Mediterranean island famed for nightlife, UNESCO heritage, and evolving tourism
Around 50,000 people have arrived in Spain's Ceuta by sea and over the border from Morocco, overwhelming local services and prompting Spain to deploy troops and begin returns. Madrid has accused the influx of violating Spanish territory; EU states and agencies are coordinating support while humanitarian needs and dozens of dead complicate repatriation plans.
European authorities are coordinating responses as tens of thousands of migrants surge at Ceuta’s border with Morocco. At least 72 deaths have been reported, with hundreds treated in Ceuta and thousands returning to Morocco as Spain and Italy coordinate measures amid diplomatic tensions.
Europol-led operations have arrested dozens in Spain and Ecuador in a drug-smuggling ring linked to Dubai investors. The crackdown targets a network moving South American cocaine and MDMA into Europe, with shipments hidden in commercial containers and bananas. The operation has involved dozens of raids and the seizure of vessels, cash, and weapons.
Ceuta remains at the center of a political firestorm as thousands of migrants surged into the enclave from Morocco, prompting Spain to escalate border controls and Italy to suspend Schengen travel with Spain. Officials report dozens dead, and the EU faces renewed scrutiny over border security and humanitarian obligations.
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
Spain has imposed reciprocal border checks on travellers from Italy after Rome has kept controls that it introduced following a deadly mass crossing into Ceuta on 30–31 July. Italy has said it will not lift checks until it is satisfied there is no new migration wave or security risk. The dispute has fractured EU unity and left thousands still in Ceuta.
Tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July. Spanish and local officials have said roughly 70,000 returned but Ceuta’s leader estimates 3,000–11,000 remain, including hundreds of unaccompanied minors living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. The influx has provoked EU diplomatic rows and temporary border checks.
Au Vodka, the Swansea-based RTD vodka brand, is nearing a sale to Sazerac, the Kentucky-based owner of brands like Buffalo Trace and Fireball. Founders Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn are expected to net over £100m each, with a deal potentially valued up to £500m including future payments. Legal and advisory teams are said to be involved, and the move would expand Sazerac’s UK footprint amid industry turbulence.
United has announced a broad expansion, adding multiple direct international routes from Newark, San Francisco and other hubs. The plan includes new services to Okinawa, Osaka, Toulouse, Marseille, Luxembourg, Valencia, Ibiza, Terceira, Ljubljana and more, with launches staggered through 2027. The move follows recent fleet and cabin upgrades as United reports strong 2025 results.
Bloomberg reports several airline moves: American Airlines is adding Philadelphia, New York, Charlotte and Chicago routes to European cities and Japan, while JFK-Tel Aviv and Newark-Luxembourg/Marseille services are expanding. These updates reflect broader network growth from major carriers.
Residents in Ibiza lead a protest against the impact of tourism on housing and public spaces, echoing broader concerns across Barcelona, Marseille and other cities where visitors strain infrastructure and drive up costs. The debate pits economic reliance on tourism against preserving local culture and livability.
The International Court of Justice is hearing Germany’s objections to Nicaragua’s genocide case, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and that key claims are inadmissible. The hearings come amid ongoing Gaza violence and a wider legal battle over Israel’s actions in the territory. Germany is defending its arms exports while Nicaragua accuses Berlin of facilitating genocide through support for Israel.