Spain’s Migration Strategy Fuels Economic Growth as Tourism Hits Record High

A man and woman, both Scottish nationals, were shot dead by a hooded gunman outside Monaghans bar in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol, on Saturday night, according to local news sources. The victims sustained fatal injuries, with the man shot in the chest and the woman struck in both the chest and abdomen. The shooting occurred around 11:28 PM local time on the Rey de Espana seafront promenade, where over a dozen witnesses reported the incident before emergency services arrived. A third individual was also injured in the attack, which, as detailed by La Opinion de Malaga, involved hooded assailants arriving in a car before the shooting. Local officials, including politician Francisco Javier Salas, confirmed that the gunman fled the scene and is currently being pursued by law enforcement. As of now, no arrests have been made. The UK Foreign Office has stated it has not received requests for consular assistance regarding the incident. This shooting marks a continuation of violent incidents in the Costa del Sol region this year, according to reports.

At least seven people have died after a migrant boat capsized near La Restinga harbour on El Hierro, the smallest island in Spain's Canary Islands, according to regional emergency services. The open-topped vessel was reportedly carrying around 180 individuals when it sank as rescuers were escorting it to port on May 28, 2025. Among the deceased are two 5-year-old girls, a 16-year-old girl, and four women. Footage from state broadcaster TVE captured the moment the boat sank, with many passengers rushing to one side of the vessel as it neared the rescue vessel. This sudden movement caused the boat to overturn, throwing individuals into the ocean. Local dive clubs and emergency services worked in tandem to manage the situation, with a medical helicopter deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands has become increasingly perilous, with a record number of migrant deaths reported in previous years. According to migrant rights group Walking Borders, 4,808 people lost their lives on this dangerous journey in the first five months of 2024.

Five individuals were arrested in Spain following a raid on illegal slaughterhouses in Ávila, Toledo, and Madrid, where over 200 sick and dying animals were found in appalling conditions. This operation, named "Operation Pox," was conducted by the Spanish Civil Guard's Seprona unit and revealed shocking practices, including the production of untraceable meat for local restaurants, according to officials. Investigators discovered a facility in San Fernando de Henares filled with filth, decomposing animal corpses, and equipment used for the illegal slaughter of animals, with no traceability of the meat produced. Commanding officer José Carlos Martínez noted the unexpected prevalence of such facilities, which often violate both animal welfare and public health laws. In total, approximately 350 animals had to be euthanized due to their poor health. The operation was initiated after health risks associated with illegal meat distribution were identified, impacting several Asian restaurants in the Usera district. This joint investigation with the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted ongoing issues within the illegal livestock trade, resulting in further scrutiny from health authorities and Europol.