Key events
Morning opening: Spanish police searches Socialist Party’s HQ in Madrid, deepening Sánchez’s woes
Jakub Krupa
Spanish police entered the ruling Socialist Party’s headquarters in Madrid on a judicial order to gather information on a possible illegal financing scheme, several news Spanish news outlets reported.
A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil force told Reuters officers had entered the premises but did not disclose any further details since the proceedings are secret.
The search takes place amid intensifying focus on separate allegations of influence peddling and corruption linked to former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the immediate family of current PM Pedro Sánchez, creating a somewhat precarious situation for both the party and the embattled premier.
Sánchez, however, is in Rome today for a visit to the Vatican, where he is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo this morning. A press conference is expected following the meeting, where he will undoubtedly face a barrage of questions regarding the searches back in Madrid.
Elsewhere, I will keep an eye on day three of the heatwave engulfing large parts of western Europe, the latest news coming from Ukraine and the Baltics, and the UK-Polish defence and security treaty that will be signed in London.
Lots to cover.
It’s Wednesday, 27 May 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.