News Brief - September 4, 2025 (Madrid)

Wildfires on the Iberian Peninsula Intensified by Climate Change A study released today by the World Weather Attribution consortium found that the extreme weather conditions fueling this year’s devastating wildfires in Spain and Portugal were made 40 times more likely by human-driven climate change and at least 30 percent more severe compared with a pre-industrial climate. The report highlighted that over 380,000 hectares burned in Spain this summer-almost five times the annual average-and underscored the urgent need for adaptation and emissions reductions to prevent future catastrophes.

High-Speed Train Services to and from Madrid Disrupted by Computer Outage Railway infrastructure operator Adif reported this afternoon that a technical failure in its central traffic-management system forced the suspension or delay of multiple AVE high-speed services at Madrid’s main stations. Backup systems have been activated, and Adif said efforts are underway to progressively restore full operations.

Spanish Government Proposes Tough New Environmental Rules for Data Centres Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO) launched a public consultation today on draft regulations aimed at slashing the electricity and water consumption of large data centres. Under the proposed royal decree, facilities drawing more than 500 kW would be required to report monthly metrics on energy use, renewable-energy share, cooling efficiency, and local-community impacts. The consultation runs until September 15 before the decree is finalized.

Six Migrants Found Dead off Almería Coast Authorities in the province of Almería recovered the bodies of six migrants on Thursday after several small vessels attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach mainland Spain. Three corpses washed ashore on the Playa de los Muertos (“Beach of the Dead”), a stretch known for tragically frequent shipwreck arrivals. The identities and nationalities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.

Gaza Aid Flotilla Seeks Diplomatic Protection from Spain The Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed Barcelona on Monday en route to Gaza, formally requested diplomatic protection from the Spanish government after unidentified drones were detected hovering over the convoy off the Balearic coast. Activists warned the drones posed a serious risk to the peaceful mission and urged Madrid to guarantee safe passage under international maritime law.

Advocate General Backs Lifting Puigdemont’s EU Parliamentary Immunity In a non-binding opinion issued in Luxembourg on Thursday, EU Advocate General Maciej Szpunar recommended that the Court of Justice uphold a previous decision to strip former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont-and ex-MEPs Clara Ponsatí and Toni Comín-of their parliamentary immunity. The ruling would clear the way for Spanish courts to pursue charges of sedition, misuse of public funds, and disobedience related to the 2017 independence referendum.