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.

Rincón de la Victoria will host an exhilarating weekend of sport as 200 hockey players descend on the town to compete in the final phase of the Andalusian Indoor Hockey Championships. The event will take place on Saturday, January 17, at the Rubén Ruzafa Municipal Indoor Pavilion, with free admission for all fans.

The championship follows a Final Four format, bringing together the best men’s and women’s teams in the Hockey Honour Division. Fans can expect intense competition as the teams battle for the coveted title in what promises to be a thrilling finale.

Teams compete for glory

In the women’s category, four top teams will face off: Club Hockey Pechina (Almería), CH San Fernando (Cádiz), CH Alcalá (Jaén), and Málaga-Rincón de la Victoria. Each team will bring its unique style of play and competitive spirit, making for an exciting display of indoor hockey at its highest level.

The men’s competition will feature CD 91-Rincón de la Victoria, CH Alcalá, CD Málaga 91, and RH Privé Benalmádena 1985. With strong squads and passionate supporters, the men’s matches are expected to be just as intense and captivating as the women’s games.

Local officials celebrate sporting pride

The Mayor of Rincón de la Victoria, Francisco Salado, emphasised that hosting the championships “is a source of pride” for the community. He highlighted the town’s commitment to promoting Andalusian sport and supporting local clubs that represent Rincón de la Victoria across the country.

Sports Councillor Antonio José Martín encouraged fans to attend and enjoy “a great event for both national and Andalusian sport, where the season’s champions will be decided.”

Join the excitement

Organized by the APAL of Deportes de Rincón de la Victoria and the Andalusian Hockey Federation, with support from the Consejería de Cultura y Deporte de la Junta de Andalucía, this championship promises a high-energy weekend. Fans, families, and anyone interested in thrilling indoor hockey are welcome to cheer for their favourite teams from 10:00 a.m. on January 17.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the best of Andalusian indoor hockey in action and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that only a Final Four championship can deliver.