As Parliament adjourns for summer, deep political hearings, regional unrest and high-profile sport share the stage across Europe. Spain is at the centre of action on several fronts this week.
Spain: Politics, Protest and Progress
Monday 21 July sees the second phase of the pensions review launch, following earlier announcements from the Work and Pensions Secretary. At home, the High Court hears a challenge to the proscription of Palestine Action, while the Water Services Regulation Authority issues its final findings on utility oversight. Meanwhile, metalworkers in Cádiz formally end a long-running strike, as minority unions criticise the terms of the resolution.
Unrest continues in the Murcia region, where fresh disinformation-fuelled clashes between local residents and migrants in Torre‑Pacheco led to at least five injuries and multiple arrests. The government responded by detaining 11 individuals and filing 60 charges over hate-motivated disorder.
The Balearic Islands remain tense despite averted airport protests—workers at Palma Airport plan a four-hour stoppage on Friday 25 July, seeking better conditions, pay and staff facilities. This follows the 10 July success in avoiding a threatened hotel strike, though anti-tourism sentiment persists in areas such as Tenerife, where hotel staff are balloting for future walkouts in August.
On the international front, Spain stands firm on multilateral diplomacy. The Prime Minister reiterates support for Ukraine while calling for suspension of the EU’s association agreement with Israel. Spain and France are also championing a new aviation tax targeting private jets to support green policy aims. Back in Madrid, consumer and employment strategies are advanced in the Council of Ministers, including a robust 2025 public employment offer.
United Kingdom and Europe
Parliament closes in on its summer recess, but key developments are still set to take centre stage. On Monday 21 July, Keir Starmer appears before the Liaison Committee, while the High Court hears a legal challenge to the proscription of Palestine Action. The Water Services Regulation Authority is also poised to publish its final report into water company oversight. In addition, the British Medical Association opens a strike ballot for senior doctors—and the Omagh Bombing Inquiry continues.
On Tuesday, Rachel Reeves and Andrew Bailey face questions from Parliamentary committees, coinciding with monthly public sector finance statistics and the implementation of new immigration and visa reforms. Sports fans will be focused on England’s clash with Italy in the Women’s Euros semi-final.
Wednesday 23 July brings a major international development as the International Court of Justice issues an advisory opinion on states’ responsibilities regarding climate change. Business results from Google and Tesla also arrive, and England begin the fourth Test match against India in cricket.
Thursday 24 July includes the continuing Jay Slater inquest, and the EU–China Summit kicks off in Beijing. Quarterly results arrive for energy firms Centrica, EDF and Repsol.
On Friday 25 July, US political events touch the UK as Donald Trump begins a five-day visit to Scotland. Meanwhile, resident doctors begin strike action, and the Ofcom deadline approaches for updated Protection of Children Codes in broadcasting.
Saturday 26 July is rich in sport, featuring the British and Irish Lions second rugby test vs Australia, as well as the penultimate stage of the Tour de France. Sunday 27 July brings the Women’s Euros final, the Tour de France finale in Paris, and the Belgian Grand Prix.
Parents and sports fans should also note the final NHS workforce statistics and retail sales data, set for release on Thursday and Friday, covering workforce numbers, consumer confidence, and economic output.
Europe and International: Summits and Summons
Monday sees EU trade ministers convene to discuss migration and trade policy, while the Shanghai Cooperation Council foreign ministers meet in Asia.
Thursday’s EU–China Summit in Beijing heads a diplomatic week, addressing climate, trade and geopolitics.
Legal watchers note the International Court of Justice climate opinion on Wednesday.
Economic and Business Data
This week beds down high-impact economic releases:
- Monday: UK household data, Rightmove house price index, China’s loan prime rate, early publications from Ryanair and Verizon.
- Tuesday: HMRC tax receipts, quarterly homelessness figures, IEA gas report, and results from General Motors, Coca-Cola and others.
- Wednesday–Friday: UK wholesale inflation and producer price figures, NHS workforce stats, UK PMI, and corporate results from Centrica, EDF, BT, NatWest, Volkswagen, among others. These will influence markets and consumer confidence.
Public Services and Labour Action
Aside from the BMA ballot, resident doctors begin strike action in the UK on Friday, adding to growing pressure on health services following heatwave coverage and workforce data.
Health, Environment and Safety
The weather remains hot across southern Europe; authorities continue promoting hydration and public cooling spaces. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s court opinion on climate underlines global accountability ahead of international discussions.
Aviation and Travel Update
Flight operations across Europe and particularly in Spain face continued disruption this week due to a combination of industrial action, staff shortages, and seasonal congestion.
In the Balearic Islands, a four-hour staff stoppage is scheduled at Palma de Mallorca Airport on Friday 25 July, from 08:00 to 12:00. Ground handling and airport service personnel are protesting for improved working conditions, pay, and adequate rest facilities. Travellers should expect potential delays or cancellations and are advised to arrive early and monitor airport announcements closely.
Meanwhile, TIB bus drivers in Mallorca are staging strikes on 21 and 23 July, with the threat of an indefinite walkout beginning 25 July if talks do not progress. These strikes are likely to affect airport transport links and key public routes across the island.
Across Europe more broadly, aviation disruption continues due to ongoing air traffic control shortages, recent wildfires, and limited airspace availability. Although air traffic is forecast to rise by 5% over last year, closed airspace zones—particularly over eastern Europe—and mounting pressure on flight corridors are contributing to widespread delays.
Major carriers including Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways have urged passengers to allow extra time at departure airports and to check their airline’s policies regarding delay compensation and rebooking options.
Key Events at a Glance
- UK Liaison Committee hearing with Keir Starmer – Monday
- Pensions review phase 2 announcement – Monday
- Palestine Action legal challenge hearing – Monday
- Liz Kendall, Covid inquiry and MP court hearing – Monday
- Reeves & Bailey at committees; Women’s Euros semi-final – Tuesday
- ICJ climate advisory opinion – Wednesday
- EU–China Summit and energy company results – Thursday
- Doctors’ strike; Trump visits Scotland – Friday
- British & Irish Lions rugby test; Tour de France penultimate stage – Saturday
- Women’s Euros final; Tour de France final; Belgian Grand Prix – Sunday
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