Daily News Update — 2026년 5월 13일
The MV Hondius cruise ship docked in Tenerife following a hantavirus outbreak, with 11 confirmed cases. During the evacuation, a Civil Guard officer died of a heart attack. Internationally, Trump is in Beijing for trade talks, while British PM Keir Starmer faces pressure to resign. BNP Paribas warns of rising inflation in the eurozone.
Daily News Update — May 13, 2026
Top Stories
Hantavirus cruise ship evacuation in Tenerife: 11 confirmed cases and one death
- What happened: The MV Hondius cruise ship, hit by a hantavirus outbreak, docked at the port of Granadilla (Tenerife) to begin evacuating passengers. AP News reported 11 confirmed cases. During the operation, a Civil Guard officer passed away after suffering a heart attack.
- Why it matters: The outbreak caused significant alarm in the Canary Islands, where the regional government had initially refused to let the ship dock. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated: "All cases have been isolated and are being managed under strict medical supervision." The lead epidemiologist defended the choice to dock, stating it was not an option to leave them on the ship indefinitely.
Spain: Three consecutive years without a State Budget
- What happened: An analysis in The Corner (May 11) points out that the current government has completed over two-thirds of its term without passing a State Budget, a situation described as a "clear constitutional violation."
- Why it matters: Spain has been operating on 2023 budget extensions for three years. This lack of agreement hampers public investment planning and creates fiscal uncertainty.
Trump travels to Beijing to secure trade truce with China
- What happened: U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in China this week to meet with Xi Jinping. The goal is to extend the fragile trade truce from October amid ongoing tariff tensions.
- Why it matters: The meeting comes as Trump faces perceptions of being weakened by erratic foreign policy. The outcome will directly impact global trade and commodity prices.
British Labour leadership crisis: Starmer holds on
- What happened: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains in office despite internal pressure to resign. No potential successor has formally launched a leadership challenge, which would require the backing of 81 Labour MPs.
- Why it matters: The UK is facing domestic political turmoil during a time of economic uncertainty in Europe. Any change in leadership would reshape London’s relationship with the EU and Atlantic partners.
Middle East conflict: Bahrain arrests 41 linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard
- What happened: The Bahraini Interior Ministry reported the arrest of 41 individuals accused of ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, according to state media cited by El País on May 9.
- Why it matters: This occurs amid high tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Trump mentioned he expects a response from Tehran regarding Washington’s negotiation proposal "in the coming hours," keeping diplomatic channels open but fragile.
Economy and Markets
BNP Paribas forecasts 3% inflation and lower growth for eurozone in 2026
- Economists at BNP Paribas expect eurozone GDP growth to slow from 1.5% in 2025 to 1.0% in 2026, with inflation rebounding to 3.0%–3.3%. Activity will be supported by investments in defense and AI, but energy shocks from the Middle East conflict will weigh on consumption.
ECB calls for deeper integration to boost European prosperity
- In a speech on May 12, the ECB argued that closer integration of European markets is the most effective way to strengthen long-term prosperity, while remaining vigilant regarding inflation.
Amadeus acquires Idemia Public Security for €1.2 billion
- Amadeus CEO Luis Maroto confirmed the €1.2 billion acquisition of Idemia Public Security to enhance the company's biometric capabilities. Madrid-based Amadeus invested €1.45 billion in R&D last year.
Global tourism to reach $12 trillion in 2026; Spain among European leaders
- According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector will contribute $12 trillion to the global economy in 2026, supporting 376 million jobs. Europe will lead the growth, with Spain remaining a top-performing tourism economy.
International
IMF warns: Europe faces a new energy shock that stunts growth
- The IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for Europe (April 2026) notes that the continent is being hit by a new energy supply shock linked to the Middle East conflict, hurting investment and consumption.
Andalusia elections on May 17: The left seeks a political shift
- Candidate Antonio Maíllo stated that the outcome on May 17 will be "decisive" for the next general elections. Analysts note that voter apathy and a lack of credible alternatives make it difficult for social unrest to impact the PP.
Eurovision 2026: Israel passes first semifinal despite formal warning
- Israeli representative Noam Bettan qualified for the Eurovision 2026 final with the song 'Michelle', despite receiving a formal warning from organizers for soliciting votes illicitly.
Analysis
Hantavirus puts Spanish health management in the Canary Islands to the test
The MV Hondius became the center of an unprecedented health crisis in Spain this week. The ship, operating in the Atlantic, recorded an outbreak of hantavirus—a serious viral disease—affecting at least 11 passengers before heading to Tenerife.
Political management was complex. Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo initially rejected the ship docking, citing a lack of information. The WHO intervened to calm public fears, noting cases were under strict supervision. The evacuation began Sunday, May 10, amidst high tension, tragically marked by the death of a Civil Guard officer from a heart attack. The event highlights the need for better coordination between state and regional authorities during sanitary emergencies.
Monitoring
- Progression of the hantavirus outbreak in the Canaries: Monitoring for potential new infections among staff or the local population.
- Outcome of the May 17 Andalusian elections: The results could redefine the balance of power on the Spanish left.
- U.S.-China trade negotiations: Trump’s visit to Beijing will determine if the tariff truce holds.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
