The Spanish government is grappling with two controversial topics: the conditions for regularizing half a million migrants and the legal chaos surrounding mandatory V16 light beacons. Catalonia and the Basque Country demand that knowledge of regional languages be a condition for extending residence permits. Simultaneously, the European Commission warns of legal consequences due to failure to complete procedures when introducing new warning devices in vehicles.
Language as a Condition for Residence
Regions such as Catalonia demand that knowledge of a regional language be mandatory when extending residence documents for migrants.
Lack of Notification in Brussels
The European Commission confirmed that Spain did not report the standard regarding V16 beacons, which threatens sanctions and legal chaos.
Security Verification of Migrants
Every migrant applying for legal status will be checked by the police regarding potential threats to health and public order.
End of Triangles on Roads
From January 2026, warning triangles are illegal, and drivers must possess certified geolocation devices.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government has come under fire after the Generalitat de Catalunya under the leadership of Salvador Illa and the authorities of the Basque Country submitted amendments to the decree on the extraordinary regularization of migrants. The proposal stipulates that knowledge of Catalan or Basque should become a necessary condition for the first renewal of a residence permit. Although the Ministry of Migration initially denied the need for language knowledge at the start of the process, the latest reports indicate concessions to coalition partners, which has sparked sharp opposition from the opposition and regions governed by the People's Party. At the same time, a scandal related to traffic regulations is growing. From January 1, 2026, network-connected V16 beacons, which replaced traditional warning triangles, are mandatory in Spain. However, it turned out that the government did not notify the European Commission of this change, which, according to Brussels, could result in the invalidity of the regulations and serious legal consequences for the state. Security experts also point to legal loopholes that could be exploited by insurers to deny compensation payments. Spain's migrant regularization system is based on the concept of "arraigo" (rootedness), which has evolved over the years, incorporating into integration assessment criteria not only work but also social and cultural ties to a given region. In response to the controversies, the government announced rigorous background checks on all applicants through police reports to exclude individuals posing a threat to public order. Regarding the beacons, Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska defends the decision, claiming that saving lives on the roads is the priority, despite procedural shortcomings towards the European Union.
Mentioned People
- Salvador Illa — President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, advocates for the Catalan language requirement.
- Isabel Díaz Ayuso — President of the Community of Madrid, sharply criticizes the Sánchez government's migration policy.
- Fernando Grande-Marlaska — Spanish Minister of the Interior responsible for road regulations and safety.