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Home / Themes / Inside Spain / Page 2

Inside Spain

Aerial view of a basketball court with worn-out lines and a cracked surface. Two people are playing on the court, casting long shadows under the sunlight. Education
Inside Spain Experts Comments

Some brighter spots in education

Spain has made significant progress in reducing early school-leaving rates, a long-standing challenge in its education system.

By William Chislett
10 Mar 2025 //
7 mins Reading time
Valencia city street during the day. In the foreground, at the bottom, people are walking in different directions. Shops can be seen on either side. In the background, a church tower stands out against the skyline; it is built of stone, with a bell and a pointed top. Middle class
Inside Spain Experts Comments

The middle class recovers

The middle class grew until the 2008 economic crash, declined during COVID, and has now returned to its previous share of the population.

By William Chislett
11 Feb 2025 //
4 mins Reading time
A close-up view of a residential brick apartment building with multiple balconies and green railings. Economy
Influence and image of Spain Experts Comments

A buoyant economy, marred by an overheated property market

Spain's economy led in 2024's macroeconomic data, with the focus now on tackling the escalating housing crisis.

By William Chislett
21 Jan 2025 //
9 mins Reading time
Partially collapsed building in Letur (Albacete) with shattered walls, exposed bricks, broken windows, and debris scattered around, showing damage caused by the ‘DANA’ storm. water
Inside Spain Experts Comments

Spain’s stressful water problem

Spain has been hit by torrential rain, causing deadly flooding, and by drought, all caused by country's persistent water management issues.

By William Chislett
17 Dec 2024 //
7 mins Reading time
Sunset at the Retiro Park Lake (Madrid) with visitors relaxing and boats on the water. Spain
Inside Spain Experts Comments

Spain’s complex demographic reality

Spain's declining birth rates and ageing population highlight an urgent need for policy and societal reform in a complex demographic reality.

By William Chislett
19 Nov 2024 //
7 mins Reading time
Various old Spanish peseta banknotes of different denominations, including 500, 100 and 50 pesetas, with historical details and faces of important figures in Spanish history. Spain
Inside Spain Experts Comments

The ups and downs of Spain’s centuries-long economic development

The development of Spain's 750-year economic journey is marked by periods of stagnation, growth, and revival across the centuries.

By William Chislett
31 Oct 2024 //
5 mins Reading time
20241022 Chislett spains mixed education results
Inside Spain Experts Comments

Spain’s mixed education results

Spain shows mixed results in education, with high rates of over-qualification, early school-leaving, and inconsistent PISA scores.

By William Chislett
22 Oct 2024 //
8 mins Reading time
Session Hall of the Parliament of Catalonia, Barcelona. Catalonia
Inside Spain Experts Comments

Catalonia returns to a semblance of normality

The price for Catalonia 's first non-separatist government in a decade is a controversial new financing pact for the region.

By William Chislett
17 Sep 2024 //
7 mins Reading time
Detail of the façade of the Royal Palace in Madrid with the Spanish flag. King Felipe VI
Inside Spain Experts Comments

King Felipe VI restores trust in the monarchy in his first decade

Felipe VI has restored confidence in the institution and is much more popular than his father and also the country’s leading politicians.

By William Chislett
23 Jul 2024 //
6 mins Reading time

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Latest Publications

A row of European Union flags (blue with yellow stars) and Chinese flags (red with yellow stars) waving side by side during the 2020 EU–China summit.

Policy Workshop “Standards, Narratives and Partnerships: Rethinking EU and China’s Approaches to Connectivity”

January 28, 2026

Donald Trump at the press conference following ‘Operation Absolute Resolution’ in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro (3/01/2026) in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. The president speaks behind the lectern, adorned with the president's logo and a microphone. Behind him, from left to right, are Stephen Miller, National Security Advisor; John Ratcliffe, Director of the CIA; Marco Rubio, Secretary of State; Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War; and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Behind them are the flags of the United States and the Presidency, and a blue and white backdrop.

The Maduro operation: five insights on power and international relations

January 26, 2026

Signing ceremony for the Mercosur-EU agreement in Asunción, Paraguay (17/01/2026). On stage, raising their hands together, from left to right: José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama; Rodrigo Paz, President of Bolivia; Antonio Costa, President of the European Council; Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Santiago Peña, President of Paraguay; Javier Milei, President of Argentina; Yamandú Orsi, President of Uruguay; and Mauro Vieira, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Behind them, a table bearing the words “Presidencia Pro Tempore Paraguay 2026” (Paraguay Pro Tempore Presidency 2026) displays some of the flags of the signatory countries and, further back, a screen bearing the words “Signing ceremony: Association between Mercosur and the European Union”, framed by the flags of Mercosur and the European Union.

The EU-Mercosur agreement: historic and foundational

January 23, 2026

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