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Hungary Ranked Most Corrupt In EU Again, But Where Does Spain Stand?

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Hungary ranked lowest in the EU corruption index, while Spain placed mid-table in Transparency International’s latest report. Credit: Shutterstock/Zafer Kurt

Hungary has once again ranked as the European Union’s lowest-scoring member state in Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), marking the fourth consecutive year at the bottom of the EU table. The annual index, published by Transparency International, measures perceived levels of public sector corruption in 180 countries worldwide.

While Hungary remains last among EU countries, Spain occupies middle positions in the global ranking, though it has seen ongoing debates about political transparency and institutional trust.

Hungary: lowest score in the EU

According to Transparency International, Hungary continues to record the weakest performance among EU member states. The index highlights concerns about public procurement transparency, judicial independence and oversight of EU funds.

The European Commission has previously frozen portions of EU funding to Hungary over rule-of-law concerns, linking anti-corruption reforms to the release of financial support. Hungarian authorities have introduced new integrity measures in recent years, but watchdog groups argue that structural problems persist. Hungary’s position contrasts sharply with several Baltic countries, which have been recognised as regional leaders in anti-corruption efforts.

Within the EU, the contrast is sharp. Denmark continues to rank as the least corrupt country in Europe and among the cleanest worldwide, while Finland and Sweden also sit near the top of the global list.

Where does Spain rank?

Spain’s score declined compared to the previous year, continuing a gradual downward trend seen over recent editions of the Corruption Perceptions Index. While it remains well above Hungary and above the global average, Transparency International has highlighted persistent concerns around political integrity, public procurement transparency, revolving-door practices between politics and business, and enforcement weaknesses.

Recent controversies surrounding institutional accountability, judicial tensions, and high-profile investigations have also contributed to perceptions of weakening safeguards. Transparency International España has repeatedly called for stronger whistleblower protections, tighter lobbying regulations and more robust oversight mechanisms.

Although Spain’s institutional framework remains aligned with EU standards, the drop in score signals erosion in perceived public sector integrity rather than improvement. Compared to northern European countries, Spain’s governance performance remains mid-tier within the bloc.

Why the rankings matter

Transparency International’s index is based on expert and business surveys rather than court statistics, but governments take it seriously. Rankings can influence investor confidence, EU funding decisions and international reputation.

For EU citizens and expats living abroad or considering relocation within Europe, governance standards remain an important factor alongside taxation, healthcare and employment conditions. As Brussels continues linking rule-of-law compliance to EU funding mechanisms, corruption metrics are likely to remain politically sensitive across the bloc.

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One Of Palma’s Best Views Is Back

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Living in Mallorca means discovering that even the island’s most famous landmarks can still surprise you. Now, one of Palma’s most spectacular viewpoints is accessible again, as the terraces of the iconic cathedral have officially reopened for visitors this season.

Perched high above the historic centre, the terraces of Palma’s cathedral offer a perspective of the city that few people ever experience. For expats and residents alike, it’s a rare opportunity to see the island’s capital from a completely different angle.

A unique view over Palma and the bay

Climbing up to the terraces reveals sweeping views across Palma’s skyline and the Mediterranean beyond. From this elevated position, visitors can admire the city’s rooftops, the marina and the curve of Palma Bay stretching into the distance.

The route also provides a closer look at some of the cathedral’s most remarkable architectural features, including its bell tower, flying buttresses and the enormous Gothic rose window that dominates the building’s façade.

Palma Cathedral — often called La Seu — is one of Mallorca’s most recognisable landmarks. Construction began in the 13th century after the Christian reconquest of the island, and the Gothic structure still dominates the seafront skyline today.

Seeing it from the terraces allows visitors to appreciate details of the architecture that are impossible to spot from the ground.

Opening hours and how to visit

The terrace tours have reopened for the 2026 season and will remain available until November. Visits run Monday to Friday from 10am to 4.30pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 1.30pm.

Entry slots operate every 30 minutes, with each tour lasting around an hour. Tickets can be purchased online through the cathedral’s official website or at the ticket office on site.

A standard ticket costs €25 and includes access to the cathedral itself as well as the Museum of Sacred Art of Mallorca, making it a worthwhile cultural outing even for those who have lived on the island for years.

Visitors can also choose to add an audio guide, which provides historical insights into the building and highlights the landmarks visible from the terraces.

Discounts and perks for Mallorca residents

One of the biggest advantages for residents is the discounted entry. Those living in the Balearics can visit the terraces free of charge on Fridays, provided they collect their ticket from the cathedral’s ticket office and show proof of residency.

On other days, residents benefit from a reduced rate of €8 for access to the cathedral, terraces and museum.

For expats who now call Mallorca home, this makes it one of the island’s most affordable cultural experiences — and one that rivals the views from many of Palma’s rooftop bars.

Important things to know before you go

Because of the narrow passages and height involved, the terrace route has some restrictions. Access is limited to visitors over the age of nine and is not recommended for people with vertigo, mobility issues or certain heart and respiratory conditions.

The route includes steep stairs and elevated walkways, but those who make the climb are rewarded with one of the most memorable panoramas in Palma.

For many residents, it’s a reminder that even after years on the island, Mallorca still has new perspectives waiting to be discovered.

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Brits Ditch UK Rain And Gloom For Spanish Hills—Now Their Cold-Pressed Juice Is Conquering Tastes Across The Country

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Just a couple of years ago, in 2023, Stacey from Bradford and Andi from Birmingham, then living in Exeter with their two young children, grew utterly disillusioned with life in the UK. The constant rain was wearing them down, and their children’s school truly pushed them to look for a new life.

Dreaming of a healthier, sunnier environment to raise their family, they explored options from various spots in Spain and Portugal and even considered Australia. Armed with Stacey’s insight from her online recruitment business and her familiarity with digital nomad visas, they ultimately settled on Andalucia. After a brief stint in Fuengirola, they found their perfect fit in the inland Andalusian town of Alhaurin el Grande.

Leap into the unknown, for both expats and Spanish

What started as a jump into the unknown has blossomed into a thriving national venture and a totally new life in rural Spain. Just over a year ago, the couple launched Andajuicya, a juice-producing company specialising in 100 per cent raw, unpasteurised, preservative-free cold-pressed mixed juices to be shipped all over the country in the B2B market.

The move wasn’t without hurdles, though. “The actual physical relocation was an absolute nightmare,” Stacey recalls, “and the first year was tough.” Administrative tasks like registering for the padrón, obtaining TIE cards, opening bank accounts, and enrolling the kids in school tested their resolve. They initially tried a school in Fuengirola but soon switched to one in Alhaurin that better suited their children’s needs. To their delight, the kids adapted seamlessly, thriving academically and earning top marks. “The children adapted far better than we expected,” Stacey says. Now, with her recruitment business still serving UK clients remotely, she’s content: “I thought, I have a business in the UK, so why not work from Spain?”

Introducing Spain to cold-press juices

After deciding on exactly where was right for them in Spain, they took to starting up the business. They found an ideal spot in a central shopping street. The kitchen was perfect for what they needed to produce the juices, and so they began shipping out boxes and boxes of their fresh juice delights to businesses all over the country. But after several locals had poked their heads around the door to have a nose at what they were doing and received a little sample, Andi and Stacey decided to go the whole hog and turn the place into the Andajuicya juice bar.

Each new juice mix gets its own name.
Each new juice mix gets its own name.
Credit A FB

The menu now extends to fresh, locally sourced ingredient breakfasts and lunches in which healthy (and some indulgent options) stand out in a region more accustomed to churros and bocadillos. “If you’re going to offer something that’s not 100 per cent healthy,” Stacey reasons, “at least use decent, wholesome ingredients.” The cafe has quickly become a local magnet, drawing in both expats and Spaniards with its flavoursome, nutritious fare. There’s little else like it outside Spain’s major cities, and the couple’s intuition has paid off massively: it’s a hit with everyone. They even have customers who have come especially from Malaga city and Cordoba for a salubrious dose of their juice mixes. “The cold-pressed fresh juice market in Spain is practically nonexistent,” Andi explains. ” Not like in the US, Germany, or the UK, where it’s huge.”

Whole country discovering Andajuicya

Naysayers abounded at first. Some insisted a full English breakfast or bangers and mash was the way to go, predicting failure for anything too “healthy” or daring for this traditional Spanish spot. Yet, it turns out the public has been craving exactly this: tasty, natural alternatives that bring people together. Behind the bustling cafe, the B2B side is exploding. Andi shares stories of custom orders, like recreating a rare juice blend for an American client in a luxury Madrid building where apartments fetch over €2 million. They sent three samples and she picked her favourite. “With that client, they have now rolled out our juices within all the bars and gyms of the hotels’ residences.” Andajuicya have even catered for an international event in Madrid for a Swiss healthcare company. Services range from bulk shipments to personalised in-store juices, catering to both large clients and individuals on a one-to-one basis.

Bottles of juice
Ready for boxing up and transporting across the country.

Success has come amazingly fast. Andajuicya is now expanding through franchising, using and adapting to local produce in other regions of Spain. The juice distribution arm is growing way beyond anyone’s expectations, proving the couple’s vision to be spot-on. In a nod to the American Dream, Brits have their own dream too: escaping to Spain and building a prosperous life. Stacey and Andi are living proof; they are the champions of reinvention, family, and entrepreneurial spirit.

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Parents Could Soon Control Their Children’s WhatsApp Accounts

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WhatsApp is introducing parent-managed accounts designed to give families more control over children’s messaging settings. Credit: Shutterstock/fast-stock

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new type of account for children that will allow parents to control who their kids can message and how the app is used. The change could affect millions of families in Spain, where the messaging platform is one of the most widely used ways for young people to communicate with friends and classmates.

The new system will link a child’s WhatsApp account to a parent or guardian, giving adults the ability to manage privacy settings and contact permissions. The move comes as governments across Europe increase pressure on technology companies to improve protections for minors online.

New system links children’s accounts to parents

Under the new model, children will no longer create completely independent WhatsApp accounts. Instead, the account will be linked to a parent or guardian, who will be able to manage certain permissions and safety settings.

Parents will have control over who can message their child, whether unknown users can send contact requests and whether the child can join group conversations. The settings will be protected by a parental PIN so that children cannot change the restrictions without permission.

Despite the added supervision tools, WhatsApp says its end-to-end encryption will remain unchanged. This means the content of messages will continue to be protected and cannot be read by the company or external parties.

Why messaging platforms are introducing child accounts

The new accounts are part of a wider effort by technology companies to address growing concerns about children’s safety online. Across Europe, policymakers have been discussing stricter digital protections for minors, including stronger age-verification systems and limits on how younger users interact with social media platforms.

Instead of banning younger users entirely, many companies are developing restricted versions of their services designed to create a safer environment while still allowing children to communicate with friends and family. Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, has already introduced similar safety features on Instagram aimed at teenage users.

What the change could mean for families in Spain

WhatsApp remains one of the most widely used messaging platforms in Spain, often used by school groups, families and friends to stay in contact on a daily basis. For many parents, the introduction of supervised accounts may offer greater reassurance that children can use the app while reducing the risk of unwanted contact from strangers. The rollout of the new system is expected to happen gradually, meaning users in Spain may begin seeing the option appear in future updates to the app.

Questions parents may have about the new accounts

Will parents be able to read their child’s messages?
No. WhatsApp messages will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning message content will not be visible to parents through the system.

Can strangers contact a child using the new accounts?
Parents will be able to restrict who can message the child and approve new contacts.

When will the feature appear in Spain?
Meta has said the rollout will happen gradually worldwide, so availability may vary depending on updates to the app.

What could change next

The introduction of parent-managed accounts may signal broader changes to how messaging platforms operate for younger users. As governments continue to debate stronger digital protections for minors, technology companies are likely to face increasing pressure to introduce additional safety features and clearer age controls in the coming years.

Official information about Meta’s safety policies for young users can be found on the company’s safety centre website.

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