 million euros. The daily production of the investigated organizations could reach 7.8 million ci******es during the analyzed period.
The operation took place in Alicante, Cuenca, Huelva, Murcia, Seville, and Toledo. The investigation was led by the Central Operational Unit of the Civil Guard, through its Economic and Anti-Corruption Investigation Department, along with the EDOA (Specialized Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Team) of the Organic Unit of the Judicial Police of Alicante and with the support of units from the other affected provinces. One of the two operations, called “Maidan-Cigalike,” was directed by the Investigating Section of the Court of First Instance number 5 of Elche, where the alleged head of the scheme and two other individuals were released on bail. All three were represented by lawyer Aitor Esteban Gallastegui. The second operation, named “Vernisa,” was overseen by a court in Tarancón, Cuenca, and both were coordinated with the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The Civil Guard attributes to the investigated groups a network for the production and distribution of contraband to***co with international ramifications. The investigation began more than seven years ago, based on information received through Europol and authorities in Poland and Lithuania regarding criminal groups with transnational activity in the European Union. Among the main targets was a Polish citizen who traveled through Spain and had been linked to these activities since 2016.
Manufacturing Process
The dismantled factories were organized to cover the entire process: manufacturing, packaging, and storage. Investigators also found areas set up as living quarters for the workers, who resided there permanently. The Civil Guard notes that conditions varied according to the worker's role within the organization: those in charge had better spaces, while other workers lived in precarious and overcrowded conditions. In total, four active and two inactive factories dedicated to counterfeiting well-known to***co brands have been dismantled. In addition to the merchandise, agents seized 18 vehicles, encrypted electronic devices, €170,000 in cash, and fi****ms. Among those arrested are two individuals who had fled Polish justice and have been brought before the courts in that country. The operation involved extensive international cooperation, with the participation of Europol, OLAF, the Polish Central Investigation Police, the Portuguese National Republican Gendarmerie, and the Lithuanian Customs Criminal Investigation Service, among other European agencies. The investigation remains open, and further actions are possible.
NEW CYCLE LANES FOR TORREVIEJA Torrevieja receives €206,000 in European funds to expand its bike lane network
The new infrastructure will connect the Sports Complex with the Ricardo Lafuente roundabout and Avenida de La Mancha to Calle Gabriela Mistral. The Torrevieja City Council has received a grant of €206,000 from the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE), financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to develop a new 3,700-meter-long bike lane network. This network will run from Avenida Delfina Viudes—starting at Ronda Ricardo Lafuente Aguado—to the intersection with Avenida Monge y Bielsa within the Sports Complex, continuing along Avenida de la Mancha and Calle Gabriela Mistral.
This project, processed by the European Funds Unit, aims to further develop the city's network by creating new cycle paths, improving existing ones, and establishing dedicated parking areas throughout the municipality, with a particular focus on key tourist destinations and areas that generate significant travel.
The projected annual energy savings from fossil fuel vehicles is 50.88 TOE (Tons of Oil Equivalent), while the annual CO2 reduction from fossil fuel vehicles amounts to 183,894.3 kg.
Delfina Viudes Avenue
In the first section of the subsidized route of Delfina Viudes Avenue, which has an extension of 1,450 meters, the aim is to implement a two-way bike lane on the existing sidewalk, carrying out accessible ramps and curb cuts at crossing points and access points to guarantee continuity and universal accessibility, specific horizontal and vertical signage, specific adaptation of curbs or street furniture if necessary and installation of a scooter user counter.
RECAP Well the big new this week is that Spain wont pay its NATO fees, wot join in with NATO and President Trump says enough is enough, If you don’t pay your Gym fees you cant use the gym. So USA are pulling out of NATO and USA says it will not have anything to do with Spains left wing communist government!! Torrevieja is to spend 10 million euros on a park that already exists and will just be vandalized. Im sure the money could be better spent just cleaning Torrevieja up. Long piece I left it in so you know how the human traffickers operate . For once they named the bad guys Algerian Muslims. !
I gave up smoking about 16 years ago . But I uphold the right for people to smoke. But now do you know what your actually smoking? The grand scale of this gang I would have gone legal at some stage it was a huge operation. In this piece they don’t mention the nationality” WHY?
Torrevieja to build new cycle lanes that never get used. All part of the plan of a 15 min city.
Well its time for my holibobs, we are going north to get out of the heat son No Spanish new now for 3 weeks. !! If you are on my face book I will post loads of photos. Why can I tell you im going on holiday its because I have 3 house sitters this year. !!
