Costa Blanca North 18 – 24 January 2024 Issue 2011 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

Costa Blanca • Issue No. 2011 • 18 - 24 January 2024

POSITIVE CHANGE

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

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FREI

IImage: Studioimagen73 / Shutterstock.com

JANUARY traditionally considered a low season for tourism in Benidorm, has seen a positive change in recent years due to the influx of international events. The introduction of events with national and international projections, such as the Cyclocross World Cup and the Benidorm Fest, has brought a new dynamic to the hospitality industry during this traditionally quiet month. Another plus for businesses and the Department of Tourism.

FREE

Good for Benidorm.

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVREE

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

George Cunningham THE Costa Blanca Tourist Board is focusing its tourism strategy for the Nordic market on hotel and golf offers. The promotional efforts will be showcased at the ‘Matka Nordic Travel Fair’ in Helsinki, Finland, from January 18 to 21. The initiative aims to highlight the province’s golf and hotel accommodation products, as well as specific destinations like Guardamar del Segura, Calpe, Altea, and Alcoi. The ‘Matka Nordic Travel Fair’ is considered the most

Nordic market Image: Expo Road

TRAVEL FAIR: Highlighting Costa Blanca tourism.

popular and successful event in the tourism industry in northern Europe. It provides a significant platform to showcase Alicante’s offerings and establish connections with Nordic coun-

Officially recognised ALFAZ is now one of the Valencian Community’s 39 Tourist Municipalities, recognised by the Generalitat’s Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism department. Amongst other advantages the town hall is now eligible for additional financing to compensate for the demands that tourism makes on the local economy. “This will allow us to access new subsidies which will lead to improved services,” Alfaz’s Tourism councillor Luis Morant said. Eleven Alicante municipalities received the coveted status in 2023, with 15 going to Castellon and 13 to Valencia. All had to comply with specific requirements regarding their tourist population, available beds in hotels, tourist apartment sand campsites as well as the importance of tourism to the local economy.

tries, the Baltic countries, and Russia. The fair is expected to attract over 70,000 visitors during its four days, with approximately 21,000 professionals from the travel sector and coverage from 1,200 media outlets. The Nordic market, consisting of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, has a population of over 26 million inhabitants who make more than 38 million international trips annually. During the 2022-2023 winter season, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport had 330 flights and nearly 60,000 seats connecting with Helsinki, representing more than a 77 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Friends indeed

THE Amigos de Denia shop raised €25,900 for local charities in 2023, the association’s president Guillermina Colino announced. “This was a record for us and, I believe, for many of the groups who received our donations,” she said. Funds raised by Amigos de Denia were divided amongst approximately 20 organisations with sums of between €1,000 and €2,000 destined for charities that focused on people. Animal charities received €500. Ms Colino thanked everyone who had donated clothes and other items to the Amigos de Denia shop as well as all the people who helped to run the shop and the charities they had been able to help. The shop first opened 27 years ago and its volunteers come from 30 different countries that include the UK, France, GerLA NUCIA Town Hall allocated €20,000 last year to sterilising the municipality’s strays. According to the Animal Protection department, approximately 3,000 kittens would have been born in 2024 without the town hall-funded Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) programme that was carried out in 2023. More than 35 volunteers gave their time to locating and trapping a record 350 cats - 50 more than in 2022 - in La Nucia zones considered ‘conflictive’ owing

Photo credit: Amigos de Denia/Las Provincias

MULTINATIONAL: Volunteers come from 30 different countries.

many, China and The Philippines as well as Spain. She took over as president two years ago, Ms Colino said, although all decisions are taken by member of the Amigos de Denia steering committee.

Fewer kittens to their large feline populations and later monitoring the cats’ welfare. Six veterinary clinics also collaborated with the scheme, The Anima Protection department stressed owners’ obligation chip, worm, deflea and sterilise their cats, adding that local vets launched periodic awareness campaigns, offering special prices for La Nucia residents.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Charity Swim

THE charity swim across Javea’s Cabo de la Nao on December 9 raised €4,025.95 for the local Cancer Charity branch, which the organisers presented in a symbolic cheque to Mayor Rosa Cardona. All of the money raised will be used to fund cancer research.

Tourism win

THE mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, commended the work of the Department of Tourism. The mayor highlighted the accomplishments achieved in a short time and the elimination of barriers that aﬀected the competitiveness of Valencian tourist destinations. The repeal of the tourist tax was speciﬁcally mentioned.

On patrol

THE Local Police in Teulada and oﬃcers from the Guardia Civil post in Moraira have begun carrying out weekend road controls. “The object is not only to guarantee increased security for residents but also to identify individuals who could be linked to unlawful activities,” police sources conﬁrmed.

Safety first

A BUS service was provided for passengers on the Line 9 tram between Altea’s Garganes station and Calpe on January 13. The interruption enabled the engineering stress tests carried out periodically to monitor the safety of the bridges over the Algar and the Mascarat ravine in Calpe.

Patient wait

As of now, there are 17,874 patients pending Trauma surgery in the Community, of them 6,449 in the province of Alicante. As well as 14,519 in Ophthalmology, of which 5,867 are in the province; and 12,603 in General Surgery (4,390 in the province).

Anna Ellis THE Parks and Gardens Department of Benidorm is actively involved in crucial pruning and conditioning work for the trees throughout the municipality. This initiative aims to ensure the optimal condition of the vast majority of tree species in the area. Councillor Jose Ramon Gonzalez de Zarate highlighted that Benidorm is home to approximately 26,000 tree specimens, making it not only one of the cities with the highest proportion of green spaces but also one with the most extensive tree population. The city has approximately 3,800 mulberry trees undergoing pru-

Tree population Image: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm

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18 - 24 January 2024

PRUNING: Is currently active.

ning while simultaneously pruning approximately 3,500 palm trees.

The work is progressing well, with over 60 per cent already completed and a target to ﬁnish before March. Banana trees, numbering around 8,000 in Benidorm, undergo pruning every three to four years. This year, approximately 3,000 specimens are planned for pruning to maintain their health. He contrasted these eﬀorts with past administrations that opted for tree removal, replacing them with concrete, in favour of preserving and enhancing the city’s green spaces.

Airport run Stabilising La Penya BUS company, Vectalia, has now increased its service on the route connecting Alicante with Miguel Hernandez Airport. On weekdays (Monday to Saturday), Line C6 now boasts buses departing from Plaza del Mar to the airport every 20 minutes during the day, running from 6.30am to 10.50pm. This modiﬁcation allows for two additional buses compared to the previous schedule. The return route from the airport operates with the same frequency, departing from 7.10am to 11.30pm. On weekends, buses from Plaza del Mar will start at 6.20am and conclude at 10.30pm, while departures from the airport will span from 7.00am to 11.10pm. The interval between buses remains consistent at 20 minutes. Additionally, the night schedule will see buses departing every hour, commencing from Plaza del Mar at 11.20pm until 5.20am. The return leg begins at 12.00am and concludes at 6.00am. These night-time services are available daily, providing transportation options for passengers arriving at the terminal during the night hours and oﬀering an alternative to taxi services.

FINESTRAT has big plans for the La Penya crag and the hanging Old Town houses that it supports. It will eventually become a leisure area but the town hall must first stabilise the small plateau and, as it has been doing since 2008, reinforce the rocky ridge topped by many of Finestrat’s original homes. That is expected to take five months to complete, explained Finestrat mayor Juanfran Perez Llorca, who recently visited La Penya accompanied by officials from the Public Works, European Funds and Town Planning departments. La Penya was one of the Valencian Community’s most picturesque Old Quarters he said, and the town hall would continue to improve its stability in a project 70 per cent financed by the European Union’s Next Generation fund. “Finestrat was one of the first 11 municipalities in the Valencian Community to obtain these funds, which in our case amounted to almost €3 million. Of this, €400,000 will spent on La Penya” the mayor added. “Once finished we shall have converted one of Finestrat’s iconic tourist attractions into a totally improved and renovated public space for residents and tourists alike.”

Posidonia proviso THE conditions for Denia’s beach-cleaning contract are due to be approved within days at an extraordinary general council meeting. The 10-year, €11 million contract stipulates that the chosen company will be obliged to install a treatment plant for Posidonia seaweed combined with a store for beach-cleaning machinery and equipment. This will be located in Calle Llac Maracaibo in Denia’s Estanyo Nord district, Beaches councillor Pepe Domenech explained. Once the sand has been separated from the seaweed, this will be returned to beaches to assist their regeneration and halt

erosion, he said The Posidonia will later be processed for use in livestock farming and agriculture although this too can be returned to dune zones to form a natural barrier against coastal erosion. Domenech also revealed that the high season, when beaches are cleaned and raked daily has been extended by two weeks, now beginning on June 1 and ending on September 30. Once councillors have given the goahead and put the contract out to tender, bidders will have one month to present their oﬀers.

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138 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Healthcare changes GANDIA’S new €20 million Rois de Corella primary healthcare centre, is scheduled to open in February. Marciano Gomez, who heads the regional government’s Health department confirmed the date on a recent visit to the town’s Francesc de Borja hospital to see firsthand the changes introduced to improve the regional health service’s efficiency and effectiveness. Talking to the local media, Gomez criticised the previous regional government’s progress. The health centre would open, Gomez stressed, “out of public interest over and above poorly-executed management.” The new centre with its three buildings will bring gradual changes for Gandia residents.

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euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON SEEMS to me that we are in love with conflict. There was a time when what we fell about was politics, football, or religion, the topics discouraged in social conversation. How simple life was in those days. In these times, the topics that polarise us seem to be endless: all of the above, and diversity, positive discrimination, gender identity, vaccines, mask wearing, Israel or Palestine, Ukraine or Russia, climate change. I think this is enough to make the point. What is more complex about this is that everyone seems to want to inhabit the moral high ground as if their

Ready for a fight?

point of view scores higher on a scale of one to 10 than that of those who hold the opposite opinion I spend a lot of time on social media; too much in fact, and not a day goes by when people don’t get shirty with each other. Everybody knows best and thinks that their opinion is a fact to be adopted by the world as a whole, and god help anyone who disagrees with them. How did we get to the point where no one listens to anyone else’s point of view anymore? There is nothing wrong in changing our perspective on something, but that doesn’t happen by digging our heels in and re-

PROVERB OF THE WEEK Shared joy is double joy; Shared sorrow is half a sorrow. A Swedish proverb. Human beings are wired to be deeply empathetic. So when we share stories of our joys, happiness and achievement with others, it increases our joy as we see others happy around us. THE night of January 12 was the Marina Alta’s coldest so far this winter. Temperatures not only dropped to below freezing inland, where this is a regular winter occurrence, but also on the coast. Both of Javea’s weather stations registered -1.2 degrees while Pla de

fusing to listen. The only topics I don’t hear people arguing about these days are the role of the World Health Organisation and the World Economic Forum. They seem to be met with universal suspicion. I wonder why? I find the constant obsession with needing to be right, and looking for offence in everything tiresome. Having said that, shutting down one side of any debate, as has been happening on multiple media sources and on several themes recently, is not the way to reach agreement. It only adds to the irritation. I am all for free and open debate, done with respect, and with open ears and receptive minds on both

sides. After just one week in post as editor there have been many challenges, and to be honest, it is very clear to me that apart from this editorial, where I get to say what I want, opinions are rarely a helpful contribution to any debate. To misquote the great Maggie Smith, ‘Having an opinion is like having a ‘male member’. In private you can hold it as much as you like, but when you start shoving it in other people’s faces, you had better have a dammed good explanation’. Perhaps these days we should just stick to arguing about politics, football, or religion. All are less precarious than the alternatives.

Bill Anderson’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. bill-anderson@euroweeklynews.com

Cold snap Teulada’s dropped to -0.4 degrees. Meanwhile, the inland mountain area of Castell de Castells shivered more than any other Marina Alta municipality with -2.8 degrees.

Denia’s lowest temperature was recorded in La Xara with 4.5 degrees, which was slightly warmer than the 4.4 degrees registered in Pego or Ondara’s 4.2 degrees.

Benissa’s nighttime temperature dropped to 4 while Gata and Pedreguer were rather colder with a respective 3.4 and 2.5 degrees. Daytime temperatures were also the lowest to date, with the thermometer recording only 11 degrees by mid-morning in Javea’s Granadella area.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

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Yachts keep January date YACHTS from all over Spain’s Mediterranean coast will again compete in the 300 Millas A3 trophy in the Moraira-based annual regatta held each January. This year the boats set out on Thursday January 25 in a break with tradition as until now the race has always begun on a Wednesday. As its name suggest, the race is held over 300 nautical miles (555.6 kilometres) with a crew of three although the route will be

300 MILLAS: The race is held of 300 nautical miles.

disclosed until the day of the race. This will be determined

by the weather conditions on January 25, the organisers explained.

Not only will the yachts leave Moraira on a diﬀerent day this year, but they will be split into two categories, depending on the size of the boat, a change introduced to give smaller craft the chance of competing for the €3,000, €2,000 and €1,000 prizes. These will now be split evenly between the two categories. There will also be a special trophy for the ﬁrst, fastest boat that returns to Club Nautico Moraira.

Doggy fines

Market marvel

EL CAMPELLO has initiated disciplinary proceedings against five residents for violating municipal regulations related to the control of animals. The individuals face actions for not having their dogs under control, as they were observed walking without a collar and lead which is mandatory according to municipal regulations. The incidents occurred in December 2023, and the owners will face fines depending on the severity of the violation. According to Marcos Martínez, the councillor for Public Health, municipal regulations categorise violations as “minor,” “serious,” and “very serious.” Penalties range accordingly, with fines from €100 to €3,000 for minor infractions, €3,001 to €9,000 for serious violations, and €9,001 to €45,000 for very serious offences. Martínez emphasised that the enforcement of regulations follows extensive efforts in education and information campaigns. Pet owners are required to keep their animals restrained in public areas and may be subject to sociability and education tests based on their pets’ behaviour. Martínez also notes that leaving an animal unrestrained may lead to the pet wandering away and defecating on public roads without the owner’s knowledge, an action that is also punishable.

THE municipal markets in Alicante have achieved record-breaking results in 2023, setting their best records in history. The Association of Merchants Dealers in Alicante Municipal Markets reported a successful year with the opening of 66 new businesses and a remarkable 15 per cent increase in sales. The markets have played a crucial role as essential businesses during the pandemic, adapting to changing consumer habits by focusing on proximity, local products, and sustainable purchasing. This approach has attracted a new, younger audience that values well-being, authenticity, and a unique shopping experience. The markets have become popular options for both shopping and gastronomic routes. Looking ahead, future projects include the development of a plan to improve and remodel the Babel and Benalúa markets. The renovations aim to modernise the markets with improvements to roofs, lighting, pedestrian connections, and the renewal of their internal image. The local government has conﬁrmed that it is committed to achieving 100 per cent occupancy of market stalls in 2024.

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18 - 24 January 2024

CALPE’S Local Police and the town hall’s General Services department are currently in the process of receiving new vehicles. Those that have already arrived include a lorry with a basket lift that will be used by the town hall’s electricians, while an offroad pickup has been allocated

order are two electric New wheels onmotorcycles and two SUVs to the Environment and Beaches department. A hybrid car has also been assigned to the Local Police. Over the coming weeks the town hall awaits arrival of a flatbed lorry, two vans and two three-seater vans for General Services. Also

for the Local Police which incorporate screens to separate the driver from passengers, plus a van equipped for taking witness statements. All the vehicles have been leased for four years at a cost of €749,232.

THE renowned cyclist Felipe Orts has achieved his first title as ‘Campió d’Espanya’ in cyclocross in Amurrio. Sponsored by the Villajoyosa Town Council, this victory marks a significant achievement for La Villajoyosa. In a key race, Felipe Orts showcased an impressive performance. After initially dropping to fifth place, he quickly regained the lead with remarkable speed. His commanding pace allowed him to establish a significant lead in the first lap, finishing

Joyosa champ with a 24-second advantage over the chasing group. With determination and composure, Felipe Orts continued to extend the gap, securing the victory in impressive fashion. This victory marks the sixth national championship title for La Villajoyosa, with Felipe Orts becoming the record holder as the only cyclist to achieve this feat in six consecutive years.

Mediterranean attitude

THE Valencian Community is gearing up for the Madrid International Tourism Fair (Fitur) with the motto ‘Mediterranean Attitude’. The regional stand, spanning over 2,000 square me-

tres, will showcase the diverse tourism brands within the Valencian region. The design will feature white and blue colours, symbolising the Mediterranean, with three main islands and

attached spaces for provincial boards, municipalities, festivals, companies, associations, and tourism products. The investment for the Valencian presence at Fitur amounts to €1.2 million, representing a 6 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The stand is not only designed for Fitur but will also be used for other national and international events throughout the year. The Valencian Community aims to highlight its diversity, sustainability, accessibility,

and competitive offerings in various tourism sectors. With over 500 co-exhibitors, the Valencian stand is expected to make a significant impact at Fitur. The regional department has organised a comprehensive agenda, including presentations, tastings, showcookings, and meetings with key stakeholders in the tourism industry. The goal is to enhance competitiveness and business opportunities for the Valencian tourism sector in 2024.

Image: Comunitat Valenciana / Facebook

El Montgó

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Anna Ellis ALICANTE recently participated in nationwide celebrations marking the bicentenary of the creation of the National Police. The National Police is recognised as the oldest state body among all State Security Forces and Bodies. The commemorative event, held on Saturday January 13, drew considerable public interest as people gathered around Plaza del Mar to witness the traditioTHE company Mommus Foods, located in the Miguel Hernández University Science Park in Elche, has collaborated with the food brand Hi Vegs! to launch two vegetable substitutes for cheese, a smoked semi-cured one and a spicy one. These products are now available in Carrefour Spain. The collaboration aims to reinforce the market position of both companies and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food future. The availability of vegan products in large distribution chains, such as Carrefour Spain, is seen as crucial for expanding options for both committed vegans and those transitioning to reduce their consumption of animal products. The collaboration aligns with the growing trend of a flexitarian diet, with around 10 million flexitarians in Spain, according to a study by Lantern. WITH changes in the regional government following the May 2023 elections, it seemed as if the Pativel Law’s days could be numbered. This law was introduced to prevent more construction on those sections of the Valencian Community coast that were not already developed or had received previously-approved planning permission. In Gandia this affects l’Auir beach as far as the Xeraco

18 - 24 January 2024

Committed to you nal hoisting of the Spanish flag. With the motto ‘Committed to you’, the event mirrored celebrations in other municipalities across the province and the entire country. It honoured the first modern police force

Vegan friendly

Image: Universitats Miguel Hernández

HI VEGS!: Has launched new product.

Mommus Foods, based in Alicante, has become the first Spanish factory of vegetable cheese substitutes to industrialise its production. Hi Vegs! is a brand founded by Dacsa Group in 2021, focusing on offering innovative solutions for conscious and responsible consumers.

Pativel impasse boundary and Marenys de Rafalcaid but the outcome of a Supreme Court ruling on a case in Caceres suggests that there could be little chance of reversing Pativel. Basing their arguments on Spain’s 2021 Climate Change and Ecological Transition Law, the Supreme Court judges declared that it was not possible

to apply changes that implied “lessening or deteriorating” the environmental protection of land “except in fully justified and exceptional situations.” Legal experts predict the Supreme Court pronouncement holds good throughout Spain, since the Climate Change and Ecological Transition legislation is a national law.

of a national and urban nature, acknowledging its constant reinvention to adapt to technological advancements. Manuel Lafuente Lazaro, the provincial chief commissioner, emphasised the force’s two centuries of service to the Spanish peo-

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ple, highlighting their essential role in consolidating democracy. He expressed gratitude for the society’s support and the facilities provided by the Ministry of the Interior. In his speech, he listed the force’s main challenges, expressing pride in being part of the National Police. Regarding the flag-raising, he stated that it represents everyone and symbolises unity.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

DENIA’S Ethnological Museum has applied for a €9,998 subsidy from a Generalitat initiative to protect the region’s drystone architecture. If granted, the money will be used on third phase of restoring the drystone terracing below Denia Castle which is now classed as an Asset of

Drystone heritage Cultural Interest (BIC). During the ﬁrst round of these grants in 2018, the town hall was able to restore two sections of the terraces and continued the project with another subsidy in 2023, repairing a further 11

walls in three more sections. Once this year’s grant has arrived and work on the sixth and ﬁnal section is ﬁnished, a large part of the rehabilitation project will have been completed on the terraces below the Castle’s southern ramparts. Denia’s Ethnological Museum has wide experience in investigating and publicising drystone architecture and terracing in particular, the town hall said. This includes a programme directed at recovering traditional techniques that will ensure the survival of an art practised by the area’s stone masons and master builders.

Nora Shephard THE Barqueta School Drawing and Painting Contest, now celebrating its 21st birthday, is inviting primary school students to submit drawings. Each student can submit a maximum of one work, and each educational centre can choose up to 10 works for the competition. The deadline for making the drawings is currently open, and another period will be open from February 19 to 23 for the centres to send the works to La Barqueta. The selected works will be exhibited from March 1 to 15, and on March 15, at 6.00pm the awards ceremony will take place in the

THE government of Spain has highlighted the Gandia Skate Park Bowl as an exemplary case “for facilitating access to sports for residents and professionals.” The mayor of Gandia, Jose Manuel Prieto Part, welcomed the Secretary of State for Sports, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, during his visit to the sports facility, which received an investment of €1 million which included €700,000 from European Next Gene-

Painting contest Image: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm

DEADLINE OPEN: Showcasing children’s works.

City Hall Assembly Hall. The winners will be published in the Festes Majors Patronals programme, and the three educational centres with the highest participation will receive prizes. The contest aims to showcase the perspecti-

ves of children on Benidorm’s festivals, providing a variety of viewpoints on the local cultural events. The organisers expressed their hopes for the contest to continue for many years, maintaining its signiﬁcance in the community.

Exemplary case

ration funds and €300,000 from Gandia Council. The mayor plans to present an Investment Plan outlining priorities for improving infrastructures with the greatest needs. The Skate Park Bowl, situated in the

Corea and Beniopa neighbourhoods, is one of the three new facilities inaugurated by Gandia in the last four months. It has now become one of the best skate parks in Spain and the most signiﬁcant in the Valencian Community.

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Spain’s digital nomad visa and tax benefits Since the UK left the EU, taking up residence in Spain requires more advance planning and paperwork, but those who receive sufficient income without having to work are generally still able to obtain residence permits and enjoy their retirement in Spain. It is, however, harder to obtain a work visa in Spain, so the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa was welcome. While the DNV doesn’t help individuals wanting to work for a Spanish company, it is an opportunity for people who can work online and meet the work requirements. This visa may also enable you to move to Spain a few years before retirement, if you can work remotely. Work requirements There are some restrictions on who can obtain a Digital Nomad Visa. Besides being able to prove you can fulfil your work duties

mation from ENISA. Application requirements You need to prove a minimum level of income – €30,240 for individuals and €41,580 for couples (as at 2023). It can be a combination of earnings, investment income and savings. By Brett Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

in Spain with just a laptop, phone and internet, you must have a suitable qualification or three years’ work experience. You can work in any type of business, in many roles, and be employed, self-employed or an entrepreneur. The company you work for must be outside Spain and established for at least one year. If self-employed, your contracts must have been agreed minimum three months before application. Entrepreneurs intending to initiate, develop or direct an economic activity need confir-

You must have qualifying medical health insurance and an authorised medical record check, plus recent UK and Spanish criminal record checks. Various other paperwork will be submitted with your application, such as proof of residence, passport, birth and marriage certificates etc. If you are already legally resident in Spain, you can apply locally and receive a three-year Digital Nomad Residency Permit (DNRP). This can later be renewed for three years. UK residents apply via the Spanish Consulates in the UK and receive a 12-month Digital Nomad

Visa. Once expired you can apply for a two-year DNRP and after five years permanent residency. Tax benefits A DNV can provide tax advantages. Provided you are employed or an entrepreneur you can apply to be taxed under the more beneficial special inpatriate tax regime (the ‘Beckham regime’). The tax benefits are not automatic – once you have your DNV you need to apply for this regime – but they can be extended to cover your spouse if they meet the conditions. With this inpatriate status, income up to €600,000 is taxed at a preferential rate of 24%. Any excess is at 47% (normally applied on income half this amount). You also pay Spanish social security. If you dispose of any assets outside Spain, including com-

pany shares, you do not have to pay any Spanish capital gains tax. You are also not liable to Spanish Wealth Tax on non-Spanish assets during the period. Provided you remain nonUK resident (as determined by the Statutory Residence Test) you will not have to pay UK tax on your earnings. Take personalised advice to establish how these rules would apply to your circumstances. Contact an immigration specialist to learn more about the Digital Nomad Visa. For the tax elements, speak to a cross-border wealth management specialist who can confirm what tax would be due in Spain and the UK and how you can take full advantage of the rules in both countries. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

10 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024 Linda Hall LA VILA is to have two new town hall departments covering Animal Welfare and Smart Municipality. They will be headed by Carlos Soler and Pedro Ramis respectively, announced Villajoyosa’s mayor Maros Zaragoza who has also redistributed some departments.

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Villajoyosa reshuffle Soler takes over Fisheries and Agriculture, formerly headed by Ramis while Rosa Llorca, currently in charge of Tourism and Commerce, takes on Industry which again

was Ramis’s responsibility. The Old Town department again headed by Ramis - has been eliminated as Zaragoza maintained it was no longer necessary,

since the town hall functioned transversally and practically all departments were involved in this part of La Vila. Some department names have

been modified slightly, the mayor said. “After working in these fields for six months we are incorporating new programmes and elements to meet the real needs of the local community,” Zaragoza added. “This is essential if we are to carry out our legislation strategy.”

Bless them! ANIMALS are blessed throughout Spain on or near January 17, feast day of San Antonio, probably more familiar to English-speakers as St Anthony the Abbot. San Antonio came from Egypt and, according to legend, gave away all of his belongings to the poor and spent long periods in the desert. Here he was supposedly accompanied only by animals and is now regarded as their patron saint. Originally the blessing centred on farm animals but the custom has now been extended to pets and, as usual, owners will be taking them to their local church. That includes Villajoyosa although there will be a double celebration on January 20 and 21 in the Ermita neighbourhood as the church in this outlying district is dedicated to San Antonio. A highlight of the fiestas begins at 1pm

Photo credit: Villajoyosa town hall

SAN ANTONIO: Last year’s fiesta in La Ermita, Villajoyosa.

on January 21 with a procession of horse or donkey-drawn carriages and carts through the local streets, while those taking part give out traditional anise-flavoured Rollets de Sant Antoni pastries to the public. The procession ended, there will be hot chocolate provided by the Villajoyosa chocolatier Valor with equally traditional pumpkin fritters on sale.

Bimbo bomb

INDUSTRIAL baker Bimbo announced on January 10 that it will close its El Verger factory. The plant opened more than 50 years ago, originally producing Magdalenas Ortiz -

once a household name - and currently employing 90 people to make toasted crackers and Takis crisps. The Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) union condemned

the decision, claiming that in an area which depended on tourism and where industry was practically non-existent the factory was ‘fundamental’. The union explained that there was now a 30-day period in which it would ‘seek the best solution’ for the El Verger workforce while defending their jobs and the factory’s activities. Staff have already approved the union’s intention of planning, if necessary, a series of protests to avoid closure. “The personnel have made it clear that they will not make it easy and are prepared to make a stand against this process,” a CCOO communique stated. It was hard to understand the Bimbo Group’s claims that production of the toast crackers had stalled, it said. “Staff have always received reassuring messages, and now they’ve taken this traumatic decision.”

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Image: Ayuntamiento de Calpe

18 - 24 January 2024

COUNCIL MEETING: Held to organise Calpe’s presence at the fair.

Madrid debut Nora Shephard CALPE Town Council is set to make its debut appearance at Madrid Fusion Foods of Spain, the world’s most important gastronomic congress, taking place from January 29 to 31 at IFEMA. The municipality will be represented with the support of chefs from three Calpeine restaurants, each boasting a Michelin star: Rafa Soler from Audrey’s Restaurant, Jose Manuel de Miguel from Beat Restaurant, and Andrea Drago

from Orobianco Calpee. A meeting was hosted by the town council to organise Calpe’s presence at the fair, where the chefs from local restaurants will engage in a ‘show cooking’ featuring the star product, ‘Peix de Calpe’ (Calpe’s fish). The Fishermen’s Guild, playing a significant role in the centenary celebration of the entity, will contribute the bay’s own product to the initiative. This effort, led by the Departments of Tourism,

Economic Development, and Fisheries, aims to highlight that Calpe is the municipality in Spain with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. Simultaneously, the initiative seeks to showcase the region’s distinctive product, such as the ‘Peix de Calpe’. Present at the meeting, chefs Rafa Soler and Jose Manuel Miguel emphasised that “Calpe is the destination with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre.”

THE Department of Health has reported a significant reduction of 52 per cent in the number of priority 1 patients awaiting surgical intervention. Priority 1 is a category that includes those requiring surgery within 30 days due to life-threatening conditions. The data covers the period from June to December 2023. Overall, the waiting list for surgery in the Valencian Community has seen a decrease of 7,459 patients since June,

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Priority patients dropping from 72,704 to 65,245 by December. In the province of Alicante, the number of people awaiting surgery across 10 hospitals has decreased from 26,525 to 22,930, marking a reduction of 3,595 patients, which represents 36 per cent of the total for the Community. The majority of these patients (16,706) fall under the categories of Trau-

ALFAZ’S International Residents department has commenced its 2024 round of meetings with foreign residents’ associations. “These monthly meetings enable us to announce town hall activities and give local groups and associations the chance to air concerns as well as describe their upcoming plans and projects,” International Residents councillor Martine Mertens said. “That means we can collaborate and coordinate between us.” Mertens, who heads the Pangea Office which assists the integration of non-Spanish and Spanish residents, was accompanied by Patrick de Meirsman, councillor for Relations with Residents Associations and Clubs. The two councillors also announced this

matology, General Surgery, and Ophthalmology. Despite these improvements in reducing the number of patients on the waiting list, the average wait time for surgery has increased. The current average wait time across the Valencian Community is 88 days, the same as a year ago but worse than six months ago when it stood at 79 days.

Workshops year’s workshops which are directed at all Alfaz residents, regardless of nationality. They are held each Monday between 9.30am and 11am at the Pangea office in Centro Mas Social in Albir. “We shall be focusing on a different activity each week,” Mertens said. “These range from outings to visit emblematic Alfaz spots to healthy cuisine, yoga, Zumba and computers. They are all in Spanish so people from other countries can practise the language.” The workshops are open to all residents registered on the Alfaz Padron, but places are limited.

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Busy year THE Municipal Archive of Javea had a busy year, attending to a total of 1,124 queries in 2023. Of the queries received, 250 were internal, coming from different departments of the town council seeking information, documents, or files for ongoing administrative procedures. The remaining 874 were external, representing people seeking information through electronic means, telephone, email, or in-person visits. The archive received several donations throughout the year, including a significant contribution from the Garcia Casabó family. The donation included a parchment certificate from 1708 signed

Image: Ayuntamiento de Javea

12 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

MANY ENQUIRIES: Electronic files now archived.

by the archivist of the parish church of Javea and a document from 1838 listing 439 neighbours who had paid the “decimal contribution” with details of payments in fruit and cash. Looking ahead, the archivist mentioned the challenge for the year: the implementation of the electronic file. With over 100,000

electronic files integrated into the administrative management platform since 2015, the documents will soon be transferred to the Municipal Electronic Archive. The councillor for Culture, Mavi Pérez, expressed appreciation for the donations and highlighted the archive’s role as the “custodian of all our history.”

Parking

THE new park and ride on Avenida Bernat de Sarria Avenue in Benidorm is now operational. Located on Calle Ciudad Real, this free parking facility aims to decongest parking in the area and serve users of the health centre, hospital, sports facilities, and the market. The parking area covers 16,581.18 square metres and has a capacity for 662 vehicles. Benidorm already has nearly 40 park-and-ride facilities throughout the municipality, providing over 8,000 parking spaces. The recent addition includes the creation of a roundabout at the intersection of Avenida Bernat de Sarria and Calle Ciudad Real, contributing to improved road safety and mobility. According to the councillor for Mobility, this new facility will cater to the needs of the Rincón de Loix area, responding to the current demand and anticipating future requirements, especially with the upcoming construction of the new health centre in the vicinity. The parking spaces are strategically located for residents, visitors, and those working in the area, providing a convenient facility.

14 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024 IN Spain, the law reserves a large part of the estate of the deceased to certain family members such as children, parents, etc. This is what is known as the ‘legitimate rights’. In today’s article we analyse two concepts that often cause confusion. Unworthiness to inherit and disinheritance. We review the causes and main differences of

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

Unworthiness to inherit and disinheritance. Legitimacy rights in Spain. Illicit acts. Ill-treatment. Violence. Injury. Expert solicitors in Inheritance Law. each of these legal concepts. Disinheritance in Spain. Regulation The disinheritance is regulated in Article 848 et seq. of the Civil Code. The Spanish system provides for specific causes for ascendants, descendants, spouses, etc.

In brief, the main causes of disinheritance are as follows: - Having been convicted of attempting against the life of the testator, his/her spouse or partner, or his/her ascendants or descendants. - Denying maintenance to the testator, when the latter is his/her ascendant or descendant. - Slanderously accusing the testator of having committed a crime. - In the case of ascendants, having lost parental authority over their children or descendants. -Abandonment, prostitution or corruption of the children. - Etc. Disinheritance procedure. Will and burden of proof, etc Disinheritance is only possible in cases of testate succession. That is, when there is a will. Therefore,

the first step to disinherit someone is to execute a will before a notary. The cause of disinheritance, its basis, etc. must be clearly and precisely stated in the will. Therefore, seeking expert legal advice to study your case in detail and to advise how to proceed according to your particular case, is essential. If the heir that has been disinherited denies the cause of disinheritance being true, the burden of proof will fall on the rest of the heirs; that must prove that the disinheritance is valid and has been correctly founded. Providing evidence or documentation attesting to it, etc. Unworthiness to inherit: what exactly does this consist of? The causes of unworthiness are set out in Art. 756 of the Civil Code. Briefly, we highlight the following: - Threatening through violence or fraud so that the testator grants a will or

modifies it. - Preventing the testator from making a will or revoking a will previously made. - Having been convicted by a final judgement for attempting against the life of the testator, or for exercising physical/psychic violence against him/her, his/her spouse, partner or ascendants/descendants. - Accusing the testator of committing a crime punishable by a severe penalty, and being convicted for false denunciation, etc. Main differences between unworthiness to inherit and disinheritance As can be seen, some causes of unworthiness and disinheritance are very similar. However, there are important differences between both legal figures: 1. Unworthiness occurs both in testate and in intestate inheritances. In other words: when there is a will and when there isn’t:

2. Whereas the events that trigger the disinheritance must be prior to the death of the testator; the causes that lead to unworthiness can occur after the death of the testator. 3. Disinheritance only affects the forced heirs, whereas the causes of unworthiness affect any heir (whether they are forced heirs or not). 4. Indignity must be decided by a judge, unlike disinheritance that is determined by the testator in his/her will, and it is only necessary to prove it before a judge if the disinherited heir denies it being true. Conclusion Unworthiness to inherit and disinheritance are complex concepts, which deserve a detailed analysis depending on the case. At White Baos Lawyers we are experts in Inheritance Law, contesting wills and preparing and advising when granting a will. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice.

16 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

Spain to fight food waste sh households, waste in 2022 was 1.17 billion kilos which equates to about 65.5 kilos per adult per year. Rather than destroy food that is still edible (although possibly past sell by date) all stores selling food which occupy more than 1,300 square metres will be required by law to donate this to food banks or charities. Stores should not reject so called ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables and farmers should not simply destroy anything that doesn’t fit

with normal size and shape criteria. All establishments which offer food for consumption on the premises will be required to offer customers the option of taking uneaten food or drink away with them in suitable containers. Another important plank in the proposed Bill is that where possible, if some food is not suitable to eat as it is, then manufacturers and suppliers should consider converting it to another format such as jam or soup.

At the end of the day, the order of priority for the use of food if no lon-

ger suitable for human consumption will be for animal feed, by-products

in another industry or to create compost or biofuels. Photo: Wikimedia CC / Simon Burchell

John Smith THE Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas confirmed on January 9 that a draft law covering prevention of food waste will be placed before Parliament. This Bill has been on the cards since 2020 but has never passed into law although on this occasion, the government is looking for support from all political parties According to data provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, an estimated 30 per cent of all food produced annually is simply wasted. In the case of Spani-

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

ANCIENT GROUNDS: Seem to have negative energy attached to them.

Pompeii’s curse

THE ‘curse of ancient Pompeii’ has struck a young foreign tourist, who fell ill and, anonymously, sent the director of the Archaeological Park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, some small pumice artefacts that she had stolen, apologising and hoping to recover. This was accompanied by a note written in English. “I didn’t know about the curse. I didn’t know that I shouldn’t have taken stones. Within a

year I became aware of the cancer. I am young and healthy and the doctors say it is just ‘bad luck’. Please accept my apologies and these pieces. I am sorry.” The photo of the letter and the three pieces of pumice taken away was posted on X by Zuchtriegel, with a message: “Dear anonymous sender of this letter... the pumice stones have arrived in Pompeii.... Now good luck for your future and

‘in bocca al lupo’ (good luck), as we say in Italy.” Among the many people affected by the curse is a Canadian tourist who had visited Pompeii in 2005 and blamed the theft for a series of misfortunes she suffered in the following years. She said that she wanted to have a piece of history that, “no one could have,” but that the relics had, “so much negative energy attached to that land of destruction.”

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Credit: Shutterstock/1901352415

AS Britain was blasted by ice and snow this week, officials warned that the worst was yet to come. With temperatures across the nation dipping well below zero, The Met Office and public health officials issued an amber cold weather warning in place until January 12, alerting residents that there might be an ‘observed increase in mortality across the population’. As air ‘directly from the Arctic’ hurtled towards the UK, its citizens expected more freezing cold weather for at least a few more weeks, with experts predicting the cold case will last until mid February. One weatherman from the north of England somberly advised residents that: “you will definitely need your big coat.” Perhaps some thermal underwear as well?

The wheels on the bus get stuck stuck stuck?

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UK to quash Post Office convictions John Smith IT appears that public opinion can have some sway over the Conservative Government as it is rushing in new legislation to quash wrongful Post Office convictions. This was announced on January 10 and although it will only apply to those wrongly convicted in England and Wales the legislation which is expected to be enacted within a matter of weeks will pave the way for significant compensation of up to £600,000. It is expected that hundreds of convictions will be overturned finally bringing justice to those who were wrongly accused of theft from the Royal Mail although it will come too late for those who died without restitution. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in this country’s history, with hundreds of people having their lives ruined and reputations dragged through mud. “Too many still have wrongful convictions tied to their name, and we cannot continue to fail them. “We must do everything we can to exonerate and compensate these innocent people, and make sure they finally get the justice they deserve.”

Credit: Kevin Hollinrake

Arctic Britain - freeze of the century

18 - 24 January 2024

Kevin Hollinrake (in dark suit without tie) in Black Swan pub Post Office.

The government has also confirmed that it will take action to make sure the postmasters who played a crucial role in first exposing the Horizon scandal receive the compensation they deserve. These individuals, known as the Group Litigation Order cohort, who did not receive a criminal conviction but paid out considerable sums of money because of the Horizon failures, will receive at least £75,000 in compensation in advance of any final settlement. Minister for Postal Affairs Kevin Hollinrake commented “Postmasters have been fighting for years to get the justice they deserve, and today’s announcement will ensure wrongful convictions are overturned and swifter access to compensation. “The Post Office Horizon Scandal is

widely described as the biggest miscarriage of justice in our history and it’s important that steps like we’ve announced today are being taken to right the wrongs of the past. “In the coming days, the government will consider whether this blanket exoneration should apply to the small number of convictions which have been upheld by the appeal courts. “The government recognises that this Bill may lead to the overturning of some convictions that were rightfully brought. In line with the wishes of some of the victims, the government will therefore introduce safeguards to make sure anyone who was rightly convicted, and is now trying to take advantage of compensation schemes, can be prosecuted in the future.”

18 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024 THE first attempt in Poland to introduce a ‘Low Emissions Zone’ in which older, more polluting cars would have been banned has been rejected by a court, reports Notes from Poland. Plans to introduce the zone were approved in 2022 by the council of Krakow, Poland’s second-largest city and which has some of the country’s worst air pollution. However, the decision was challenged by Łukasz Kmita, governor of the Małopolska Orovince in which Krakow is located. Kmita argued that the ban on older cars represented, “far-reaching interference in constitutional rights and freedoms.” The Provincial Administrative Court in Krakow agreed

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Krakow: no LEZ with Kmita’s arguments that the geographical scope of the zone had not been properly defined and that the regulation approved by the council does not, as it should, specify how traffic would be organised within the zone. After a new government took power last month, it appointed a new governor of Krzysztof Klęczar. However, he told TVN that he also “has personal doubts” about the idea of a clean transport zone in Krakow. “Ideally, we would all use low-emission or zero-emission means of transport, but at the mo-

ment we cannot afford it,” said Klęczar. However, a group called the Coalition of Doctors and Scientists for Healthy Air sent an appeal to Kraków City Council calling for a

clean transport zone to be established. They pointed to research showing that 295 lives could be saved a year by reducing emissions from transport in the city.

Swedish King thanks Danish Queen Photo: Shutterstock / DarSzach

LOW EMISSIONS ZONE: Has been rejected in Poland.

American tourist left in tears

Credit: @realphdfoodie/TikTok)

TIKTOK TRAVELLER: Angela is frustrated with the French.

AN American TikTok traveller, Angela, from San Francisco, has uploaded a video crying over the fact that the people of Lyon speak too much French. The social media star, @RealPhDFoodie, visited Lyon on December 31, 2023 and filmed various videos for her TikTok account, bringing her followers along for the ride during her ‘European travels’. However, this trip did not turn out to be the dream

that she had hoped, as due to the fact that the American tourist cannot speak French, she reported that she felt ‘isolated’ during her entire time in France. “I’m here in Lyon, France, and to be honest the experience is very isolating for someone who doesn’t speak French,” she told her followers on her account, as tears filled her eyes, “I would not recommend it for solo travellers,” she confirmed.

Despite wearing a beret, Angela felt that nobody in the country was interested in her or accepted her. She stated that: “People here seem very indifferent. I had no problem meeting people and socialising in Italy and Germany, but in France the experience is very different.” The video has since been viewed more than six million times, and has received mixed responses. Oh mère.

FOLLOWING the unexpected abdication of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, her cousin and close friend King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden sent her a telegram thanking her and wishing her all the best. The message reads, “Dear Cousin Daisy! “When you step down today from your high office as Queen of Denmark, I want to convey my warm thanks for the good cooperation over the years. You now enter a changed role, but the friendship between us remains - warm and constant. “As Denmark’s Queen, you have been a guarantor of the closeness and affection that today exists between our countries and houses. For this, I want to thank you in particular. “On this historic day, my family and I wish you all the luck and success in the future.” The Queen who will be 84 in April and is handing over the Danish Crown to her 55-year-old son Frederik joined the Swedish Royal Family in September 2023 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of King Carl XVI Gustaf who is now 77. This will be the first abdication of a Danish Monarch in over 900 years.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

HAVE you encountered an unexpected email from Endesa? The expert advice is to exercise caution. This follows reports of individuals receiving emails under the guise of unpaid bills from Endesa. These emails, which often carry the subject line ‘Customer area - You can now download your invoice No. [xxx]’, are a front for distributing malware. This may compromise your computer and collect vital information. What should you do if you stumble upon this Endesa email in your mailbox? Before deleting it, label it as spam or junk. If you have downloaded the file but haven’t opened it, go to your downloads folder and erase it. If you’ve already opened the file, detach your device from your network. Malicious emails are on the rise. Make sure you keep safe.

Widespread oil fraud HOW trustworthy are the labels on food items? Recent events in Spain have raised serious doubts regarding olive oil. On January 15, a joint operation by the Guardia Civil, inspectors from the Junta de Andalucia, and the General Directorate of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation unearthed a fraudulent olive oil operation. This illegal business, discovered in an industrial warehouse in Mairena del Alcor, Sevilla, was found to be marketing counterfeit olive oils. The investigation revealed that the products, falsely labelled as ‘Extra Virgin Olive Oil’ and ‘Mild Olive Oil’, were actually blends of

Credit: masa44/Shutterock.com

Another email scam

18 - 24 January 2024

IS IT THE REAL THING?: Olive oil warning.

various inferior oils. Documents and products linked to companies across several provinces including Malaga, Cordoba, Sevilla, Gra-

nada, and Murcia were confiscated. During the operation, several brands were identified for marketing these fraudulent oils.

The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs has initiated control measures across various locations and has alerted the relevant authorities in Murcia and Andalucia for further action. In the warehouse, 1,000-litre tanks of vegetable and olive oils were found, connected to a mixer and packaging system. This set-up was used to create a blend of seed oils with a base of some type of olive oil, giving it an appearance similar to genuine extra virgin olive oil, and labelled attractively for sale at prices much lower than their true market value. Consumers are advised to exercise caution and seek verifiable sources for their olive oil purchases.

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Big fines THE EU’s Attorney General has recently endorsed a substantial financial penalty against Google. The fine of €2.4 billion is still to be upheld by a higher court. The European Commission’s investigation revealed that Google exploited its dominant position in the search service market to prioritise its own product comparison service over its rivals. This was done by preferentially showcasing its product comparison results, leading to more user clicks on Google’s services than on those of competitors. The Commission concluded that this was not due to superior service quality, but rather to self-favouritism and a ‘leverage effect’ stemming from Google’s general results page. The fine has been challenged and Google and has appealed for the ruling overturned. However, the Advocate General has recommended that the Court of Justice of the European Union dismiss this appeal.

20 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Struggle to cope Asylum seekers THE recent surge in flu and Covid deaths across Spain has reportedly left many Spanish funeral homes struggling to cope. In the wake of the recent ‘tripandemic’, funeral services across Spain are facing difficulties. As the flu and Covid cases surged after Christmas, the question arises, how well are funeral homes equipped to handle this latest crisis? As of late January, funeral homes are sounding the alarm over their capacity to manage the increasing number of deaths. Manuel Tejadas, the head of operations in Catalonia for the Interfunerarias funeral services chain, expressed his concern: “We are overwhelmed. I have

not seen such a spike in deaths since the pandemic.” The situation has become so dire that some families are waiting up to four days to bury their loved ones, a significant increase from the usual 24 to 48 hours. Despite the decrease in respiratory illnesses, hospitals remain overwhelmed. This has had a knockon effect on funeral services, leading to staffing increases in some homes to manage the demand. In response to the crisis, some funeral homes are adapting by doubling their staff. However, the situation remains challenging with the continued pressure from respiratory viruses.

SPAIN has become a beacon of hope for asylum seekers and is now the third country in the EU that receives the most requests. On Thursday, January 11, the Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, recently revealed statistics at the Conference of Ambassadors in Madrid, and emphasised Spain’s significant role in international protection. With over 163,000 applications in 2023, a record since 1992, Spain stands as a pivotal figure in the European Union’s asylum landscape. “Spain has increased applications by 3,500 per cent compared to those received in 2013, just 10 years ago,” Grande-Marlaska noted. He further stressed the country’s adherence to national, European, and international laws in handling these requests, during his address to the Spanish ambassadors. The minister also reflected on Spain’s ‘intense, successful, and exciting’ presidency of the EU in interior matters. “With this agreement, the European Union is provided with a new, updated legal framework with which to redesign its migration and

Credit: interior.gob.es

Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

asylum policy to address, in a more realistic way, the principle of fair distribution of responsibility and solidarity,” the minister asserted. In tackling irregular migration, Grande-Marlaska urged ambassadors in Europe to communicate Spain’s proactive approach. He emphasised the importance of protecting external borders and saving lives through these efforts. The minister also addressed ambassadors in Africa, calling for intensified collaboration against human trafficking mafias.

Hottest year ever 2023 has emerged as the warmest year in recorded history, surpassing 2016’s previous record. According to the ERA5 dataset, the global average temperature for 2023 was 14.98°C, 0.17°C higher than the peak reached in 2016. July witnessed the highest global temperatures on record in absolute terms, while November saw temperatures that were exceptionally high relative to the annual cycle. Approximately 50 per cent of the days in 2023 were more than 1.5°C warmer than the pre-industrial levels, a significant increase from the 20 per cent observed in 2016. As for 2024, forecasts suggest it could be even warmer than 2023. Europe experienced heatwaves, marine heatwaves, and multiple record-breaking temperatures, alongside widespread drier-than-average conditions on land. The autumn of 2023 was also remarkably warm, ranking as the second warmest on record. On the other hand, heavy rainfall led to significant flood events throughout Europe.

THE dreaded drought in Spain has caused many disastrous effects throughout the nation. However, one small positive that has come from the crisis, is the re-emergence of a sunken 11th century church in the village of Sant Roma de Sau. Due to extremely low levels of water, the historical building has recently emerged from the waters of a reservoir.

18 - 24 January 2024

The past is revealed ‘Drought tourists’ are now visiting from far and wide to see the 11th-century church, which was submerged 60 years ago to form the Sau reservoir, which provides essential water supplies to the city of Barcelona. “It’s unbelievable how much the water level has gone down,” stated local man

Sergio Iberico who visits the reservoir often. Adding that: “I remember paddling here and the water level was at the window of the church tower.” Current water levels in January 2024 at the Sau reservoir are at just 6 per cent of capacity, a stark reminder of the crisis Spain currently faces.

A 50-year kiss

RICCARDO FONTANI, 79, and Anna Adamanti, 77, met at a dance hall in 1965 and exchanged a kiss, only to then lose touch. They didn’t exchange surnames or phone numbers and with no way to contact each other, lost touch. But now, as they told a local newspaper, they have found each other again on Facebook and are about to get married in the spring. In 1965, they danced, however, as in Cinderella’s fairy tale: at midnight Anna said she had to go home. Ricardo accompanied her outside and they exchanged a chaste kiss. Then the two separated, with only the other’s first name and no idea how to find each other again? Riccardo said he returned several times that summer to the club in Abbadia but

never saw her again. Both later married, with Anna being widowed and Ricardo, divorced.

Anna told her granddaughter about Riccardo and she offered to look him up on Facebook.

The church standing tall on dry land.

EWN 21 Credit: Facebook

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

20 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWSDESK

NEWS ACROSS THE REGIONS FROM THE PEOPLE’S PAPER K9 companions

ARE you an animal lover with a few spare hours each week? Spanish registered animal charity, K9, needs a volunteer driver to assist with deliveries and collections for their busy charity shops. Additionally, they are welcoming volunteers to join their friendly staff in the shop located in Almoradi. K9’s mission is to protect animals from cruelty, starvation, and neglect, and control overpopulation through neutering and spaying. The charity’s financial support comes entirely from public donations, fundraising events, and income generated by their two shops. Established in 1993 as Refugio de Los Animales - K9, the organisation was founded by three compassionate individuals moved by the plight of abandoned animals. Initially, rescued dogs and cats were kept in makeshift kennels on land provided by one of the founders. The charity has since gone from strength to strength.

COSTA DEL SOL

€5 billion Ryanair plan Photo: Flickr CC / A.Currell

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

RYANAIR: Plan to open five new bases and increase its routes.

PRESIDENT Pedro Sánchez, met with the CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, on Friday, January 12 at the Moncloa Palace to learn about the airline’s investment plan in Spain, which amounts to €5 billion over the next seven years. Ryanair’s strategy for Spain aims to increase passenger numbers from 55 million to 77 million, increase routes from 730 to more than 1,000 by 2030, base 33 new aircraft and establish five

COSTA CALIDA

FAST fayre

IN a bid to enhance community safety, the First Response First Aid team (FAST) on Camposol, comprised of dedicated volunteers, is organising a Health and Recruitment Fayre on Saturday, January 20, from 10am to 2pm at the Camposol Clubhouse in Sector C. While FAST does not aim to replace professional ambulance services, it plays a crucial role in providing vital first-aid support during the critical time between an accident and the arrival of an ambulance. The event promises a morning of information on various health aspects, both physical and mental, alongside fitness and well-being. Representatives from different organisations, including the Samaritans, will be available to discuss their services. Importantly, FAST responders will be present to provide information on how individuals can contribute as volunteers, urgently needed to bolster their response team.

new bases. During the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, the government and the airline agreed to work on strengthening regional airports. As Moncloa explained in a press release, boosting air traffic at this type of airport will contribute to territorial development and economic activity in the area.

Sánchez highlighted the importance of Ryanair’s investment in Spain, and said that it reflects, “the stability and potential of the Spanish economy as well as the confidence of international markets and investors.” Ryanair currently employs approximately 6,500 workers in Spain and is the leading airline in terms of passengers carried, with more than 700 routes to 29 countries from Spain.

AXARQUIA

Frigiliana’s charm

IN a recent feature, National Geographic unveiled its top picks for 2024 getaways, urging readers to explore the charming streets of Frigiliana and Casares in the Malaga Province. Frigiliana, in the Axarquia region, has long shed its hidden gem status, becoming a tourist hotspot with its steep, narrow streets, and whitewashed houses. National Geographic’s curated list of 100 recommended villages for 2024 showcases Frigiliana and Casares as the only Malaga representatives, alongside picturesque areas like Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Ayllón in Segovia, and Buitrago de Lozoya in Madrid. For Frigiliana, the magazine highlights its location within Axarquia, adorned with ‘luminous white villages’ surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. The feature traces the town’s history through Phoenician, Greek, and Roman influences, with a significant impact from the Arabs.

COSTA ALMERIA

Boar blimey!

THE infamous wild boars have once again returned to the region of Almeria, or did they never really leave? Either way, their presence seems to be causing havoc not just on the streets, but also within the community, as residents continue to disagree on how to deal with the issue and fear of the wild boars increases. Many locals are insisting that Almeria must find a way to rid itself of the boars, stating on social media that they “cause havoc” and explaining: “unfortunately we can’t live together in harmony”. On January 12, a local school sent a petition letter to the mayor of Almeria requesting the elimination of the wild boars and arguing that “they wanted to be free children.” However, others have shown a different view, urging that they “only attack if they feel threatened” and reminding people that “we keep building further into their habitat”. So, what is the solution, should we just let them be?

MALLORCA

National Police anniversary ON Saturday January 13, Spain’s National Police celebrated its Bicentenary with the raising of the Spanish flag in major cities across the country. In Mallorca the event took place in Calle Mirador in the capital, Palma in the presence of the president of the Congress of Deputies, Francina Armengol, the president of the Government, Marga Prohens, and the Government delegate in the Balearic Islands, Alfonso Rodríguez, in addition to other civil, military and police authorities. A formal review of the massed ranks of National Police officers was undertaken by all of the special guests alongside the Chief of Police in the Balearic Islands, José Luis Santafé Arnedo. Various speeches told the story of the activities of the force, welcomed the role being played by female officers and the importance of a strong coherent force able to protect the best interests of citizens by enforcing the law.

Costa Blanca North • Costa Blanca South • Costa Almeria • Costa Calida • Axarquia • Mallorca • Costa del Sol

+34 951 386 161 • www.euroweeklynews.com

SOFAS - CHAIRS - CORNER SUITES - SOFA BEDS - OCCASIONAL PIECES - FIRESIDE CHAIRS - RECLINER CHAIRS - POWER RISER RECLINER CHAIRS HAIRS S

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Elvis magic JOIN in the fun at Saxo in Moraira on Sunday, January 21, at 4.00pm for an enjoyable afternnon with Just Pretend, the fabulous Elvis Tribute. Following the Elvis Tribute at 4.00pm, stick around for a fantastic Cher Tribute show at 6.00pm. Don’t miss out on the back-to-back entertainment! Entrance is free, all Saxo asks is that you come and have a good time, grab a drink, and immerse yourself in the music! Relax in the Saxo Chill Out Garden, where you can choose from a variety of drinks and food options. The garden opens an hour before the event starts and stays open late into the night. Find your way to Saxo, located at Carretera Moraira-Calpe 03724, Moraira. For more details, reach out via email at info@ saxomoraira.com or call (+34) 627 825 732.

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Alicante’s history

Image: rarrarorro / Shutterstock.com

Image: Alicante City & Beach

AIR-RAID SHELTERS: Providing a glimpse into Alicante’s past.

Nora Shephard DISCOVER the fascinating history of Alicante through guided tours in English of the exhibition and the air-raid shelters of Séneca and Balmis. This event is perfect for small groups and children over six years old. Advance booking is required to ensure a spot for your group. For more information or to make a reservation, email cmemoriahda licante@ gmail.com or call (+34) 690 004 431. The tours are available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6.00pm, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at midday. Alicante boasts nearly 100 listed airraid shelters, and two of them have been meticulously restored. Located in Séneca Square and Doctor Balmis Squa-

Benidorm Fest

re, these shelters provide a glimpse into Alicante’s experiences during the Spanish Civil War, making the city one of the most significant in Europe regarding this type of historical construction. Balmis Square Air-Raid Shelter: This shelter, designed for the bourgeoisie who sought a sense of secu rity during the war, is a testament to their economic power. Its compact size features submarine-like doors to prevent toxic gas contamination, showcasing the ingenuity of its design. Séneca Square Air-Raid Shelter: This larger shelter has the capacity to hold up to 1,200 people. Fitted with audio equipment, it offers a unique opportunity to hear and feel the sensations of those who sought refuge during the bombings, providing a vivid wartime experience.

GRAND FINALE: One artist will win the coveted microphone.

FEBRUARY 3 marks the grand finale of Benidorm Fest 2024, and the anticipation is building! We now have the list of songs that will grace the stage in the third Benidorm Fest, featuring 16 talented artists. The event, spanning from January 30 to February 3 in the city of Alicante, will culminate in an exciting showdown on Saturday, February 3. On this night, one artist will claim the coveted bronze microphone and earn the honour of representing Spain in Malmö at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Wondering who Blanca Paloma will present the award to? The answer will be unveiled on the Saturday showdown. While tickets for all events at the Palacio de los Deportes La Illa in Benidorm are sold out, there’s still a chance to soak up the Eurovision spirit. Head over to the Plaza Triangular in Benidorm, where giant screens will be set up. This way, residents and visitors without tickets can still enjoy the live shows with a Eurovision atmosphere. Alternatively, you can catch all the action of Benidorm Fest live on RTVE.

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Bring your own Nativity Museum

ON Saturday, January 20, from 1.00pm to 5.00pm, the fantastic OK Band is set to host an inviting ‘Bring your Own’ indoor picnic concert. This event warmly welcomes U3A Vall del Pop members, their families, and friends. Tables and chairs will be provided, and convenient on-site parking is available at Cami Benimallunt. A cash bar will be at your service, offering a selection of wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Indulge in delicious cakes and sausage rolls available for purchase. The U3A stands for lifelong learning, fostering an environment for individuals no longer in full-time employment to share their knowledge, skills, interests, and expeSTAY festive for just a little longer and join in some panto fun as Careline proudly presents ‘Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs’. Catch the performances on January 19, 20, and 21. The evening show kicks off at 8.00pm, while the Saturday and Sunday matinees start at 3.00pm. Immerse yourself in the classic tale

riences.The group is open to everyone in the community. Engage in learning activities within small groups that cater to members’ preferences, covering a wide array of subjects, educational, recreational, cultural, physical, and social. The U3A enriches lives, facilitates new friendships, and supports continued learning in a nurturing environment. For more insights into the diverse activities offered by the U3A, take a peek at their current and past newsletters. These publications contain write-ups on subjects ranging from flower arranging to walking, book reviews to photography, and much more. For additional information, visit their website at www.u3avalldelpop.com.

Snow White of a princess exiled into the perilous forest by her wicked stepmother, only to be rescued by seven dwarf miners. Snow White’s beauty and kindness captivate every creature in the kingdom, except her jealous stepmother. When the Magic Mi-

rror declares Snow White the fairest, she must seek refuge in the forest, forming a heartwarming bond with the lovable seven dwarfs: Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, and Dopey. Don’t miss the magic! Book your tickets online at www.carelinetheatre. net.

Image: Asociación de Belenistas de Alicante / Shutterstock.

CAPTIVATING COLLECTION: Showcasing various aspects of the birth and life of Jesus.

EXTEND the festive spirit a little longer and immerse yourself in the world of nativity scenes at Alicante’s Nativity Scene Museum. Located in the heart of the old town, this museum houses a captivating collection of Christmas dioramas, showcasing various aspects of the birth and life of Jesus. Crafted by artists from the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Alicante, these displays provide an intimate and evocative glimpse into the deep-roo-

ted tradition of nativity scene construction in the city. The museum also features a significant collection of nativity scenes from different parts of the world, adding an element of global diversity and originality to the exhibition. Housed in a beautifully renovated old house, the museum preserves the atmosphere of the past, and even the cistern has been maintained. Spain has a rich history of nativity scenes, with the first documented one appearing around 1300 in

the Barcelona cathedral. The Counter-Reformation in the 16th century fuelled the creation and staging of nativity scenes across Catholic Europe, reaching its peak in southern Italy during the Baroque period. In Spain, the tradition gained momentum in the 19th century, and it remains a vibrant part of the Christmas celebrations. Visit the Nativity Scene Museum at Calle San Agustín 3, Alicante, from Tuesday to Friday.

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Aerial arts EXPERIENCE the modern-style inversion therapy of Aerial Hammock classes, where a silk hammock suspended from above takes traditional yoga to new heights. Aerial arts have gained global popularity for the myriad physical and mental benefits they offer. Aerial yoga classes turn the conventional yoga practice on its head by using the hammock to assist with postures. This provides practitioners with the sensation of weightlessness, spinal decompression, assisted stretching, and core stabilisation. The hammocks not only deepen stretches but also aid in achieving balance, allowing users to explore postures with greater freedom of movement and playfulness. Courses and classes are now available in Alicante. For more information or to secure your spot, reach out via email to info@kar mavida.es.

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

World Cup George Cunningham THE countdown is underway for the Cyclocross World Cup stage taking place in Benidorm on January 21. The event will be held at Foietes and El Moralet parks for the second time, aiming to attract at least 15,000 fans and top figures in the world of cyclocross. Benidorm’s mayor, Toni Pérez, expressed that the Cyclocross World Cup is a significant promotional event for the city and expects it to be a great success once again. In preparation for the event, Foietes Park and the El Moralet Park pine forest will be closed from January 15 to 23, primarily for security reasons during the circuit’s construction.

Bassist Jazz

Image: Magalí Datzira / Facebook

DIARY DATE: An evening filled with musical artistry.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm

COUNTDOWN ON: A significant promotional event.

Road traffic on Avenida de la Libertad, Avenida 9 d’Octubre, Calle Ciudad Deportiva and the northern roundabout will also be affected by closures from January 19 to 22. The Guillermo Amor Sports City car park will be closed from January 19 to 23. The Cyclo-cross World Cup is a prestigious international competition in cyclo-cross organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

It spans an entire season and includes various categories such as Men Elite, Women Elite, Men Under 23, Women Under 23, and Men Junior. The World Cup is distinct from the World Championship, which is a single-day race awarding the winner a coveted rainbow jersey. The competition typically features races in Europe, but there have been efforts to expand its reach.

JAZZ enthusiasts in Gandia, mark your calendars for January 27 at 7.00pm! Magali Datzira, a talented double bassist, singer, and composer from Barcelona, will be gracing the stage with her unique and diverse musical proposal. Rooted in jazz, her sound draws inspiration from various genres, including funk, electronic pop, intimate Mediterranean sounds, and urban rhythms. Magali’s debut solo album, ‘Desde La Cuina’, showcases her versatility and warmth. Recorded in different contexts, the album reflects her personal touch and close connection to the audience. Her lyrics, which she writes herself, reveal a deeply personal and highly sensitive voice. Magali Datzira is performing at the Teatre del Raval Sant Ramon, 8, 46702 in Gandia. For more information, email info@teatreravalgandia.org or call (+34) 962 866 532. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am until 2.30pm and half an hour before the show. It promises to be an evening filled with exceptional jazz and musical artistry!

SOCIAL SCENE II euroweeklynews.com

Treasure Medieval challenge Hunt

ALICANTE is gearing up for an exciting treasure hunt as it hosts the annual GeocoinFest Europe event from September 20 to 22. This marks the first time the event is being held in Spain, and Alicante has been chosen as the venue for this thrilling adventure that will bring together over 1,500 participants from various parts of Spain, France, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Germany. During the event, participants will explore the streets of Alicante in search of ‘caches’ - small objects hidden by fellow players. Using GPS devices, they navigate public spaces to uncover these hidden treasures. Geocaching is a family-friendly game or sport that involves locating these ‘caches,’ which are accompanied by record books for players to document their finds. The geocaching website also serves as a platform for recording discoveries. When a player finds a ‘cache,’ they can leave another object in its place and document the experience in the record book and on the website. This international gathering promises a weekend filled with adventure and camaraderie as players from Spain, France, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, and beyond come together to enjoy the unique and exciting activity of geocaching.

EMBARK on a journey to Nottingham Castle, where the proclamation of Juan sin Tierra as King of England sets the stage for a historical tale. Knights, led by Sir Robert of Locksley, petition the King to sign a Charter of Liberties granting rights to his subjects. However, when the King refuses, Sir Robert and his fellow knights, including the soon-tobe Robin Hood, decide not to recognise him. As a result, Sir Robert is stripped of his titles and becomes an outlaw in his own land. Robin Hood, banished from Nottingham, seeks refuge in Sherwood Forest, forming a

IF you’re eager to delve into the history of Benidorm, the Tossal de La Cala tour in English, organised by Benidorm Council, is an excellent opportunity. Situated atop a 100-metre-high hill, the Tossal de La Cala site has a rich history. Excavations in the 1940s by Father Belda and in 1965 by Professor M Tarradell revealed archaeological remains dating back to the second and first centuries BC. Recent archaeological excavations, conducted by the University of Alicante since 2013, unveiled that Tossal de La Cala was a Roman settlement occupied by the armies of Quintus Sertorius during the Sertorian Wars. The presence of Roman sol-

close bond with the charismatic Little John, the outlaw leader. Experience the medieval challenge at Magic Excalibur Medieval Complex (Exit 65 on the AP7), located between Benidorm and Alfaz del Pi. The hour-and-a-half show includes a medieval-style dinner and drinks. As you enjoy your meal, witness jousts and tournaments featuring armoured knights, majestic horses, and the clash of swords and spears. For more information, contact: reservas@desafiome dieval.com or call (+34) 966 944 467.

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Two fabulous tribute shows MAGNUM Concert Productions present a fabulous tribute to Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley on Saturday February 17 at Teatre Auditorio Beniarbeig at 7.30pm. Magnum Concert Productions are starting 2024 with a fabulous tribute to two of the most iconic and best loved performers in our generation, Neil Diamond and The King of Rock and Roll - Elvis Presley. These tribute acts are simply superb and are not to be missed. We will also have a special guest appearance by a local Country Rock duo Lucia Bluez who are fabulous. The show will be held in the superb Teatre Auditorio in Beniarbeig, with a full sound and light system and stage production by Magnum

Benidorm history diers is confirmed by the discovered wall, different rooms, and materials, establishing the site as a fort or ‘castellum’ built by General Sertorio around the year 77 BC. The Tossal de La Cala was a key element in a Roman chain of coastal military enclaves

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strategically positioned on cliffs and coves with difficult access. The ‘castellum’ is open for visits from Monday to Friday until May 31, from 9.00am to 5.00pm. For guided tours email visi tatossal@benidorm.org.

Concert Productions. There will also be a bar supplied by the Festeros. The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost €20 and can be reserved by calling 618 017 201 or by email: magnum.concerts@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available online at www.magnumconcerts.com. So come along and see a great show, in a lovely theatre, especially as all profits will go to charities including the Alzheimer’s centre in Teulada which is a great local cause. Many thanks for your support and I hope to see you soon. You can join our mailing list which will give you prior notification of all our future events by emailing: magnum. concerts@gmail.com.

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euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Iberia averts strike threat An unaffordable luxury? WITH the real threat of yet more strikes and travel disruption looming, Iberia has finally agreed to worker incentives. Iberia, the Spanish airline, has yielded to pressure and agreed to create a ground services company (handling) to avoid an impending indefinite strike which had been scheduled to start on January 26. The move comes after intense negotiations with the UGT and CCOO unions, following a strike over the Three Kings’ weekend. Iberia’s proposal entails the establishment of a ground services company fully owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), Iberia’s parent company. This move aims to ensure that all workers maintain their existing company agreements, safeguarding their rights. This initiative will be in effect until December 31, 2026. Currently, Iberia Airport Services, the handling

Credit: Shutterstock/2204092191

RISING COSTS: Is food affordable? Credit: Fasttailwind/Shutterstock.com

TRAVEL DISRUPTION: Iberia trying to find a resolution.

company’s operator, employs approximately 8,000 workers. The affected airports include Bilbao, Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Barcelona, Las Palmas, and Tenerife South. By maintaining full ownership within the IAG group, which includes Iberia, British Airways, Vueling, Aer Lingus and Level, the company can ensure that all employees remain

under the umbrella of their current company agreement. While it may necessitate the departure of some workers through early retirement or incentivised sick leave, it ultimately seeks to safeguard the interests and job security of the majority. It is hoped that this compromise between Iberia and the unions may pave the way for a resolution.

THE rising cost of living is currently affecting people and households in many areas of the world, as life post pandemic has seen wars, drought and financial struggle. The drought has had a knock on effect with certain foods and vegetables, in particular the nation’s favourite - olives - facing a shortage as well. On Wednesday, January 10, the government of Spain announced that the elimination or reduction of the value added tax on certain foods such as fruits and ve-

getables, pasta and cooking oils. This may not be enough for many working people in Spain, who claim that every month they are struggling even more to buy basic items for their family to eat. Euro Weekly News spoke to Angel Aguera, a bartender. “Although my wage has increased over the years, our standard of living has dropped significantly,” he explained, adding that “my wife has to plan our meals for the week diligently and

if an unexpected expense arises then we have to go without, it’s very sad to say I work 50 hours a week.” Another resident of Spain, Claire Hill told EWN: “when I first moved here six years ago I couldn’t believe how cheap everything was, but now it’s very expensive to do a food shop, some things like vegetables are much more here than in the UK now.” However, for now it seems like many will have to cut back on items that have now become a luxury.

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The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid.

the Cassirer family, of Jewish origin, who have been contesting the ownership of ‘Rue St. Honore in the Afternoon, Rain Effect’, a piece hanging in the Madrid museum since 1993. In a 2019 ruling, a Los Angeles court also acknowledged the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation as the painting’s rightful owner. However, in a twist, the US Supreme Court in April 2022 sided with the Cassirer family. They ruled that California’s conflict of laws should

prevail over federal rules. The Court considered that ‘once a foreign State lacks immunity from jurisdiction, it is subject to the same rules of liability as a private entity.’ They argued against the application of article 1956 of the Civil Code, suggested by the Jewish Community of Madrid and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain. This article requires a conviction against someone for theft or robbery, which was not the case here.

Catherine McGeer THE 55th Cairo International Book Fair is set to become a gateway for Norwegian literature as Norway takes centre stage as the guest country for this grand literary event. Hilde Klemetsdal, the ambassador of Norway to Egypt, expressed her sincere gratitude for the invitation, stating that the fair, renowned as one of the world’s largest and oldest in the Arab world, presents an exciting opportunity to showcase Norway’s literature, art, and culture to an Arab audience. The Cairo International Book Fair serves as a platform for publishers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from around the world. In a joint press conference with Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilani, Ambassador Klemetsdal highlighted the significance of the fair as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. She announced that Crown Princess Mette-Marit would inaugurate the Norwegian programme at the fair, and Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide would also be actively participating in the opening ceremonies. The Norwegian programme, spanning 13 days, aims to introduce Egypt and the Arab world to the rich literary heritage of Norway, featuring the works of the acc-

Image: X/ @fitriibadkhan

AN iconic painting, with a chequered history, has officially been acknowledged to be the rightful possession of a museum in Madrid. On Tuesday, January 9, a US appeals court affirmed that the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid is the rightful owner of a Camille Pissarro painting. This ruling marks a significant moment in the artwork’s eventful history, it was previously stolen by the Nazis in 1939. The legal struggle dates back to 2005 in California, when Claude Cassirer, Lilly Cassirer’s grandson, sued the Spanish State and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation. The lawsuit set off a 15year legal journey that culminated in August 2020, when the United States Court of Appeals declared the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation as the painting’s legitimate owner. The litigation involved

Credit: GoogleMaps.com

Stolen masterpiece Cairo bookfest

Norway’s literary elegance takes centre stage.

laimed Nobel laureate Jon Fosse, whose writings have been translated into Arabic. The programme, designed by the main exhibitor Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA), will showcase Norway’s worldclass authors, with some in attendance to engage with their Egyptian readers. The fair, scheduled to take place from January 25 to February 6 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in New Cairo, promises an enriching experience for literature enthusiasts.

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IRELAND Still driving DUBLIN bus driver Yong Yue Wang, who lost his job for twice using a mobile phone while behind the wheel in less than a year, now awaits a verdict on his unfair dismissals claim to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Meanwhile, Wang is already back on the road and working as a taxi driver.

Worth a visit THE New York Times recommended Waterford as one of 52 places to visit in 2024, placing it in 30th position. Waterford, described as “sparkling with history and natural treasures”, was the only Irish destination on the list which included Ladakh (India), Dominica (Caribbean) and Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia).

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS GERMANY New party SAHRA WAGENKNECHT presented her new political party, the Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) Reason and Fairness, on January 8. The national MP, who retained her seat after abandoning the Left Party, said the BSW - a true people’s party - would run in this year’s EU and German state elections.

BELGIUM Smart people BELGIUM scored 69.12 out of 100 and was ranked seventh amongst Europe’s Top 10 smartest countries, compiled by TutorSpace and based on 17 factors relating to intelligence and development in 44 European countries. Switzerland headed the list with 81.1, followed by Denmark (77.87) and Finland (77.57).

Smoke signals

SAHRA WAGENKNECHT: Her new party avoids ‘leftist’ label.

Photo credit: CC/Ferran Cornella

FRANCE

ITALY

WHILE Belgium intensifies its anti-smoking plan with a 25 per cent price hike on the cost of cigarettes and higher vaping prices, tobacco giant Philip Morris called for better access to alternative products. “Our priority is a smoke free future,” the company’s Benelux managing director Miguel Matos declared.

DENMARK

Watch out

No change

Try it

Earliest Danes

POLICE who announced that a watch had been discovered in a central Stockholm street on New Year’s Day initially believed it was a genuine Audemars Piguet worth 500,000 krona (€44,376). Experts who saw it said it appeared to be a cheap copy, a theory backed by the fact that no-one has yet claimed it.

BRITISH residents who were previously entitled to register free of charge with Italy’s SSN health scheme can continue to do so. They will not have to pay the new €2,000 fee that non-EU residents now pay to access the SSN, Italy’s Health minister told the English-language publication, The Local.

FRANCE’S postal service La Poste is installing changing rooms in some branches where shoppers can try on clothes bought online and return rejected purchases on the spot. Like postal services everywhere, La Poste hopes to compensate for the nosedive in letters traffic by boosting its parcels delivery division.

AN analysis of 100 skeletons spanning 7,300 years between the Mesolithic period, Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age in Denmark revealed repeated population turnovers. The authors of the study published in Nature also concluded that the present-day gene pool was already in place 3,000 years ago.

On the line

Doggy bags

Hacked off

Learning curve

SWEDEN’S Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed that anybody wanting Swedish citizenship should consider what it meant to sacrifice their life for their country. Speaking at a Defence conference, Kristersson said Swedish citizenship was “not a travel document” but implied defending Sweden, its values and way of life.

ITALIAN MPs from the Forza Italia party belonging to the governing coalition, plan to put through a bill that will oblige restaurants to provide containers for diners wishing to take uneaten food home with them. “This is a common-sense measure that would help tackle food waste,” Giandiego Gatta said.

SEBASTIEN RAOULT, a 22-year-old French hacker and member of a criminal gang which sold hundreds of millions of personal details on the dark web, was jailed for three years in the US. Raoult created fake login pages for the Shiny Hunters group which were used to raid users’ private and financial data.

AFTER meeting Crown Prince Frederik during the 2000 Olympics in Australia, Mary Donaldson signed up for an eight-week programme in deportment skills. “This prepared her for the royal duties that followed,” said her then-coach Teresa Page shortly before Frederik prepared to ascend the Danish throne.

NORWAY

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

PORTUGAL

Ship out

Staying dry

Home-bred

Gold standard

CRUISE ships visiting Norway consume 170 million litres of fuel annually, accounting for 3 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle the problem, Norway’s parliament has introduced new legislation, requiring all cruise ships and ferries in World Heritage fjords to be emission free from 2026.

EIGHTY-FIVE PER CENT of Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest ports, is seven metres below sea level but has escaped the worst of the floods affecting other parts of the country. “Rotterdam has long worked on climate adaptation, especially with regards to flood resilience,” city mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said.

WHEN answering a voting guidance questionnaire from broadcaster YLE, the Finns Party’s presidential candidate Ussi Halla-Aho said he was in favour of the requirement that the country’s president should be a native-born Finn. He also suggested that this should apply to cabinet ministers and MPs.

BUYING property in Portugal no longer includes a ‘golden visa’ for non-EU citizens after the concession caused a housing crisis, Reuters reported, adding that it is still possible to obtain residency via investment funds. The initiative has attracted €7.3 billion since 2021, principally from China, Brazil and the US.

Alarm test

Hard times

Longer wait

Coming soon

NORWAY’S Emergency Alert System was tested on the mobile telephone network on January 10, while 1,200 warning systems were activated countrywide during the run-through. Norwegian Civil Defence checks these systems twice yearly to ensure their efficiency should the country be exposed to acute danger.

HOSPITALITY sector bankruptcies doubled in 2023 with 245 companies going under between January and the end of November, compared with 134 throughout 2022, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Forty per cent of the remaining businesses said they doubted that they would survive this year.

FINLAND’S parliament approved a series of changes to benefits that will be introduced during 2024 and affect cuts to basic unemployment pay, labour market subsidies and the housing allowance. The interim period before an applicant can receive unemployment pay has also been extended from five to seven days.

THE ‘Tide of Plastic’ threatening the coast and beaches of northern Spain could reach Portugal by spring, warned Bordalo e Sa, a hydrobiologist from the University of Porto. Dominant currents to the north were likely to bring the minute particles to Portugal once they changed direction later this year, he predicted.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

Supermarket special WITH the cost of groceries a major concern for many, it’s good to know where one can make savings here and there. In a competitive market where supermarkets are constantly trying to tempt new customers, one Spanish supermarket has stepped up their game and launched a new offer for 2024. As of January 2024, Dia, the prominent supermarket chain in Spain has introduced an irresistible offer for new online customers. Known for its affordable pricing, Dia has now added an enticing €20 discount for first-time online shoppers. To benefit from the €20 saving, customers must make an initial purchase exceeding €90. However, it’s noteworthy that free shipping requires a minimum spend of €100. This discount is automatically applied at checkout for those holding a Dia membership card. With over 40 years of presence in Spain, Dia has established itself as a key player in the supermarket sector. Renowned for its cost-effective pricing and high-quality products, the supermarket has a strong customer base. As online shopping continues to gain popularity, such offers are a strategic move to attract new customers and showcase the convenience and efficiency of Dia’s digital platform.

Credit: Stokkete/Shutterstock.com

DIA: Online grocery shopping.

Dia supermarkets are not only celebrating over four decades of service but also embracing the future with innovative strategies. Their latest offer is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity in their hopes to appeal to a wide range of consumers and encourage other supermarket chains to follow suit.

Voting in the UK

AS from Tuesday January 16, 2024, British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15-year time limit. Those who have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in UK Parliament elections. They can register online at www.gov. uk/registertovote and will need to confirm their personal information every three years. Anyone on a UK electoral register is also considered a permissible donor to UK political parties and campaigners. British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott said: “This law means that more British citizens living in Spain will now be eligible to vote in UK

NEW LAW: British citizens living abroad can now vote.

Parliamentary elections, which is good news. We’re asking the British community here to help us spread the word, because it’s important that eligible people are made aware of the changes so that they can register and cast a ballot when the time comes.” More information is available on the Electoral Commission’s website. Voters living overseas can

find contact details for the relevant local council by entering the postcode of the last place they lived in the UK, using the Commission’s postcode lookup tool. UK Parliament elections covers UK parliamentary general elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions. Eligibility for other types of election has not changed.

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FINANCE STUDENT loans funded by the taxpayer will rise to an annual £10 billion (€11.6 billion) owing to higher interest rates, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said. The loans, which graduates do not repay until they earn more than £25,000 (€29,036) a year, are written off if still outstanding after 40 years.

Repsol stake

JP MORGAN, which acquired a 5.3 per cent holding in Repsol, now has the Spanish oil company’s second-largest stake after Blackrock’s 5.47 per cent. JP Morgan’s announcement follows on from the exit of Norges Bank, which manages Norway’s sovereign fund and sold its 5 per cent holding in late 2023.

Slimmer figures

DEUTSCHE BANK economists predicted that UK price rises would experience a sharp descent from November’s 3.9 per cent. The experts saw inflation dropping ‘a little below 2 per cent in April and May’ and averaging 2.5 per cent throughout 2024 compared with their earlier 2.7 per cent forecast.

New face

FOOD DELIVERY BRANDS named Rafael Herrero as Telepizza’s new chief executive following the September 2023 resignation of his predecessor, Jacobo Caller. Herrero arrives at Telepizza from the Zena Group which owns the Foster’s Hollywood and Gino’s fast-food chains in Spain and Portugal.

Asthma deal

GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) will buy Anglo-American asthma drug maker Aiolos Bio for more than £1 billion (€1.16 billion) as it expands it respiratory diseases range. British GSK will pay around £800 million (€929 million) upfront plus £300 million (€348.4 million) once regulatory milestones are reached.

STAT OF WEEK

€253 million

is due in 2024 from Spanish companies which received financial assistance from the government’s Solvency support Fund for Strategic Enterprises (Fasee) during the pandemic.

Waiting for WASPI justice Linda Hall THE investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) into changes in the state pension age should conclude in early 2023. This final report focuses on injustices produced by the ‘maladministration’ of changes to the state pension age. Its recommendations to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will apply to ‘everyone’ who has been affected by them, the PHSO announced. That includes financial redress, which could see 3.6 million women who were born in the 1950s receive compensation.

Photo credit: WASPI

On loan

euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 January 2024

PENSION INEQUALITY: WASPI at Downing Street with supporter MP Stephen Morgan.

The PHSO investigation began in 2018, but a legal challenge funded by thousands of women from Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) into the findings of Second Stage of the report on Injustices caused further delays after the Ombudsman agreed to

review its decision. “We have now looked at our findings and shared our provisional views about injustice resulting from the maladministration we identified during stage one, and our thinking about remedy, with complainants, their referring MPs and the DWP,”

the PHSO said. Rebecca Hilsenrath, the PHSO’s chief executive, explained to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) in November that the provisional Stage Two and Stage Three findings had been sent in confidence to the UK government and around 500 women who made a complaint. The final report will be made public once feedback has been received and the PHSO has made any necessary changes. The deadline for responses was around Christmastime and the final report should be published shortly.

Grifols fights back

GRIFOLS, the Barcelona-headquartered pharmaceuticals company, intends to sue Gotham City Research. After a negative Gotham City report wiped €2.2 billion from the company’s market value on January 9, Grifols said it would seek compensation through the courts for damage to its ‘financial and reputational’ image. The notorious short-seller fund, remembered in Spain for provoking the 2014 collapse of telecom firm Gowex, shed doubts on Grifols’ reported debt and earnings and questioned its purpor-

Photo credit: CC/Zarateman

BUSINESS EXTRA

GRIFOLS: One of the pharma company’s centres in Vizcaya.

ted assets-to-debts ratio of 6 to 7. This was closer to 10 to 13, maintained Gotham City, while querying financial links with Scranton Enterprise, the

Grifols family’s investment vehicle. Grifols, which manufactures plasma-derived medicines, denied all the Gotham City allegations and claims, which the company insisted were ‘based on false information’. The family company also declared its ‘full support’ for chief executive and executive chairman Thomas Glanzman. Wealth management group Mirabaud Research, described the Gotham City report as ‘partial, shady and leading to conclusions whose only purpose is backing its short position’.

Papered over A year of growth Vogue House

PRE-TAX profits for wallpaper and fabrics company Osborne & Little nose-dived from £1.5 million (€1.7 million) to £30,000 (€34,840) in the year ending March 31, 2023. The company co-founded by ex-Chancellor George Osborne’s father attributed the slump to double-digit inflation, higher energy costs and repeated increases in interest rates that affected the property market on which the business depends. As a result, operating expenses grew by 14 per cent to £19.1 million (€22.2 million) although sales rose 11 per cent to £32.3 million (€37.5 million).

SPAIN’S economy is expected to continue growing in 2024 although with less vigour than in 2023. The KPMG Global Economic Outlook predicted a 1.5 per cent increase, one percentage point below its 2023 forecast although the professional services group said it believed the country’s economic situation would gradually improve. Inflation predictions were positive, falling from 3.6 per cent in 2023 to 3.4 per cent this year, although KPMG said its evolution depended ‘to a great extent’ on whether the government maintained or withdrew subsidies introduced to offset soaring energy and food prices. These have been extended, although IVA on electricity has increased from 5 to 10 per cent, while the value-added tax on gas - currently 10 per cent - will rise gradually to 21 per cent over the year.

CONDE NAST has sold Vogue House in Mayfair to Eyal Ofer, a Monaco-based shipping magnate whose fortune is estimated at $23 billion (€21 billion). The iconic seven-storey building in Hanover Square, which was built in 1958, had an initial £70 million (€81.3 million) price tag although sources close to the transaction revealed that the businessman paid £75 million (€81.1 million) for the property. Ofer’s Global Holdings Management Group (GHMG), confirmed the sale on January 8. Staff working on Vogue and other Conde Nast publications that include Tatler and GQ will move to the equally historic Adelphi building on the Embankment.

Tendam’s India launch

WOMEN’S SECRET, Cortefiel and Springfield owner Tendam is collaborating with Indian company Myntra to open at least 20 stores over the next three years. Mynta already handles franchises for H&M, Puma, Nike and the Spanish fashion chain Mango, which has 80 outlets in India. Womens’ Secret will be Tendam’s first label to launch in India, with three shops opening in Pune, Ludhiana and Bangalore in January and another in Bombay in March. “Myntra is the ideal partner for us,” said Tendam’s Franchise director general Antonis Kyprianou. “They are aligned with our omni-channel strategy and have the capacity and expertise to fully develop it in India.”

First profit DONALD TRUMP’S golf complex in Ayrshire (Scotland) has made a profit for the first time in almost 10 years. Trump Turnberry, an 800-acre (324-hectare) resort in Ayrshire with three golf courses and a hotel, made a £571,000 (€663,242) profit in 2022, newly-filed accounts revealed. This was considerable progress compared with £3.7 million (€4.3 million) in losses in 2021 and is the first time Trump’s resort has been out of the red since he bought it for $60 million (€54.7 million) in 2014. Meanwhile, the Trump International Golf Club Scotland in Aberdeen posted a loss of approximately £738,000 (€857,205) in 2022.

Pay as you go FERROVIAL moved its headquarters from Spain to the Netherlands in June with a view to being listed on the New York stock exchange. To do so, it merged with its Dutch subsidiary, but recently admitted in forms registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that should Ferrovial decide to leave the Netherlands, it could be liable to an Exit Tax. This new law, still in its early stages, would not affect companies that move their head offices inside the European Union but would apply to those leaving it.

36 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 15 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.277,00.............+23,00........... +1,01%......... 220,58K Admiral Group.............................2.567,0................+5,0............. +0,19%.......... 55,03K Airtel Africa................................. 128,00................ -0,40.............-0,31%.......... 425,75K Anglo American...........................1.833,2................ -1,4..............-0,08%.......... 526,07K Antofagasta................................1.597,50.............+14,00........... +0,88%.......... 92,32K Ashtead Group............................4.863,0............... -37,0.............-0,76%........... 87,87K Associated British Foods.............2.266,0...............+26,0............ +1,15%......... 197,18K AstraZeneca...............................10.814,0................0,0............... 0,00%.......... 104,19K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 697,40................+0,40............ +0,06%......... 414,76K Aviva........................................... 423,40................+3,90............ +0,92%...........3,72M B&M European Value Retail SA... 556,40................+5,00............ +0,90%...........6,75M BAE Systems..............................1.170,50.............+17,83........... +1,53%...........1,16M Barclays...................................... 146,28................+1,12............ +0,77%...........8,70M Barratt Developments................. 535,60................+5,40............ +1,01%......... 825,82K Beazley........................................ 502,00................ -0,50.............-0,10%.......... 406,57K Berkeley......................................4.758,0................+3,0............. +0,06%.......... 42,08K BP............................................... 455,65................+5,70............ +1,25%...........8,05M British American Tobacco...........2.349,9................+4,0............. +0,17%......... 376,18K BT Group.................................... 114,70................+0,35............ +0,30%...........3,99M Bunzl...........................................3.216,0...............+40,0............ +1,25%.......... 60,10K Burberry Group...........................1.162,5.............. -134,0............-9,85%............1,99M Centrica....................................... 149,80................ -2,55.............-1,67%............3,24M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.336,0...............+15,0............ +0,64%.......... 73,33K Compass....................................2.177,00.............. -7,00.............-0,32%.......... 237,19K ConvaTec Group......................... 244,80................+2,80............ +1,15%...........6,17M Croda Intl....................................4.492,0............... -13,3.............-0,30%........... 85,66K DCC.............................................5.616,0...............+20,0............ +0,36%.......... 25,66K Dechra Pharma...........................3.864,0................+4,0............. +0,10%......... 742,09K Diageo.........................................2.774,0............... -35,0.............-1,24%.......... 845,69K Diploma.....................................3.320,00.............+30,00........... +0,90%.......... 43,09K DS Smith.................................... 293,80................+2,00............ +0,69%......... 384,32K Endeavour Mining......................1.435,00.............+27,00........... +1,90%......... 110,67K Entain.......................................... 943,40................ -0,40.............-0,04%.......... 214,61K Experian......................................3.116,0...............+15,0............ +0,48%......... 109,42K F&C Invest.................................. 940,00................ -2,00.............-0,21%........... 65,29K Flutter Entertainment..................12.700,0.............+130,0........... +1,03%......... 112,02K FRASERS.................................... 824,50................+6,00............ +0,72%.......... 83,51K Fresnillo...................................... 517,20................+5,00............ +0,97%......... 157,00K Glencore...................................... 445,05................+0,65............ +0,15%...........6,45M GSK plc......................................1.558,20..............+6,60............ +0,42%......... 700,59K HALEON...................................... 337,55................+2,15............ +0,64%......... 992,40K Halma..........................................2.176,0................+0,1............. +0,00%.......... 48,14K Hikma Pharma...........................1.904,50..............+6,50............ +0,34%......... 322,55K Howden Joinery.......................... 773,00................+5,80............ +0,76%.......... 77,41K HSBC.......................................... 610,30................+0,30............ +0,05%...........3,39M IAG.............................................. 143,60................ -4,30.............-2,89%............7,70M IMI PLC......................................1.565,00..............+1,98............ +0,13%.......... 80,49K Imperial Brands..........................1.862,50.............+27,00........... +1,45%......... 402,53K Informa....................................... 751,20............... -14,40............-1,88%.......... 488,62K InterContinental..........................7.160,0...............+12,0............ +0,17%.......... 38,43K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intermediate Capital...................1.567,00..............+7,50............ +0,47%......... 291,38K Intertek........................................4.292,0...............+25,0............ +0,58%.......... 38,87K J Sainsbury................................. 281,10................+1,50............ +0,53%...........3,20M JD Sports Fashion....................... 110,70................+3,23............ +2,93%...........4,90M Kingfisher.................................... 216,60................ -0,90.............-0,41%.......... 353,94K Land Securities........................... 684,20................+1,20............ +0,17%......... 194,07K Legal & General.......................... 248,90................+3,59............ +1,45%...........3,44M Lloyds Banking............................ 45,33.................+0,20............ +0,44%..........19,30M London Stock Exchange..............9.118,0................ -3,2..............-0,04%........... 48,24K M&G........................................... 220,30................+1,00............ +0,46%......... 660,65K Marks & Spencer........................ 259,50................ -3,30.............-1,25%............5,79M Melrose Industries...................... 571,80...............+10,00........... +1,75%......... 798,28K Mondi.........................................1.436,39..............+4,00............ +0,28%......... 200,16K National Grid..............................1.049,00..............+6,00............ +0,57%......... 733,06K NatWest Group........................... 211,70................+2,30............ +1,09%...........7,78M Next............................................8.484,0...............+42,0............ +0,50%.......... 22,97K Ocado.......................................... 645,40............... -15,60............-2,36%.......... 359,08K Pearson....................................... 968,86...............+10,20........... +1,06%......... 190,83K Pershing Square........................3.578,00.............+12,00........... +0,34%.......... 47,74K Phoenix....................................... 509,60................+0,40............ +0,08%......... 296,37K Prudential.................................... 825,00................+1,80............ +0,22%......... 539,15K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.598,0...............+40,0............ +0,71%......... 131,39K Relx............................................3.167,00.............+38,00........... +1,20%......... 496,45K Rentokil....................................... 417,50................ -2,40.............-0,57%.......... 817,92K Rightmove.................................. 549,80...............+10,40........... +1,89%......... 577,12K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.479,0...............+45,0............ +0,82%......... 404,32K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 298,90................+5,90............ +1,99%...........2,90M RS PLC....................................... 754,00................ -2,20.............-0,29%.......... 140,72K Sage...........................................1.163,50.............+11,50........... +0,99%......... 260,69K Schroders.................................... 420,4..................+0,5............. +0,12%......... 217,32K Scottish Mortgage....................... 780,40................+2,80............ +0,36%......... 733,77K Segro.......................................... 869,00................ -1,00.............-0,12%.......... 216,80K Severn Trent...............................2.542,0...............+27,0............ +1,06%.......... 57,05K Shell............................................2.454,5...............+42,0............ +1,72%...........1,42M Smith & Nephew........................1.066,91..............+0,50............ +0,05%......... 153,22K Smiths Group.............................1.685,00.............+13,50........... +0,81%.......... 25,94K Smurfit Kappa.............................3.012,0...............+10,0............ +0,33%.......... 32,81K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.810,0..............+117,1........... +1,20%........... 7,55K SSE............................................1.788,00............. -16,00............-0,89%.......... 360,44K St. James’s Place........................ 633,80................+1,20............ +0,19%......... 353,14K Standard Chartered..................... 614,80................+3,60............ +0,59%...........1,39M Taylor Wimpey............................ 143,99................+0,50............ +0,35%...........2,19M Tesco.......................................... 293,20................+1,10............ +0,38%...........2,62M Unilever.......................................3.817,0...............+42,0............ +1,11%......... 482,12K Unite..........................................1.008,00..............+7,00............ +0,68%.......... 69,30K United Utilities............................1.033,00..............+7,50............ +0,73%......... 174,46K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 66,850............... -0,206............-0,31%............6,94M Weir Group................................1.822,00..............+7,00............ +0,38%.......... 23,24K Whitbread...................................3.651,0...............+19,0............ +0,52%......... 144,27K WPP............................................ 728,60.................0,00.............. 0,00%.......... 793,94K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86028

1.16364

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0950 Japan yen (JPY)...................................159.04 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9349 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4564 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.279 currenciesdirect.com/moraira • Tel: +34 966 265 072 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 15 January 3M.............................................. 107,22................+0,61............ +0,56%...........2,48M American Express....................... 182,04................+0,08............ +0,04%...........2,81M Amgen........................................ 300,00................ -1,47.............-0,48%............2,02M Apple........................................... 183,62................ -0,60.............-0,32%...........45,89M Boeing......................................... 222,63................ -5,18.............-2,27%...........11,16M Caterpillar.................................... 289,41................ -1,34.............-0,46%............1,87M Chevron...................................... 144,62................+0,83............ +0,57%...........7,31M Cisco............................................ 50,04.................+0,20............ +0,40%..........14,85M Coca-Cola..................................... 59,69................. -0,38.............-0,63%...........13,45M Dow............................................. 52,74.................+0,26............ +0,49%...........3,68M Goldman Sachs........................... 374,68................ -2,35.............-0,62%............2,11M Home Depot................................ 353,27................ -0,34.............-0,10%............3,30M Honeywell................................... 199,55................ -0,73.............-0,36%............1,88M IBM............................................. 160,30................+0,92............ +0,57%...........2,21M Intel.............................................. 46,73.................+0,17............ +0,36%..........23,86M J&J............................................. 160,78................ -0,71.............-0,44%............4,79M JPMorgan................................... 168,64................ -0,67.............-0,39%...........11,26M McDonald’s................................. 290,65................+0,01............ +0,00%...........1,97M Merck&Co................................... 117,08................ -0,47.............-0,39%............5,54M Microsoft.................................... 380,38................+1,86............ +0,49%..........26,38M Nike............................................. 103,73................+2,15............ +2,07%...........8,26M Procter&Gamble......................... 149,30................+0,56............ +0,37%...........4,69M Salesforce Inc............................. 265,10................+7,26............ +2,75%...........8,85M The Travelers.............................. 191,92................+1,79............ +0,93%......... 984,65K UnitedHealth............................... 534,53................+2,00............ +0,37%...........2,62M Verizon......................................... 37,57................. -1,17.............-2,99%...........27,74M Visa A.......................................... 262,42................ -0,45.............-0,17%............3,66M Walgreens Boots.......................... 23,99................. -0,65.............-2,63%...........14,78M Walmart...................................... 160,17................ -0,20.............-0,12%............4,67M Walt Disney.................................. 88,68.................+0,16............ +0,18%...........8,48M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 15 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Aritzia Inc........................................................... +4.14.......................... +21.03% Oscar Health, Inc................................................ +1.50.......................... +15.53% DocuSign, Inc.................................................... +5.24........................... +9.34% Celldex Therapeutics, Inc................................... +2.54........................... +6.60% BDO Unibank, Inc............................................... +1.52........................... +6.41% Meituan.............................................................. +1.00........................... +5.45% Veeva Systems Inc............................................ +10.34.......................... +5.33% Meituan.............................................................. +0.49........................... +5.27% MakeMyTrip Limited.......................................... +2.27........................... +5.00% Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited...... +0.31........................... +4.66% M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Cytokinetics, Incorporated.................................-16.68..........................-16.41% Riot Platforms, Inc..............................................-2.46...........................-15.82% Grifols, S.A..........................................................-1.39...........................-14.68% Grifols, S.A..........................................................-1.29...........................-13.95% Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc............................-3.23...........................-12.60% Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc..........................-1.24............................-9.93% Vertex, Inc...........................................................-1.99............................-7.73% Coinbase Global, Inc..........................................-10.13...........................-6.70% Upstart Holdings, Inc..........................................-2.34............................-6.58% Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infr Capital, Inc..-1.73............................-6.45% Frontier Communications Parent, Inc..................-1.54............................-6.43% M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Water, water

PENNON, owner of South West Water fined for illegal sewage dumping last year, bought Sutton and East Surrey Water (SES Water), with 745,000 customers, for £380m (€441.4m). “SES Water is a fantastic growth opportunity for Pennon, demonstrating our commitment to the UK water industry,” the chief executive Susan Davy said.

Puig ponders

COSMETICS and toiletries giant Puig paid more than €160 million in dividends over the past two years to shareholders, all belonging to different branches of the Catalan family. Having recovered from the slowdown imposed by the pandemic, the multinational owner of leading brands including Carolina Herrera is currently assessing a future stock exchange listing.

18 - 24 January 2024

Greggs’ tasty sales Linda Hall

HOW people shop says a great deal about inflation and Greggs sales reflect the present situation. UK bakery chain Greggs declared that inflationary pressures were now diminishing as it posted 2023 like-for-like sales that were 13.7 per cent up on the previous year. Total sales rose by 19.6 per cent to £1.8 billion (€2.09 billion). In line with plans to home

Photo credit: CC/Mtaylor 848

GREGGS: Bakery chain’s sales rose 20 per cent in 2023

in on retail parks and travel hubs, the baker opened

220 new shops last year and closed 75, of which 42

Seat takes off

SEAT has just ended the second-best year in its history, with 519,200 in sales. The 34.6 per cent increase was possible to the impact of the Cupra brand whose 230,700 sales were 50.9 per cent up on 2022. It was aided by Seat’s recovery with 288,400 models sold after a year in the doldrums owing to the microchip crisis. Seat was especially affected by the

shortage of microchips when parent company Volkswagen prioritised its premium models with their greater profit margins. “These sales figures demonstrate that Seat has the right strategy with its two marques,” Seat’s chief executive Wayne Griffiths said. “Despite the difficult economic context at present, we are confident about the future.”

were relocations. It proposes to open a further 160 stores throughout 2024. Inflation has boosted retailers’ sales growth over the past two years and Greggs’ own fourth quarter growth slowed with like-for-like sales up 9.4 per cent owing to a ‘reduced contribution from price inflation’. The slowdown in rising prices was likely to continue, Greggs’ fourth quarter report suggested, with no current plans for 2024 increases. “As expected, inflationary pressures are reducing and with good forward cover on food, packaging and energy, we anticipate a more stable cost base in the coming year,” Greggs’ chief executive Roisin Currie said. “Wage inflation remains, although higher rates of pay across the economy will also provide support to consumer incomes.”

EWN 37

Not so pretty ONLINE fashion company Boohoo will close the Leicester factory opened two years ago to showcase efforts to improve working conditions for employees producing its clothing. Fewer than 100 staff would be affected by the closure while some would be relocated, said a spokesperson for the Boohoo Group which owns the Debenhams, Pretty Little Thing, Oasis and Burton labels.

Alierta death CESAR ALIERTA, former Telefonica chairman and chief executive between 2000 and 2016, died aged 78 on January 10 in a Zaragoza hospital where he was admitted with respiratory problems over Christmas. Originally from the banking and finance sectors he headed Tabacalera, the Spanish government’s tobacco monopoly between 1996 and 1999, negotiating its privatisation and merger with France’s SEITA.

38 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I TRULY can’t make up my mind whether society reflects the media, or the media reflects society (re the recent Post Office drama). I suppose, when it comes down to it, they’re all actually in it together. I remember the 50s, when BBC radio comprised the Light and Third programmes and the Home Service. In those early days, they flatly refused to play anything with a modern ‘beat,’ and utterly scorned the new, and to their mind, utterly degenerate ‘Rock n Roll’. The presenters wore dinner jackets and tuxes to the studio - even though they couldn’t be seen. Television was also strictly controlled. Dress codes were strongly adhered to, Elvis Presley was only filmed from the waist up, and even mild swear words were utterly taboo. After the Epilogue, the National Anthem always preceded the ‘test’ card which followed at around midnight. (Many families stood to attention in

their living rooms while God Save the King rang out!) Was it all a good or a bad thing? Well I’m sure we all have our own opinions about that. It was however a fairly accurate reflection of society as it was during that post war recovery period. A time when we had absorbed all the violence we could stomach, and patriotism was paramount to those who had survived the conflict. Fast forward to the present day. With the advent of scores of channels and wavelengths - all trying to create their own money tree - the first thing that goes completely by the board is any semblance of responsible or moral obligations. In fact, in their endeavours to attract more attention, some of the offerings of today’s media are almost beyond belief. (‘My own role in OAP’s Behaving Badly’ simply pales by comparison!) I recently heard some radio station play a song whose lyrics comprised of nothing but the F word, chanted over and over again. Then there is the long running TV ‘dating’ programme that actually presents couples to each other stark naked. Apparently some male contestants are picked as possible

contestants merely for the size of their manhood! Cilla Black must be positively spinning! Although I never even viewed the Mallorca involvement in the show, to me the rules for the highly popular ‘Love Island’ truly do take the whole tin. This is the ‘contestant’s code,’ insisted on by the producers of a programme that has been rated as one of the most successful reality shows ever. Rule1. No masturbating. 2. No total nudity. 3. No sex while drunk (Presumably it’s perfectly acceptable whilst sober!) And, in an almost ludicrous effort to take the moral and hygienic high ground - rule four and five informs the contestants that there is to be, ‘no smoking’ on camera and that ‘condoms must be used at all times’! And if all that doesn’t reflect the attitude and priorities of our modern society, nothing does. Thank you for all your letters. Although none appear to be published, I do peruse everyone. Keep ‘em coming and always. 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.

Don’t feed the birds THE city council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is cracking down on pigeon feeding. The Strategic Planning, Environmental Sustainability and Public Services departments, recently initiated a penalty against a woman for feeding pigeons. The event took place in the heart of Santa Cruz, where the woman, known for repeatedly feeding pigeons, was fined. The act, although seemingly harmless, contravenes the Municipal Ordinance Regulating the Protection and Ownership of Animals. Mayor Jose Manuel Bermudez emphasised in a statement: “A simple event like this can lead to public health problems and our responsibility as city managers is to prevent that from happening.” The ﬁne can reach up to €1,500. According to a councillor, feeding pigeons raises public health concerns

Credit: hkhtt hj/Shutterstock.com

They’re in it together

Don’t feed the pigeons.

and added, “ these people who feed the pigeons must be punished because it is an act that alters the health and natural balance of the city.” Issues like increased pigeon excrement and the attraction of rodents are major concerns. The city’s policy prohibits feeding any animal on public roads or spaces without proper authorisation, to maintain health and environmental balance. The proliferation of pigeons can cause signiﬁcant economic damage. Their nests and droppings damage buildings and public infrastructure, necessitating costly clean-up eﬀorts.

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At Watson European, we’ve got you covered IN a conversation with company owner Andrea Watson, the EWN has learned about the significant role that removals have played in the history of Watson European. Starting from humble beginnings, the company initially catered to the road haulage needs in Europe. Today, Andrea’s experienced team meets the demand for regular and professional removal services. Over the years, Watson European has expanded its services to include wrapping and packing, storage, vehicle relocation, and customs clearances. They specialise in movements between the We will get things moving in a UK, France, and Spain. positive manner. The dedicated and skilled team at Watson European strive to provide a friendly and welcoming experience while maintaining professionalism and courtesy. From the first point of contact to the final delivery, their goal is to make your move stress-free and enjoyable. We also discussed the impact of Bre-

We will get things moving in a positive manner.

xit on the company. Andrea acknowledged that Brexit has changed the process of moving goods

between the UK and the EU. Dealing with customs can be overwhelming, especially when combined with the natural stresses of moving overseas. However, at Watson European, they take care of all customs formalities for various types of moves, including permanent house moves, second home/ holiday home movements, and vehicle movements. They have also launched a new service for ‘HMRC Transfer Of Residence Relief’ applications, aiming to be a comprehensive solution for clients’ removal needs. Secure storage of

belongings is often a crucial aspect of relocation. Watson European offers modern and secure storage solutions at competitive rates. For clients moving between the UK and the EU, they provide up to 60 days of complimentary storage as part of a relocation package. This storage option relieves some of the time-sensitive pressures associated with international moves, allowing clients to travel at their own pace, find the perfect new home, finalise completion dates, or carry out renovations before the arrival of their belongings. The possessions are safely stored at Watson European’s main operating base in Lincoln, UK. Lastly, we asked Andrea for her top tip when considering a home move, and she provided a straightforward response: “Take some time to call our team and have a chat. They will assess your specific needs and ensure a positive moving experience.”

Telephone: +44 7876 504 547 / +44 1522 686 764 / 34 652 608 427 Email: enquiry@watsoneuropean.co.uk

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

easyJet’s new partnership IN a bid to elevate the travel experience for their customers, easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines, has forged a strategic partnership with Musement, a global Tours & Activities company. This partnership brings with it a brand-new digital platform for Tours & Activities which are integrated into the easyJet website. It allows customers to easily book a wide array of local experiences in all easyJet destinations, either through the easyJet app following flight confirmation or via the dedicated site. This latest promotion entitles all easyJet customers to access these exciting offerings, whether booking flights or package holidays. Russell Braterman, Proposition & Innovation Director at easyJet explained that easyJet offer, “over 1,000 routes across 35 countries, and by partne-

Credit: Nicholas Courtney/Shutterstock.com

NEW PROMOTION: Experience the Prado Museum.

ring with Musement our customers are able to explore all the best local experiences these fantastic destinations have to offer.” Musement’s carefully curated selection of excursions, activities, and attraction tickets for easyJet comes with a commitment to high standards in terms of quality, health and safety, and sustainability. This ensures peace of mind for customers, both before and after booking

a flight. Most experience tickets are paperless, allowing for easy scanning of a QR code at the activity’s outset or at the venue entrance. In a world where travel experiences are becoming increasingly personalised, easyJet and Musement have joined forces to offer their customers a diverse and exciting array of options, with their aim to make each journey an unforgettable adventure.

EWN 39

40 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS/FEATURE

Beaches on high alert

INTERVIEW

An easier way of living CONTINUING our weekly interview with someone who has moved from Europe to settle in Spain it’s the turn of Tina Skotland-Jönsson.

Credit: GoogleMaps.com

BOLONIA BEACH: Plastic pellet remnants have been reported.

THE Andalucian government is intensifying surveillance of its coastline after the reported appearance of pellet remnants on Bolonia Beach in Cadiz. This latest development was confirmed on Thursday, January 11, and follows the events in northern Spain. Galicia’s beaches in particular have been blighted by millions of tiny plastic pellets, triggering calls for action in the hope of avoiding an environmental disaster. Minister Fernandez-Pacheco, the Minister of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy, specified

that, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency, efforts are underway to investigate these potential pellet deposits on Bolonia Beach. He emphasised, “they have only appeared on the beach of Bolonia and in a very small quantity.” The Andalucian authorities are not just focusing on Cadiz but extending their watchful eye to Huelva’s coast as well. Despite the situation’s seeming containment, no emergency plan has been triggered yet. The current strategy is to analyse the detected pellets and keep a clo-

se watch on other beaches in Cadiz and Huelva. The government remains on high alert to act if necessary. A specialised study of the Bolonia Beach samples is being conducted, and Environmental agents are tasked with stringent coastal monitoring. In a related development, Verdemar Ecologists in Action communicated their intention to request maritime surveillance of the ‘CSAV Toconao’ ship. This vessel is known for transporting the containers that led to the plastic pellet spill on the coast of Galicia.

TINA moved to Spain with joy the surroundings as she her partner after training has set up a very successas a hairdresser in ful hairdressing salon Sweden where she at El Campanario grew up, althouGolf and Country gh she is actually Club, Estepona Danish by birth. but as a newcoThe couple mer to Spanish had owned a b u r e a u c r a c y, holiday home Tina admits that on the Costa del she found it soSol but after their mewhat frustrafour children had ting, however, all grown up and mowent through evenCredit: Hair by Tina Facebook ved away, they decided tually and Hair by Tina is that the time had come to now well-established. Tina Skotland-Jönsson make the move to Spain. Although she speaks “There’s a much easier way of living fluent Danish, English and Swedish, Tina here in Spain, it’s relaxing and because of is taking weekly Spanish lessons and has the climate and the fact that it stays light plenty of homework when she isn’t plalonger than in Sweden, when I finish work ying padel, at the gym, dog training or croI can still make the most of the day.” cheting in her spare time. In February the couple will have been “Once my Spanish is better, I hope to here for two years and apart from being be able to make new Spanish friends to separated from friends and family, there go with my mainly English and Swedish is nothing else in Sweden that they miss. friends, many of whom started out as cusTina has not come to Spain to just en- tomers,” she explained.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com By Clinica Britannia

Book your check-up

WHEN I was younger my Mum always took me for a six monthly dental check, something which I have neglected to do since leaving home. Is it so important? Many of us only visit the dentist when we have a Dental Emergency, but by taking a preventative approach and having regular check-ups, potential issues can be identified early enough to treat them before they become a problem. Even the most fastidious person can fail to clean the hard-to-reach places in their mouth, with a good example being the back molars, which are notoriously hard to keep clean. Remember that when preventing dental issues rather than having to cure them, it will work out more cost effective for you. During your dental check-up here at Clinica Britannia our Dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and tongue, looking for the warning signs of tooth decay and gum disease, which may be too subtle for you to have noticed for yourself. Sometimes they may

DENTAL TEAM: Will keep you up-to-date.

need to take an X-ray to help check for these warning signs. The whole process is quick and painless, so please do not worry. Our dental team will keep you up-todate on what treatment is necessary, fully discussing all the options available to you.

18 - 24 January 2024

Applying your skincare ACHIEVING glowing skin isn’t just about the products you use, but also the order in which you apply them. Start your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prep the skin. Next, apply a toner to balance the skin’s pH levels and enhance product absorption. Follow with a serum containing active ingredients like antioxidants or hyaluronic acid to address specific concerns. Eye cream comes next, delicately applied to the under-eye area. Lock in moisture with a hydrating moisturiser suited to your skin type, preventing dryness and promoting a supple complexion. In the morning, finish with sunscreen to shield against harmful UV rays. In the evening, consider incorporating treatments like retinol after your serum for enhanced effectiveness.

Naturallooking false eyelashes

Appointments Landline: 965 837 553 / 965 837 851 • 24H/365D Emergency Number: (+34) 607 255 755 • Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9:00am / 5:00pm Clinica Britannia Calpe Av. Ejercitos Españoles 16 BIS, 1st Floor, Calpe

By Clinica Britannia

Bone density tests

OSTEOPOROSIS is a ‘silent disease’ that causes bones to weaken, becoming more susceptible to fractures even from minimal impact, occurring gradually over many years without your knowledge, so how can we keep an eye on our bone health? One way to know how strong your bones are is to have a scan known as a bone densitometry, as until about the age of 30, we produce bone faster than we lose it but around the age of 40 it tends to plateau. After this time, the reverse is true and bone mass declines and for women this bone loss is particularly accelerated during the menopause. The Achilles bone density test is a non-invasive test that offers a quick and affordable way for an initial osteoporosis assessment and the risk of bone fractures. The exam is quick and comfortable and is performed with the patient seated with one foot placed on the Footplate. The machine uses high frequency sound waves to

BONE HEALTH: Book yourself a test.

evaluate the os calcis (bone status in the heel). The patient will receive the results immediately from the specialist performing the test. Remember it is never too early to start looking after your bones, so book your Achilles bone density test here at Clinica Britannia as soon as possible.

Don’t suffer in silence, contact our GP at Clinica Britannia to consult whether this treatment is a suitable option for you. Call 965 837 553 / 965 837 851.

EWN 41

FALSE EYELASHES: For a flawless, subtle look.

ACHIEVING subtle elegance with false eyelashes is an art that many strive to perfect. To ensure your falsies blend seamlessly with your natural lashes, follow these tips for a flawless, subtle look. Firstly, choose lashes that mimic your natural lash length and thickness. Opt for a wispy or natural style rather than dramatic designs. Trim the lashes to fit your eye shape precisely, focusing on the outer edges for a subtle lift. Next, invest in high-quality adhesive to avoid clumping or obvious glue lines. Apply a thin, even layer along the lash band and wait for it to become slightly tacky before attaching. Lastly, blend your natural and false lashes using a coat of mascara, enhancing cohesion. With these steps, you’ll enjoy the allure of false eyelashes without sacrificing a natural appearance.

SKINCARE: Apply products in the correct order.

Mastering the correct order ensures each product can penetrate the skin effectively, maximising their benefits and leaving you with a luminous,

42 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

Winter hair rehab Japanese foot pads Is your hair suffering from the cold?

AS winter weather settles in, your hair may be facing the effects of dry air, cold winds, and indoor heating. Repairing damaged win-

ter hair requires a targeted approach to restore its health and vibrancy. Begin with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish

moisture and combat dryness caused by harsh weather conditions. Regular trims help eliminate split ends and prevent further damage. Adjust your hair care routine to include sulfate-free, moisturising products designed to nourish and strengthen strands. Consider incorporating a weekly hydrating mask to provide an extra dose of moisture. Avoid excessive heat styling and embrace protective hairstyles to shield your hair from the elements. Additionally, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals for overall hair health. With these proactive steps, you can revive and rejuvenate your winter-weary locks, ensuring they stay luscious and resilient throughout the season.

JAPANESE foot pads, renowned for their detoxifying properties, have gained popularity as an alternative wellness practice. These adhesive pads are applied to the soles of the feet before bedtime, with the belief that they draw out toxins from the body. The pads often contain natural ingredients like bamboo vinegar, tourmaline, and wood vinegar. Proponents of Japanese foot pads claim benefits such as improved sleep, increased energy levels, and reduced body aches. While some users report positive experiences, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited. It’s essential to approach Japanese foot pads with an open mind, recognising that individual responses may vary. While they may provide a soothing ritual for re-

FOOT PADS: Can draw out toxins from the body.

laxation, consulting with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive approach to wellness is advisable. Embracing

diverse practices in tandem with established health routines ensures a holistic approach to overall well-being.

By Karan Sud Dental

Pacemaker treatment

A PACEMAKER is a small device implanted in the chest or abdomen to help regulate the heart’s electrical activity. It uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rhythm. This life-saving device is commonly used for patients with various heart conditions such as arrhythmias. When it comes to dental procedures, it is essential to inform your dentist about any medical devices or conditions you have, including a pacemaker. The dentist needs to be aware of this information to ensure your safety during treatment. One common tool used in dentistry is the ultrasonic scaler, which uses high-frequency vibrations to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. However, there are potential risks associated with using this device on patients with pacemakers. The ultrasonic scaler emits electromagnetic waves that can interfere with the normal functioning of a pacemaker. These waves may disrupt the electrical signals sent by the pacemaker, leading to irregular heartbeats or even comple-

PACEMAKERS: Inform your dentist.

te failure of the device. Before starting any dental procedure, the dentist should review the patient’s medical history thoroughly. Alternative dental cleaning methods, such as hand scaling, may be recommended instead of using an ultrasonic scaler. That is why before you have an appointment with our dentists we always send you a medical questionnaire online. It may seem like a lot of information but it’s very relevant to your well-being.

For appointments please call 603 296 687 or visit www.ksuddental.com to book online.

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

46 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

THERE has been a lot of activity with comments from readers over the last week and some of those have been incorporated into articles which appear on the Euro Weekly News website and in various editions of the paper. Other matters which have raised reader’s hackles have been news that squatters will be receiving greater legal protection in Spain and here are some of the observations;

“

WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG, these so-called squatters have no right to enter anyone’s property and stay there. It is a criminal act and should be treated as a criminal act. No one would be squatting in my property and I can gaurantee that, bullshit law or no bullshit law, these people are criminals. Mac

Don’t buy a property in Spain!

to prison. No ifs or buts. They didn’t pay for that house so they have no right to it. Whatever is the world coming to? Ali

This is an absolute joke. Anybody taking over a house or flat is a criminal and should be punished. Renato Besomi

Wish the squatters would squat in the ministers’ houses… then they will talk differently. Brian

Peter Dare

Wrong in so many ways.

Jessica

Squatters should be IMMEDIATELY sent

A story about rats appearing during the Three Kings Parade in Almeria which revealed the opinion of one resident who thought that it would be a shame to kill them received quite a few comments as well and the most were not in favour of letting rodents roam the streets of Spain, although they also had some supporters;

“

They will breed faster than humans can kill them! George R Carman

George R Carman well said. The bloody world has gone mad, the last thing they need is an uncontrollable plague of rats spreading disease etc. These do gooders won’t be so happy when they get rats in their house chewing electric cables, not being able to leave a baby safely in case a rat harms it or spreads disease. Where are people’s brains. Rats have always needed to be controlled. Karen Callander

I wonder if ‘Manuel’ is on the panel!

Colin Wheeler

Leave them alone.

Sue Peers

All creatures are entitled to a place on the planet. Why kill them? Anne Hodgson

I hate them with a passion and would rid the world of them all if I could. Marian McGovern

There’s black and brown rats all over Spain, although some prefer to give them cute names like palm rats, fruit rats etc etc. And, they are all over the world... Anyone who puts poison down is killing wildlife and domestic animals too. We had a cat die in our courtyard a few years ago in the most agonising pain. I couldn’t get near her and she died within minutes. Our neighbour had a post-mortem done and it was rat poison. Brenda Jones

You can always be certain of finding a really diverse range of stories when you read the print editions of Euro Weekly News or visit the website and readers not only have very different opinions about the pros and cons of some stories they also enjoy making their thoughts known, so please feel free to join in. 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.

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 January 2024 SPONSORED BY

Bell the cat

THE city authorities in Amsterdam plan to ask cat-owners to add a bell to their pet’s collar . When outside, this would warn birds and other wildlife that they were around, explained oﬃcials keen to ensure that the city is completely animal-friendly. Cats, the oﬃcials said, are one of the few animals allowed to roam without supervision and they kill around 18 million birds each year in the Netherlands. The Huiskat Thuiskat foundation launched legal proceedings in 2021 to persuade the government to take action against owners who allowed their cats to roam freely outdoors. While applauding the proposal to introduce bells, the organisation said that research has shown that these reduce a cat’s victims by only between 33 and 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, a 2019 paper by Environmental Law professors Arie Trouwborst and Han Somsen maintained that the domestic cat “poses a serious threat” to around 370 species in the Netherlands. They also pointed out that under the EU’s Bird and Habitat Directives, member countries are legally obliged to protect wildlife, and allowing cats to roam and kill was breaking the law. Amsterdam will also campaign to ensure all of the city’s domestic cats are chipped and registered, allowing lost animals to be reunited with their owners more quickly. This would also help to solve problems caused by the feral population, oﬃcials said, adding that feral cats would no longer be released into “ecologically vulnerable” areas after they were trapped and sterilised.

Jimbo loves playing with dog-sitters

JIMBO is a mature dog, set in his ways. He is a lot happier staying at home with dog-sitters when his owners go away being cared for in his own home. Using HouseSitMatch. com his owners find free checked pet-sitters who travel to Jimbo’s home and care for him, keeping all his routines consistent throughout their stay. And they don’t charge a penny for the pet-sitting. Read on to learn more. 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, 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

When you go away do you find free checked pet-sitters through 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? HouseSit Match 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 housesits 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.Housesitmatch.com.

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

Coping with loss LOSING a beloved cat is an emotionally challenging experience that many pet owners unfortunately face. The pain of saying goodbye can be profound, leaving a void that seems impossible to ﬁll. Allow yourself the space to grieve. Embrace the sadness, remembering it’s a testament to the love you shared. Share your feelings with friends or family who understand the unique bond between humans and their feline friends. Create a memorial to celebrate your cat’s life a photo collage, a written tribute, or a special place in your home. Consider reaching out to pet loss support groups or professionals who specialise in grief counselling. Time is a gentle healer, and with patience, the pain will gradually fade.

Pet owners warned THE Helsinki Animal Welfare Society (HESY) recently issued a critical alert regarding the dangers of Finland’s extreme winter weather for pets. With the Nordic region experiencing its coldest temperatures this winter, reaching lows of minus 40 degrees Celsius, the safety of pets, particularly those left outdoors for long periods or abandoned, is in danger. Recently, the harsh weather started disrupting transportation across the region, causing significant challenges for rail traffic in the Arctic north and leading to school closures in southern Norway. This perilous cold snap not only affects human activities but poses a lethal threat to pets. Exposed to the severe cold, animals are at risk of frostbite and potentially deadly hypothermia, especially if they are outside for prolonged periods without suitable protection. Hypothermia can cause vital organ failure, while frostbite may lead to tissue damage and loss, particularly in extremities like ears and tails. Different dog breeds have varying levels of cold endurance. Breeds like Huskies and Lapland Reindeer Dogs are more adapted to the cold, unlike Finnish Hounds, Dobermans, and Pugs, which are more vulnerable to the cold’s adver-

Credit: EtaKarppa/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

VULNERABLE: Finnish Hound.

se eﬀects. HESY stresses the importance of knowing the breed-speciﬁc needs and vulnerabilities of pets to ensure their safety. Pet owners are advised to keep their pets indoors during severe weather and provide protective clothing and footwear to short-haired or hairless pets. If a pet is found alone in the cold, the recommendation is to bring the animal inside to warm up before taking it to an animal shelter. Cats are particularly prone to frostbite injuries in winter, especially those that seek shelter in unheated environments. The situation demands increased vigilance and responsibility from pet owners to protect their pets from these dangerous conditions.

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

AIR CONDITIONING

CLEANING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ALARMS

INSURANCE

EWN 49

50 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024 PLUMBING

euroweeklynews.com II SERVICES POOL SERVICES

REMOVALS & STORAGE

TV & SATELLITE

SOLAR ENERGY

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com REMOVALS & STORAGE

18 - 24 January 2024

EWN 51

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PROPERTY FOR RENT TEULADA apartment. Long let. Three bedrooms. Sea views. 899€ monthly. johnrthtc@gmail.com (304337)

PROPERTY WANTED RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixa - prefer two beds. Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523)

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com RENTAL required. Single lady in employment. One bedroom, non smoker. Willing to provide live in care if necessary. Albir area. 611 336 202. (304325) I AM a big soppy dog and my little owner and I are looking for a forever home to rent with outside space. A Casita in the Campo would be perfect and hope there is someone out there to help us. Please call 696 213 561 after 4pm. (304338)

REMOVALS/STORAGE BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (303512) MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/ Whatsapp 636 100 873 (305139)

COSTA LESS EXPRESS, small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken www. costalessexpress.co.uk Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

ROLLER SHUTTERS ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy. com (303757)

SITUATIONS VACANT BLUE SQUARE REAL ESTATE is currently searching for Sales Executives to work in the Denia / Oliva area. A training package is provided and excellent incentives.

Multilingual candidates, Spanish, French, Dutch and German are sought after. Please email hr@ blue-square.com your CV (304549)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors. com (294251)

WANTED WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662) BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (303567)

18 - 24 January 2024 INSURANCE

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54 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

How safe are Spanish roads? ON Thursday, December 4, at the Madrid headquarters of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, alongside department undersecretary Susana Crisostomo and General Director of Traffic Pere Navarro, revealed the

provisional statistics for road accidents in Spain during the past year. The report showed a slight decrease in fatalities, with 1,145 lives lost in 1,048 fatal accidents - a reduction of three from 2022. However, there were 4,495

individuals who sustained injuries requiring hospitalisation. Out of the total fatalities, 849 (74 per cent) occurred on conventional roads - an increase of 21 from the previous year. High-capacity roads saw a decrease in deaths,

DGT’s new driving laws for 2024 IN a major announcement by the Spanish government, significant changes to driving laws have been introduced, aimed at enhancing road safety and driver training. On Thursday, January 4 at the DGT headquarters, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska unveiled these changes as part of the 2023 road safety report. The key change permits individuals under 17 years of age to drive when accompanied by an adult over 24 with at least five years of driving experience. Grande-Marlaska emphasised the success of similar policies in France and Germany, highlighting their positive impact on road safety. This initiative allows 17 to 18-year-olds to gain driving experience under supervision, a move Grande-Marlaska believes will ‘improve the training of younger drivers.’

Moreover, a significant shift in motorcycle licensing was announced. The B1 car licence will no longer cover low-displacement motorcycles or mopeds. Instead, a mandatory course will be required for those wishing to drive motorcycles up to 125cc, addressing the distinct skills needed for different vehicle types. The DGT plans to revise the points recovery courses, incorporating specific modules for motorcyclists focusing on safe and efficient driving. Additionally, the use of a full-face helmet and approved gloves will become mandatory for motorcyclists on the road. In response to ongoing concerns around impaired driving, Marlaska disclosed a 10 per cent increase in alcohol and drug controls. These changes reflect a concerted effort to improve road safety in Spain.

with 296 fatalities in 2023, 24 fewer than in 2022. The data suggests that three-quarters of road deaths still occur on conventional roads. Vulnerable users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists, experienced a 9 per cent rise in fatalities, totalling 463. Motorcyclist deaths rose by 19 per cent compared to 2022. Notably, pedestrian deaths were almost equally distributed between highways and conventional roads. The 45 to 54 age group saw an 11 per cent increase in mortality, with 228 deaths representing 20 per cent of the total fatalities. Child fatalities also rose, with 22 deaths recorded among 0 to 14-year-olds. The elderly (aged 65 and over) constituted 18 per cent of fatalities, showing a 10 per cent decrease from the previous year. Men comprised 79 per cent of the fatalities, while women accounted for the remaining 21 per cent.

MOTORING II euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST By Mark Slack HERE in the UK many of our less mainstream television channels show some excellent motoring programmes. From the long running Wheeler Dealers with host Mike Brewer, through to Salvage Hunters Classic Cars presented by Drew Pritchard and Paul Cowland. Despite such good motoring coverage there’s always a point in the viewing year when there’s a dearth of such programmes. When that happens there’s another viewing option, YouTube! A wealth of motoring awaits, from traditional approaches to more offbeat motoring related videos. Car detailing, new cars, classic cars, road trips, must see museums and more, they’re all there to quench your motoring thirst. Some of my favourite YouTube channels are ones where the presenters know their subject,

18 - 24 January 2024

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Armchair motoring

MOTORING PROGRAMMES: Whatever your taste, there’s something for everyone.

have a calm presentational style and don’t spend their time leaping around the screen screeching

tyres and whooping every time they get a perceived cool car. Now don’t get me wrong, if that’s what

presses your pedal it’s fine, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. For me it’s the knowle-

dgeable and arguably more professional channels that attract. Harry’s Garage is fronted by Harry Metcalfe, founder of the classy UK performance car magazine EVO. Although a publisher and not a journalist in the traditional sense, he’s a calm, knowledgeable and interesting presenter. He has his own car collection but presents on an encyclopaedic range of cars and bikes that in my view make this a must-see channel. Another very different channel is High Peak Autos, presented by Matt Goodwin who has a used car business and features videos of his purchase and preparation of cars ready for sale. It’s an incredibly honest channel where failures have equal billing with the successes, and it makes for fascinating viewing not only for

the cars but as an insight into the used car business. He’s recently ventured into new car reviews, on which I’m not so keen as in my view it dilutes his channel’s USP. There are so many channels featuring new cars High Peak Autos USP is a stand-out feature along with its professionalism. Other favourite channels include The Late Brake Show with Jonny Smith, Vermijl Car Detail, Decotamin, JayEmm on Cars and Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop. Whatever your motoring taste there’s something there for you, whether on television or online with platforms such as YouTube. There is much said about social media and online platform being poisonous places and very negative. They can be but there’s also a lot of positive viewing experiences too.

56 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

Pioneers of women’s football Spain qualifies Credit: easternflamesfc/instagram.com

THE women’s football scene in Saudi Arabia now infused with Spanish expertise, is a striking example of how the sporting culture of one nation can change for the better. Saudi Arabia has made significant strides since September 2017, when women were allowed to drive and cinemas reopened after 35 years. Progress continued with the launch of the first women’s league in 2021, and the national team playing its inaugural international match in 2022. This evolution represents a remarkable shift in a nation that is currently the Super Cup’s host. The transformation of Saudi women’s football has been significantly influenced by Spanish professio-

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

BASED IN DAMMAM: Eastern Flames FC.

nals. Lluis Cortes, former coach of FC Barcelona and the Ukraine national team, took charge of the Saudi women’s team in December. The first division of Saudi’s local league further underscores this influence, with Ana Junyent leading Al-Riyadh as the sole female coach, and David Cabildo at the helm of the Eastern Flames, the pioneering Saudi women’s soccer team. Based in Dammam, the Eastern Flames, also known as Shulat Alsharqia FC, signify the starting point of women’s football in the region. “The football stadium is

very initial. There is no prior training. They are starting from the bottom, with very basic things,” said David Cabildo, outlining the nascent stage of development. Despite the primary nature of their setup, the passion and dedication of the players is noteworthy. “Patience is needed. But in women’s football, the players are already very eager to learn... They put a lot of passion,” Cabildo observes, highlighting the players’ enthusiasm and rapid progress. Cabildo’s experience in Saudi Arabia reveals cultu-

ral nuances, especially in player-coach interactions and attire. However, these differences don’t hinder the spirit and ambition within the team. The broadcasting of all matches on television and the involvement of Saudi Telecom Company, a major stakeholder in Spain’s Telefonica since September 2023, underscores the growing popularity and support for women’s football in Saudi Arabia. The Eastern Flames, though currently underdogs in the league, are crucial to the strategic development of Saudi women’s football. This strategy is bolstered by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s collaboration with German Monika Staab, renowned for her role in developing Qatar’s women’s team. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia plans to introduce a third category in women’s football, further expanding the sport’s reach and impact.

ANA MONCADA from Estepona has qualified Spain in ILCA6 (Women’s Laser) for the Paris Olympics in 2024. The 34th place of the athlete in the absolute general classification of the World Championships in Mar de Plata, Argentina was the key to the qualification for the Olympic Games. This young 22-year-old sailor, born in Estepona (Malaga) is currently number 40 in the world ranking and is the reigning Spanish champion, European under-21 and 2019 youth champion. The Spanish team’s Olympic preparation director, Xisco Gil, said: “This is a new milestone for Spanish sailing that places us as a major international power, being the European country with the highest number of classes classified so far. “We surpassed Great Britain, Italy and the Netherlands who currently have eight places and we are getting closer to the goal of being in Paris 2024 with representation in all 10 Olympic classes,” he added. With six months to go until the Olympic Games, only France, as host, is represented in all 10 Olympic sailing classes. They are followed by Australia, China and New Zealand with nine places, and Spain, which is the leading European country. The next international events for the Spanish Olympic team will be the ILCA 7 Class World Championship to be held in Adelaide, Australia, between January 26 and 31, and the iQFOiL World Championship to be held in Lanzarote from January 29 to February 3.