Today in Spain: News Roundup for Friday March 27, 2026

Spain and Algeria Deepen Energy Partnership — and Reactivate Friendship Treaty

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares began a two-day visit to Algiers on Thursday, calling Algeria a "stable, reliable and steady gas supplier" following talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. With no end in sight to the Iran war and European energy prices under sustained pressure, Albares said the meeting made clear that "Algeria is a strategic friend and partner for Spain."

Spain and Algeria are connected by the MedGaz pipeline, which is currently operating at full capacity. Analysts suggest its capacity could be increased by around one billion cubic metres per year — an expansion that both sides have signalled they are pursuing. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf's office also welcomed the strengthening of relations, "particularly in the energy sector."

The visit produced an additional diplomatic dividend: Algeria's President Tebboune told Albares of his decision to reactivate the 2002 friendship treaty between Spain and Algeria, which had been suspended since 2022. The suspension followed Madrid's expression of support for a Moroccan sovereignty plan over the disputed territory of Western Sahara — a position that provoked a serious diplomatic crisis with Algiers, which backs the Polisario independence movement. The treaty's reactivation signals a full restoration of the bilateral relationship.

Albares also welcomed a "spectacular increase in Spanish exports" to Algeria over the past two years, including a threefold rise in 2025 year-on-year.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo Named Deputy Prime Minister

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Thursday appointed Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo as Deputy Prime Minister, replacing María Jesús Montero, who is stepping down from the role to run in a regional election.

Cuerpo, 45, is a career economist with significant experience in European institutions and is one of the highest-rated ministers in Sánchez's cabinet in public opinion surveys. He has overseen the Spanish economy's strong recent performance — GDP grew at 2.8% last year, one of the fastest rates in the EU — and his promotion signals continuity on economic policy at a moment when the government faces significant headwinds from the Middle East energy shock.

Spain Officially Meets NATO's 2% Defence Spending Target

All NATO member states have now reached defence spending levels equal to or greater than 2% of GDP — the threshold set by the Atlantic Alliance — and Spain is officially listed above the level for the first time.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the milestone, saying: "Spain is doing what it has to do" — while making clear that the alliance expects member states to invest more in the future, with US President Donald Trump having pushed for a new 5% target. Spain remains near the bottom of the NATO spending league alongside Albania, Canada, and Belgium, and has been notably reluctant to accept the higher 5% benchmark.

Busiest Easter on Spanish Roads Since 2002

Spain's traffic authority, the DGT, has launched its special Easter operation — running from 3pm this Friday until midnight on Monday 6 April — and is forecasting a record-breaking holiday period on the roads.

The DGT expects 17.1 million long journeys (each of at least 50 kilometres) during the Easter period — the highest forecast since 2002, more than two decades ago. The surge is attributed in part to a loss of confidence in Spain's rail network following two deadly accidents and multiple other incidents earlier this year, combined with perceived instability in air travel amid rising jet fuel prices and the broader uncertainty created by the Middle East conflict.

The DGT has urged drivers to plan their journeys in advance, choose the safest routes, and allow extra time. Expect significant congestion on major routes out of Madrid, Barcelona, and other large cities, particularly on Friday afternoon and Sunday evening.

Rosalía Quits Milan Concert with Food Poisoning

Spanish singer Rosalía was forced to abandon a concert in Milan halfway through on Wednesday after suffering severe food poisoning. The 33-year-old Grammy and Brit Award-winning artist was performing at the Unipol Forum when she stopped to address the audience directly.

"I've tried to do this show. Since the beginning I've been sick. I've had big time food poisoning," she told fans in English. "I've tried to push it until the end, but I'm feeling extremely sick. I'm puking out there. I really want to give the best show."

After briefly attempting to continue, a visibly unwell Rosalía eventually blew a kiss to the crowd and walked offstage. The Milan show was part of her current tour, which began in France earlier this month and is scheduled to conclude in Puerto Rico in September.

Rosalía recently won Best International Artist at the Brit Awards this month. Her fourth album Lux — a sweeping, spiritual work featuring lyrics in 13 languages including German, English, Sicilian and Spanish — has earned widespread critical acclaim since its release at the end of last year.

This article is based on reporting from The Local Spain, published March 27, 2026, with additional reporting by AFP. This article is for informational purposes only.