Costa de Almeria 21 – 27 Dec 2023 Issue 2007 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

NEW YEAR Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2007 • 21 - 27 December 2023

FOR A GOOD PAWS!

ALMERIA animal shelter, PAWS PATAS recently saw an influx of dogs that suddenly needed their care. As they struggled to cope, the local community rallied together in a show of support and solidarity, ready and willing to do all they could to help. One such community member is Victoria Jones, who has set up a group specially for fundraising and aiding these animals, named Pata Paws. Euro Weekly News had the pleasure of chatting with Victoria, one of four local ladies who are heading up this new operation.

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Delia French and Sharon McGibbon, fundraising.

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Dog Coat Campaign

“It all began when a lovely lady named Joz from Belgium got in touch,” she told EWN. “She has made over 200 dog coats last year for rescued dogs and offered to show us how to make them, so myself, my daughter Aliesha, Alexis Shillinglaw and Delia French, set up the ‘Dog Coat Campaign’. In addition to this, the group also makes dog paw earrings and keyrings, dog soaps, paws handbag charms, and ‘dog wish bracelets’. Delia French, the group’s fundraiser, has been taking these to local bars and shops along with a donation box. Pata Paws will be hosting sewing sessions from December 22. Anybody wishing to participate can contact the group via Facebook or Victoria on + 634 342 476 . Pata Paws have already raised an incredible €275 in just two/three days. “The community have really come together,” beamed Victoria, “we have a lot more planned, and we hope to help many other charities as we continue to grow.” They are still in need of donations of fabric which can be dropped off at Studio Morera in Turre or Cahoots in Mojacar. In the words of Victoria, “there is more joy in giving than receiving, and this is a way that everybody in the community can give a little. However small or large, you can help.”

Patients with pets ONE Almeria hospital has introduced a new project, ‘your pet with you’. The Humanisation Commission of the Poniente University Hospital have created this new approach, that aims to make it easier for patients who have been admitted and are at the end of their lives. With ‘your pet with you’, these people will now have the opportunity to say a final goodbye to their beloved animals. The project has been promoted in collaboration with the Official College of Veterinarians of Almeria. The managing director of the centre, Pedro Acosta, said that, “there have been several patients admitted who have asked the staff about the possibility of saying goodbye to their pet, with whom they maintain a strong emotional bond.” After many similar requests, a decision was made that something should be done about this lack of closure, suffered by both owner and animal. The service applies to personal pets that have lived with the patient. To begin, dogs will be the only animal that qualifies for these new visits, and the process will begin with an initial request of a ‘canine passport’ for the dog. Veterinary professionals will collaborate with the project by performing a free examination of the animal prior to the visit. A friend or family member of the patient will then be responsible for preparing their pet for the visit and accompanying during their arrival at the hospital. Juan de la Cruz Belmonte, territorial delegate of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Board in Almeria stated that “the main objective is the patient’s well-being.”

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NIBS EXTRA Pension rises

STARTING in January 2024, more than 113,000 Almeria pensioners will receive around €50 more each month. This revaluation of the pensions in the region, which will rise by 3.8 per cent in accordance with the increase in the CPI, will benefit 113,642 Almeria retirees.

Empanada Day

HUERCAL-OVERA celebrated a sweet Saturday on December 16, with its official Empanada Day. This has been carried out for nearly two decades by the Association of Neighbours of the Historic Centre with the collaboration of the council. The aim is to maintain one of the most important traditional sweets of Huercalense cuisine: the almond empanada. Yum.

Airport growth

ALMERIA Airport showed a growth of 25 per cent in November, as it closed the month with 36,827 passengers. This represents a growth of exactly 24.9 per cent compared to the same month in 2022. These positive figures show that the daily average of people is 1,227 that pass through the airport.

Festive Albox

ALBOX has prepared for Christmas in the way it knows best, poinsettias! The town has now been decorated with the festive flower as Albox tradition dictates The council gave it’s thanks to the gardeners and municipal workers who are putting the town of Albox into the Christmas spirit that it deserves!

Xmas cards

THE AA Dog Rescue charity shop in Albox currently has lots of beautiful Christmas cards from just 50 cents on offer in their shop. Choose from a wide range of designs. The shop is located on Calle Malaga opposite ‘Gladrags’.

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“Spreading Christmas Cheer: A Heartfelt Message from Euro Weekly News Publishers” AS we gather around the festive table, exchanging stories and laughter, there is a warmth in our hearts that comes from knowing we are here together, celebrating another Christmas. It’s with immense gratitude that we, Michel and Steven, the publishers of Euro Weekly News, write our 25th Christmas message to our valued clients and loyal readers. Without your unwavering support, this journey wouldn’t have been possible. The past year has been quite a ride, hasn’t it? We’ve witnessed some incredible highs and navigated some extraordinary lows. Yet, here we stand, resilient and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you, our cherished community. For us, serving you is not just a job; it’s a calling deeply ingrained in our DNA. Our mission has always been to shine a light on the good-hearted, selfless individuals who take care of the vulnerable, the needy, the aged, and even the abandoned pets and animals that often capture our hearts. Ours is a compassionate community - a community that cares. This, dear readers, is what makes the heart of the ‘People’s Paper’ beat. We see your passions, hear your struggles, and acknowledge your pain. Yet, we also see your unwavering spirit, your determination to move forward despite life’s challenges. In the face of adversity, you continue to march forward with hope in your hearts. This is the strength of our community. Living along the beautiful coastline offers a unique perspective on life. The sun, the sea, the culture that warmly embraces foreigners, and the peaceful coexistence of various religions all create an environment that feels like a perpetual vacation. It’s a place where the world can come together as one, a place where peace is a treasure we hold dear. In a world where global conflicts and uncertainties loom large, peace is the most precious gift one can hope for. To sleep peacefully at night, free from worry and fear, is a priceless gem. It’s a reminder of the value of peace in our lives, a value that often eludes us in these tumultuous times. This Christmas, while we may not be able to change the world’s suffering, we can certainly make a world

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Fire watch

Michel and Steven Euesde

of difference within our own community. It’s the small acts of kindness that can brighten someone’s day and make the holiday season truly special. Imagine setting an extra place at your table for a neighbour spending Christmas alone. Think about local restaurants offering cancelled reservations to those in need of a warm meal and company. Consider extending a helping hand to a single parent down the road, offering them a brief respite by babysitting for an hour. Even having a cup of tea with an elderly parent, so their caregiver can have a moment of relaxation, can be an extraordinary gesture of kindness. The beauty of these acts lies in their simplicity. Time, after all, is the most precious gift we can offer. If each of us contributes a little piece of peace to our community, it will undoubtedly be a joyous Christmas for all. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone has a bustling family gathering to attend, and not everyone’s heart is overflowing with holiday

cheer. Let’s strive to understand this and be the bearers of warmth and kindness to all we encounter. While we may not be able to change the entire world, we can certainly make our world a better place. This holiday season, let us come together as a community to spread the spirit of Christmas - a spirit of love, compassion, and peace. Remember, a smile can be the greatest gift we give to one another. By doing so, we can make a world of difference to those around us. In conclusion, as we celebrate this Christmas, let us embrace the true essence of the season: giving, sharing, and caring. Let us be the light in someone’s darkness, the warmth in someone’s heart, and the hope in someone’s soul.

Warmest wishes for a heartwarming and peaceful Christmas, Michel and Steven

DUE to the continuing high heats in Almeria and many other areas of Spain, the looming danger of forest fires still hangs over us, even in December. A forest fire broke out on the morning of Monday December 18 in Los Murtales, the Sierra de Turre, as reported by the Andalucian Forest Fire Extinguishing Service, Infoca. At first there were two groups of forest firefighters, a fire engine and a helicopter, that were sent to the scene, in addition to the aid of the Levante Almeriense Firefighters, who have a station located in the town of Turre. At 11:50am Infoca reported that the fire had been officially stabilised, meaning it was not yet controlled but it no longer had active fronts that made the fire advance freely. Work then continued for its control and definitive extinction. This unexpected blaze just goes to show that even though winter is in full swing, vigilance against wildfires cannot be lowered in the Almeria mountains. These blazes come often without warning and they continue to occur.

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DURING the third week of December Almeria recorded the highest temperature in the month of December in the entire history of Spain! The record breaking reading came from the town of Partaloa, and showed a temperature of 29.7 degrees! A number that rarely shows in the UK even on the hottest summer day! The region of Almeria, in particular its coastal area, often show higher tem-

Poor Santa A famous docking

Sweating Santa.

peratures than the rest of Andalucia, usually being on par with the central area of Sevilla, and southeast Cordoba. So, it seems there’s definitely no possibility of a white Christmas over here, with Santa perhaps even opting for a swimming costume rather than his winter boots, when he makes his rounds in Almeria on the night of Christmas Eve!

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

“A bird cannot fly on one wing.” Of American-English origin. This is used to justify taking another alcoholic drink.

THE legendary ship that made the first ever around the world trip, the Nao Victoria, will spend Christmas docked in Almeria. The famous ship will remain docked at the Ribera Dock, next to the Almeripark Christmas park, during the festive season, and will be open for visits from the public! Those who wish may climb aboard and tour its decks, an extraordinary activity for the whole family to enjoy during the holidays. The Nao Victoria is actually an exact replica of the ship that over 500 years ago, made the first ever boat journey around the entire world, which began and ended in the port of Sevilla (1519-1522). Today, it serves as a floa-

Credit: Gnsin/Creative Commons

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Credit: Shutterstock/64995130

The Nao Victoria.

ting museum, an ode to maritime history and a cultural site for visitors to experience first hand what that travel must have felt like. This year the Noa Victoria has docked in not only various ports in Spain, but also in France, England, the Netherlands and Italy. The public will be able to board the ship until January

7. Visitors can tour its decks, learn about it’s navigation, the tough daily life endured on board as well as the amazing adventure that took place five centuries ago. It is open 11am until 7pm on weekdays, 11am until 8pm on Saturdays and 11am until 2pm on Sundays. Tickets €3 to €6 from tickets.funda cionnaovictoria.org.

Grace and hope

THE mayor of Vera, Alfonso Garcia and councillor Ana Lourdes Ramirez Ridao made sure to be present at the traditional Holy Mass on December 16. This religious event is performed annually on this date, and every year many residents of Vera attend to worship and give their thanks. The Holy Mass is celebrated in honour of our Mother of Grace and Hope. Following the mass, a concert of processional marches by the Albox Music Band were presented to all in attendance. The well known march ‘Hope Of Mercy’ was the most anticipated, and dedicated to Mary Most Holy of Grace and Hope.

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A JOINT celebration has been performed in Mojacar, Almeria, as the Anglican and Catholic churches unite. The Festival of Nine Lessons has been taking place during the Christmas period for many years in Mojacar, a celebration which involves the town’s two most significant religious communities, Catholic and Anglican. The tradition of performing the festival of Nine Lessons during the Advent season dates back to 1880. On Friday, December 15, worshippers from both faiths gathered at the Santa María Parish Church for the celebration of the Festival of Nine Lessons, jointly honouring this time of Advent. The celebration was officiated by the Parish Priest Victor Manuel Fernandez at the Santa María Catholic Church in Mojacar, as well as the Costa de Almeria Anglican Minister, Alwyn Carter.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mojacar

Religions unite in Almeria

Parish Priest Victor Manuel Fernandez and Costa de Almeria Anglican Minister, Alwyn Carter.

The readings were read in Spanish and English, starting with the Old Testament, as is tradition in both faiths. The Anglican Church, despite being a reformed church, maintains similarities with the Catholics. They accept the apostolic tradition and venerate the Virgin Mary as Mother of God. The Catholic and Anglican Churches celebrate masses throughout the world for the birth of Jesus. The good natured relationship between the resi-

dents, which were mainly British and Spanish, led to an agreement to come together and celebrate the arrival of the baby Jesus, which also symbolises the beginning of Christmas in Mojacar. This ceremony is an example of the harmony and respect between both communities that has resulted in this loving coexistence and serves as an example, not just to the community and to Spain, but also to the whole world.

A golden apple THE Gold Medal for Merit in Education 2023 has been won by a teacher from Almeria. Encarnacion Diaz Soriano, who is a primary school teacher in Almeria, was awarded the prestigious award on Friday, December 15 by the Minister of Educational Development and Vocational Training, Patricia del Pozo. The Minister stated that “these awards are public recognition of people, centres and institutions that dedicate the best of

their lives and activities to teaching. We will never sufficiently recognise the contribution they have made to society and to Andalucia, but it is about making their trajectories visible so that they are an example for society as a whole.” The Gold Medal has been awarded to Diaz Soriano for her dedication and pedagogical leadership in the field of educational and social inclusion and attention to diversity.

Afternoon delights JOIN Albox on December 23 for its special event, the ‘Tardeo de Navidad’, or Christmas afternoon in English. Beginning at 4pm in Plaza Mayor, the event will begin with live music from Tone DJ, as well as a bar service from local sellers of Albox. With the town now decorated in it’s full glory, it sets the perfect stage for a day of fun, dancing and laughter with the whole family in the final days coming up to Christmas. Following this, at 8.30pm there will be a special performance of ‘Zambomba Flamenco’, with an added extra, ‘Christmas Rumba Kimbao.’ Everyone is welcome, locals and tourists alike, for what promises to be an exciting event for all. Feliz Navidad!

Line dancing donors GRUPO Scout 106 del Saliente Albox were recently presented with a donation of €264 from Eleanor’s Line Dance Class who have been supporting the Scout group for the last four years. The money was raised during Easter parties, the group’s birthday celebrations, raffles and from a substantial donation from Charlotte’s Bar. The money will be used towards the cost of the Scout group’s summer camp in 2024.

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A piece of Pompeii

IN the 1970s, the Detemmerman family visited Pompeii when they holidayed in Italy one year. While there, Geert Determmerman’s father was approached by a man who offered to sell him a piece of marble from the ruins as a souvenir. His father accepted “for a considerable sum” and the family took it back with them when they returned to Herzele (East Flanders). Once home, the marble tiling was cemented into the wall of the Detemmerman’s house where it has remained for the last 50 years. When Geert’s father, who is now 85, decided earlier this year to sell the house and move to an apartment, his son decided to find out if the marble had any value and contacted the Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren (Limburg). “The museum sent two staff members to have a look, and they couldn’t believe their eyes,” Geert explained to the VRT broadcaster. The experts immediately

Photo credit: Flickr/Nick Hubbard

POMPEII: The Detemmermans unknowingly returned with a priceless souvenir in the 70s.

realised that the tiling was an historical artefact which was almost 2,000 years old and had disappeared from Pompeii more 50 years ago. The authorities there had been searching for it ever since and the Gallo-Roman Museum’s Bart Demarsin is confident that the Determmermans’ souvenir is the well-documented piece depicting Pompeii’s 62AD earthquake they were looking for. Originally it had belonged to a wealthy banker living in the centre of Pompeii and had been on display in

Pompeii’s museum when it vanished. Demarsin said a delegaton from the Pompeii Archaeological Park will soon travel to Belgium to inspect the piece which, if it turns out to be the original, will be returned to Pompeii. Meanwhile, the Detemmermans are hoping to receive some kind of compensation. “After all, the piece hung here for 50 years without anything happening to it,” Geert said. “It could so easily have been sold on or broken.”

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The spire returns AGAINST the iconic backdrop of the Parisian skyline, the spire of Notre Dame has quietly reasserted its place one year ahead of the cathedral’s much-anticipated reopening on December 8, 2024. The world stood in awe in April 2019 as the spire of Notre Dame de Paris succumbed to flames, and its centuries-old framework, affectionately known as ‘The Forest’, faced destruction. The arduous task of reconstruction started after two years dedicated to securing the building, conducting project studies, and preparing the site. The solid oak frame of the spire, adorned with the golden crown and cross in homage to Violletle-Duc’s original design, reaches skyward, soon to be crowned by the iconic THE annual Spanish Christmas lottery known as El Gordo (the big one) is renowned for its grandeur and is considered the biggest and most famous lottery draw worldwide. This annual extravaganza kicks off on December 22, marking the start of Christmas, and captivating the attention of the country. The Spanish Christmas lottery has a long history, dating back to 1812. It is also considered one of the oldest lotteries globally. El Gordo differs from many other lotteries due to its unique format. The tickets are expensive compared to

Image: Mairie de Paris

NOTRE DAME: Reconstruction is well on its way.

rooster. Anchored 30 metres above the ground this architectural marvel is made from approximately 1,000 meticulously crafted pieces of wood. Crafted in a workshop in Lorraine, the arrow was assembled by skilled carpenters. The installation of this soaring spire was no small feat. A colossal 600-ton scaffolding, with 48 intricately linked levels, was erected

for the task. This ingenious construction enabled the assembly of the spire without impeding its grand ascent to a towering height of 96 metres. As the city of Paris eagerly anticipates the cathedral’s grand reopening, the re-emergence of Notre Dame’s spire stands as a testament to the dedication of those committed to preserving the cultural and historical legacy.

The big one

other lotteries but they are usually sold in smaller shares (decimas - a 10th) for around €20, making them accessible to a broader range of people. The drawing process of the lottery is a grand live televised event that lasts several hours. Schoolchildren sing out the winning numbers and the corresponding prizes from two large rotating drums. It is a festive occasion broadcast throughout Spain and the children singing out the numbers can be heard in every bar, it is

a sound that is intrinsically linked to Christmas in Spain. One of its unique aspects is its emphasis on sharing as is highlighted in its much anticipated Christmas adverts. Often entire towns, workplaces, or families buy tickets together, and then if they strike lucky they each get their equal share of the winnings. El Gordo goes beyond the substantial prizes; it’s deeply embedded in Spanish culture and is an integral part of the country’s holiday traditions.

Christmas Furby

FESTIVE Furby-themed Christmas trees, affectionately known as ‘Furbtrees,’ have sprouted up in various European cities, including London, Paris, and Berlin. In addition to the traditional evergreen fir trees that grace city streets during the holiday season, major capitals across Europe have embraced the whimsical and fun presence of Furby-themed Christmas trees. Residents and visitors have revelled in the nostalgic comeback of the iconic 90s creatures, with social media platfor-

ms such as Instagram and TikTok buzzing with videos and images showcasing these Furby-filled Christmas trees over the weekend. This creative activation has transformed renowned landmarks, such as London’s Regent Street, Paris’s Boulevard Haussmann (Place Diaghilev), and Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, into fabulous displays adorned with numerous blinking Furbies. Each tree features a vibrant neon pink, ear-flapping Furblet perched on top, adding a bit of nostalgic touch to the festive decorations.

ADVERTISING FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com It will be new year soon, a time when most of us take stock of our situation and set goals to improve our health, happiness, lifestyle and wealth. It’s a good opportunity to confirm your financial planning is on target to meet your needs and provide long-term financial security. Regular reviews help keep your financial affairs up to date and compliant. Tax rules or financial regulations can change at any time, which may affect the tax efficiency and security of your existing arrangements. There may also be new opportunities that you could find beneficial… but only if you know about them. You don’t know what you don’t know, so conducting your review with the help of a professional financial planner can prove invaluable. Consider also if any changes in your personal and family circumstances mean you should adjust your arrangements. Tax planning First confirm where you are resident for tax purposes, especially if you are new to Spain or spend time in more than one country. Then structure your investments and wealth in the most suitable way to minimise taxation in Spain and the UK, while still meeting

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Resolve to review your financial planning for 2024 By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

your tax reporting obligations. Research the Spanish tax regime to establish what opportunities it may provide residents if you structure your assets correctly. Cross-border tax planning is complex, so take specialist advice to achieve peace of mind and potentially secure significant tax savings. Savings and investments If you do not already have a financial plan in place for Spain,

take a fresh look at your savings and investments. Are they actually better suited to a UK resident? Do they meet your risk/reward appetite? Are you taking advantage of suitable tax-efficient opportunities in Spain? Successful investing is about having a strategy specifically based around your circumstances, time horizon, needs, aims and risk tolerance. Ensure you have adequate diversification to avoid over-exposure to any given country, asset type, sector or company. Explore investment structures that allow multi-currency flexibility to help minimise exchange rate risk. Pensions Pensions are usually key to financial security through retirement, so deciding what to do with yours could be one of the most important financial decisions you make. Ensure you are up-to-date on the latest pension regulations and explore the available options.

Weigh up all the pros and cons and consider the tax implications and potential benefits or complications in Spain. Take regulated professional advice to protect your retirement benefits and do what is right for your personal circumstances and aims. Estate planning It is vital to review your estate planning as Spanish succession law and tax work very differently to the UK. Spain’s ‘forced heirship’ rules could automatically pass a significant proportion of your worldwide estate to your direct family, whatever your intentions. You can specify in your will for the EU regulation ‘Brussels IV’ to apply relevant British law to your estate instead, but understand your options and any tax implications. Your estate plan should be set up to achieve your wishes in the most tax-efficient way possible. If you

remain UK domiciled you continue to be liable for UK inheritance tax, so plan to reduce this liability for your heirs. To bring all these complex elements together and ensure you have not missed out on any opportunities, take expert, cross-border advice. Spending time on a financial health-check can secure peace of mind that you and your family are in the best position to enjoy a prosperous 2024 and beyond. The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www. blevinsfranks.com.

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The kissing kind

Have you ever wondered about the origins of Spain’s two-kiss greeting? This warm and friendly gesture, deeply ingrained in Spanish culture, offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s history and societal values. Rooted in Roman and Christian traditions, the two-kiss greeting in Spain dates back to Roman times, with National Geographic highlighting three distinct types of kisses from that era, writes a National media outlet. The ‘Osculum’ was a cheek kiss shared among friends, the ‘Basium’ was a lip kiss between spouses, and the ‘Suavem’ was reserved for lovers. Christianity later played a pivotal role in solidifying the cheek kiss in

Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com

A kiss at a social gathering

cultural practices, even integrating it into sacred texts. In Spain, this practice, primarily shared between women or between men and women, signifies equality and cordiality. Far from being a mere formality, it conveys respect and affection, highlighting the open-hearted nature of Spanish society. There are subtle but

important rules to this greeting. Typically, it starts on the right cheek, and while the approach is cheek-to-cheek, actual lip contact is reserved for very close relationships. Across Spain, the enthusiasm of this greeting can vary, reflecting diverse local customs. This intimate form of greeting in Spain contrasts with other countries’ practices, which

reflect their unique views on personal space and social relationships. For instance, in France, the number of kisses ranges from two to four depending on the region. The Netherlands and Belgium often use three cheek kisses. In Asia, greetings range from bows in Japan and Korea, symbolizing respect, to nods or handshakes in China. Africa’s diverse cultures showcase greetings from traditional singing and dancing to prolonged handshakes with special gestures. The Maori in New Zealand, the ‘hongi’ is a traditional greeting in which noses and foreheads are pressed together – is a significant gesture of sharing the ‘breath of life.’

Seasonal surge

Each year Madrid transforms itself at Christmas into one of the mustsee capitals of Europe, this year however it has proved so popular that authorities has issued a black level alert. The recent long weekend which stretched from December 6 to 8, drew innumerable visitors. The heightened activity in the heart of the city has led to the activation of a ‘black level’ alert due to extreme influx of visitors. To manage the extraordinary increase, Madrid’s City Council has devised a comprehensive security strategy. This will include deploying an additional 450 Municipal Police officers on Sunday, January 7, and up to 850 officers on busier days. These officers, along with traffic regulation personnel, ensure smooth movement around the city. The festive period, as witnessed on the Consti-

tution bridge (December 5, 6, and 7) and the upcoming eve of Epiphany on January 5, will see intensified surveillance. A team of 366 mobility staff will extend their service until 11:00 pm on these key dates. The police might restrict access to certain streets and establish one-way pedestrian paths if necessary. Madrid may also experience some road closures. In a unique move, the Sol station is expected to close on several days in December, specifically from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on special occasions like December 30 and 31. Adjustments will also be made on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For instance, on Christmas Eve, the Metro will conclude its service at 10:00 pm. On Christmas day it will open two hours later at 8:00 am, and start an hour later at 7:00 am on New Year’s Day.

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Long and the short of it change that, she’s sublime,” another X user argued. Television production and distribution company Banijay France, owner of the Miss France brand, has had to defend the pageant with chief executive Alexia Laroche-Joubert arguing that it was a symbol of success and upward mobility for contestants. Many later went on to become, doctors, businesswomen or film directors, she said, and the contest’s requirements had been brought up to date. There was no longer an age limit and married or transgender participants were no longer barred, she pointed out. Melinda Bizri of the Human Rights League in Dijon, where this year’s Miss France gala was held, had called for a boycott of the ceremony beforehand. The changes were no more than “femi-

nist-washing”, Bizri said. “Women have been abusing themselves all their lives to achieve these phantasmagorical criteria, according to patterns that take a very long time to deconstruct,” she contended. “Miss France is still just as sexist in the way it classifies women according to beauty standards,” said Violaine de Filippis, the Dare Feminism! association’s spokeswoman.

EVA GILLES: Newly-elected Miss France bucks the trend with short hair.

Levelling Up Credit: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street

THE new Miss France Eve Gilles, who was elected on December 16, has short hair. This departure from the stereotyped norm was both hailed and criticised although Gilles herself described her victory as a “triumph for diversity.” “No one should dictate who you are,” said the 20-year-old from Quaedypre near Dunkirk who was the only contestant without the long flowing tresses associated with beauty queens. “We’re used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose an androgynous look with short hair. Every woman is different, we’re all unique.” The public reacted with satisfaction on social media, challenging claims which described her selection as politicised. “Maybe the new Miss France isn’t gorgeous in your eyes, but seeing wokeism in her because she has short hair is just ridiculous,” one fan wrote on X. “Eve Gilles is the new Miss France 2024, your malicious and useless criticisms won’t

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David Cameron is back in government as a senior decision maker.

JUST imagine what might have happened if every British passport holder living anywhere in the world had been eligible to vote in the Brexit Referendum! The then Conservative Government under the leadership of David Cameron had recognised that there was an incredible anomaly as those who had left the UK within the past 15 years and had been registered to vote in the UK whilst living there were eligible. Those who had exceeded 15 years or had been too young to vote when they left the UK and whose parents weren’t registered lost the right to vote (so much for universal suffrage!). The actual limit is arbitrary and has changed from as little as seven years to more than 15 but it was Conservative policy that the time limit should be scrapped and it supported a private members bill to this effect. Perhaps, David Cameron’s second biggest mistake was not pushing the law change through before the Brexit vote and it might also have saved the ongoing angst over Gibraltar.

Afterwards, nothing happened before the next elect ion and then the private members bill was talked out of Parliament when it was next raised. All these years later, it appears that the Conservatives are going to give the vote back to every British passport holder and as part of the Levelling Up campaign it has arranged with a digital company Softwire to canvas overseas residents on their opinions on how the new system should work. They have been contacting Conservative Groups around Europe inviting to apply to take part in a review which finished on Tuesday December 19 and who knows, for the next UK General Election which could well in 2024, you may be able to vote even if you have lived in Spain for more than 15 years, or have grown up here without any right to vote. The only drawback is that you will most likely need to either appoint a proxy to vote for you or register by post, assuming that there is sufficient time to receive the voting papers and then return them.

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No flash, bang wallop ALTHOUGH the word Pangolin could easily describe an exotic firework from the Far East, people who live in Prague won’t be seeing any fireworks to welcome the New Year. It is now five years since Prague City Council (like some other European cities) decided not to run an official firework display on the grounds that they were bad for the environment and also scared pets and local wildlife. This year however, according to the Czech News Agency, it will be possible for families who live in Prague (or can prove that a member commutes into the city for work) will be able to visit a number of different sites on New Year’s Day for the nominal cost of CZK1 (4 euro cents). This is where the Pangolin comes into play as Šiška, Europe’s first ever example to be born in captivity is a minor mira-

Prague Zoo’s female Chinese pangolin Šiška.

cle who can been seen at the Prague Zoo. Other options in this cheap deal include the Botanical Gardens, the Public Transport Museum and and the seven Prague towers managed by the city company Prague City Tourism. There is no getting around the lack of a firework display by letting off your own as it is prohibited to let off noisy

fireworks in particular in conservation areas, on floodplains, in natural parks and protected areas, around waterways and on islands, dams and dykes, in the vicinity of the zoo and near homes for the elderly and other residential social facilities. The police will be on alert and ready to hand out fines for anyone who breaks the rules.

Fully equipped p open p p plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house.

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Full support

Aerospace deal triumph

IN a letter to Dutch parliament on Friday December 16, State Secretary of Justice and Security Eric van der Burg expressed support for Bulgaria’s admission into the Schengen Area for the first time, reversing The Netherlands’ longstanding position that the Eastern European country was not ready. Though Austria still opposes Bulgaria’s admission into the Schengen Area, The Netherlands’ reversal could help warm Vienna to the idea, reports the NLTimes. Both Van der Burg and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have objected to Bulgaria’s admission in the past due to technical reasons, namely issues with corruption and rule of law. However, after a “fact-finding” mission in Bulgaria conducted by the European Commission returned positive results, both Rutte and Van der Burg reversed their positions. The European Commission had long supported Bulgaria’s Schengen ascendance, though The Netherlands continued to object, requesting additional data. The fact-finding mission, however, came back without shortcomings, NLTimes reports. Of the 27 EU member states, only Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Ireland remain outside the Schengen Area, a border-free zone where passport controls have been abolished. Ireland has opted out, while Romania is in the process of becoming a Schengen member. Croatia, the newest Schengen member, joined in January 2023. While still objecting to Bulgaria’s admission to the Schengen Area due to immigration concerns, Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said last week that he’d be willing to ease air travel restrictions to the country.

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak has heralded a ground-breaking agreement involving Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Turkish Airlines, a pact that promises to inject billions into the UK’s economy. On Saturday, December 15, in Istanbul, a pivotal contract was announced. It sees Airbus supplying 220 planes to Turkish Airlines, with 70 of these featuring Rolls-Royce engines. This major economic boost is set to fortify the UK’s financial landscape significantly, writes Gov.UK. This collaboration is poised to sustain thousands of skilled jobs within the UK. Wings for the aircraft are designed in Filton, Bristol, and assembled in Broughton, North Wales. Moreover, the Rolls-Roy-

Credit: Turkish Airlines/Twitter.com

Turkish airlines are involved in the agreement

ce engines will be manufactured in Derby. This venture is a significant triumph for the British manufacturing sector. The A350 aircraft, in particular, will exclusively utilise Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, known for their 25 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to earlier

FAMILIES schedule their Christmas day in their own unique ways, from gift-opening rituals to festive feasts, each household has its unique traditions. Whichever way people choose to celebrate Christmas, the odds are that at some point many families will settle down in front of the television to watch their favourite Christmas movie. In a recent survey from the UK electrical retailer Currys , UK residents shared their most cherished Christmas tv moments and the steadfast traditions they adhere to. The top 10 Christmas films inclu-

models. This technological advancement underscores the UK’s commitment to innovative engineering and environmental sustainability. In 2022, the UK’s aerospace sector was a major economic contributor, generating £10.9 billion, with exports comprising around

One to watch de in the number one spot Home Alone, followed closely by ELF and the Grinch, in third and fourth are A Christmas Carol and The Polar Express. The latter films on the list included Miracle on 34th Street, The Snowman, Love Actually, The Santa Claus Movie, with Die Hard in tenth position. Interestingly, the perennial debate around ‘Die Hard’ being a Christmas film might be nearing a conclusion, as it secures a spot in the top ten list. Notably, one in ten participants rank it as their preferred fes-

70 per cent of its output. It also provided employment for 108,000 highly skilled individuals, primarily outside London and the South East. Prime Minister Sunak stated, ‘This landmark deal... demonstrates that the sky’s the limit for the UK’s thriving aerospace sector.’ He emphasised the role of this agreement in creating quality jobs and growth opportunities across the UK, aligning with his five priorities for the nation. The UK Government continues to back Airbus and Rolls-Royce through the £1.37 billion Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme. This support is vital in maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of global aerospace innovation.

tive movie. Classic films It´s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas finished in twelfth and thirteenth position. These film preferences offer a glimpse into the UK’s Christmas culture, showcasing a blend of humour, nostalgia, and a touch of unconventional choices. It’s a testament to how cinematic experiences can unite people in shared joy and celebration during this special time of the year. Christmas is not just about the gifts or the food, but also about the shared experiences and traditions that bind families and friends together.

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21 - 27 December 2023

LAST month, a frenzy erupted on social media over an image that showcased the uncanny physical similarity between Princess Leonor of Spain and Emma van Vollenhoven, a member of the Dutch Royal Family. Emma, who just celebrated her 17th birthday, is the great-niece of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the cousin of the current Dutch monarchs, William and Maxima. The striking parallel between Leonor and Emma was highlighted when a fan page for the Orange-Nassau house posted a congratulatory birthday message. Emma’s father, Prince Pieter Christian, is the son of Princess Margaret, positioning Emma as a second cousin to Amalia, Alexia, and Arianne. Both young women share long blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and full lips. This resemblance was the talk of the town after the fan page’s public post, with some users exclaiming, ‘She is Princess Leonor’s twin!’

Credit: emmavanvollenhoven/Instagram

A striking resemblance

UNCANNY: On the left, Emma van Vollenhoven. on the right, princess Leonor.

The similarities between the two princesses extend beyond their looks. They both experienced elite academic training, attending UWC centres in Wales and Singapore. Emma, who enjoys a lesser-known position in the Dutch Royal House, has a brother named Pieter. Interestingly, both she and Leonor had a fondness for root braids during their childhoods. While Leonor garners a larger base of admirers for her beauty, the commonalities between her and Emma

have become a hot topic. Their shared academic backgrounds and physical traits have intrigued royal watchers. This isn’t the first time Leonor’s likeness to other royal figures has been noted. She is also said to bear a resemblance to Victoria Luisa of Prussia, the maternal grandmother of Queen Emeritus Sofia. Meanwhile, Leonor is wrapping up her time at the Zaragoza Military Academy before the Christmas vacation.

Volcanic state Icelandic volcanic eruption.

Credit: Natturuva/X

AFTER weeks of monitoring the Grindavik volcano, it finally erupted on Monday evening, December 18, leading Iceland to declare a state of emergency. Iceland’s president confirmed the area was closed off and evacuated as the country declared a state of emergency in response to the Grindavik volcano eruption. The event, which is still unfolding in the Reykjanes Peninsula, began at 10.17pm, north of Grindavik. The Icelandic Meteorological and Seismological Office (MET) confirmed the eruption near Sundhnukagigar, about four kilometres northeast of Grindavik. This alarming development follows months of seismic activity, leading to the evacuation of Iceland’s second city. The MET website detailed that a series of earthquakes starting at 9.00pm preceded the eruption. The fissure, estimated at about 3.5

kilometres, is significantly larger than those in recent eruptions on the peninsula. Lava flow rates range between 100 and 200 cubic metres per second, marking a considerable increase. Iceland’s President, Gudni Johannesson, took to the social media platform Twitter/X, stating, ‘An eruption has begun near the evacuated city of Grindavik. Our priorities remain protecting lives and infrastructure. ‘Civil Defence has closed the affected area. Now we wait to see what the forces

of nature have in store for us. We are prepared and we remain vigilant. The good news is that the wind is north westerly and according to the forecast it will stay northerly for the next few days. Hence the eruption plume is likely to be blown away from inhabited areas.’ Despite the severe nature of the eruption, Icelandic Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson assured that air travel remained unaffected. He confirmed that no flights to or from Iceland had been interrupted.

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ON Monday December 11, the French National Assembly narrowly rejected a controversial immigration bill which included a review of the 90-day rule for British home owners in France. Steven Jolly of the France Visa Free Group commented ““We are hoping France will help us solve the 90-in180 day problem for all British visitors , regardless of whether or not they own property. “So, ultimately we would also like to see every British visitor to France treated in exactly the same way as French visitors to the UK today, and given a six month per visit, visa exemption or automatically issued visa. Perhaps like the bilateral arrangements USA, Canada or Japan have. “Such a France-specific arrangement would be in addition to the 90-in-180 day Schengen Visa Waiver that Brits would still have for use in the other 26 countries.”

Credit: Martine Berthet Facebook

Opposition setback

French Sénatrice Martine Berthet proposed the review

Andrew Hesselden Founder of 180 Days in Spain took a somewhat more upbeat view of the result saying “At first glance, this might look like it’s bad news for second home owners in France. But the Immigration Bill, thrown out today by a ‘motion to dismiss’, actually covered lots of different migration provisions, not just those that were intended to help British part-year dwellers. “I think people have every reason to be optimistic, because Sénatrice Martine Berthet’s proposal has really put the topic squarely on the agenda of French lawmakers. Our own mem-

bers were amazed today to learn that almost a quarter of French députés have backed or proposed some 20 separate amendments, all of which are designed to help part year residents in France. I think that’s incredible, given how difficult it has felt at times to get recognition of these issues.” So the debate carries on and it is hoped that the matter in France will be resurrected and if it gains traction, then the Spanish Government with an eye of visitor spend may well be persuaded to follow suit as it affects so many second home owners in Spain.

HAVE you ever pondered the symbolic meaning behind your currency? The European Central Bank (ECB) is embarking on a transformative journey for the design of euro banknotes. This pivotal change, expected to be implemented in 2026, deviates from the traditional windows and bridges motif that has defined the euro since its inception in 2002. ECB President Christine Lagarde stressed that the primary objective is to resonate more deeply with Europeans of varied ages and backgrounds. This decision was influenced by a public consultation earlier this year where other concepts, such as the representation of hands and abstract themes like ‘our Europe, ourselves’, were not pursued due to lukewarm responses in the summer surveys. Interestingly, the ECB avoided conventional choices like famous landmarks or historical figures, likely to prevent controversies among the euro zone’s 20 member states. The final designs, once refined, will be subjected to the European public’s opinion once more. However, the new notes won’t enter circulation for several years after 2026.

Credit: Wolfilser/Shutterstock.com

New look notes NEW DESIGN: Euro bank notes.

As digital payments soar, partly accelerated by the pandemic, the use of cash is in decline. It currently accounts for just 59 per cent of transactions at physical points of sale, a stark contrast to the 79 per cent in 2016. In response, the European Commission introduced legislation in June to protect cash as legal tender, simultaneously proposing a digital euro to balance traditional and modern payment methods. This redesign is not merely aesthetic; it coincides with evolving payment practices and harmonising tradition with technological advancements. The Euro currency introduction in January 2002 was a landmark event in European history and has not seen any major design changes since.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

18 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

Alzheimer’s advancement SPAIN is emerging as a key player in Alzheimer’s disease research within Europe, boasting seven phase III clinical trials. This achievement places Spain alongside the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and just behind France, which leads with eight ongoing trials. According to the ‘European Dementia Monitor’ report by Alzheimer Europe, this significant investment in research demonstrates Spain’s commitment to addressing Alzheimer’s. These findings were announced in a recent report which highlighted the disparities in Alzheimer’s treatment and research across Europe. Despite Spain’s progress, the treatment of Alzheimer’s in Europe varies significantly. Despite limited research access, Luxembourg offers the continent’s best care and service. Conversely, Bulgaria ranks at the lower end in terms of Alzheimer’s patient care. The differences are particularly pronounced between Eastern and Western Europe, historically divided by the Iron Curtain. Alzheimer Europe’s report evaluates countries based on 10 criteria, including healthcare service availability, cost, medication coverage, and access to clinical trials. Overall, Spain scored 58 out of 100,

ranking 14th in Europe. The report also sheds light on countries like Greece, Ireland, and Sweden, which have initiated strategies to tackle Alzheimer’s, with Sweden excelling in pharmacological coverage. France, Germany, and the Netherlands stand out for their collaboration in European Alzheimer’s research, each scoring 100 per cent. However, several countries, including Armenia and Ukraine, do not participate in the Joint Research Program for Neurodegenerative Diseases. The report also highlights progress in adopting human rights conventions related to dementia, with several countries, including Cyprus and Greece, making significant strides. Regarding the recognition of dementia as a research and public health priority, only the United Kingdom obtains a perfect score, reports Alzheimer Europe. Spain, alongside Austria and the United Kingdom, receive recognition from Alzheimer Europe for their efforts. Countries like Bulgaria and Romania, however, raise concerns among Alzheimer’s experts. Jean Georges, CEO of Alzheimer Europe, expresses hope this report will inspire governments to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.

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Celebrating spuds

THE World Potato Congress has successfully advocated for the adoption of a resolution on the International Day of the Potato by the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution designates May 30 as the International Day of the Potato, with the first celebration scheduled for May 30, 2024, and subsequent annual observances. The goal is to recognise the pivotal role of potatoes in global food security, nutrition, and income generation and to promote sustainable practices among small-scale farmers and value chain actors for environmental protection and social equity. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) welcomed the decision, emphasising the significance of the potato as a staple food consumed by billions

Image: nednapa / Shutterstock.com

DAY OF THE POTATO: Recognising its importance.

of people globally. The International Day of the Potato, building upon the International Year of Potato observed in 2008, provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the crop’s critical role in addressing global challenges such as food insecurity, poverty, and environmental threats. “This International Day aims to illuminate the substantial value of the potato across nutritional, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions,” confirmed Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General

of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The announcement of the International Day of the Potato coincides with the upcoming event hosted by the World Potato Congress Inc. scheduled to take place in Adelaide, Australia, in June 2024. This Congress serves as a significant gathering for potato enthusiasts, experts, and industry leaders, providing a platform to delve deeper into the realms of sustainability and innovation in both potato cultivation and usage.

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NEWSDESK

NEWS ACROSS THE REGIONS FROM THE PEOPLE'S PAPER SANTA’S SHIPMATES

SANTA spread joy among the shipmates of the Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) during their recent annual Christmas Dinner & Dance. The festive atmosphere be gan with a Cava reception fea turing the Melody Makers who delighted nearly 50 ship mates and guests with a splendid rendition of carols and raised €58.83 for their designated charity, Age Con cern. Santa made a grand en trance, leaving his reindeer outside but bringing in two of his elves to distribute individ ual presents to the ladies and the dining tables were named after Santa’s reindeer. After Santa’s departure, guests en joyed a delicious meal. The shipmates, representing a diverse mix of military back grounds and nationalities, cel ebrated in traditional naval style with a toast of port. Special guests included a Lieutenant Submariner from the Spanish Navy, also known as ‘Elf Smiley’, and an exRN helicopter engineer, ‘Elf Hap py’, both assisting Santa with the gift distribution.

COSTA DEL SOL

400 KILOS OF FOOD

AXARQUIA

GIFTS GALORE

Photo: Facebook / Caritas

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

CUDECA: Provides care for people with cancer and other advanced diseases.

THE mayor of Benalmádena, Juan Antonio Lara, accompanied by Councillor Yolanda Peña, and oth er members of the local govern ment, helped the Benalmadena charity parade last weekend, whose objective was to collect nonperishable food as it passed through the town. The food was

donated to Caritas and those most in need during the Christmas holi days and more than 400 kilos of foodstuffs were collected thanks to the charity of local businesses, neighbours and visitors. The charity procession was ac companied by music provided by the School of Drummers of Benal

madena and the Pastoral de la Hermandad de Nuestra Señora del Rocío. The elder sister of the Her mandad del Rocío de Arroyo de la Miel, María Luisa García, said that in the event, “we collect a lot of food for those who have the hard est time thanks to the charity of the people of Benalmadena.”

DOROTHY ALLEN, a compas sionate resident, recently initi ated a heartwarming gesture in Nerja. Moved by the spirit of giving during the holiday season, she rallied her friends and neighbours to contribute to the Children of Nerja Food Bank. Her appeal was met with an overwhelming re sponse, resulting in an im pressive collection of over 60 thoughtfully wrapped and la belled gifts. Monday, December 18 marked a special occasion as Dorothy delivered this gener ous assortment to the Food Bank. Each present was meticulously prepared, with labels specifying the child’s age and gender, ensuring a personalised touch for every child. The staff at the Food Bank were elated, expressing their gratitude with heartfelt hugs. Among the delighted faces was Benito, the hardworking manager of the Food Bank in Nerja, who was visibly moved by the outpouring of generos ity. Dorothy, standing along side Benito and his dedicated team, exemplified the true spirit of giving, bringing joy and warmth to the hearts of the needy children in the community.

COSTA CALIDA

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

MALLORCA

ON a crisp winter’s evening on December 17 in Murcia City, the Jardín de Malecón opened its doors to thousands of visi tors. This park has been converted into a winter wonderland with over 12,000 metres of sparkling fairy lights, holograms, and about 50 illuminated structures or statues. The ‘Jardin de los Sueños’ (garden of dreams) was inaugurat ed by Murcia City’s mayor Jose Ballesta and will remain open until January 4. It has been described as a ‘unique show’ and a completely immersive visual and sensory experience. Visitors can look forward to more than just beautiful twin kling lights and statues; firework shows and acrobats are per forming throughout the park to keep everyone entertained. Throughout Christmas visitors can visit this free attraction from 6pm until 10pm every day. Visitors can also enjoy a ‘mag ic hour’ from 6.30pm until 7.30pm every evening except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when mysterious creatures appear throughout the garden of dreams.

IN its ongoing commitment to support Costa Blanca charities, Giv ing4Giving made a significant impact in December. Eight different charities were fortunate to receive €1,000 each, amounting to a total of €8,000 in donations. This latest contribution brings the overall sum donated by Giv ing4Giving to an impressive €300,000. The diverse range of charities benefitting from Giving4Giving’s generosity this month includes Finestrat Social Services, Project4All, Red Cross Altea, Rainbow Animal Charity, Caritas Bees Benidorm, Alfaz Social Services, and, last but not least, the Men’s Shelter Gandia. Through these substantial contributions, Giving4Giving contin ues to make a positive difference in communities across the Cos ta Blanca. Giving4Giving has shops and warehouses located in La Nucía, Altea, Villajoyosa, Albir and Benidorm. For more information on the charity, head to the website: giv ing4giving.com or call (+34) 603 137 697.

WITH a population fast approaching one million residents, the population of Mallorca just continues to grow according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). Recently released figures show that the number of people res ident in Mallorca on January 1, 2023 has grown by 25,000 but as there were more deaths than births, the growth is explained by foreign incomers. In fact the total percentage of foreign born res idents in Mallorca now totals 26 per cent of the population al though some towns have much larger foreign numbers and oth ers much smaller. Palma, the largest residential centre by far has a total popula tion of 430,640 and the number of foreigners just beats the aver age at 27.6 per cent and the overall growth in one year is 14,700. Most popular with foreign settlers and breaking the 30 per cent barrier are Santanyi 30.7 per cent, Andratx 33.3 per cent, Al cudia 34.8 per cent Calvia with 37.8 per cent and Deia with 37.9 per cent.

GARDEN OF DREAMS

GIVING4GIVING

LOVING MALLORCA

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22 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

NORWAY Well-travelled AN EXTREMELY rare gold coin probably minted between 977 and 1025 was found recently by a detectorist in Vestre Slidre. It possibly belonged to Harald Hardrada, the King who ruled Norway from 1046 to 1066 but previously served as a guard for the Byzantine empire in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul).

Tougher line NORWAY’S Labour Inspectorate emphasised that changes to the Harassment in the Workplace Law will make clear that it also covers sexual harassment. Although this is already illegal, the inspectorate wants the revised wording to ensure that stricter preventative measures are introduced in all workplace environments.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS BELGIUM Papal visit Speaking to a Mexican broadcaster on December 12, Pope Francis announced that he intends to visit Belgium in September 2024, surprising commentators as he usually prefers countries further afield. They added that the visit was probably arranged last September when he recieved King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in the Vatican. POPE FRANCIS: Will visit Belgium in September next year

GERMANY

IRELAND Big money BILLIONAIRE currency trader JP McManus is donating €1 million to Gaelic games in every county in Ireland, to be split equally between men’s football, women’s football, hurling and camogie. The donation will be sent to each county’s Gaelic Athletic Association for distribution to clubs by January 31 next year.

Still working TELECOMS company Eir must reinstate an employee who appealed against the company’s decision to forcibly retire him last July when he turned 65 although he wished to continue working. Eir must also pay him for the time he did not work, the Workplace Relations Commission said. Photo credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

FRANCE

DENMARK

Tesla tussle

Not wanted

Ring true

Better lives

SWEDEN’S Transport Workers’ Union threatened to expand its sympathy strike against Tesla by blocking waste collection from its premises in Sweden, beginning on Christmas Eve. Several trade unions have launched industrial action against Tesla, which refused to sign a collective agreement for its mechanics in October.

GERMAN soldiers left Mali and brought to an end their 10-year peacekeeping mission which helped to stabilise the country and safeguard human rights. Mali’s military junta, which came to power in 2020, has strengthened ties with Russia and requested the UN force’s exit, despite the threat posed by militant Islamists.

A MALAYSIAN businesswoman staying at the Ritz in Paris filed a complaint with the police after realising that her $800,000 (€727,000) diamond was missing on returning from a shopping trip. Security staff, once alerted, searched the hotel and eventually found the ring inside the bag of a vacuum cleaner.

THE children of non-Western immigrants to Denmark earn three times more than their parents, Statistics Denmark figures revealed. The 30 to 39 age group usually earn more than their parents at that age, but the difference was steeper in persons whose parents were born outside Europe or the West, the survey found.

Low marks

Spy story

Safe now

Home-bred

A TEACHER at a high school in Jonkoping was suspended without pay after he asked pupils to plan a “hypothetical terrorist attack” as one of their assignments. “It’s a total lack of judgment, especially we have a raised terror threat level in this country,” said High Schools chief Henrik Natt och Dag.

THE trial began in Berlin of a former member of Germany’s BND intelligence service and an accomplice who are accused of passing information to the Russian state in 2022. The two men, identified only as Carsten L and Arthur E, allegedly received €450,000 and €400,000 respectively from the Russian authorities.

NOTRE-DAME in Paris will have a unique fire protection system when it reopens in December 2024, announced Philippe Jost, head of the official body in charge of rebuilding the cathedral after the devastating 2019 fire. “All precautions have been taken for a complete rethink of its fire protection,” Jost said.

ENORM BIOFACTORY inaugurated northern Europe’s largest insect farm on a 22,000-square metre site in Hvirring where black soldier flies will be bred and mated to produce larvae. These will then be transformed into insect protein and insect oil to be used as feed for pigs and poultry as an alternative to imported soy.

ITALY

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

PORTUGAL

Birth rights

Carrot cartel

Taxing news

Safe haven

FOLLOWING a government clampdown to stop same-sex parents from registering their children’s births, many expectant couples said that moving abroad, and especially to Spain, was their safest option. Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s right-wing PM has censured “gender ideology” and believes only heterosexual parents should raise children.

FOUR companies which grow and market carrots were fined €2.5 million for creating a cartel that had shared out sales to frozen and canned food companies since 2008. The arrangement also required the Laarakker, VanRijsingen and Verduyn companies to pay €90,000 a year to Veco for excluding it from one of their markets.

FINLAND’S Supreme Court ruled that a journalist on the Helsingin Sanomat should pay tax on legal fees incurred during his trial linked to Finnish Defence Intelligence Agency secrets. Although the newspaper footed the writer’s legal bills, the tribunal said these were not corporate costs but part of his taxable income.

ISRAELIS who wish to escape the current conflict need only a valid passport to obtain a refugee visa enabling them to live and work in Portugal, although this will require renewal every two months. They are also eligible for financial assistance from the government, a report from Israel’s Channel 12 maintained.

Sleep cycle

No cats allowed

Buying power

THE Netherlands National Statistics Agency (CBS) found that 10 per cent of over-17s took at least one of drug once or more between 2021 and 2022, compared with 9 per cent in 2017-2018. The study also revealed that 40 per cent of people taking recreational drugs, particularly cannabis, had difficulty sleeping.

THE Katriina hospital in Vantaa apologised to affected families after a cat entered a temporary morgue there “and came into contact with deceased individuals.” Although the hospital did not give details of the contact, the authorities expressed “deep regret” and said that a criminal report had been filed regarding the incident.

PORTUGAL’S Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head when expressed as Purchasing Power was 78.7 per cent of the European Union’s average in 2022, but 3.4 percentage points higher than in 2021. This put Portugal in 16th position among the 19 Eurozone countries and 20th in the European Union.

Asylum deal ALBANIA’S government will accept an annual 36,000 migrants rescued in Italian waters and sent for screening prior to admittance. The move was condemned by opposition parties in both countries and non-government organisations, although Albania defended the deal, insisting that it was not “selling territory” to foreign country.

www.vosshomesspain.com

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FINANCE KEVIN HOLLINRAKE, the UK’s Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Minister, told the media that the public increasingly avoided sending letters and greeting cards following three price rises for first class stamps since April 2022. Royal Mail needed to “tread carefully” when introducing further increases, Hollinrake warned.

Share it

TELEFONICA paid its second pre-tax dividend of €0.15 a share on December 14, distributing €862.5 million in all, a yield of 7.5 per cent on the company’s stock. Since 2013, Telefonica’s dividend has fallen from an annual €0.75 total to €0.30 a decline of around 8.8 per year cent per year, analysts said.

Family fortunes

HE liquidators of Avro Energy, which cost bill-paying customers £700 million (€812 million) after it went into administration in 2021, are suing its founder, Jake Brown, a former non-league footballer. They aim to reclaim approximately £4 million (€4.6 million) that Avro paid to another business owned by Brown and his father.

Tax ruling

SPAIN’S highest court, the Constitutional Tribunal, has ruled that the government’s Wealth Tax, a sliding scale levied on fortunes of €3 million upwards, is legal. The Tribunal threw out two appeals from the regional parliaments in the Madrid Community and Murcia which claimed the tax was “unconstitutional.”

Art deal

APOLLO BELVEDERE, a copy of a Roman sculpture created between 1520-1522 by Pier Jacopo Alari Bonacolsi, was donated by its owners to the nation in lieu of a £10.5 million (€12.18 million) inheritance tax payment. It will now be on permanent display at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

STAT OF WEEK

€2.2 billion

contract for Australian subsidiaries of Spanish multinationals ACS and Acciona to build tunnels for Melbourne’s new Suburban Rail Loop East railway line.

UK’s shrinking economy

AGAINST all expectations, the UK economy shrank by 0.3 per cent in October. Economists had predicted zero growth but Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures revealed on December 13 that the gross domestic product (GDP) fell after September’s 0.2 per cent growth. There were contractions across all main sectors of the economy although the services industry was responsible for the greatest fall in output, with declines in IT, legal firms and film production. These were heightened by a dip in manufacturing, while bad weather affected the construction

Photo credit: La Sexta

Think twice

euroweeklynews.com • 21 - 27 December 2023

THE CITY: October growth figures foxed analysts

sector. High interest rates hit businesses and households, putting the brakes on activity, with borrowing costs soaring from 0.1 per cent in December 2021 to 5.25 per cent in December 2023 as the Bank of England wrestled with inflation.

INDITEX finished the first nine months of its financial year with a €4.102 billion net profit. This figure, 32.5 per cent up on the same period last year, is practically the same as 2022’s full-year results of €4.130 million. At the same time and although Bloomberg had initially predicted Inditex sales of €8.866 billion, in-store and online sales in the third quarter increased “only” to €8.758 billion. This was 6.7 per cent more than the same period last year. Despite the apparent slowdown, the autumn-winter collections had been “very well-received”, the company said, explaining that unseasonably high autumn tem-

Crisis bites

VBITES, Heather Mills’s vegan food firm has gone into administration. The former model and ex-wife of Sir Paul McCartney confirmed that the company had failed to obtain enough funding to continue. Mills described the collapse as “extremely distressing”, adding that Brexit had been “an utter disaster.” She also attributed the company’s collapse to factors that included “corporate greed and poor management.” Administrators Interpath Advisory said VBites would continue trading while a buyer is found. 44 employees will remain to fill outstanding orders, with 24 employees redundant.

Threadneedle Street officials and the Bank’s governor Andrew Bailey have already announced that interest must remain high for some time if it is to pull back to the government’s 2 per cent target. Suren Thiru from the Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and

Wales said that the October figures put PM Rishi Sunak’s growth target in jeopardy, with high inflation and borrowing costs set to affect November and December’s economic activity. The GDP figures suggested that the economy was unravelling “even before the full force of previous interest rate rises fed through”, Thiru told the UK media. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was chipper, nevertheless: “It is inevitable GDP will be subdued whilst interest rates are doing their job to bring down inflation,” he insisted on December 13.

Record-breaking Inditex Photo: Flickr/Rodolfo Bontempi

BUSINESS EXTRA

AMANCIO ORTEGA: Founder of the Inditex empire

peratures in Europe as well as exchange rates had impacted negati-

vely on sales. “Inditex continues to see strong growth opportunities and we are highly satisfied with our performance,” said Inditex chief executive, Oscar Garcia Maceiras. “The tendency is positive in all geographical area and in all concepts.” The company’s shares went up by 1.6 per cent to €39 after the figures were released on December 13 and the owner of Zara plus other best-selling fashion labels predicted that its 2023 sales margin would gain 75 basis points to reach 57.75 per cent.

Power planning

A Triumph

NATIONAL GRID and Scottish Power, Iberdrola’s UK subsidiary, will bring renewable power from Scotland to the north of England. Their Eastern Green Link 1 joint venture has now awarded the first of the contracts worth £1.8 billion (€2.1 billion) to construct a 190-kilometre undersea electricity superhighway. The first goes to Milan-based Prysmian Group which will supply 400 kilometres of power cable for the project. GE Vernova from Massachusetts and Greek company, Mytilineos Energy & Metals, are to provide two HVDC substations, one for each end of the cable linking East Lothian in Scotland and Country Durham Building the power line along the east coast is due to begin in 2025 and will carry enough clean electricity for the equivalent of two million households.

JOHN BLOOR, billionaire owner of Triumph Motorcycles, paid himself a huge dividend after sales and profits soared. Bloor, who made his original fortune in property before coming to the rescue of the iconic Triumph brand, took £13 million (€15 million) in the 12 months to June 23. This was up from Bloor’s £12 million (€13.9 million) Triumph dividend for the previous year. His principal business, Bloor Homes, experienced a “more challenging” year owing high interest rates while Triumph’s pre-tax profits increased by more than £20 million (€23.2 million) to £72.4 million (€84 million).

Digi favoured RUMANIA-BASED Digi confirmed a €120 million Spanish mobile deal with Orange and MasMovil. Orange and MasMovil are working on a new proposal which will convince the European Commission that an €18.6 billion merger of their Spanish operations does not infringe monopoly regulations. Digi was always the most likely candidate to acquire the assets or “remedies” that Orange and MasMovil must shed to allay Brussels’ reservations. The company, said it has also reached agreement for a national roaming option with Orange Spain, enabling Digi Spain to access all Orange mobile technologies and those of its affiliates.

Green ammonia project SPANISH oil and petrol distributor Exolum is buying a green ammonia storage plant in Houston (Texas). Located on the Houston Ship Canal, the terminal, one of the West’s largest, intends to play a key role in the US’s clean ammonia project. Together with its local associates Exolum, they will invest $1.4 billion (€1.2 billion) on increasing green ammonia exports to Asia. The operation, which needs authorisation from both countries’ regulatory bodies, is expected to move an annual 1.1 million tons of ammonia obtained via carbon dioxide capture.

New power hub SLOVAKIAN battery manufacturer InoBat confirmed that it plans to open a factory in Valladolid. Negotiations lasted for several months before InoBat finally decided that the Castilla y Leon city was the best choice for a factory producing batteries for western Europe. Together with Burgos and Palencia, Valladolid forms an important geographic triangle of car and heavy vehicle manufacturers, prompting Inobat’s chairman Andy Palmer to declare that it was “an ideal choice.” The factory will provide between 300 and 500 direct jobs.

28 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 18 December

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.352,00..............+3,00............ +0,13%.......... 31,79K

InterContinental..........................7.080,0................+6,0............. +0,09%.......... 10,55K

Abrdn.......................................... 184,25................+0,90............ +0,49%......... 492,84K

Intermediate Capital...................1.660,00..............+1,00............ +0,06%.......... 55,26K

Admiral Group.............................2.656,0................+1,0............. +0,04%........... 6,55K

Intertek........................................4.075,0............... -28,0.............-0,69%............ 5,11K

Anglo American...........................1.834,8...............+10,8............ +0,59%......... 244,38K

ITV............................................... 62,92................. -0,24.............-0,38%.......... 319,95K

Antofagasta................................1.629,50.............+12,50........... +0,77%.......... 30,38K

J Sainsbury................................. 293,30................ -0,30.............-0,10%........... 96,18K

Ashtead Group............................5.410,0............... -22,0.............-0,41%........... 16,23K

Johnson Matthey........................1.660,5................+4,5............. +0,27%........... 7,24K

Associated British Foods.............2.364,0................ -6,0..............-0,25%........... 30,84K

Land Securities........................... 710,80................ -1,60.............-0,23%........... 70,35K

AstraZeneca...............................10.256,0..............+70,0............ +0,69%.......... 52,54K

Legal & General.......................... 245,50................ -1,10.............-0,45%.......... 675,59K

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 697,40................+0,20............ +0,03%......... 103,96K

Lloyds Banking............................ 46,89................. -0,12.............-0,26%............4,99M

Aviva........................................... 430,40................+0,30............ +0,07%......... 191,41K

London Stock Exchange..............9.218,0...............+20,0............ +0,22%.......... 15,39K

B&M European Value Retail SA... 563,30................+2,00............ +0,36%.......... 62,54K

Melrose Industries...................... 551,00................+0,80............ +0,14%.......... 67,07K

BAE Systems..............................1.063,50..............+6,00............ +0,57%......... 212,72K

Mondi.........................................1.521,00............. -13,50............-0,88%........... 80,35K

Barclays...................................... 147,14................+0,46............ +0,31%...........1,92M Barratt Developments................. 563,20................ -2,80.............-0,49%.......... 368,20K Berkeley......................................4.799,7............... -72,0.............-1,48%........... 19,00K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.604,00.............+20,00........... +0,77%.......... 41,83K BP............................................... 462,20................+4,30............ +0,94%......... 891,07K British American Tobacco...........2.299,0............... -12,5.............-0,54%.......... 250,38K British Land Company................. 408,30................ -1,00.............-0,24%.......... 143,53K BT Group.................................... 125,60................+0,60............ +0,48%......... 830,57K Bunzl...........................................3.114,0................+1,0............. +0,03%........... 5,57K Burberry Group...........................1.521,5................ -2,0..............-0,13%........... 41,54K Carnival.......................................1.312,5............... -17,0.............-1,28%........... 53,96K Centrica....................................... 139,25................ -2,50.............-1,76%............1,18M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.273,0................ -4,0..............-0,18%............ 6,52K Compass....................................2.090,00.............. -3,00.............-0,14%........... 78,05K CRH............................................5.270,0............... -34,0.............-0,64%........... 23,61K Croda Intl....................................4.990,0............... -70,0.............-1,38%........... 44,65K DCC.............................................5.660,0............... -20,0.............-0,35%............ 8,21K Diageo.........................................2.831,0................ -2,5..............-0,09%.......... 106,74K DS Smith.................................... 307,90................ -1,70.............-0,55%.......... 318,51K EasyJet........................................ 497,00................ -5,00.............-1,00%.......... 165,84K Experian......................................3.183,0............... -16,0.............-0,50%........... 27,21K Ferguson....................................14.815,0.............. -85,0.............-0,57%............ 4,53K Flutter Entertainment..................13.590,0.............+185,0........... +1,38%.......... 15,22K Fresnillo...................................... 549,54............... -35,40............-6,04%.......... 168,96K Glencore...................................... 462,26................+1,40............ +0,30%...........1,76M GSK plc......................................1.433,40.............+14,20........... +1,00%......... 157,71K Halma..........................................2.259,0................ -2,0..............-0,09%........... 26,32K Hargreaves Lansdown................. 725,00................+3,80............ +0,53%.......... 39,96K Hikma Pharma...........................1.733,50..............+4,00............ +0,23%.......... 10,69K HSBC.......................................... 613,90................+4,90............ +0,81%......... 851,85K IAG.............................................. 157,93................ -1,50.............-0,94%.......... 480,20K Imperial Brands..........................1.807,00.............. -1,00.............-0,06%........... 60,66K Informa....................................... 764,20................ -0,60.............-0,08%........... 82,93K

National Grid..............................1.060,00.............. -6,00.............-0,56%.......... 159,37K NatWest Group........................... 219,50................ -1,70.............-0,77%............2,42M Next............................................8.132,0............... -18,0.............-0,22%............ 3,88K

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1.16181

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0917 Japan yen (JPY)...................................155.41 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9483 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4550 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.390 currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Tui............................................... 605,50................ -5,00.............-0,82%........... 85,39K

Closing Prices 18 December 3M.............................................. 106,86................ -0,18.............-0,17%............5,19M American Express....................... 180,56................+1,70............ +0,95%...........4,25M Amgen........................................ 275,45................ -0,87.............-0,31%............8,68M Apple........................................... 197,57................ -0,54.............-0,27%..........114,81M Boeing......................................... 263,46................+7,22............ +2,82%..........13,47M Caterpillar.................................... 285,48................+0,31............ +0,11%...........4,32M Chevron...................................... 149,33................ -0,60.............-0,40%...........14,34M Cisco............................................ 49,87.................+0,43............ +0,87%..........57,69M Coca-Cola..................................... 58,54................. -0,50.............-0,85%...........46,33M Dow............................................. 54,22................. -0,01.............-0,02%............9,11M Goldman Sachs........................... 380,29................ -3,18.............-0,83%............4,33M Home Depot................................ 353,47................+1,66............ +0,47%...........5,55M Honeywell................................... 203,40................ -0,01.............-0,00%............7,44M IBM............................................. 162,25................ -0,65.............-0,40%............4,63M Intel.............................................. 46,16.................+0,98............ +2,17%..........81,76M J&J............................................. 155,04................ -1,83.............-1,17%............8,72M JPMorgan................................... 164,81................+0,82............ +0,50%..........11,22M McDonald’s................................. 286,92................ -3,10.............-1,07%............4,12M Merck&Co................................... 105,64................ -0,24.............-0,23%............9,48M Microsoft.................................... 370,73................+4,80............ +1,31%..........63,52M Nike............................................. 121,47................+0,45............ +0,37%...........7,75M Procter&Gamble......................... 143,91................ -0,75.............-0,52%............8,78M Salesforce Inc............................. 261,53................+4,32............ +1,68%...........6,66M The Travelers.............................. 182,78................+0,02............ +0,01%...........2,61M UnitedHealth............................... 530,75................ -3,49.............-0,65%............4,47M Verizon......................................... 37,35................. -0,51.............-1,36%...........48,34M Visa A.......................................... 257,38................ -1,35.............-0,52%............5,70M Walgreens Boots.......................... 25,20.................+0,06............ +0,24%..........22,26M Walmart...................................... 152,83................+0,66............ +0,43%...........9,83M Walt Disney.................................. 93,40................. -0,54.............-0,57%...........10,74M

Unilever.......................................3.734,0............... -21,5.............-0,57%.......... 122,52K

M - Million Dollars

Ocado.......................................... 707,20............... -15,80............-2,19%........... 88,96K Persimmon.................................1.361,0.................0,0............... 0,00%........... 46,74K Phoenix....................................... 519,40................+0,40............ +0,08%......... 113,69K Prudential.................................... 866,40................ -9,60.............-1,10%.......... 205,49K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.408,0............... -36,0.............-0,66%........... 74,43K Relx............................................3.045,00.............+21,00........... +0,69%......... 120,71K Rentokil....................................... 420,70................ -6,30.............-1,48%.......... 173,01K Rightmove.................................. 557,00................ -0,20.............-0,04%.......... 132,78K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.745,0...............+47,0............ +0,82%......... 107,63K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 292,50................+2,20............ +0,76%...........1,73M Sage...........................................1.176,50..............+7,50............ +0,64%.......... 76,56K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.396,00.............. -3,00.............-0,21%............ 0,84K Schroders.................................... 437,0.................. -1,0..............-0,23%........... 41,36K Scottish Mortgage....................... 786,40................+1,60............ +0,20%......... 225,99K Segro.......................................... 866,40................ -3,40.............-0,39%.......... 119,18K Severn Trent...............................2.643,0...............+24,0............ +0,92%.......... 16,47K Shell............................................2.518,0...............+15,0............ +0,60%......... 202,66K Smith & Nephew........................1.043,00.............. -1,50.............-0,14%........... 40,94K Smiths Group.............................1.728,50.............. -3,00.............-0,17%........... 13,18K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.140,0............. -160,0............-1,55%............ 7,38K SSE............................................1.865,50.............. -7,50.............-0,40%........... 52,57K St. James’s Place........................ 685,20................+7,60............ +1,12%......... 109,06K Standard Chartered..................... 649,40................+6,80............ +1,06%......... 137,11K Taylor Wimpey............................ 144,30................+0,50............ +0,35%...........1,16M Tesco.......................................... 283,00................+0,30............ +0,11%......... 674,41K

United Utilities............................1.098,50..............+6,50............ +0,59%.......... 35,69K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 68,080...............+3,360........... +5,19%..........17,71M Whitbread...................................3.461,4............... -19,0.............-0,55%........... 33,83K WPP............................................ 740,61............... -10,00............-1,33%.......... 156,58K

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 18 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.........+25.13%........................20.401M VinFast Auto Ltd...............................................+13.54%.........................6.359M DocuSign, Inc..................................................+12.46%........................30.388M Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc...........................+9.92%..........................2.225M BridgeBio Pharma, Inc......................................+9.64%..........................5.958M Hut 8 Corp........................................................+9.26%..........................7.456M IGO Limited.......................................................+8.18%.......................... 33,562 Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd....................................+7.80%.......................... 50,995 Glaukos Corporation.........................................+7.58%..........................3.192M Credicorp Ltd....................................................+7.15%..........................1.107M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Indivior PLC...................................................... -9.52%......................... 176,807 New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc..-9.35%.......................5.698M eXp World Holdings, Inc................................... -8.52%..........................4.746M Surgery Partners, Inc........................................ -8.28%...........................3.15M Medical Properties Trust, Inc............................ -7.68%.........................25.033M XPeng Inc......................................................... -7.54%..........................25.63M Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A. - Eletrobrás.. -7.07%.......................... 55,757 Roku, Inc.......................................................... -6.76%..........................9.174M Maple Leaf Foods Inc........................................ -6.75%.......................... 68,990 Savers Value Village, Inc................................... -6.69%..........................1.529M Remitly Global, Inc............................................ -6.64%..........................4.947M

M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

New field

BRITAIN’S biggest drugmaker AstraZeneca is taking over Seattle-based Icosavax, its first vaccine company, in a $1.1 billion (€1.01 billion) deal that will extend the Cambridge-based firm’s inoculation and immune therapy division. The US company is currently developing a potential vaccine used for two common respiratory diseases, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

Beer money

HEINEKEN and the Spanish unions agreed a redundancy plan necessary “for organisational reasons” that will affect 9 per cent of the company’s 1,434 workforce. The company said practically all the 127 dismissals would be early retirements and were accepted by 85 per cent of the staff.

London listing for Boots

Linda Hall WALGREENS, US-based parent company of Boots, could float Britain’s principal pharmacy chain on the London stock exchange. In June 2022, Walgreens Boots Alliance dropped £5 billion (€5.8 billion) plans to sell Boots and its No 7 cosmetics brand after prospective buyers could not raise sufficient cash owing to global market conditions. Walgreens, now in preliminary talks regarding

Photo credit: CC/Ardern

BUSINESS EXTRA

21 - 27 December 2023

BOOTS: US-owned pharmacy chain is a UK household name

Inflation on track SPAIN’S inflation fell three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.2 per cent in November, thanks to lower fuel and food prices. Underlying inflation, excluding energy and fresh foodstuffs, dropped seven-tenths to 4.5 per cent, the National Institute of Statistics (INI) announced on December 14. After going below double-digits last Oc-

tober for the first time in 18 months, food inflation tumbled again in November with a five-tenths reduction to a still-high 9 per cent compared with November 2022. Bread, cereals, milk, eggs and cheese cost less although olive oil was 66.7 per cent dearer than in November 2022, together with rice (17.1 per cent), pulses and vegetables (16.8 per cent) and confectionery (16.6 per cent).

Boots’ future, is putting a value of £7 billion (€8.12 billion) on the chain according to a recent Bloomberg report. Listed on the New York stock exchange, Walgreens has a market value of about $20 billion (€18.54 billion) although its shares have fallen by around 40 per cent this year. Nevertheless divesting itself of Boots should be easier for the company following its £4.8 billion (€5.6 billion) sale of its pension scheme - one of the UK’s largest with 53,000 members - to Legal and General. Floating Boots in London would give the UK stock market a welcome boost now that German holiday company Tui is considering listing in Frankfurt, with building materials group CRH listing in the US, while Arm, the Cambridge-based chip designer, decided to switch to New York.

EWN 29

Word play THAMES WATER apologised to a House of Commons committee for causing confusion by describing a £500 million (€583.2 million) shareholder contribution as equity when it was a convertible loan paying 8 per cent interest. Company chairman Sir Adrian Montagu admitted this had a “slightly strange” structure but still stood by the view that it could be considered capital.

Sweet news SPAIN’S sweet and confectionery industry reported a €6.75 billion turnover last year, with €2 billion in exports despite inflation and high interest rates. Produlce, the association representing the sector, said that national and international sales had returned to pre-pandemic levels, with chewing gum and sweets, excluding chocolate, accounting for €1.16 billion or 17.2 per cent of total sales.

30 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

When the going gets easy LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT Well, it’s all coming apart isn’t it? Trying to remain positive and retain some degree of optimism through all the doom and gloom is becoming more difficult by the day. And the whinger’s don’t help. The moaners and groaners are everywhere. Priorities have gone completely haywire. Celebrities, who earn more in a fortnight than many people can hope for in years, have yet again been bewailing the fact that they failed to digest the testicles of some animal or another. Uncontrolled numbers of illegal immigrants, searching for benefits and free accommodation, continue to pour in. Despite the recent Rwanda decision; basically the floundering politicians are still at a complete loss what to do about it. It does truly make you feel it’s all going completely to pot! Of course the climate change brigade just loves its public to worry; it keeps them in their jobs.

Their latest technology objective is ‘carbon capture’, which entails the storing of the toxic CO2 emissions underground. One of the biggest polluters Exxon Mobil, has dived headfirst into the support of this one; their motivation? Because by appearing to ‘care’ they can continue business as usual - drilling extracting and polluting toward a juicy 2 trillion dollar market expansion by 2040! The trouble is that so called progress has made it all too easy. Even in the light of indisputable climate change, the ever increasing complacency among the masses, particularly the young is almost beyond belief. The age of technology has led the present generation to suppose that all the nation’s problems can be settled at the press of a button. ‘Nanny State’ attitudes have raised the public’s sense of entitlement to unprecedented levels, while getting something for nothing has become an acceptable mode of existence. Many great civilizations have peaked and subsequently foundered when the going got too easy. I came across a statement by one Sheik Ras-

hid, the founder of Dubai, which actually hit the nail decisively on the head. When asked about the future of his own country, he replied; ‘my grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I ride a Mercedes, my son rides a Landrover and my grandson is going to ride a Landrover; but my great grandson will have to ride a camel again. You have to raise warriors, not parasites. Past civilizations were not conquered by external enemies, they rotted from within’. He went on to observe. ‘The greatest Western generation consisted of eighteen year old kids storming the beaches of Normandy and now, two generations later, the young people want to hide in safe rooms when they hear words that hurt their feelings. The sheik went on to astutely remark that ‘hard times create strong men, strong men create easy times, easy times create weak men and weak men create difficult times’. So, in the light of all that folks, all I can declare is -The camels are on the horizon! Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Flake watch

Locations for the Met office to determine if it is a white Christmas has expanded.

Image: Evgeny Atamanenko / Shutterstock.com

CHRISTMAS and snow go hand in hand for many, with iconic references in Bing Crosby’s classic tune and picturesque scenes on movies, advent calendars, and Christmas cards. The Met Office, entrusted with defining a white Christmas in the UK, adheres to a charmingly simple criteria: the sighting of a single snowflake falling within the 24-hour window of December 25. In the past, the honour of determining a white Christmas was reserved for a solitary location, the Met Office building in London. However, as interest in betting on this wintry spectacle grew, the tradition expanded its hori-

zons. Now, the roster includes diverse sites such as Buckingham Palace, Belfast (Aldergrove Airport), Aberdeen (Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen FC), Edinburgh (Castle), Coronation Street in Manchester, and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Christmas in the United Kingdom marks just the onset of the snow season. Statistical trends reveal a higher likelihood of snowfall between January and March rather than in December. On average, December experiences 3.9 days of snow or sleet, while January sees 5.3 days, February boasts 5.6 days, and March records 4.2 days.

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

21 - 27 December 2023

EWN 31

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Neater Heaters - a model that will suit anyone

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NEATER HEATERS: Extremely stylish and practical.

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32 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

THE possibility of disruptions facing airline passengers is on the horizon as unions UGT and CCOO have declared an eight-day strike at Iberia over the Christmas period. On December 29, 30, and 31, as well as January 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Iberia employees will strike due to the company’s refusal to establish auto-handling services. These dates were confirmed after several meetings with Iberia and its parent company IAG, which also includes British Airways, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and Level, writes a national news outlet. The unions demand the creation of an autohandling system to service IAG’s group airlines. They claim these requests have been repeatedly ignored, leading to the strike’s announcement. Iberia have expressed ‘enormous disappointment’, and labelled the strike ‘irresponsible’. The company asserts it has continually engaged with union representatives since the Aena handling tender result on September 26. Iberia warns that the strike will significantly disrupt holiday travel, and impact family reunions and vacation plans. It views the strike as harmful and unnecessary, particularly during this peak travel season. Following Aena’s tender decision, Iberia lost its license to provide third-party services at several key airports, including Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Alicante, Gran

Grounded Iberia aircraft.

Canaria, Tenerife South, Ibiza and Bilbao. However, it did retain its license for Madrid. Iberia has since pursued legal action to overturn the tender result and has been in talks with unions to mitigate the impact on its workforce. The airline reassures its workforce that their rights will remain intact under the V Convention of the ground handling sector. Yet, it argues that implementing auto-handling would damage IAG’s competitiveness and lead to a financial downturn. Iberia clarifies it has never engaged in auto-handling at these airports, preferring to outsource these services. The strike, therefore, raises significant concerns about future operations and the airline’s competitive standing in the industry.

Soaring figures

Young Spanish imperial Eagle.

restry have played a pivotal role in this growth. Despite this success, the species still faces significant threats. Between 2000 and 2022, 197 incidents were recorded, with electrocution in power lines being the main cause of death, accounting for 55.4 per cent of known accidents. The bird’s predominantly dark brown plumage, with

Credit: Jesus Giraldo Gutierrez/shutterstock.com

ONE of Spain’s most iconic birds, the Iberian Imperial Eagle, once teetering on the brink of extinction, has made a remarkable comeback. In 2022, this majestic bird, unique to the Iberian Peninsula, reached a milestone. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, its population grew by about 30 per cent since 2019, with 130 pairs now thriving, as reported by the Junta de Castilla y Leon, according to El Español. The resurgence for the Iberian Imperial Eagle began with the implementation of its Recovery Plan in 2003. From a precarious count of 16 pairs between 1997 and 1999, the eagle population has steadily increased, surpassing 100 pairs by 2019. This growth is directly attributed to conservation actions. Measures such as modifying power lines and promoting sustainable fo-

XX Credit: EQRoy/Shutterstock.com

Seasons strikes

distinctive white feathers on the upper wings, is a sight to behold. Juveniles display a mix of brown and reddish tones, which change to straw yel l o w in their second year and gradually darken to adult colouration by the time they reach five. Their habitats are as varied as their plumage, spanning from mountainous pine forests to coastal marshlands. They do not migrate, defending a hunting and breeding territory of about 2,000 hectares. The Iberian Imperial Eagle’s journey from the brink of extinction to a thriving population, highlights the impact of conservation efforts. However, this majestic bird, , will continue to require close attention and care to ensure its future prosperity.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Fancy footwork Nordic walking on the beach.

Credit: Jacek Chabraszewski/Shutterstock.com

HAVE you ever considered transforming your daily walk into a full-body workout? Nordic walking, a Finnish invention from the 1930s, has evolved into a popular fitness trend across Spain, offering a more effective alternative to traditional walking for weight loss and overall health. Originally developed as off-season training for cross-country skiers, this exercise involves walking with poles similar to those used in skiing. The essentials for Nordic walking include two poles, sturdy walking shoes, and

sports attire made of light, breathable materials for temperature regulation. Practicing Nordic walking engages the body’s upper muscles, thanks to the use of walking poles. This technique results in a 40 per cent increase in energy expenditure compared to regular walking. Its low impact on joints, combined with its adaptability for all ages and fitness levels, makes it a universally accessible form of exercise. British health authorities have recognised Nordic walking as a beneficial

activity for strengthening bones and muscles and improving balance. Scientific studies support these claims, noting its effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases and aiding in weight loss. Beginners should focus on maintaining a steady walking pace without lengthening their stride, to protect their joints. As you gain speed, coordinate your arm movements to complement your stride. Ultimately, the beauty of Nordic walking lies in its simplicity and the minimal investment it requires.

21 - 27 December 2023

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34 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Top of the pops Photo credit: CC/Billboard November 1977

From Norway with love

QUEEN: Their Bohemian Rhapsody regularly tops NPO Radio’s Top 2000.

COME December it’s time for radio station NPO Radio 2’s poll where listeners vote for their favourite records. This year is the 25th time that the Top 2000 has been held, attracting - as it does each year - hundreds of thousands more listeners. And it is the 20th time that Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody has occupied the top spot. Only the Eagles’ (twice with Hotel California), John Lennon (Imagine), Boudewijn de Groot (Avond) and Roller Coaster (Danny Vera)

have ever managed to oust Queen from their habitual first place. “Different generations listen together and it has almost become cultural heritage,” radio DJ and journalist Arjan Snijders told the Netherlands media. “As long as we listen to the radio, the Top 2000 will be with us.” Another radio expert, Uunco Cerfontaine, claimed that radio was in any case a more inclusive product than streaming services like Spotify.

“It is a kind of end-of-year tradition,” he said. “You finish off the year with the Top 2000. It’s about hearing all those classic songs again.” The public can also manoeuvre a song into the list for the first time, as happened this year with Herman Berkien’s Utereg me stadje (My town Utrecht) because Joop de Jager, who missed hearing a Utrecht dialect, launched a campaign in its favour. In 2021, Procol Harum’s A Whiter Shade of Pale occupied a prominent place in the rankings because it was one of murdered television journalist Peter Rudolf de Vries’s favourite songs. Occasionally the voting has been skewed, like the time when a former radio chief refused to allow Ede Staal’s, It’s never been so dark in the west, to top the list.

GET ready to cosy up this holiday season because Netflix’s latest Christmas film, ‘Christmas As Usual,’ is here to sprinkle some multicultural magic into your festive binge-watch list! Released on December 6, this heartwarming rom-

com is a delightful blend of Norwegian traditions and Indian flair. Meet Thea, a spirited Norwegian girl, and her boyfriend, Jashan, hailing from the vibrant cultural landscape of India. Their plan? A festive trip to Norway to celebrate

Is Europe ready

THE European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has sounded the alarm, urging European Union (EU) member states to brace themselves for a potential surge in respiratory virus cases. Recently, the ECDC highlighted the contrasting situation across Europe. While the Carlos III Health Institute reported lower incidence rates of mild and severe acute respiratory infections compared to the previous season, the ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said, “In recent weeks, we have seen signs that community transmission of respiratory viruses has increased, typical of the winter season.” The predominant virus currently is SARS-CoV-2, alongside the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), seasonal flu, and other viruses showing a rising trend. Notably, severe illness related to SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects those over 65 years of age, with increased RSV activity leading to a spike in hospital admissions, especially in young children. The ECDC’s response plan includes enhancing vaccination campaigns and preparing health systems to potentially expand emergency and ICU capacities. In addition, the use of masks in crowded public spaces is advised, especially for individuals at high risk of serious illness. The ECDC also recommends using its ‘5 Cs’ diagnostic model for vaccination - Trust, Complacency, Constraints, Collective Responsibility, and Calculation - to effectively promote vaccine acceptance. Prioritising vaccinations for the most vulnerable against SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV is crucial to prevent serious illness progression. Furthermore, healthcare workers must be adequately trained in infection prevention and control measures to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities and prevent outbreaks.

Christmas with Thea’s family. But hold onto your jingle bells - this isn’t your average meet-the-family flick. Directed by Petter Holmsen, inspired by his sister’s true love story with her Indian husband, the film captures the essence of a multicultural Christmas tale. As Thea’s family gets acquainted with Jashan, hilariously awkward encounters ensue. The movie spices up the holiday cheer by diving into the clash of cultures. Unlike traditional Christmas romances, ‘Christmas As Usual’ skips the clichés. Instead, it unravels the complexities of family dynamics and cultural differences, adding depth to the storyline. While subtle hints of discrimination surface, they serve to underline the cultural contrasts, rather than overshadowing the festive spirit. The film is a rollercoaster of emotions, with each scene painting a vivid picture of two worlds colliding and eventually merging, all set against the stunning backdrop of snowy Norway during the most wonderful time of the year. So, grab your popcorn and snuggle up for a heartwarming and laughter-filled Christmas adventure that’s anything but ordinary! Get ready for a bilingual treat that blends English and Norwegian in the heartwarming tale of ‘Christmas As Usual’.

36 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Credit: Areipa.lt/shutterstock.com

Questionable content

A SECONDARY school in the UK has recently come under scrutiny following an incident involving a debate topic about the legitimacy of Hamas’ attacks on Israel. This situation has sparked an urgent investigation by UK Education Secretary Gillian Keegan. The controversy began when a set of presentation slides from a classroom sparked concern. A mother, alarmed by the content her child was exposed to during the lesson, voiced her concerns on the Mumsnet platform. The contentious material presented to students depicted Israel’s annexation of Palestinian land and the resulting hardships faced by the Palestinian people. The horrified mother who brought the issue to light said the teaching aids, ‘build up a very one-sided picture of Israel persecuting the Palestinians for no reason. The classroom debate was brought to the UK’s Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, who expressed her

CLASSROOM CONCERNS: Discussion of sensitive topics.

shock on Twitter/X: ‘I’m horrified to see this. ‘Hamas are terrorists. Their actions are indefensible and anyone encouraging support for them should feel the full force of the law. She addded: ‘Extremism has no place in education and I have launched an urgent review.’ The subject has sparked a fiery debate online with one person defending the right to free discussions. One person wrote: ‘Children have the right to discuss their opinions openly in a safe and nurturing environment under professional supervision of well trained teachers. Referring to Keegan’s re-

action, they added: ‘You are clearly unprofessional and have an agenda trying to bully, intimidate and manipulate both teachers and children.’ However, another accused some teachers of promoting their own agenda: ‘This has been going on for years, and we have all been trying to tell you all. The mother at the heart of the controversy has called for an urgent meeting with the headteacher, an indication the growing concern among parents about the content and framing of sensitive topics in the educational setting.

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

21 - 27 December 2023

EWN 37

Property of the week • Ref. VH2281 • €169,950

ADVERTISING FEATURE VOSS HOMES

Villa Anfa in La Alfoquia

NEW & EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS HOMES A beautifully presented, larger than average, recently improved & decorated 2 bed, 2 bath villa with H&C aircon, conservatory and sun roof on a private garden of 419m2. An extra bonus is you can walk to the municipal swimming pool, cafes, restaurants, shops etc in La Alfoquia village. The coast at Mojacar, Vera and Garrucha are 25 to 30 mins drive way. The coast at Mojacar, Vera and Garrucha is a 30 to 35 mins drive away. To the front of the villa there is a gated driveway with carport for one car. There is plenty of safe on road parking outside the villa. Surrounding the villa are attractive, established gardens with seating areas, a variety off Mediterranean plants & trees and tiled and stoned areas for low maintenance. There is also a metal garden shed. External stairs with understairs storage lead up to the large sunroof cove-

Established low maintenance gardens

ring the whole house with great views across the neighbouring houses and countryside. The sun terrace has been made very usable due to the quality built wooden pergola giving shade over the dining table. There is also a built in bbq. Inside the villa is cleverly designed to ensure there is no wasted space and consists of a large living room / dining room with H&C aircon, wood

Cleverly designed to optomise space

burning fireplace plus super efficient pellet burning fire, ceiling fan and double doors leading into the conservatory giving you a second living / dining room which looks over the established garden. Also off the living room a door takes you in to the separate, larger than average fitted kitchen and utility room. There are 2 double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes. The master be-

Beautiful covered sun terrace

droom has an ensuite shower room and ceiling fan. The second double bedroom is plus there is also a family shower room. Voss Homes is a British family run business with offices in this village of La Alfoquia (Zurgena) and the thriving, market town of Huercal-Overa. We are the main selling agent for the Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia & Taberno area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A VIEWING OF VH2281 PLEASE CONTACT VOSS HOMES DIRECTLY ON 0034 950 616 827 OR EMAIL US AT ENQUIRIES@VOSSHOMESSPAIN.COM TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. INTERVIEW

Why Europeans Move To Spain As part of the ongoing series, we spoke to 24-year-old Niamh Eades who left the UK as a youngster to move to Alicante. As a wide-eyed five-yearthe data streams of a meold in 2004, Niamh bid dia company as a data farewell to her Derbanalyst. yshire roots and It seems Niamh’s embarked on a childhood dream thrilling advennever waned as ture with her she confirms: “I parents to a tiny share my world Spanish village with two horses north of Alicanand two ponies te. among other res“I can remember cue animals.” being really excited When asked Image: Niamh Eades about the move beabout any challenges Embracing life in Spain cause a promise had been of living in Spain, Niamh made, the promise of a horse. confesses, “Being a horse owMy passion for these majestic creatures ner in Spain (legally) is a nightmare, but had ignited long before, and this move worth every hurdle.” was a dream come true,” she confirmed. “And, what makes it all worthwhile is Niamh underwent a transformation, the weather, which is a bonus for animal from British school desks to Spanish class- lovers who spend most of their time outrooms, armed with a three-month inten- doors.” sive Spanish course. When asked if there was anything These were the foundational steps of about Blighty that Niamh misses, she cona life that would lead Niamh to Alicante firmed: “I miss the London musical theaUniversity, where she pursued a degree in tre scene, but Madrid’s theatre scene has computer engineering. witnessed a remarkable evolution in the Today, she finds herself navigating past five years.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

40 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

AS this is the Christmas edition of the paper and we of course wish all of our readers the very best for Christmas, New Years Day and Three Kings we thought it a good idea to ask readers what they have planned as expats (or as some prefer to say immigrants) for Christmas 2023 and this is a sample of the responses we received;

“

We celebrate Christmas usually with my brother and his partner who live next door! However, this year we are going to Majorca for a week

My first Christmas as a widower, so I will be having a quiet one. My celebrations are on the 6th January - Epiphany.

Having my neighbours up for Christmas dinner

Maureen Croft Pearson

Christine Smith

Sarah Earnshaw

We celebrate same as always, love Xmas, and it’s a time to be together, family, friends, our pets, & all the hard work is so worth it. Can’t understand anyone saying ‘ it’s just another day ‘. Be thankful & make the most of a lovely time of the year. Patricia Padgett

Cosy time at home with my lovely husband Maggie Ashley

Well, I am not an expat, but an immigrant. As originally from Austria we celebrate on Christmas Eve, December 24th, with a fantastic family meal (like locals do) at the Restaurante Castillo de San José in Arrecife and handing over presents. 25th does not mean anything in most European countries. We have stunning parades with camellos at Lanzarote for Los Reyes Magos, so this is part No 2 of our Christmas celebrations.

Stephen Proctor

Have a Turkey Christmas dinner with sprouts if can find them Christmas pud all the trimmings at home or a friends don’t go out . Not really any different than UK except the weather is much nicer! X Diane Grey

We celebrate all year for no longer living in G.B John Smith (not the EWN John Smith)

With people we love and care about.

Hilary McCann

Christmas Eve at church then on Christmas day go for lunch at a Spanish restaurant. Have been doing this for 8 years . The food is wonderful. Come home late afternoon and watch the Christmas programmes with a glass or two of cava. Shirley Morris

Go back to family in U.K. For a week

Linda Collins

Just another day in the life

Judith Dominique Wolfenegg

Sue Kiff

I love Christmas. We go to UK for Christmas and celebrate with our UK family. Then we return for the Spanish Christmas and celebrate with our daughter and her Spanish family. We been having two Christmas’s for over 20 years. It’s a win, win.

When in Rome ?¿ Being retired is a holiday everyday if you opt it.

Lisa Hibbert

Walk along the beach in the sun then home to watch English TV Marian Donovan

With friend s on 24 Spanish way then 25 English Dennis Bartlett

Tim McMahon

G0 to a Spanish family have a great time

Ronald Kelly

Just have Yule tide dinner . Never bother with that churchy stuff Micky Moses Jones

Micky Moses Jones without the Christian ‘ Churchy’ stuff, there wouldn’t be Christmas! What’s ‘stuff’ to one is important to another. I think the comment is a tad disrespectful sadly Nicola Cain

Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

EWN 41

UK fishing boats.

Concurrently, the UK has ratified the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This international treaty bans harmful subsidies that deplete global fish stocks, a crucial move for maintaining sustainable fishing worldwide, especially in the North Atlantic. Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer remarked, “We are taking full advantage of our position as an independent coastal state outside the EU to deliver for the UK fishing industry and the coastal communities it supports.” Mike Cohen, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said, “Fishers and fishing

communities have more to lose than anyone if fish stocks are not sustainably managed.” The UK’s recent negotiations have secured fishing opportunities worth up to £700 million after reaching agreements with the EU and Norway. The UK Seafood Fund continues to support numerous projects, including greener engines, port improvements, and workforce welfare. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the sector’s energy efficiency, infrastructure, and overall well-being, contributing to a more sustainable and modern fishing industry.

THE issue of illegal migration to European countries seems unsurmountable. However, recent developments in Spain’s approach towards the problem could suggest a possible answer. Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, recently announced a remarkable reduction in illegal arrivals to the Canary Islands. The deployment of the State Security Forces in Senegal, initiated two months ago, led to a notable 46 per cent drop in illegal migration to the Canary Islands. This successful operation resulted in the interception of 59 boats and 7,213 individuals off the coasts of Senegal and Gambia. Grande-Marlaska highlighted the crucial role of the CN235 maritime surveillance plane, stationed in Dakar since October 17, and the Beechcraft Super King Air 350i, which conducted patrol duties from the Canary

Credit: interior.gob.es

Plans in plaice Is this the answer Credit: Mark Yuill/Shutterstock.com

THE UK has unveiled new Fisheries Management Plans, leveraging post-Brexit freedoms to bolster its fishing industry. These latest initiatives were announced on Thursday December 14 and aim to rejuvenate both the fishing sector and the marine environment, according to Gov. UK. The first batch of five Fisheries Management Plans outlines the government’s strategy to collaboratively work with the fishing community and stakeholders. Targeted species include crab, lobster, king scallop, and bass. These plans, shaped by extensive dialogue with the industry, propose measures such as increased minimum conservation sizes and seasonal or area closures. These are designed to protect young and spawning stocks, ensuring their sustainability. An additional £4 million, part of the £100 million UK Seafood Fund, has been allocated to enhance the fishing sector. This investment will upgrade boats, port facilities, and health and safety measures.

21 - 27 December 2023

Success in combating illegal migration.

Islands for 45 days. Grande-Marlaska dismissed the notion of ‘magic solutions’ for managing immigration. Instead, he emphasised the significance of working closely with countries of origin and transit of migration in combating human trafficking mafias as ‘The most effective way to prevent illegal arrivals, and most importantly, to prevent deaths at sea,’ he said, underscores the human aspect of the migration issue. During his speech, Grande-Marlaska extended gratitude to European Commissioner for the Interior,

Ylva Johansson, for her role in transforming the perception of migration in Europe from a threat to a challenge. He emphasised the need for a common migration pact, ‘The border limits of Spain are also the borders of Europe, and migration must be a responsibility shared by the 27 Member States’. Following the meeting, the European Commissioner was scheduled to visit the Canary Islands Regional Coordination Centre of the Guardia Civil and the Temporary Attention Centre for Foreigners (CATE) in Barranco Seco.

42 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

No apology given A stark warning The controversial statue in Hoorn City Centre.

Credit: Shutterstock/2201651511

THE Noord-Holland town of Hoorn has made it clear that it is not ready to apologise for any historic ties with the slave trade that it may have. Standing proud in the centre of the city of Hoorn, is a statue of the Governor General, Jan Pieterszoon Coen. He is a man from Hoorn, who carried out a massacre on the Banda Islands in 1621, where any natives that survived were immediately enslaved, laying the foundation for Dutch involvement in slavery in Asia. Tens of

thousands of people were then ruthlessly captured and transported under the Hoorn flag, which was one of the most important cities connected to the infamous Dutch East India Company (VOC). Research was recently cnducted by The National Institute for the History and Heritage of Slavery (NiNsee), and presented findings that ‘the city and its residents as a whole benefited from colonial and slavery-related industries’. However, currently there is no majority from the City Council that would lead to

approval of an apology for this dark history that has now come to light. That said, Hoorn officials have released a statement saying that it is “willing to have citywide conversations about racism and discrimination.” Linda Nooitmeer, the chair of the NiNsee stated that “the fact that the municipality will not apologise for its historic ties to slavery is painful and disappointing.” Concluding that “the fact that slavery was abolished 150 years ago is not a valid argument against expressing regret.”

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning that measles cases across Europe have soared alarmingly this year. In a report released in October 2023, the WHO detailed a dramatic increase in measles, surpassing 30,000 cases between January and October. This figure marks a more than thirtyfold rise from the 941 cases recorded in 2022. The surge has been noted across 40 of the 53 European Member States , writes a National news outlet. The recent months have seen a rapid acceleration in measles cases. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated, “Not only have measles cases multiplied by 30 in the region, but there have also been almost 21,000 hospitalisations and five deaths related to measles. This is worrying.” He emphasised the critical need for urgent vaccination efforts to halt the spread of this potentially dangerous disease.

Credit: Cryptographer/Shutterstock.com

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

VACCINATION: Patient receives an injection.

Measles in 2023 has impacted all age groups, with significant age distribution variations. Approximately two in five cases have been in children aged one to four years, and one in five in adults aged 20 years and older. The resurgence is largely attributed to a decline in vaccination rates between 2020 and 2022, partly due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This resulted in a significant number of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. Coverage for the first dose of the measles vaccine dropped from 96 per cent in 2019 to 93

per cent in 2022, and the second dose coverage fell from 92 per cent to 91 per cent. The easing of Covid-19 restrictions and resumed travel have increased the risk of cross-border measles transmission. Many countries where measles had been eliminated as an endemic disease are now reporting cases. The WHO stresses the need for countries to maintain high childhood vaccination rates to prevent major outbreaks. The WHO underscores the importance of addressing immunisation inequalities and promoting vaccine equity through adapted strategies.

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 21 - 27 December 2023 SPONSORED BY

Benji needs a dog-sitter a few times a year BENJI is a working Cocker Spaniel who needs companionship and an active dog-sitter to be with him when his owner goes away. As an active working Cocker he needs at least two long walks a day and a lot of play in between. He’s a playful dog who benefits from a regular daily routine so house-sitting with a resident dog-sitter works best for him. The pet-sitters come for free! If you’re planning a trip in 2024 register now to find pet-sitters in time. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network,

Benji needs a companion when his owner goes away

and the sitters come for free! Choose Housesitmatch. com for aﬀordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online

when needed 3. Create a proﬁle with photos of your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work? HouseSitMatch can help you ﬁnd suitable sitters. Join our network for a

small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials 4.9 / 5 Excellent Pure Joy - I have completed two house-sits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog. Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more! Lisa Stimpson, Pet-sitter from the UK How do you join? Please register online via our website www.House sitmatch.com.

Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

IN an age where convenience and pet care intersect, dog washing machines have emerged as a novel solution for pet owners. These devices, resembling small, pet-sized traditional washing machines, are designed to simplify the often arduous task of keeping our furry friends clean. A dog washing machine operates similarly to a regular wash for clothes. It uses water, pet-safe shampoo, and gentle cycles to clean the dog. This method can be particularly useful for owners with larger breeds or those who struggle with the physical demands of regular dog washing. Safety and comfort are paramount. These machines are equipped with features to keep dogs secure and at ease during the wash cycle. Windows and openings allow pets to see their owners, reducing anxiety, while water temperature and pressure are carefully regulated to ensure a comfortable ex-

Dog washing machines

DOG CLEANING: These machines will take the stress out of pampering your pet.

perience. The benefits of dog washing machines are multifaceted. They offer a quick, efficient, and often less stressful means of cleaning dogs, especially for those who are less cooperative during bath time. Additionally, they save water and reduce the mess typically associated with home dog washing. However, the use of such

machines is not without controversy. Some animal welfare advocates argue that the experience may

be frightening for pets, and emphasise the importance of human contact during grooming.

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CHURCHES Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at www.almeria-anglican.com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

BEDS

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REMOVALS

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21 - 27 December 2023

REMOVALS & STORAGE

EWN 45

46 EWN 21 - 27 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

MG4 – strikingly affordable ROAD TEST By Mark Slack SINCE they relaunched in this country MG has been launching a raft of increasingly good vehicles and are now venturing strongly into EV vehicles. One of their newest is the MG4, and it has met with much praise from the motoring press. Whilst style is always a subjective matter the MG4 is certainly striking and helped by some equally striking colours that really suit the car. The range starts from, in EV terms, a very reasonable €31,414/£26,995 for the lead-in SE specification that includes climate, auto dimming rear view mirror, five driving modes, four regenerative braking modes to assist battery charging, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, LED headlights and rear lamps, auto headlights, two-tone black roof, rear parking sensors, tyre pres-

sure monitoring system and a plethora of safety kit. Range varies from 218 miles at the entry level with a 51KWH battery, up to 323 miles in the top-spec’ extended range with a 77kwh battery. Charging times are very good with a 50kw rapid charger, which are becoming a tad more common, taking just 52 minutes from 10-80%. That reduces to under 40 minutes if you find a 150kw charger and a 7kw home charger will take around eight hours to 100% charge. On the road the MG is a smooth and comfortable drive with a very decent turn of speed when required. It’s also quite handy on the twisty stuff too! Comfortable seats and good levels of space make it a pleasant and accommodating automotive holdall. The standard black interior – fabric entry level and leathercloth and fabric for the higher trim versions – makes for an encompassing feel inside the cabin where

lighter options might be welcome by some. The touch screens are a tad ponderous and slow to respond. It’s something that I found on other MG models too but which seemed to be resolved, so let’s hope that’s the case with the MG4. I’m no fan of touchscreen technology so if you have it then it needs to respond quickly and easily. Lower trim models, in my view, represent particular value for money but even the top model is a not unreasonable €43,291/£37,190 given its specification. Arguably the look and feel of the interior is where competitors will win over the MG4 with more tactile and upmarket cabins. In the MG4 there’s yet another example of how the company has moved its brand forward into a new arena of striking and affordable EVs. Especially if you choose Holborn Blue or Volcano Orange paint finish.

Flirting with Barcelona IN the world of football rumours abound but one quite persistent one is that Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp may not be averse to taking over at Barcelona. Even though he has a contract that should see him remain with the Reds until 2026, it seems that he is being wooed by Joan Laporta President of Barcelona FC. The fact is that although Klopp has been very successful with Liverpool his record has been eclipsed by Pepe Guardiola’s achievement at Manchester City and it is believed that he wants to get a new challenge with a top club where he can start rebuilding and bringing in the silverware. Barcelona have not done well this season under head coach Xavi Hernández who is on a relatively short term contract and they are currently languishing (for them) nine points behind La Liga leaders Girona. This could be an ideal chance for Klopp to rebuild a side whose fans always expect perfection and winning ways. There is no question that Klopp had a spectacular record at Borussia Dortmund and although Liverpool have has some significant success in various competitions, they have only been Premier League Champions once Credit: Liverpool Football Club under his tenure Dr Klopp on call. so a move could be good for his ego.

Double trouble THE anticipation is palpable as Carlos Alcaraz and Rafa Nadal are gearing up for an exhilarating showdown on the court. With over two weeks until the Manacor native returns to competitive action, confirmation has arrived that he will engage in an exhibition match against the Murcian player on March 3 in Las Vegas. This encounter was initially scheduled for this year, but was unfortunately cancelled due to injuries sustained by both tennis stars. Following Nadal’s much-awaited return to the circuit after a year’s absence due to various injuries, the match has been rescheduled for March, echoing the earlier plans. Dubbed ‘The Netflix Slam,’ this exhibition clash between stars has been chosen by the streaming platform to venture into tennis broadcasting, marking its inaugural live coverage of the sport. Scheduled just three days before the Indian Wells Masters 1000 in the neighbouring state of California, where Alcaraz will defend his title, this exhibition will precede a hectic month for the El Palmar superstar. Following the Las Vegas match, he will head to the East Coast for the Miami Open.

Crushing crisis The urgency for a high-calibre replacement is palpable. Ancelotti ack-

nowledges the necessity of bolstering the team’s defence for crucial matImage: X/ @David_Alaba

REAL MADRID faces a formidable setback following David Alaba’s injury during the recent match against Villareal. Alaba’s attempt to pressurise Gerard Moreno led to a devastating outcome when his left knee buckled. The diagnosis was swift and grim: a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, leaving the Austrian sidelined for the rest of the season and with the possibility of missing out on the upcoming Euro Cup. Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrid coach, faces a defensive crisis with Alaba joining Militão and Courtois on the injury list. With only two fit centre-backs, Rüdiger and Nacho, the team enters a pivotal period in multiple competitions with a fragile defensive line.

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

David Alaba’s injury leaves Real Madrid with defensive uncertainties.

Image: Netflix.com

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GAME ON: Alcaraz and Nadal set to reignite their rivalry.

Expressing his honour and excitement to share the court with Rafa in Las Vegas, Alcaraz praised his opponent, acknowledging Nadal’s legendary status

ches ahead, notably the Super Copa de España semifinal against Atlético in Riad and the Copa del Rey semi-finals in February and of course the Champions League. Ancelotti expressed his disbelief and concern, calling it ‘incredible’ to face a third ACL tear in four months. Alaba, despite the team’s day off, visited the club’s medical staff, discussing treatment options, with initial estimations hinting at an eight-month recovery. Rüdiger and Nacho, the only available centre-backs, now shoulder immense responsibility with the German playing 90 per cent of possible minutes, while Nacho is comparatively fresher at 47 per cent. The urgency to secure a top-tier defender is evident for Madrid to sustain its competitive edge across various competitions. The absence of Alaba not only impacts Madrid’s title aspirations but also raises concerns for Austria’s Euro Cup campaign.

in the tennis world. In response, Nadal reciprocated the admiration, acknowledging Alcaraz’s talents and expressing anticipation for the match.

Sports haven EUROSPORT and the Canary Islands Tourist Board have joined forces to launch a new series, ‘Canary Islands: One Goal, One Destination. All year-round’. This multi-channel campaign aims to position the archipelago as the ultimate destination for professional athletes, semi-professionals, and teams seeking optimal conditions for upcoming competitions. Heading the campaign are three sports legends who will share their expertise and insights during Eurosport’s coverage of Paris 2024: Alberto Contador, the seven-time Grand Tour winner from Spain, Katinka Hosszu, the three-time Olympic swimming champion and World Record holder from Hungary and Iwan Thomas, the Team GB World Champion and Olympic silver medallist. As part of the initiative, Eurosport and the Canary Islands Tourist Board will produce a 60-second TV commercial and three short films. These films will spotlight each of the eight Canary Islands, a sporting icon, and a specific discipline. Viewers will be taken on an exhilarating journey through the stunning landscapes and challenging terrains of the Canary Islands, immersing them in the training routines of world-class athletes and showcasing the archipelago as an ideal training hub. Mike Rich, Head of UK & Ireland and International Ad Sales and Brand Partnerships at WBD Sports, expressed enthusiasm for providing a platform that brings the paradise of professional sports tourism to life through Eurosport’s extensive channel lineup. José Juan Lorenzo, Managing Director of the Canary Islands Tourist Board, emphasised the Canary Islands’ offer top-notch facilities.