The question has been hanging over Brussels for years, and now Spain’s foreign minister has put it back firmly on the table. Catalan, he says, will become an official language of the European Union – sooner or later.

Speaking on Catalunya Ràdio, Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares struck a calm but confident tone. He avoided giving deadlines and made it clear that talks are still ongoing, but his message was simple: recognition for Catalan, Basque and Galician is not a question of if, only when.

That confidence, however, comes against a backdrop of slow progress, quiet resistance from some EU countries and political tensions back home in Spain.

Why Spain is pushing the issue now

Albares’ argument is one he has repeated several times in recent months. Catalan is spoken by around 10 million people, he pointed out – more than some languages that already enjoy full official status within EU institutions.

From Spain’s point of view, that makes the current situation increasingly hard to justify. If Maltese or Irish can be used in European debates and documents, Madrid argues, then Catalan deserves the same treatment.

Behind the scenes, Spain has been holding meetings with countries that remain unconvinced. Albares acknowledged that some member states still have “doubts”, but asked for discretion, saying negotiations are delicate and ongoing.

What he did not do was name the countries blocking the move – a sign that Madrid is trying to avoid turning the issue into a public standoff.

Politics at home complicate the picture

While Albares avoided pointing fingers abroad, he was less restrained when it came to domestic politics. Without naming names at first, he criticised Spanish political actors who he says are actively working against the proposal.

Later, his remarks were widely understood to be aimed at the People’s Party (PP), which he accused of pressuring conservative-led governments across Europe to oppose the plan.

“That hurts me,” Albares said, adding that blocking Catalan’s recognition ultimately works against Spaniards themselves.

The issue is closely tied to Spanish parliamentary politics. The push to make Catalan an official EU language forms part of a political agreement between the Socialist Party and the Catalan pro-independence party Junts, which supported the election of Francina Armengol as Speaker of Congress.

For critics, that link weakens the credibility of the proposal. For supporters, it simply reflects the reality of coalition politics in Spain.

Why it’s taking so long

Making a language official at EU level is not a symbolic gesture. It carries financial, legal and administrative consequences, from translation services to parliamentary procedures.

Crucially, the decision requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. That means a single country can stall the process indefinitely.

Some governments are wary of the costs involved. Others fear that recognising Catalan could encourage similar demands from regional languages within their own borders.

That helps explain why, despite Spain’s lobbying, progress has been slow – and why Albares was careful not to promise quick results.

What happens next

For now, Catalan remains outside the EU’s list of official languages. Albares offered no timeline and no guarantees, only a clear sense of direction.

Spain will continue negotiating. Resistance will likely remain. And the final decision, whenever it comes, will be as political as it is cultural.

Still, the message from Madrid is clear: this is not a passing demand. Whether it takes months or years, Spain intends to keep pressing until Catalan – along with Basque and Galician – finally gains a seat at Europe’s linguistic table.

And in Brussels, where patience is often the currency of progress, that may be exactly how change eventually happens.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news from Spain

Switzerland has never really been a place Brits worry about. It’s clean, calm, efficient – the sort of country where you assume nothing bad will happen because nothing usually does.

That’s why some travellers may raise an eyebrow at the latest update from the UK government.

Earlier this month, the Foreign Office quietly revised its travel advice and added Switzerland to a growing list of European destinations where British visitors are being urged to take extra care. It now appears alongside countries like Italy and Portugal – places millions visit every year without incident, but where small problems can turn into big headaches if you’re unlucky.

This isn’t a warning about riots or unrest. It’s something far more mundane – and far more common.

The problem is small theft, not serious crime

According to British officials, the concern centres on pickpocketing, particularly in busy transport hubs. Geneva gets a specific mention, with warnings about the airport and trains travelling to and from the city.

Anyone who’s spent time in a crowded European station will recognise the risk. Packed platforms, people juggling luggage, phones out, attention elsewhere. It’s exactly the kind of environment where wallets and mobiles quietly disappear.

The Foreign Office also notes the broader global security situation, referencing an elevated international terrorist threat. But there’s no suggestion that Switzerland itself is facing any immediate danger. No recent attacks. No specific incidents. It’s background context rather than a direct alarm.

Brexit, borders and winter accidents

The update also reflects how travel has shifted since Brexit. Electronic travel authorisations – ETAs – are now part of the process, and checks have tightened since early 2025. Swiss citizens heading to the UK are subject to the same system, a reminder that freedom of movement is no longer what it once was.

For British tourists, though, one of the more practical warnings relates to winter sports. Switzerland remains a favourite for skiing, but the risks are real. The Foreign Office points out that British nationals have been involved in fatal accidents in the Swiss Alps in recent years.

The advice is simple: check your insurance properly. Not just whether you have it, but whether it actually covers what you’re planning to do.

Local rules tourists often overlook

There are also a couple of legal details that can catch visitors off guard. In some cantons, including Ticino and St Gallen, covering your face in public is banned. It’s a local rule, but one that applies to tourists as much as residents.

Drug laws are another area where Switzerland shows little flexibility. The UK advice highlights the use of advanced scanning technology at Swiss airports and stresses that penalties for possession can be severe.

It’s a reminder that while Switzerland feels relaxed on the surface, it takes enforcement seriously.

No panic – just awareness

To be clear, the UK government isn’t telling people to avoid Switzerland. There’s no suggestion trips should be cancelled or plans changed.

The message is far more modest: pay attention. Keep an eye on your belongings. Know the local rules. Make sure you’re insured.

For most travellers, Switzerland will be exactly what they expect – safe, well-run and largely trouble-free. But even in places with a reputation for order, complacency can be costly.

Sometimes it’s not the dramatic risks that matter most. It’s the small ones you don’t think about – until it’s too late.

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified following explicit warnings from Iran that it would strike US military bases if attacked, prompting precautionary measures by Western governments and renewed diplomatic unease. The developments come amid widespread protests inside Iran, mounting rhetoric between Tehran and Washington, and growing concern for the safety of foreign personnel and civilians.

The United States has indicated that its potential military intervention is driven by several factors: the Iranian regime’s violent crackdown on domestic protests, the arrest and planned executions of demonstrators, threats to US military personnel and allied interests, and broader concerns about destabilisation affecting regional security. Washington has cited human rights abuses and the potential for further civilian killings as part of its rationale for considering action.

Iran warns of military retaliation

Defence minister outlines potential targets

Iran’s defence minister, Brigadier General Aziz Nafizardeh, has stated that Tehran would respond forcefully to any attack by the United States, declaring that American military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets. He also warned that facilities belonging to other countries assisting US operations would not be exempt.

The statements followed renewed speculation about possible US action linked to unrest inside Iran, where large-scale protests have continued amid a heavy government crackdown.

Trump leaves military action on the table

US president cites assurances but offers no guarantees

Donald Trump declined to rule out US military action against Iran, saying Washington would “watch and see what the process is” while assessing developments on the ground. Asked whether intervention was off the table, he cited what he described as reassurances from “very important sources” familiar with the situation.

Trump said he had been told that planned executions had been halted, calling that development significant if confirmed. However, he repeatedly cautioned the information had yet to be independently verified. Speaking later, he said the White House had received reports that the killings had stopped, including executions expected that day, and stressed he would be “very upset” if the assurances proved false.

Recent reports suggest US strikes could occur imminently. Two European officials told Reuters that military intervention appeared likely within 24 hours. An Israeli official also indicated Trump had decided to act, although the scope and timing of any operation remain unclear. Officials emphasised that any intervention would aim to protect civilians, defend US personnel, and deter further human rights violations.

US takes precautions at regional bases

Personnel advised to leave Qatar installation

In response to the heightened threat environment, the United States advised some personnel at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar to leave as a precaution. The base is one of Washington’s most important military installations in the Middle East and hosts thousands of US and allied personnel.

The move was described as temporary and precautionary, reflecting concerns that Iran’s warnings could translate into action if tensions escalate. US officials have not indicated the base is being shut down, but the advisory underscores the seriousness with which the threats are being treated.

British embassy closes in Tehran

Diplomatic staff withdrawn for safety reasons

The United Kingdom has closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn diplomatic staff due to the worsening security situation. The decision was taken amid fears that foreign missions could be exposed to unrest or targeted as protests continue.

British authorities have updated travel advice, warning against all travel to Iran and urging British nationals already in the country to consider leaving if safe. The closure represents one of the strongest diplomatic signals yet of concern over the rapidly evolving situation.

European governments urge citizens to leave

Spain, Italy and Poland issue warnings

Spain has advised its citizens in Iran to leave due to what it described as an increasingly unstable and unpredictable situation. The Spanish government cited widespread protests, security crackdowns and disruptions to transport and communications.

Italy has also strongly renewed its appeal for nationals to leave Iran, noting around 600 Italian citizens remain in the country, most in Tehran. Poland has issued a similar warning, further highlighting European concern for the safety of foreign nationals.

Airlines suspend operations amid regional uncertainty

Lufthansa cancels flights to Israel

Lufthansa has told employees to prepare to leave Israel and announced flights to the country will be cancelled starting Thursday. The move comes amid heightened security concerns linked to potential US military operations and reflects the wider impact of escalating tensions on civil aviation and travel.

Protests intensify inside Iran

Execution fears heighten international alarm

Iran has been gripped by large-scale protests, with demonstrators voicing opposition to the government amid reports of a harsh crackdown. The unrest has been accompanied by international concern over possible executions of detained protesters.

One case involved 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who had been due to be executed. A family member later said the execution did not take place on the expected day, although fears remain it could still occur.

Key points

• Iran has warned it will strike US military bases in the region if attacked, including those supporting American operations.
• Donald Trump declined to rule out US military action, citing unverified assurances that executions in Iran have been halted.
• Reports suggest US strikes could occur within 24 hours, with European and Israeli officials indicating Trump may have decided to act.
• The United States has advised some personnel to leave its Al Udeid air base in Qatar as a precaution.
• The UK has closed its embassy in Tehran, while Spain, Italy and Poland have urged their citizens to leave Iran.
• Lufthansa has announced flight cancellations to Israel due to regional instability.
• The United States is considering intervention in response to Iran’s crackdown on protests, human rights abuses, and threats to US personnel.
• Ongoing protests and fears of executions continue to drive international concern.

Situation remains fluid and unpredictable

While no direct confrontation has occurred, the steps taken by multiple governments suggest a widespread expectation that conditions could deteriorate rapidly. As protests continue, international pressure mounts, and reports of potential US intervention grow, diplomats warn that miscalculation could have serious regional consequences