Spain calls for “respectful dialogue” with Cuba amid US tensions, electric car sales in Spain rise since Iran war, and more news from Spain on Monday April 20th.
Spain calls for ‘respectful dialogue’ with Cuba amid US tensions
Spain on Saturday joined Mexico and Brazil in voicing concern over the “dramatic situation” unfolding in Cuba following months of pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Without explicitly mentioning the United States, the three leftist-led countries released a joint statement expressing “deep concern regarding the grave humanitarian crisis that the people of Cuba are enduring,” and calling for a “sincere and respectful dialogue” in line with international law.
The purpose of such a dialogue should be to “find a lasting solution to the current situation and to ensure that it is the Cuban people themselves who decide their own future in full freedom,” the statement added.
Cuba has been bracing for a possible US attack following repeated warnings from Trump that it is “next” in line after Washington toppled Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro and went to war against Iran.
Trump has also hit Cuba with an oil blockade, aggravating the impoverished island’s worst economic and energy crisis in decades.
Electric car sales in Spain rise by 66% since start of Iran war
Sales of electric vehicles in Spain rose by 66 percent in March, with demand spurred by conflict in the Middle East and knock-on effects on fuel prices hitting consumers at the petrol pumps.
The spike follows a longer-term trend. In 2026 sales have grown by 62 percent overall, with Spaniards increasingly tempted by subsidies and lowering prices.
“Today there are already very competitive electric vehicles that cost around €20,000 without subsidies,’ Arturo Pérez de Lucía, managing director of AEDIVE, a business association focused on electric vehicles, told the Spanish media.
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Over one in tens homes sold in Spain bought by foreigners
According to the latest data from Spain’s Property Registry for the fourth quarter of 2025, 13.5 percent of homes sold in the country were purchased by international buyers.
In other words, over 1 in 10 property purchases in Spain are now made by a foreigner. Though the percentage dipped slightly compared to the previous quarter (13.58 percent) and the same period in 2024 (14.48 percent), the figures mask growth in absolute terms.
More than 24,200 property sales by foreigners were recorded, compared to around 23,700 in the previous quarter.
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Real Sociedad secure Copa del Rey penalty triumph over Atletico
Real Sociedad edged Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties to win the Copa del Rey for a fourth time in the club’s history after a 2-2 draw in a gripping final on Saturday in Seville.
After Alexander Sorloth and Julián Alvarez missed from the spot for Diego Simeone’s Atletico, Pablo Marin smashed home his kick to claim victory for the Basque side.
Ander Barrenetxea had headed Real Sociedad ahead after just 14 seconds, with Ademola Lookman levelling for Atletico.
Mikel Oyarzabal put the Basque side ahead from the penalty spot before the break but Alvarez rescued Atletico and forced extra time and ultimately penalties with a superb strike.
La Real’s season seemed set to be one of struggle until American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was appointed in December, and he resuscitated their campaign.
“It’s a moment to enjoy, to dream and to believe… the kid who dreamed of this… has done it,” said Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero, who saved two penalties.
With additional reporting by Conor Faulkner.
