PRESS EURO BELGIUM

Drinking fish

FOR hundreds of years live fish have been drunk in a cup of wine during festivities called the Krakelingenfeest or Pretzel Feast and the Tonnekensbrand or the Barrel Burning in the town of Geraardsbergen. New Belgian laws concerning cruelty could mean this tradition is stopped for next year.

Likely ban on drinking fish in wine.

Germany’s siesta

No fairy tale

THE Pogues’ legendary frontman has been treated in hospital since late June for an unknown illness. Shane MacGowan, the 65year-old iconic singer of The Pogues was taken to hospital and spent several days in intensive care for an unspecified health issue, according to Dublin Live.

Dead unkind

A MAN in Ireland has been jailed after it was discovered that he dragged the lifeless body of his uncle to the post office in order to collect his pension. A court in Ireland heard how 41-year-old Declan Haughney, and Gareth Coakley, 38, both drug addicts at the time dragged the body of 66-year-old Peadar Doyle to the post office to claim his €246 pension.

Lion scare

GERMAN Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and the head of Germany's medical association propose adopting siestas on hot days to improve health and productivity. The practice of resting during the hottest hours helps regulate body temperature and promotes better sleep patterns. Aligning work tasks with cooler hours may optimise performance and overall well-being.

AUTHORITIES in Berlin issued emergency alerts to thousands of residents to stay indoors as a suspected lion was spotted. However, the search was called off when it was determined the animal was actually a wild boar. Earlier, police believed a video and officer sightings pointed to a ‘big cat’ on the loose.

Germany France

Hot air

THE Chambley Planet'Air aerodrome in France is currently hosting the largest international gathering of hot air balloons in the world. Nearly 700 pilots of 60 different nationalities are expected to attend the 10day extravaganza. The 18th Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons event started on Friday, July 21, and runs until Sunday, July 30.

Goalkeeper robbed

SEVERAL men broke into the Parisian home of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, in the early hours of Friday, July 21. The 24year-old Italian international footballer was with his girlfriend when the criminals entered their home. They were forced to strip and then tied up. The perpetrators allegedly escaped with an estimated haul of around €500,000.

Windswept rescue

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line's newest vessel, the Norwegian Prima, experienced a brief mishap in Zeebrugge, Belgium, when strong winds caused it to break free from its moorings, leading to gangways falling into the water. Luckily, no guests or crew were injured. Tugboats promptly assisted in securing the ship, and it continued its scheduled voyage.

Apple watch rescue

A NORWEGIAN trail runner credits his Apple Watch for saving his life as it enabled him to call an ambulance after a fall during a run. Unable to reach his iPhone due to the severity of his injuries, he used his Apple Watch to call for help, and emergency services arrived about 15 minutes later.

Norway Finland

Dog smuggling

CUSTOMS authorities in Finland have uncovered a smuggling operation that specialised in the illegal importation of dogs from all around Europe including Spain. The suspect behind the illegal trade had gotten round the required rabies vaccinations and checks. Authorities suspect the smugglers raked in profits of around €200,000.

Unisex toilets

THE days of gender neutral toilets in Finland are possibly coming to an end. It seems that whilst men don’t seem to care, more and more women prefer the privacy of a ladies only toilet and several commercial spaces are taking note of their customers’ wishes and whilst leaving some toilets as they are, others are just for women.

New hotel

HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL and Mercan Properties will open a luxurious hotel located in Praia do Vau, Portimão, on Portugal’s Algarve. Construction is set to begin in early 2024 with summer 2026 scheduled for the opening. This venture will feature around 275 luxurious rooms and suites. There will be an additional 150 branded serviced apartments.

Shark spotted

A BASKING SHARK , the second largest species of shark in the world, was recently spotted near the Viana do Castelo offshore wind farm in Portugal. The DirectorateGeneral for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM) said these creatures can: 'reach close to 10 metres in length. It is huge, but not dangerous’.

Ireland Portugal Sweden

No prison

GRETA THUNBERG escaped being sent to prison in Sweden. A judge instead sentenced the Swedish activist to pay a fine of €130 for refusing to obey the police during a protest in June. “It is absurd that those who act in line with science should pay the price for it. Who should be charged and responsible for the legal consequences. While the fossil fuel industry can burn up our present and future,” she said.

Embassy stormed

SEVERAL hundred people stormed Sweden's embassy in Baghdad early on Thursday, July 20, and set it on fire. The incident occurred after the powerful Shia preacher and politician Muqtada al-Sadr called on his followers to protest over the recent Koran burnings. None of the embassy's staff was injured.