Catalonia's independence drive has sent dozens of firms fleeing as doubts grow over the economy of a region that, while one of Spain's richest, is also deeply indebted and dependent on trade with the EU and the rest of Spain.
In this week's The Local Europe Edition podcast we talk about why the French are on strike again, ask whether the Germans are as liberated as they seem – and look at Brits trying to escape Brexit.
On the eve of his 100th match in charge of Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane insisted he maintains the same desire to succeed having already won seven trophies in his short coaching career.
"If there is no quick solution, we see ourselves having to lower economic forecasts for 2018," deputy prime minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said.
Spain's World Cup winning hero in 2010 Andres Iniesta believes next year's tournament in Russia is likely to be his swansong at international level.
Pressure is growing from allies of Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont for him to lift his 'suspension' on a declaration of independence.
Oscar-winning Spanish actress Penelope Cruz has expressed her support for the women who have had spoken out about "horrible experiences" and alleged sexual assaults at the hands of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
The Catalan giants travel to hostile territory at a tense time.
Flag makers have reported a surge in demand for the Spanish flag in a country where nationalism is associated with the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, whose authoritarian rule still haunts Spain.
Ratings agency Standard and Poor's has warned that the crisis over Catalan independence from Spain could push the region into recession.
