Costa Calida 18 – 1 – 7 February 2024 Issue 2013

EURO

YOUR PAPER IS INSIDE W E E K LY

Issue No. 2013

1 - 7 February 2024

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2013 • 1 - 7 February 2024

FREE

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVREE

FFREE

GRATIS S

GRATUIT G

EXCITING TIMES: From UK to Murcia

entradasatualcance.com, with prices ranging from €55 for seating to €90 for the coveted ‘Front Stage.’

Take That’s performance in Murcia will showcase tracks from their ninth studio album, ‘This Life’ (2023), described by the Murcian promoter as a ‘vibrant collection of songs showcasing the band in top form.’

This marks a new phase for the acclaimed boy band, sans former members Robbie Williams and Jason Orange.

Fans in Murcia are in for a treat, as Take That brings their electrifying performance to the heart of the region, promising a summer concert that will undoubtedly be a standout moment for music enthusiasts in the area.

MAZARRON CARNIVAL

MAZARRON is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for its most colourful and eagerly anticipated annual celebration, Carnival 2024, from February 3 until February 18. Mayor Ginés Campillo expressed his enthusiasm in the lead-up, emphasising the crucial role of local groups in the event.

“This Carnival is not just a party; it’s a key driver for our local economy, attracting visitors from outside the municipality during a typically

Image: Mazarron Town Hall

The magic of Mazarron Carnival.

quiet season,” Campillo stated.

Festivities councillor Miguel Ángel Peña sha-

red programme details, including parades, galas, live performances, fair attractions, children’s

workshops, a pet contest, and the highlight - Carnival Tuesday with the burning of Don Carnival. This year they will introduce a new character, Doña Cuaresma (Lady Lent), and they will be officially presented on February 3.

The official programme unveiling took place at the town hall and they extended a warm welcome to all residents and visitors to enjoy Carnival 2024 with them. For the full Carnival programme see mazarron.es.

Image: Shutterstock/ goodluz

Catherine McGeer IN an exciting musical event, the renowned British pop sensation Take That is set to grace the region of Murcia during their European tour this summer. The iconic band, currently composed of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald, will be performing at the Plaza de Toros in Murcia City on July 20, as part of the ‘Murcia On’ festival organised by Ibolele Producciones.

The concert, hosted at the traditional bullring venue, promises to be a highlight of the ‘Murcia On’ schedule, offering fans an unforgettable experience.

Tickets for the event are already available for purchase on the Ibolele Producciones website and

Image: Facebook/Take That

TAKE THAT IN MURCIA Join Mabs

VOLUNTEERS: Make a difference join MABS.

MABS MAZARRON, a non-profit organisation, stands as a beacon of hope for individuals dealing with the challenges of cancer. Committed to providing practical help and unwavering support, MABS Mazarron is on a mission to expand its impact, and it urgently calls upon compassionate individuals to join its volunteer force.

Whether you can spare a few hours or more, your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer in your community.

MABS Mazarron is actively seeking volunteers for diverse roles, including drivers, carers, van crews, fundraisers, and shop workers. If you’re ready to lend a helping hand and be part of a cause that truly matters, reach out to them at mazvolun teers@mabscancerfoundation.org. Your support can bring comfort and strength to those in need.

2

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

1 - 7 February 2024

Union victory

Grace Meredith IN a significant milestone, the Regional Federation of Commerce (COREMUR) in Murcia, along with prominent unions UGT and CCOO, officially inked the regional commerce agreement on January 29. The deal, finalised at the Office of Mediation and Labour Arbitration (OMAL) after more than three years of negotiations, includes key provisions for the workforce.

The agreement hailed as a positive development by CROEM, includes specifics on compensation for work on Sundays, holidays, night shifts, or any combination thereof - areas previously lacking clear regulation. Irene Muñoz Zamora, Secretary of Trade Union Action, highlights the agreement’s crucial aspects.

Notable improvements outlined in the Commerce Agreement comprise a reduction in the annual working hours to 1,797, with

Image: x/CROEM

HISTORIC AGREEMENT: Key provisions for the workforce.

a mandatory 30-minute break for shifts exceeding six hours. Furthermore, the agreement ensures 12 weekends off annually.

The agreement also introduces enhancements such as paid leave for accompanying minors to medical appointments and an extended option for a reduced work schedule for caregivers of minors up to 16 years old. This breakthrough is anticipated to set a positive precedent for pending agreements in other sectors.

IN a breakthrough for the agricultural sector, Murcia emerges as the front-runner in cauliflower exports, claiming a significant 68 per cent of Spain’s total.

The region’s Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Councillor, Sara Rubira, attributes this success to increasingly sophisticated farming techniques employed by local producers.

Renowned internationally for cauliflower and broccoli production, Murcia yielded over 195,000 tons in 2023, with major sales to Germany, the Ne-

THE Air Force issued a warning to Lorca residents and residents in the surrounding areas of upcoming military manoeuvres potentially causing ‘sonic booms’ between 3.30 and 5.30pm until February 8. The Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at Albacete Air Base is organising the flight course FC 20241, involving missions with the use of air defence radars and helicopter landings.

The Air Force notified the Lorca Council to explain that, excluding weekends, specific resources, including lorries, off-road vehicles, and helicopters, will be deployed in specific areas for about two hours daily. Despite mitigation measures, supersonic flights

Cauli-power therlands, France, and the United Kingdom.

Rubira notes an 18 per cent increase in export value in 2023, with regional companies surpassing €381 million in sales.

Murcian cauliflower’s presence in German supermarkets reflects the success of the producers’ increasingly advanced methods. During a visit to Agromark, a leading company, Rubira observed

their advanced field-tomarket process, ensuring a rapid 12-hour turnaround for 90 per cent of their produce. Agromark’s use of innovative technology, lowering product temperature from 20ºC to 3ºC, facilitates worldwide exportation.

Collaboration with the Port Authority of Cartagena further streamlines exports, particularly via the maritime route to the UK.

Sonic Booms Image: Shutterstock/ Katerina_S

WARNING ISSUED: Military exercises in Murcia.

are authorised during these missions, possibly resulting in perceptible sonic booms.

The TLP ensures adherence to environmental regulations and has informed both the Defence and Regional Government. Landowners affected by the exercises have granted permission for usage. The TLP is committed to maintaining the area in optimal conditions throughout and after the exercises.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

JOIN in on Saturday, February 3 from 9am on the Playa de Los Nietos in a beach clean-up with various organisations who work to protect and improve the waters along the Costa Calida and the Mar Menor. See Cartagena.es to sign up.

Carnival show

IF you love all things Carnival El Corte Ingles in Cartagena has a Carnival exhibit on the sixth floor of the department store. This exhibit will run until Wednesday February 21. It will contain many of the most extravagant outfits among other things.

Shingles jab

MURCIA Salud is running a shingles vaccination programme for those aged between 65 and 80 at the Camposol Health Centre.

The vaccination has two doses administered over a couple of months. For further information see the poster at the health centre.

Nutcracker

DON’T miss the Ballet de Kiev perform the Nutcracker at the Teatro Guerra in Lorca on February 6. For more information see ba lletdekiev.com.

Pyjama party

DON’T miss this children’s event run by Eventos Din Don, a pyjama party Disney movie magical musical.

This event will take place on March 17 at 12 o’clock at the Teatro Colegio Salesianos San Juan Bosco. Tickets are available at eventosdin don.com.

Zombie survival

IF zombies are your thing check out Survival Zombie in Alumbres in Cartagena on February 3. This is a sixhour zombie apocalypse live show. For more information see survivalzombie. es.

Punk protest Image: X/ @LopezMirasF

Cleanup

Catherine McGeer IN a recent incident at a punk rock concert in Madrid, two individuals were arrested by the National Police on January 26 for allegedly threatening the president of the Region of Murcia, Fernando López Miras. The confrontation occurred during a concert at the Riviera venue featuring the punk rock band Biznaga.

According to initial reports, López Miras, who had chosen to stay in Madrid after attending Fitur, the tourism fair, was attending the concert when

MADRID CONCERT: Punk rock scuffle.

he was confronted by two individuals. These indivi-

Rail action

duals reportedly reproached him for his presence

CARTAGENA’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, has declared that the city can no longer tolerate delays in the railway infrastructure and has demanded prompt action from the Ministry to expedite crucial projects. Arroyo, while in Madrid for FITUR, the tourism fair, emphasised the need for the Ministry to act swiftly on projects affecting Cartagena to prevent hindering the city’s growth and deterring investments.

Arroyo’s statements come in response to Adif rescinding the contract for the Beniel bypass, adding to delays in the AVE integration project and the loss of connection to Madrid via Chinchilla.

Highlighting the significance of these projects, Arroyo stressed that their non-execution leaves Cartagena with an outdated railway system. She called for the Beniel bypass, connection to Madrid via Chinchilla, a railway link to the new Logistics Activities Zone of Los Camachos, the Mediterranean Corridor, AVE arrival, and a reliable local rail network with Murcia. She urged an end to this situation, emphasising Cartagena’s potential for innovation, port growth, and tourism.

IN 2011, a small idea blossomed into a flourishing community of friendship, social activities, and lively conversation known as Chatterbox, a vibrant ladies’ group. From its humble beginnings, Chatterbox has evolved into a large, welcoming gathering that convenes every second Thursday of the month at the Cultural Centre on Camposol B from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

The group’s agenda extends beyond the regular meetings, including a diverse range of activities

FITUR record

THE Region of Murcia bid farewell to Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, with an impressive 68,000 visitors, marking a 25 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The Region’s presence included over 300 business meetings involving tour operators, travel agents, specialised media, and airlines.

Murcia aimed to unleash its tourism potential amid historic 2023 results and 2024 growth prospects. The 1,000-square-metre stand, awarded ‘Best Sustainable Stand’ for the third consecutive year, featured projects such as the World Convention of Holy Cities and the 2024 Gastronomic Tourism Plan.

Other highlights included the launch of a ‘Blue Tourism Experience’ platform and the unveiling of festival line-ups. The re-

at the event. The same pair allegedly attempted to approach López Miras again, prompting the intervention of the venue’s security.

A physical altercation ensued, leading to the involvement of the National Police, who detained the two young men. López Miras, accompanied by journalists from ‘El Mundo,’ had retreated to an upper area of the venue and was unharmed during the scuffle.

López Miras did not sustain any injuries as he was not present at the location of the altercation.

Happy hours

Image: carm

NIBS EXTRA

1 - 7 February 2024

TOURISM FAIR: Murcia’s Fitur success.

gion’s strategic plan for 2024 titled ‘Unstoppable’ targets six million overnight stays, complemented by joining the global network of religious tourism destinations and unveiling the ‘100 Ways to Experience Murcia’ guide. The fair also featured regional gastronomy, folklore, and crafts, enhancing Murcia’s visibility in the heart of Madrid.

such as group outings, captivating speakers, engaging activity days, delightful meals out, and trips to fascinating places.

Chatterbox has ventured to explore Murcia, the Roman Baths at Alhama, Embroidery museums in Lorca, the Archena Spa Baths, and various other destinations.

This important community that combats loneliness, a growing problem these days, welcomes new faces with open arms. Chatterbox encourages all to attend their meetings and become part of this warm and inviting community. Join them in fostering connections and creating memories.

EWN

3

YOUR EWN HAS

98

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Green corridor

MURCIA is set to transform its cityscape with the Corredor Verde del Oeste project (Green Corridor from the East), unveiled by Deputy Mayor José Guillén.

The project aims to create a three-pronged approach to the transformation, establishing a green connection between parks, enhancing pedestrian accessibility, and uniting cultural and heritage sites.

Guillén highlighted the plan as a citizen-centric development, expanding pedestrian spaces in the central-western area of Murcia. The €1.25 million project, partly funded by the Next Generation EU programme, will increase green and pedestrian areas, connecting iconic locations like Murcia River and the Western Gardens.

The Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.com and in its papers than any other English news publication in SPAIN. Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

FOR MORE NEWS STORIES euroweeklynews.com

4

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

1 - 7 February 2024

Mind your Spanglish

VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON SOMETHING a bit lighter this week, but nevertheless important. I have worked with thousands of International residents over the years, and speaking Spanish is a topic that comes up time and again.

I have had some humorous moments in my learning Spanish journey. In my early days here, a Spanish teacher arrived at the house to do a class for my now late wife, and after courteous greeting she announced that she was a bit ‘constipada’. I wondered why she was telling me about her toilet habits, not something one expects when asking ‘¿Como estas?’

I reverted to my analogue dictionary and discovered that it meant ‘congested’, ie with a head cold. I was relieved.

Sitting one day at a friend’s restaurant

I was amused when a group of young Norwegian tourists began to wish a friend a Happy Birthday, in Spanish. But they hadn’t grasped the effect of the little eyebrow over the ‘ñ’ and were wishing their friend a happy anus. There was raucous laughter when we filled them in.

A recurring theme from many of my British acquaintances is how difficult it is to learn a language when you are getting on in years. I get it. And let’s be honest, when you live in many coastal areas, people can get by day to day without a decent level of Spanish. When my now wife immigrated with her family to Australia in the 1970s, it was a different story. Immigrants were scolded for speaking their native tongue in public places. I am not

+34 951 38 61 61

euroweeklynews.com Affiliated to sales@euroweeklynews.com info@euroweeklynews.com editorial@euroweeklynews.com distribution@euroweeklynews.com PRINTERS: OMNIPRINT. Thee EWN does not accept responsibility for the following: Claims actions and promises made by advertisers; Errors in advertisements reproduced from poor quality artwork or inadequate instructions for text layout or for any loss or damage caused by any error; Inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement; More than ONE INCORRECT insertion. No republication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement, errors and omissions excepted. EWN Media Group no part of this newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved / Todos los Derechos reservados.

Dep. Legal V-1882-2002

saying I would like to see that happening in Spain in 2024, but I do get frustrated when I hear people complaining that they have gone to the Guardia Civil ‘and they didn’t speak English’, or to the hospital and an appointment was all but wasted because they couldn’t communicate.

If no translator is available, why on earth don’t they take someone with them to help?

In many ways, Spain has done its best to accommodate foreign immigrants, but it’s not Spain’s responsibility to make sure we are understood. In fairness, I know a lot of older people who faithfully attend their Spanish classes and still say they struggle to have a conversation with a Spaniard. Learning Spanish doesn’t ha-

ppen by attending a class once a week.

It happens by immersing yourself in the Spanish life and culture, by using every opportunity you have to use Spanish, by getting into situations where you either have to remain silent or use the language to be part of the conversation. Of course, this is not as comfortable as being surrounded by our fellow native English speakers, but if we don’t escape our comfort zone, it will never happen.

Spaniards don’t care if we get it wrong, but they do get annoyed when we don’t try. I have had many conversations with Spaniards who confirm this. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, or too shy to show what you have learned. Get out there and just do it.

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

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “The dog may be wonderful prose, but only the cat is poetry.”

This French proverb suggests that while dogs and cats have their own admirable qualities, cats possess a certain elusive charm and elegance that is akin to poetry.

Animal allies FRIENDS of Mazarron Animals (FMA), a registered association, is dedicated to enhancing and improving the lives of unwanted animals.

Committed to their cause, FMA operates a donation point every Monday from 10.30am to 11am at Camposol Sector B Car park, conveniently situated opposite the petrol station.

This initiative allows compassionate individuals to contribute to the welfare of animals in need.

FMA welcomes a variety of donations, including clothing, accessories, books, and homeware. By participating in this weekly event, community members can actively support their efforts.

6

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

1 - 7 February 2024

Image: Shutterstock/ Pra Chid

Life planning

Empower your future with Age Concern.

AGE CONCERN Costa Calida is a compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting individuals over 50 in various aspects of life. Managed entirely by unpaid volunteers, they provide free services such as advice, befriending, hospital and care home visits, and medical equipment hire.

Notably, Age Concern operates without funding from Spain or the UK, relying solely on fundraising activities and generous

donations from local residents.

Scheduled for February 20 at 1.30pm, Age Concern Costa Calida is hosting a free information afternoon featuring White Doves Funeral Planning. This event, held at the Age Concern Social Centre, is designed to address a crucial aspect of living in Spain - funeral planning. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experienced funeral planners, ask questions, and gain valuable in-

sights into the essentials of funeral arrangements.

Knowledgeable speakers will guide participants through the process, emphasising the importance of being prepared when living abroad. Join this event to empower yourself with information and support from Age Concern Costa Calida, a pillar of assistance for the over-50s community. Pre-booking is essential contact info@ theexpatcentre.com or call 0034 865 668 596.

THE General Air Academy of San Javier experienced a special weekend, January 27 until January 30, as it hosted the 24th Sports Championship for Military Officers’ Academies. The event saw the participation of Princess Leonor alongside more than 380 young cadets from various Spanish military training academies. The competitions took place at the San Javier base and the High-Performance Centre of Los Narejos (Los Alcázares).

Representing the General Military Academy of Zaragoza, where she began her military training last year, Princess Leonor showcased her fencing skills. The women’s team, including the Princess, secured a silver medal, while the men’s team claimed the

Royal visit first gold for the Zaragoza academy.

Leonor’s participation continued with volleyball matches, a sport she previously practiced at the Santa María de los Rosales school in Madrid. The mixed-gender matches concluded with Zaragoza’s victory (15-12 and 15-11) against the Naval Military School.

Princess Leonor was present at the military base for the championship’s conclusion on January 30 and will return in the 2025-26 academic year to join the AGA as a cadet.

Logistics hub

THE Cartagena Council is actively promoting a major Logistics Activity Zone (ZAL) project in the Los Camachos industrial estate ‘to attract investments to the area, generate employment, and boost commercial activities at the port,’ stated Diego Ortega, councillor for Urban Planning and Infrastructure.

Emphasising the urgency, Ortega highlighted the council’s swift actions within its jurisdiction to prevent any

delays. The construction licence has already been granted to the Free Trade Consortium and they plan to begin the first phase of the project, with an investment exceeding €2.4 million.

This logistics hub is considered a strategic move for Cartagena and the region’s economic development, the Los Camachos ZAL addresses the business demand for land and logistic services crucial for growth and inter-

national connectivity, especially with Europe.

The project includes dedicated service areas for businesses, a logistics section relocating the Free Trade Zone, and an intermodal zone requiring railway connectivity. Ortega said, “We cannot accept more excuses; losing European funds for connecting the port’s goods to the Mediterranean Corridor through ZAL would jeopardise the project’s completion.”

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

MAR MENOR: Heartbreaking closure.

triggering suspicions. Further revelations include the stolen canoe and unanswered questions about Petrov’s departure that fateful night. His mother is adamant that he feared the

sea, casting doubt on his intention to venture into the water. The case deepens as investigations continue into the puzzling circumstances surrounding Petrov’s tragic death.

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR added another feather to its cap when it was awarded the prestigious S for Sustainable for the Tourist Office. Mayor Ángela Gaona Cabrera and Tourism councillor Javier Castejon Martinez proudly accepted the recognition at a ceremony in Palacio de Cibeles, led

by Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu

Repsol stars

CULINARY AWARDS: Gastronomic glory at El Batel.

dustry will be substantial.”

The Repsol Guide Suns 2024 awards ceremony not only honours Spain’s top restaurants for their outstanding contributions but also gathers over 200 chefs, making it a significant event for the culinary community.

The live-streamed ceremony

Quality recognition

and ICTE President Miguel Morenés.

The award supplements the town’s existing Quality Tourism certifications for the Tourist Office and beaches, namely La Puntica, La Mota, Villananitos, and

7

Image: Shutterstock/ WH_Pics

Catherine McGeer THE lifeless body of 15-yearold Ivo Petrov, missing for 20 days after a canoe accident in the Mar Menor, was found by the Guardia Civil’s Underwater Activities Specialist Group (GEAS) on January 25. Petrov’s body was located about five metres deep and around 1,000 to 1,500 metres from the Los Alcázares port.

The discovery comes after an intensified search involving additional personnel.

Now the investigation into his death has begun and conflicting statements from survivors Francisco Javier M. and José David raise questions about the canoe accident. Initially claiming they found a canoe, the latest version states it was taken from a neighbour’s garage and capsized while navigating with Petrov, whom they lost sight of while swimming to shore.

This contradicts Javier’s initial report to the police,

Image: Emergencias Los Alcazares

Tragic discovery

CARTAGENA is set to host the prestigious Repsol Guide Suns Gala for the first time on March 4, at the Auditorio El Batel. The government of the Region of Murcia and Repsol Guide have announced this exciting collaboration, making Cartagena the epicentre of Spanish gastronomy. The gala will bring together culinary enthusiasts, and industry personalities from across the country.

The mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo, expressed delight at hosting the Repsol Guide Suns Gala, emphasising the event’s potential to boost national visibility and positively impact the local hospitality sector. Arroyo stated, “The gala recognises the best of our country’s gastronomy, and its influence on our hospitality and hotel in-

EWN

El Mojón. The Regional Park of Salinas and Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar also renewed its Quality Tourism certification in the Natural Spaces category during the same event.

Celebrating excellence in the

will spotlight Cartagena’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, further promoting the region’s growing importance in the gastronomic tourism landscape. Currently, the Region of Murcia boasts a total of 46 restaurants on its guide, including restaurants with the prestigious ‘Suns’ award.

business sector, Restaurant Venezuela in Lo Pagan was also lauded for retaining its Quality Tourism certification. This accolade solidifies San Pedro del Pinatar’s commitment to sustainable tourism and quality services, making it a prime destination for travellers seeking both natural beauty and top-notch hospitality.

8

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

1 - 7 February 2024

Image: Misty Mountains

Casting call Property profits

DRAMA GROUP: Step into the spotlight.

Catherine McGeer ARE you ready to unleash your inner actor or actress and be a part of something exciting? Look no further than Misty Mountains, the newly established amateur drama group, gearing up for an ambitious and uproarious spring production scheduled for the end of April. But wait, there’s just one thing missing - they need a couple more enthusiastic individuals to join its spirited cast!

The team is on the lookout for both men and women who are passionate about the world of drama. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone

looking to dip their toes into the world of acting for the first time, Misty Mountains welcomes all with open arms.

Rehearsals take place every Wednesday at the Camposol Golf Club from 2.30pm until 5pm. If you have any questions or if the prospect of joining Misty Mountains has sparked your curiosity, don’t hesitate to reach out! Send a message to mistymountainsdrama@gmail. com, and they will provide you with all the information you need. Additionally, you can drop by during rehearsal hours to witness the magic in action and get a feel for it.

THE latest data from Pisos.com reveals that Murcia experienced a robust rental market in December 2023. The rental yield in Murcia reached an impressive 7.49 per cent, surpassing the national average of 6.17 per cent.

This positions Murcia as the fourth-highest among regional capitals, trailing behind only Lleida, Ávila, and Zamora.

In contrast, Spain as a whole saw a slight decrease in gross rental

yield, dropping to 6.17 per cent in December compared to 6.34 per cent in the same period of 2022 and 6.19 per cent in November. Despite this national trend, Murcia stood out with a strong performance.

The data presented for Murcia suggests that the region has a healthy real estate market with a notable rental yield. This means that property owners in Murcia, on average, are earning a return

IN a moving ceremony on January 26, students from ‘El Recuerdo’ school and volunteers from the Time Bank paid tribute to victims of gender violence. The event, titled ‘Todos los 25, son 25N’ (Every 25th is November 25th), is organised monthly throughout the year by the Department of Social Rights and Family.

This month, they gathered at the ‘Ana Orantes’ Equality Roundabout in San Javier.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and commemorate victims of gender violence, a cause championed every 25th of the month

on their property investment through rental income.

The impact on the region may include increased economic activity, a potential rise in property values, and improved confidence in the local real estate market. Additionally, a thriving rental market can contribute to housing stability and availability for residents, supporting the overall development and sustainability of the region.

Monthly vigil

in San Javier.

Councillor for Social Rights and Family, María del Mar Pérez, emphasised the importance of extending the fight against this societal problem throughout the year, not just on November 25. Pérez thanked the sixth-grade students from ‘El Recuerdo’ and Time Bank volunteers for their attendance, as they observed a minute of silence before symbolically planting a tree in memory of the victims of gender violence.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

Tour kick-off

Grace Meredith THE upcoming Guadalentín-Región de Murcia Cycling Tour is set to depart from Mazarrón on February 2 until February 4. The event, a key fixture in the national elite and under-23 cycling calendar for 2024 serves as a stepping stone to professional cycling.

With 19 teams in the line-up, including 17 Spanish and two international teams from Italy and Switzerland, this year’s regional cycling compe-

tition expands its route from 383 to 426 kilometres. The announcement was at the Plaza de España in Lorca by sports officials and key stakeholders.

Maria Isabel Carrillo, Sports councillor of Mazarron, expressed delight, stating, “Starting the tour this year from Mazarron towards Puerto Lumbreras provides an opportunity to promote tourism and sports, especially cycling, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.”

CARITAS, a charitable organisation, is gearing up to launch a second-hand clothing store, Moda Re-, on Calle Murillo in the heart of the Lorca. It will be the third of its kind in the region, following successful stores in Cartagena and Murcia. The 140-square-metre space will undergo renovations with plans to open

The tour consists of three stages, covering a varied terrain. The first stage, a 116-kilometre route starting from Mazarron to Puerto Lumbreras, includes challenging mountain prizes.

The second stage, a 150 kilometre loop in La Palma, features ascents to the Cresta del Gallo and El Garruchal. The final stage, spanning 160 kilometres in Lorca, concludes with a demanding climb to Lorca castle, hosting the finish line.

IN a response to the warm weather conditions and the processionary caterpillar’s current state, the Murcia Region has decided to kickstart the ‘pine processionary campaign’ 10 days earlier than planned.

Ground operations against the pine processionary caterpillar, the notorious and potentially harmful caterpillar, began on January 30.

These caterpillars pose a threat to both animals and humans, impacting the public use of forested natural spaces by causing severe allergic reactions.

María Cruz Ferreira, the regional secretary of Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Action, emphasised the administration’s awareness of the public con-

Charity couture by late February. The store will offer affordable clothing for men, women, and children, and will aim to eliminate the stigma associated with charity shops.

Caritas also aims to facilitate the employment of individuals at risk of social exclusion through training programs, ensuring better access to job opportunities. The store will have

EWN

9

Pine pest Image: Shutterstock/ Carol La Rosa

STARTING EARLY: Campaign against caterpillar threat.

cern regarding this pest.

Due to the region’s high temperatures, the decision to begin combating the processionary caterpillar earlier was made by the Directorate General of Natural Heritage and Climate

two attendants working in shifts.

The donated clothing undergoes comprehensive processing in a Barcelona facility, and only items that are in perfect condition will be available at Moda Re-. They urge a shift in mindset towards second-hand clothing, highlighting its environmental benefits.

Action.

The campaign aims to intensify efforts in eliminating nests and caterpillars in recreational areas and highly trafficked zones.

Authorities advise caution to those venturing into forests during February and March when the processionary is most active. Particularly sunny, hot, and windy days are considered riskier for the population.

Pet owners are urged to be cautious, as contact with these caterpillars can induce severe allergic reactions and even death in animals.

10 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

NATIONAL SERVICE was mandatory in Britain from 1947 until 1963, and during that time more than two million men were conscripted into the British Army, Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force.

National service is the mandatory legal obligation to serve in the country’s military.

This meant that all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 30 were called up during this time. In Spain, compulsory military service, colloquially known as ‘la mili’ in Spanish, began in the late 18th and 19th centuries and officially ended in December 2001. During the last two decades, military conscription has been abandoned by some European countries in an attempt to shift towards volunteer armies and increase professionalism and specialised training in the defence forces.

However, in 2024, Na-

Credit: Shutterstock/248200348

Mandatory service Sustainable tourism

NATIONAL SERVICE: British soldiers in France 1918.

tional Service or ‘military conscription’ seems to be experiencing a general comeback in Europe. The country of Latvia passed a law in April 2023 calling for the mandatory reintroduction of military conscription after it was abolished in 2007.

An issue that is currently apparent is the overall reduction of the sizes of European armies, which is crucial, especially amid the threat of Russia, which has undoubtedly created a new-found sense of anxie-

ty for the ever present possibility of war.

In France, a law was passed by parliament in 2018 that would require some type of military services for all genders beginning in 2024. Prime Minister Macron stated that he “hoped it would reinvigorate a sense of French civic duty.”

In the new generation of social media and selfies, would a responsibility to one’s country for the young adults of 2024 serve as a form of character building?

HOW will climate change affect a top tourist destination like Spain?

In 2023, Spain emerged as the world’s premier tourist destination, overtaking France for the first time.

Last year, the country welcomed approximately 84 million visitors, with tourist spending surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

However, a recent report on the tourism sector from David Cesar Heymann indicated that climate change is taking its effect on tourist spending.

The CaixaBank report highlights that climate change is already impacting Spain’s tourism sector.

“The main risk in the medium and long term for tourism in Spain is climate change,” Heymann warns.

He explains that a rise of four degrees in summer temperatures could result in a decline in tourism by up to 15 per cent.

Credit: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com

FEELING THE HEAT: Promoting shaded spots is key.

One of the factors behind Spain’s success as a tourist destination is it’s price competitiveness. In 2024 security is also expected to play a significant role.

“Spain has a very high perception of security among international tourists and when there is tension or instability in the Middle East, historically the Spanish tourism sector has benefited,” says Heymann. British and North American tourists are par-

ticularly sensitive to these security situations claims the expert.

So, how should the tourism sector respond to these changes? Investment in night-time leisure and dining options becomes crucial, especially during heatwaves.

In coastal areas, promoting water activities and shaded spots is key, while urban destinations should focus on air-conditioned or well-ventilated activities.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

easyJet sale

EASYJET’S Big Orange Sale has set new records, with an unprecedented demand for flights and package holidays, marking a remarkable start to the year.

During this record-breaking sale, easyJet experienced its busiest booking phase, filling two aeroplanes every minute at peak times.

Flights to Amsterdam, Paris, Alicante, and Malaga emerged as top choices among travellers since the sale’s inception. Greek island Skiathos, Calabria in Italy, and Rovaniemi in Lapland witnessed a significant increase in popularity compared to 2023.

For 2024, Central European spots like Zadar in Croatia and Tivat in Montenegro also gained traction, alongside increased bookings to French cities such as Rennes and La Rochelle. Geneva, Lyon, and Innsbruck are leading the way for ski holidays.

May has been the most popular month for summer flight bookings since the sale’s start, aligning with half-term deals to destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and Faro.

August is shaping up to be the preferred month for package holiday departures. Palma de Mallorca remains the top pick for peak summer flight bookings, and Copenhagen has seen a rise

Credit: nitpicker/Shutterstock.com

EASYJET: Its busiest booking phase.

in popularity, partly due to its proximity to Malmo, the host city for this year’s Eurovision song contest.

Over a third of these bookings were made by families, with a significant 70 per cent opting for four star or five star accommodations.

The all-inclusive option dominated, chosen by over 60 per cent of beach holidaymakers. easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren stated, “With flights and holidays bookings taking off during this traditionally busy booking period as well as strong booking momentum for summer 2024, we continue to see that the value and importance of holidays for our customers.”

1 - 7 February 2024

EWN 11

World’s costliest drug

LIBMELDY, the world’s most expensive drug which costs €2.8 million, will be available in Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Health services in the three countries have approved the groundbreaking gene therapy Atidarsagene autotemcel - sold as Libmeldy - Ireland’s Health minister Stephen Donnelly announced.

With a price tag of €2.8 million per one-off dose, the drug developed by Orchard Therapeutics treats metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare and life-threatening inherited disease that affects the metabolic system in children.

Libmeldy took 20 years to develop, with a 10-year interval between the first human trials and approval from the European Medicines Agency which arrived in 2020.

Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands have now negotiated a lower pri-

Photo credit: Pixabay/Myriams-Fotos

LIBMELDY: The world’s most expensive drug available in Ireland, Belgiium and the Netherlands.

ce through the Beneluxa initiative, which includes Luxembourg and Austria and was created to access medicines by talking directly to pharmaceutical companies.

The Beneluxa talks started in December 2022 but ended after initially failing to reach agreement with the manufacturer.

The final cost has not been disclosed but estimates vary from a reduction of between 25 and

65 per cent in some cases, according to Irish broadcaster RTE. Three children in Ireland are due to be treated over a five-year period and will travel to Spain for the procedure, which would originally have cost around €10 million, RTE said.

“The drug will make a significant positive impact on the lives of the children with the condition,” Donnelly said.

12 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

FRENCH FARMERS: Close access roads.

ched 1,240,000 tons, valued at €1.6 billion.

Disruptions caused by French farmers’ protests in Le Boulou, France, led to significant traffic challenges. On Friday, January 26, the AP-7 was closed near La Jonquera in Girona, as reported by the Mossos d’Esquadra The Spanish government, while condemning the violent actions, respects the right to peaceful protest and free expression. However, the government ‘fully respects the right to demonstrate and freely express one’s opinion,’ but as long as it is done ‘peacefully, not with violent means or coercion.’

Credit: bbernard/Shutterstock.com

A TOURIST’S lavish night out in which he treated people to rounds of drinks to the value of €8,000 has ended in him being arrested by police.

A 66-year-old Icelandic man, who indulged in a wild spending spree, but then claimed he didn’t have the money to pay has been caught out in Tenerife.

The incident happened on a busy night in the south of Tenerife, when the tourist reported being violently robbed.

He claimed that the assailants made fraudulent transactions amounting to €8,000 using his stolen credit card.

This report was made to the National Police which sparked an investigation into the alleged crime.

The police, delving into the case, traced the transactions to a nightclub venue in Tenerife’s vibrant southern region. However, upon further investigation, a different story was revealed.

CHEERS: The man generously treated fellow patrons.

Eyewitness accounts and transaction records showed that the man had spent several hours at the venue. He indulged in numerous drinks and generously offered rounds to fellow patrons. Remarkably the spending spree exactly matched the amount he later reported as stolen.

The police, armed with compelling evidence, confronted the tourist at his hotel. They arrested him for falsifying a crime report.

It is important to note that pretending to be a victim or perpetrator of a crime, or reporting a non-existent crime, is a legal offence. In such cases, the law stipulates a fine ranging from six to 12 months.

This peculiar case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit. It highlights the diligence of the National Police in uncovering the truth, ensuring justice prevails.

Clampdown on scooters A NEW era has begun for electric scooter enthusiasts. But what exactly does this mean for the future of urban mobility?

As from January 22, electric scooters sold in Spain must possess a certification to legally operate on the streets.

This move by the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) aims to uphold minimum safety and quality standards. Notably, scooters sold before this date can still be used without certification until January 22, 2027.

What does it take for a scooter to be certified?

First and foremost, they must have a speed indicator and two independent brakes.

These scooters, defined as Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), are single-seat, wheel-based transports powered solely by electric motors.

Their maximum speed

Credit: tovsla/Shutterstock.com

THE protests by French farmers are having a major impact on the lives of Spanish citizens with access roads being closed and even Spanish transporters now being targeted.

The Spanish government has publicly denounced the recent vandalism targeting Spanish lorries in France, amidst agricultural protests disrupting road traffic and hindering the transportation of goods.

Reportedly, Spanish authorities are closely monitoring the escalating situation in France, and spoke out against the damage inflicted upon their lorries

by French farmers. These incidents, involving products like fruit, vegetables, and wine, were described by government sources as ‘absolutely unacceptable’.

The Spanish Executive is maintaining an ongoing dialogue with French officials, ensuring a steady flow of information for addressing potential issues.

January marks a peak in Spanish exports, with France being not only a key market but also a gateway to other European destinations.

The volume of fresh fruits and vegetables exported in January 2023 rea-

Credit: prochasson frederic/Shutterstock.com

Tensions rise

‘Generous’ tourist arrested

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS: Speed control is now crucial.

is capped between six and 25 km/h. If the scooter is fitted with a seat or saddle, it must also have a self-balancing system.

Speed control is crucial. The scooter’s motor will cease to propel the vehicle once it reaches 25 km/h. Additionally, an anti-tampering system is mandatory, preventing any modifications to increase speed.

Visibility and safety are enhanced with required indicators for speed and battery level. Reflectors are a must: white at the

front, white or auto-yellow on the sides, and red at the rear. The brake light should be distinct or combined with the rear light.

Furthermore, there is a stipulation for minimum wheel diameter, and tyres which must have tread for better traction.

Scooters are not permitted on crossroads, interurban roads, highways, or through urban tunnels. pavement usage in cities is also prohibited. As recognised vehicles, their drivers must adhere to all traffic regulations.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

EWN 13

Photo credit: Normandy Victory Museum Linda Hall RANDY BUELENS wants 99-year-old Chester P Sloan, a D-Day veteran nicknamed Buck, to return to Normandy on June 6.

Buck, 20 at the time, was posted to Normandy a few weeks after the initial landings and sent to Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, part of the Second Infantry Division known as the Indian Head Division.

As a gunner he took part in the fierce battles to liberate Brest and after fighting in Brittany was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge waged in the densely-forested ArD-DAY VETERAN: Chester P Sloan, nicknamed Buck on dennes region between Belgium an earlier visit to Normandy. and Luxembourg.

“I met Buck for the first time five so many years later. It is and always will be years ago, during the Battle of the Bulge a big part of his life,” Randy said. anniversary,” Randy (26) told Vlaamse Ra“Unfortunately, Buck cannot afford the dio and Television (VRT). trip but now is really the time to honour “He was the first veteran I met and that veterans like him. They are all in their late was really an overwhelming experience,” 90s or early 100s and in a few years, there he added. will be no more veterans.”

“I sent Buck a letter afterwards to thank Randy hopes to raise €4,000 via crowhim and he invited me to Houston,” Randy dfunding, and at last count had reached said, explaining that he has now visited €3,785.

Buck three times.

“That money will mainly pay for his Buck celebrates his 100th birthday on plane tickets and stay in Normandy. This June 1 and Randy hopes he can visit Euro- time, his wife Shirley will join him, which pe to attend the 80th D-Day anniversary. means that a decent sum is needed,” he “It is still hugely important to him, even said.

SPAIN’S allure has once again reached pre-pandemic levels, drawing over 84 million visitors in 2023, a statistic that highlights its status as a much sought-after tourist destination.

For many years, Spain has become an irresistible holiday spot for the British. But, it’s not just about sun, sea and sand, a recent study has revealed the UK’s top favourite cities in Spain Part of the attraction is of course the Spanish climate. The culture of living outdoors, with bustling bars and restaurants is reportedly one of the biggest draws.

Additionally, Spain’s affordability, combined with excellent travel connections, makes it a preferred destination for those seeking a cost-effective holiday.

According to Spanish

Credit: Marques/Shutterstock.com

Unsentimental journey Brits still love Spain

CULTURAL HERITAGE: Torre del Oro of Sevilla, Andalucia.

media, certain cities have a special place in the hearts of British tourists.

• Barcelona, renowned for its sunny disposition and cultural vibrancy comes top of the list.

• Valencia, known for its year-round seaside paella, is the second favourite • Madrid, the heart of authentic Spanish tapas and pinchos, ranks third.

The city’s charm lies in its ability to offer long, sunny walks and a vibrant street life, away from overwhelming crowds.

• San Sebastian is next, with its culinary excellence and scenic location make it a year-round destination for food enthusiasts.

• Sevilla, described as, a city with a tangible cultural heritage stands out as a non-traditional choice for the British.

Far from the stereotypes of sun, sea, or party-style drunken tourism, they cater to visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Spain’s varied gastronomic and cultural experiences.

14 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

IRELAND Toy story AN investigation into broadcaster RTE’s Toy Show The Musical found there was no record that the RTE Board ever gave its approval for the musical at Dublin’s Convention Centre in December 2022. Expert advice was allegedly ignored and the project accumulated €2.2 million in losses after a shortfall in ticket sales.

Free trees TRINITY COLLEGE, Dublin, gave away more than 100 birch seedlings that sprang up during 2023’s No Mow May initiative to provide wildflowers for pollinators. As the seedlings grew, the lawns were left unmown until the following September, after which they were potted and cared for by the university’s gardeners.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS NORWAY Here to stay KING HARALD once more stressed that unlike Queen Margarethe of Denmark, he had no plans to abdicate in favour of his son and heir, Prince Haakon. King Harald, who will be 87 on February 21 said that he swore an oath to parliament when he came to the throne 33 years ago “and it is for life,” he added.

KING HARALD: Norway’s king has no intention of abdicating.

ITALY

GERMANY Joint plan HEALTH minister Karl Lauterbach expects the Bundestag national parliament to pass the Cannabis Act legalising marihuana in February. The new legislation could come into force by April, despite opposition from some regions, including Bavaria, and even members of Lauterbach’s own Social Democrats party.

Keep clear

Photo credit: CC/Samediggi-Sametinget

FRANCE

ANTI-ABORTION activists could soon face fines of up to €5,000 for demonstrating or approaching the public within a 100-metre radius of family planning centres or clinics where terminations are performed. Once a draft law goes through, they are also prevented from displaying intimidating posters or handing out leaflets.

DENMARK

Work permits

Not so hot

All the same

Old words

SWEDEN’S Migration Agency issued 102,139 new resident permits in 2023, a 28 per cent reduction on the 143,179 granted in 2022.

These included 36,000 work permits which, again, were down on the previous year’s 41,396, with the majority issued to berry pickers, IT architects, system developers and test leaders.

THE famous calendar featuring ‘hot’ young priests on sale in Rome’s newspaper kiosks and souvenir shops is an annual bestseller, although the photographer responsible for the photos admitted that few are actually priests.

“But the intention was to give a profile to priests as a symbol of Rome,” he told Il Post newspaper.

THE French government intends to “erase inequality and create conditions for respect” by introducing uniforms in all state school pupils, beginning with a trial period for 100 chosen centres. According to the national media, the authorities have settled on a white or grey polo shirt, a blue jersey and grey trousers.

RUNES were the alphabet of Denmark’s earliest written language and archaeologists believe they have located the oldest inscription yet discovered in Odense on the island of Funen. Etched 2,000 years ago on an eight-centimetre knife found in a grave there, the five characters spell out ‘hirila’, meaning ‘little sword’.

Hack attack

Foraging mishap

Breathe easy

Careful move

ALONG with other public authorities, the Swedish parliament was affected by a ransomware hit on IT supplier Tietoevry’s data centre by the Russian group Akira between January 20 and 21. This involved Primula, a human resources system that is used by 120 public bodies including the parliament offices.

BRITON Steven Harper (38), who had planned to cycle from Dundee to India, plummeted to his death from a cliff in Ventimiglia, presumably on becoming delirious after eating foraged wild mushrooms. Helicoptered to hospital after he was seen falling, the father of two died of injuries caused by the fall.

ANALYSES carried out for the regional transport system found ‘high particle pollution’ at the Belleville, Oberkampf and Jaures metro stations in Paris.

Environmentalists had already attributed the high air pollution in some parts of the metro system to the trains’ mechanical brakes applied each time they came to a stop.

DENMARK will grant more work permits for immigrants who work in the social care sector, after MPs and the government reached agreement on increasing the country’s Positive List scheme for ‘desired professions’.

This will now enable 1,000 foreign applicants to enter the country to work in the care sector.

BELGIUM

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

PORTUGAL

Pay up

Eco-friendly

Less aid

Name sakes

BELGIUM’S expatriate tax scheme, introduced in 1983 for residents who were hired from abroad, came to an end in January 2024.

Only residents who earn more than an annual €75,000 gross or are engaged in scientific, industrial, technological or academic research are now eligible for the scheme.

A SURVEY by two labour economists found that an increasing number of residents would prefer to work for a climate-conscious company rather than a firm without sustainability goals. Some said that they would be willing to take a ‘considerable’ cut in their wages in order to work for a sustainable employer.

FINLAND’S Foreign Trade and Development ministry confirmed that the government is cutting foreign aid, multilateral co-operation, humanitarian assistance, development loans and investments by more than a billion euros.

This includes discontinuing the Afghanistan, Kenya, Mozambique and Myanmar programmes.

PORTUGAL’S Statistics Institute (INE) revealed that the country’s four most-encountered names were Maria for females and Francisco, Tiago and Duarte (a variation on Eduardo) for males. Most common surnames were found to be Silva, Nunes, Santos and Ferreira, the same source announced.

Extra mile FOOD packaging in Flanders will include information about animal production standards, identifying products from companies that follow ethical procedures when raising animals. “The public can now see which producers go the extra mile for animal welfare and which do not,” Flanders’ Animal Welfare ministry said.

Not wanted A TOTAL of 1,040 British residents had to leave the Schengen area as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland in 2023.

The Netherlands was responsible for 275 expulsions, more than any other nation, after Brits overstayed, had residence and work permits rejected or, in some cases, committed serious crimes.

Northern lights THE forecasting service introduced 20 years ago to inform the public when they are most likely to see the aurora borealis uses fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field to predict the chances of aurora appearances. This has now has been ‘significantly upgraded’ to enhance accuracy, Finland’s meteorological service said.

Fado feature THE Poor Things film soundtrack composed by British pop musician Jerskin Fendrix has been nominated for Best Original Score in the upcoming Oscars to be held next month.

This includes a Fado performed by Carminho who has a role in the film, singing and playing the guitar in an imaginary Lisbon.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

Irish Oscars

THE 2024 Oscar nominations were recently announced with one of Ireland’s finest in the front-running for best actor.

On Tuesday, January 23, in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Cillian Murphy was nominated.

The announcement was made by Deadpool star Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid, one of Murphy’s co-stars from the movie Oppenheimer, as the announcers.

The former Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, originally from Cork, is vying for the coveted Best Actor award for his stellar performance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

This film not only won critical acclaim, but also dominated the box office last summer. Murphy’s portrayal faces tough competition from Paul Giamatti of The Holdovers, a recent Golden Globe winner, as well as Bradley Cooper in Maestro, Colman Domingo of Rustin, and Jeffrey Wright in American Fiction.

However, the intense competition in the Best Actor category meant that Andrew Scott - All Of Us Strangers and Barry Keoghan - Saltburn, both miss out, despite their highly-acclaimed performances.

Similarly, Paul Mescal was overlooked for his performance in All Of Us Strangers, missing out on a Best Supporting Actor no-

Credit: Maximilian Buhn/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

OPPENHEIMER: Actor Cillian Murphy.

mination after his previous year’s nod for Aftersun.

There’s more good news for Irish cinema. Element Pictures’ Poor Things garnered 11 nominations.

Dublin-born Robbie Ryan also earned his second Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography for his work on the Emma Stone-led dark comedy.

They all aim to follow in the footsteps of Everything Everywhere All at Once, last year’s winner.

The 96th Academy Awards will be hosted for the fourth time by US talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel, and will be broadcast on March 10, promising a night of celebration and suspense for the film industry.

A RECENT shift in European legislation has brought significant changes to private sellers using online platforms.

As of January 1, 2024, platforms for buying and selling second-hand items, like Wallapop, Vinted, and eBay, are required to report to the tax authorities if users exceed certain sales thresholds.

This regulation will influence the 2025 tax returns, not the 2023 returns filed in 2024. As a result, sales made throughout 2023 will not be considered as capital gains in the upcoming tax declaration.

The types of activities that platforms need to report include property leasing, personal services, goods sales, and transportation leasing. Platforms will collect and send details such as bank data, quarterly income, number of sales, and any collected fees or taxes.

Credit: JHVEPhoto/shutterstock.com

Selling second-hand

EBAY: Now required to report users to the tax authorities.

The new regulations will not impact all users. Only those residing in the European Union, earning more than €2,000 throughout the year, or making 30 or more sales will be subject to this reporting.

The requirement to report does not alter how these transactions are taxed. The tax is applicable only if there’s a capital gain, calculated as the difference between the buying and selling price.

For instance, if you buy

a car for €2,000 and sell it for €2,800. These profits are taxed within the savings income at rates from 19 to 28 per cent. If no profit is made, no tax is due, but these cannot be declared as capital losses either.

This means most users of these platforms are unlikely to owe taxes under the current rules. However, exceeding 30 transactions or earning over €2,000 will require users to provide tax data to the platform.

EWN 15

FINANCE BUSINESS EXTRA Fizz sells

CHAPEL DOWN, which produces English sparkling wine in Kent, announced sales of £15 million (€17.5 million) in 2023, a 14 per cent increase as the company nabbed part of Champagne’s market share. Turnover had also been assisted by a 12 per cent increase in prices, chief executive Andrew Carter said.

Car sales

THE Spanish government received €724 million from vehicle registration tax in 2023. This was more than at any time since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, and also the highest figure since the record sum of €1.08 billion charged during the pre-crisis boom year of 2008, tax authority Hacienda’s record showed.

Boohoo move

AFTER occupying the post for two years, Boohoo’s chief financial officer Shaun McCabe resigned ‘with immediate effect’ by mutual agreement on January 23. His role in the company, which owns Karen Millen, PrettyLittleThing and Dorothy Perkins. will be taken over by former Betfair and Zoopla executive Stephen Morana.

Long story short

SPAIN’S National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) is examining documents provided by pharmaceuticals company Grifols, accused of misrepresenting its debts and financial position by short sellers Gotham City Research.

Milk run

WINCANTON, a haulage company founded in 1925 to transport milk, agreed a £765 million (€894.4 million) takeover by a subsidiary of CMA CGA, the French shipping and logistics company. This is owned by billionaire Rodolphe Saade and his family, whose combined wealth is estimated at $9.8 billion (€9.05 billion).

16

euroweeklynews.com • 1 - 7 February 2024

STAT OF WEEK

€30.3 billion

was paid out in dividends to shareholders in companies quoted on Spain’s Ibex 35 index in 2023, the highest figure since 2019 and 16.6 per cent up on 2022.

Never on Saturday

Linda Hall ROYAL MAIL could save £650 million (€760.8 million) annually by delivering letters three days each week.

Eliminating now-obligatory Saturday deliveries and distributing letters five times a week would save between £100 million (€117.1 million) and £200 million (€234.2 million), Ofcom, the UK’s Communications regulator, said.

Future changes could include first and second-class deliveries taking up to three days or longer, with a next-day service for urgent letters.

Calculating that the universal service obligation

Photo credit: CC/kitmasterbloke

ROYAL MAIL: Saturday deliveries could be phased out.

(USO) costs Royal Mail between £325 million (€380.4 million) and £675 million (€790.1 million), Ofcom also suggested maintaining Saturday deliveries while supporting the company with a state subsidy or a levy on other industry operators.

CRYPTOCURRENCY is joining forces with sport through crypto fan tokens.

These allow football fans to invest in their club while giving them a say in management decisions as well as access to some exclusives.

But do they make a profit on their investment?

Crypto tax experts CoinLedger analysed the actions of fan tokens in 2023. Using this data they calculated how much a $100 (€91.80) fan token investment made on January 1, 2023 would be worth 12 months later.

“For context, Bitcoin had a 155.18

Ofcom’s chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes stressed that postal workers were “critical” to Britain’s communities.

“But we’re sending half as many letters as we did in 2011 and receiving many more parcels,” she said.

Dawes added that the USO, which has not changed since then, was out of date and would become financially and operationally unsustainable unless action was taken.

An Ofcom survey found that reliable letter deliveries was important for 88 per cent of respondents while Saturday deliveries were still important for 58 per cent, compared with 63 per cent in 2020.

Meanwhile, Postal Affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake told a Radio Times interviewer that Britain’s PM, Rishi Sunak was “very clear” that a six-day delivery was important for people and businesses.

Highs and lows Photo credit: CC/Beric Dondarrion

BOLOGNA FC: Italian team gave best return on fan tokens.

per cent increase in 2023 so $100 invested in Bitcoin on January 1, 2023, was worth $255.17 (€234.23) on January 1, 2024,” CoinLedger explained.

Football apart, the experts found that Bologna FC gave the best return.

Bologna is one of Italy’s few sides with fan tokens, which in January 2023 cost $0.24 (€0.22) each.

A $100 outlay would now be worth $273.48 (€251.10) an increase of 173.48 per cent while outperforming Bitcoin by 18.3 per cent in 2023.

Barcelona FC, however, languished three from the bottom on CoinLedger’s list, as its $3.49 (€3.20) fan tokens fell to $2.29 (€2.10), with the initial $100 now worth (€60.18).

Hypocritical Thriving regions Vegan rescue

TATA, confirmed on January 19 that it would close Port Talbot’s two blast furnaces, resulting in 2,800 job losses. Citing the need to reduce carbon emissions, the steelworks’ India-based owners said the furnaces would be replaced with an electric arc furnace, prompting accusations of “gross hypocrisy” from the unions. According to reports in the Guardian, they said this environmental excuse was contradicted

by Tata’s plans for a giant blast furnace at its Kalinganagar industrial centre in eastern India.

The workers and the unions also criticised the UK government, which they said should have offered more financial incentives to persuade Tata to support domestic steel production.

SPAIN’S northern regions are expected to drive the increase in 2024’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Goods manufacturing will continue to be the economy’s principal energiser,” BBVA Research’s latest Regional Analysis predicted, with Cantabria and Navarra leading the country’s growth rate. A slowdown in exports, coupled with still-high energy prices and increased interest rates had combined to produce a generalised cutback in regional forecasts, BBVA Research said. The Basque Region, Aragon, Galicia, Castilla y Leo, Cantabria and Navarra economies were expected to grow by just over 2 per cent in 2024 compared with Spain’s national average of 1.5 per cent, three-10ths less than last autumn’s estimates. BBVA Research foresaw more economic brio in 2025 with growth averaging 2.5 per cent thanks to increased domestic and European demand, as well as tourism.

HEATHER MILLS has saved her VBites company from collapse.

A £1 million (€1.17 million) deal brought the business out of administration after escalating overheads and competition from cheaper vegan rivals had left Mills with losses of £3.1 million (€3.6 million). She complained at the time that she received only three days’ notice of the administration notice.

Although the rescue covers Mills’ assets and factories in County Durham and Northamptonshire, 64 VBites employees were made redundant, although Beatle Paul McCartney’s ex-wife has pledged to reinstate them.

Big names ONE of the newly-created Hyperion Fund FCR’s partners has been revealed as Pablo Casado, president of the Partido Popular party until April 2022.

The venture capital fund will focus on aerospace, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and dual-use defence items, excluding arms and lethal material, which also have civilian applications.

“This growth equity fund aims to raise €150 million and invest in emerging European technological companies, paying particular attention to small and medium Spanish companies while supporting their growth,” Hyperion said.

Ricardo Gomez-Acebo Botin, nephew of Santander chair Ana Botin, was named as another of the fund’s five partners.

Offer almost accepted TELEFONICA’S holding in its Germany subsidiary increased from 71.81 per cent to 93.10 per cent.

The €1.48 billion cash operation was carried out by Telefonica’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Telefonica Local Services. The offer announced in November 2023 was accepted by 7.86 per cent of Telefónica Deutschland’s shareholders although Telefonica had also acquired approximately 13.43 per cent of the German subsidiary’s share capital and voting rights. This included the settlement of financial instruments that gave the Spanish multinational the right to acquire approximately 1.32 per cent of Telefonica Deutschland’s share capital.

Paper woes BRITAIN’s government should intensify the investigation into the Telegraph takeover, former Health minister Neil O’Brien said. RedBird IMI, the Abu Dhabi-backed investment fund mainly financed

by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s vice-president and Manchester City FC owner, is settling the Telegraph owners’ £1.6 billion debt with Lloyds Bank.

Once the operation was completed, RedBird maintained it would convert the loan to take possession of the publication and it could still decide its ownership even if the bid were blocked.

18 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 29 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.432,00.............+21,00........... +0,87%...........1,42M Admiral Group.............................2.503,0............... -14,0.............-0,56%........... 17,14K Airtel Africa................................. 123,50................ -1,90.............-1,51%........... 98,50K Anglo American...........................1.875,8............... -12,4.............-0,66%.......... 173,70K Antofagasta................................1.697,00.............. -3,00.............-0,18%........... 32,51K Ashtead Group............................5.234,0............... -10,0.............-0,19%........... 25,13K Associated British Foods.............2.382,4................ -1,6..............-0,07%........... 30,22K AstraZeneca...............................10.602,0..............+56,0............ +0,53%.......... 43,71K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 739,60................ -2,20.............-0,30%.......... 146,53K Aviva........................................... 436,99................ -0,61.............-0,14%.......... 128,51K B&M European Value Retail SA... 537,80................ -0,40.............-0,07%........... 95,95K BAE Systems..............................1.191,50.............+23,50........... +2,01%......... 278,32K Barclays...................................... 149,74................+0,50............ +0,34%...........1,69M Barratt Developments................. 537,60................ -5,40.............-0,99%.......... 105,10K Beazley........................................ 543,50................ -1,50.............-0,28%........... 38,83K Berkeley......................................4.813,0............... -52,0.............-1,07%............ 4,44K BP............................................... 469,70................+8,00............ +1,73%...........2,79M British American Tobacco...........2.373,0...............+40,0............ +1,72%......... 375,83K BT Group.................................... 115,20................ -1,00.............-0,86%.......... 756,32K Bunzl...........................................3.177,0................ -7,0..............-0,22%........... 18,03K Burberry Group...........................1.334,5................ -7,0..............-0,52%........... 57,32K Centrica....................................... 137,22................ -0,43.............-0,31%.......... 725,24K Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.345,0................+3,0............. +0,13%.......... 13,72K Compass....................................2.161,00.............+14,00........... +0,65%.......... 93,92K ConvaTec Group......................... 238,60................ -1,80.............-0,75%........... 57,88K Croda Intl....................................4.697,0............... -59,0.............-1,24%........... 13,04K DCC.............................................5.716,0............... -44,0.............-0,76%............ 4,84K Diageo.........................................2.865,0...............+16,0............ +0,56%......... 241,32K Diploma.....................................3.306,00............. -28,00............-0,84%........... 10,34K DS Smith.................................... 288,10................ -3,20.............-1,10%.......... 135,49K Endeavour Mining......................1.434,00..............+8,00............ +0,56%.......... 14,81K Entain.......................................... 956,80............... -10,40............-1,08%........... 82,07K Experian......................................3.266,0................+8,0............. +0,25%.......... 47,27K F&C Invest.................................. 966,00................ -1,00.............-0,10%........... 55,54K Flutter Entertainment..................16.265,0.............. -60,0.............-0,37%............ 9,21K Frasers........................................ 808,50................+2,50............ +0,31%.......... 68,77K Fresnillo...................................... 510,00...............+11,20........... +2,25%.......... 50,34K Glencore...................................... 419,90................ -2,80.............-0,66%.......... 786,58K GSK plc......................................1.550,60.............+13,60........... +0,89%......... 162,34K HALEON...................................... 320,60................+2,80............ +0,88%......... 755,20K Halma..........................................2.163,0............... -32,0.............-1,46%........... 23,58K Hikma Pharma...........................1.904,00..............+4,00............ +0,21%........... 6,67K Howden Joinery.......................... 808,00................ -4,60.............-0,57%........... 18,38K HSBC.......................................... 621,23................+4,33............ +0,70%...........1,26M IAG.............................................. 151,85................ -2,20.............-1,43%............1,01M IMI PLC......................................1.679,00..............+9,00............ +0,54%.......... 32,97K Imperial Brands..........................1.947,32.............+13,32........... +0,69%......... 137,85K Informa....................................... 774,00................+2,60............ +0,34%.......... 70,09K InterContinental..........................7.484,0................+2,0............. +0,03%.......... 15,14K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intermediate Capital...................1.789,00............. -26,00............-1,43%........... 61,69K Intertek........................................4.506,0...............+48,0............ +1,08%.......... 11,35K J Sainsbury................................. 274,30................ -1,70.............-0,62%.......... 170,23K JD Sports Fashion....................... 117,60................ -0,20.............-0,17%.......... 277,22K Kingfisher.................................... 220,50................ -4,60.............-2,04%.......... 275,78K Land Securities........................... 659,80................ -0,60.............-0,09%........... 44,89K Legal & General.......................... 254,74................ -0,76.............-0,30%.......... 654,80K Lloyds Banking............................ 42,14.................+0,04............ +0,10%...........5,92M London Stock Exchange..............9.044,0............... -26,0.............-0,29%........... 48,73K M&G........................................... 226,50................ -0,30.............-0,13%.......... 202,82K Marks & Spencer........................ 255,86................ -0,04.............-0,02%.......... 273,54K Melrose Industries...................... 585,48................+4,08............ +0,70%......... 123,98K Mondi.........................................1.459,00............. -32,55............-2,18%........... 55,40K National Grid..............................1.056,00.............+12,50........... +1,20%......... 308,72K NatWest Group........................... 223,80................ -0,20.............-0,09%............1,46M Next............................................8.488,0............... -20,0.............-0,23%............ 2,79K Ocado.......................................... 563,39............... -12,41............-2,16%........... 80,41K Pearson....................................... 973,20................+7,20............ +0,74%.......... 50,52K Pershing Square........................3.700,00.............+22,00........... +0,60%.......... 14,80K Phoenix....................................... 518,56................ -3,24.............-0,62%.......... 110,33K Prudential.................................... 846,00............... -12,20............-1,42%.......... 281,97K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.648,0............... -10,0.............-0,18%........... 42,49K Relx............................................3.289,00.............+13,00........... +0,40%......... 137,33K Rentokil....................................... 401,20................ -2,80.............-0,69%.......... 389,32K Rightmove.................................. 558,60................ -4,80.............-0,85%........... 39,61K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.565,0...............+16,0............ +0,29%.......... 97,73K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 303,70................ -1,70.............-0,56%............1,08M RS PLC....................................... 765,00................ -2,40.............-0,31%........... 24,19K Sage...........................................1.172,75.............. -5,75.............-0,49%.......... 136,32K Schroders.................................... 407,3................. -17,8.............-4,19%.......... 248,22K Scottish Mortgage....................... 777,00................ -4,40.............-0,56%.......... 121,23K Segro.......................................... 860,60................ -4,60.............-0,53%........... 58,91K Severn Trent...............................2.553,0................ -5,0..............-0,20%............ 9,42K Shell............................................2.469,0...............+39,5............ +1,63%......... 585,72K Smith & Nephew........................1.093,55............. -11,45............-1,04%........... 55,73K Smiths Group.............................1.651,00.............. -5,50.............-0,33%........... 10,64K Smurfit Kappa.............................3.054,0............... -46,0.............-1,48%........... 48,55K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.916,0............... -54,0.............-0,54%............ 3,82K SSE............................................1.677,50............. -20,50............-1,21%.......... 323,99K St. James’s Place........................ 659,00............... -11,80............-1,76%........... 73,64K Standard Chartered..................... 609,00................+3,00............ +0,49%......... 132,07K Taylor Wimpey............................ 145,45................ -0,85.............-0,58%.......... 352,09K Tesco.......................................... 294,60................+1,10............ +0,38%......... 722,18K Unilever.......................................3.828,5................+5,0............. +0,13%......... 154,90K Unite..........................................1.002,00.............. -7,00.............-0,69%........... 17,83K United Utilities............................1.056,00.............. -1,50.............-0,14%........... 36,68K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 70,550............... -0,210............-0,30%............3,78M Weir Group................................1.812,82.............. -4,18.............-0,23%.......... 194,05K Whitbread...................................3.630,0............... -16,0.............-0,44%........... 15,78K WPP............................................ 770,00................+1,40............ +0,18%......... 101,04K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85295

1.17273

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0836 Japan yen (JPY)...................................160.27 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9329 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4536 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.278 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 29 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3M............................................... 96,00.................+0,02............ +0,02%...........3,63M American Express....................... 201,41...............+13,34........... +7,09%..........12,22M Amgen........................................ 311,77................+1,51............ +0,49%...........1,96M Apple........................................... 192,42................ -1,75.............-0,90%...........41,89M Boeing......................................... 205,50................+3,62............ +1,79%...........9,80M Caterpillar.................................... 299,41................ -1,36.............-0,45%............2,36M Chevron...................................... 149,15................+0,58............ +0,39%...........7,50M Cisco............................................ 52,14................. -0,19.............-0,36%...........12,58M Coca-Cola..................................... 59,37.................+0,21............ +0,36%..........12,16M Dow............................................. 54,06................. -0,88.............-1,60%............5,11M Goldman Sachs........................... 377,88................ -4,82.............-1,26%............3,38M Home Depot................................ 355,30................+4,33............ +1,23%...........2,95M Honeywell................................... 201,80................ -0,76.............-0,38%............1,74M IBM............................................. 187,36................ -3,07.............-1,61%............9,32M Intel.............................................. 43,65................. -5,90............-11,91%.........126,74M J&J............................................. 159,51................ -0,05.............-0,03%............4,35M JPMorgan................................... 172,28................ -0,66.............-0,38%............7,14M McDonald’s................................. 292,30................ -4,91.............-1,65%............3,98M Merck&Co................................... 120,81................+0,68............ +0,57%...........7,37M Microsoft.................................... 403,93................ -0,94.............-0,23%...........16,33M Nike............................................. 102,73................+1,96............ +1,95%...........8,63M Procter&Gamble......................... 156,15................+0,53............ +0,34%...........6,85M Salesforce Inc............................. 279,96................+0,93............ +0,33%...........4,73M The Travelers.............................. 211,45................ -0,07.............-0,03%.......... 921,82K UnitedHealth............................... 503,13................+9,73............ +1,97%...........6,10M Verizon......................................... 42,40.................+0,11............ +0,25%..........19,33M Visa A.......................................... 267,90................ -4,71.............-1,73%............8,36M Walgreens Boots.......................... 22,85................. -0,26.............-1,13%...........10,06M Walmart...................................... 164,29................+1,45............ +0,89%...........3,68M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 29 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced AppFolio, Inc....................................................+28.26%.........................1.859M Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd..............................+17.10%........................ 409,729 Lonza Group AG...............................................+14.04%........................ 788,176 Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation........+13.58%..........................2.37M Rémy Cointreau SA..........................................+13.37%........................ 163,990 Fanuc Corporation............................................+10.20%......................... 15,083 Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc..........................+9.71%.........................87.559M SGS SA.............................................................+9.02%.......................... 53,559 Freedom Holding Corp......................................+8.40%......................... 409,501 Glacier Bancorp, Inc..........................................+8.35%..........................1.595M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Hub Group, Inc................................................ -50.48%........................ 266,180 WuXi Biologics (Cayman) Inc.......................... -16.20%........................ 559,124 Intel Corporation.............................................. -11.91%.......................127.665M ZKH Group Limited........................................... -9.93%.......................... 66,872 Lenovo Group Limited...................................... -8.53%.......................... 74,559 Chart Industries, Inc......................................... -7.54%..........................1.807M Fair Isaac Corporation....................................... -6.85%......................... 407,235 KLA Corporation............................................... -6.60%..........................2.195M Lattice Semiconductor Corporation.................. -6.52%..........................4.218M RWE Aktiengesellschaft.................................... -5.86%......................... 129,769 CG Oncology, Inc.............................................. -5.76%..........................1.719M M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com ASK THE EXPERT PETER LOVEDAY Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com Contact me at

Euro EUR/GBP: Down from £0.86 to £0.85 EUR/USD: Down from $1.10 to $1.08 The euro got off to a poor start in 2024 as some disappointing data raised concerns over the Eurozone’s economic trajectory.

The euro’s negative correlation with the US dollar also acted as a headwind for the single currency in recent weeks, amid a revival in demand for the safe-haven ‘greenback’.

Hawkish commentary from the European Central Bank (ECB) helped to temper the downside in EUR exchange rates throughout the month, as officials continued to push back against interest rate cut expectations.

However, the euro still ticked lower again after the ECB’s first interest rate decision of the year, as President Christine Lagarde wasn’t perhaps as forceful in dispelling rate cut bets as EUR

1 - 7 February 2024

EWN 19

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: EURO TUMBLES ON LACKLUSTRE DATA, US DOLLAR BOLSTERED BY GLOOMY MOOD investors had hoped.

Looking ahead to February, the euro may remain on the defensive if Eurozone economic data continues to disappoint.

Pound GBP/EUR: Up from €1.15 to €1.16 GBP/USD: Unchanged at $1.27 The pound trended broadly higher over the past month, but its ascent did not come without hurdles.

This came as a result of some uneven UK data. While Sterling was supported by stronger-than-expected service sector growth and a surprise acceleration in inflation, it also faced headwinds as underwhelming GDP and retail sales figures stoked UK recession fears.

GBP exchange rates were also influenced by Bank of England (BoE) rate cut speculation. Bets that the BoE could begin loosening monetary policy as soon as

EURO: Got off to a poor start in 2024 with some disappointing data.

April infused some volatility into the Pound in the latter half of the month.

Looking ahead, the start of February will see the BoE deliver its first interest rate decision of 2024. No policy changes are expected next month, but the BoE’s forward guidance could provide a boost to the pound if it seeks to quell rate cut speculation.

US Dollar USD/GBP: Unchanged at $0.78 USD/EUR: Up from €0.90 to €0.91 The US dollar found its footing again in January, helping the currency to claw back a good portion of its losses from December.

This recovery in ‘greenback’ has been driven primarily by risk-off flows as growing tensions in the Middle East and

concerns over China’s economy have stoked demand for the safe-haven currency.

USD exchange rates have also been supported by a repricing of Federal Reserve rate cut bets. With the odds for a March rate cut having fallen from over 70% to around 50%. This comes in response to some stronger-than-expected US economic releases.

The immediate focus for USD investors will be the Fed’s impending interest rate decision.

Will the US central bank lean into expectations for a March rate hike? Or will the Fed adopt a more hawkish tone in order to quash this speculation?

Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

VISIT US AT OUR SPANISH OFFICES IN COSTA DEL SOL, COSTA ALMERIA, NORTH COSTA BLANCA AND SOUTH COSTA BLANCA. TELEPHONE UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 • EMAIL EUROWEEKLY@CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM • WWW.CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM.

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Frightening to the core LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT DELIGHTED to see Trump still forging ahead in his race to re-establish the Republican crown; thereby bolstering his indomitable ambitions to regain his position in the White House. Before all you Trump haters start mailing in your, ‘anti Leapy’s opinions’ rhetoric, don’t get me wrong, I personally can’t stand the man.

To me he is an egotistical, arrogant and utterly dangerous individual. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, his reputation is exactly what the West requires to steer it through a minefield of world leaders who are bloated with precisely the same qualities.

The soft woke approach of those affiliated to the doddering Biden and his implausible bunch of leftie helpers, especially his woke riddled vice president Kamala Harris is actually inviting disaster. ‘Fighting for the people’, which she continues to advocate, is simply in no way formidable enough to compete and even keep the peace (or pace) in a world that is run by the despotic likes

of Putin, Jinping, Khamenei and Kim Jong-un! If anybody can frighten these tyrants into hunkering down into negotiations it is an imperious autocrat like Mr Trump. One thing is for sure, the presidential contender is frightening all his political rivals to the very core.

Have no doubt that those involved in the ‘Trump Hunt’ are wallowing in deep symposiums far into the night; all taking place in boardrooms comprised of individuals totally aware that should Trump be once again ensconced in the oval office, it’ll be bye bye to the lot of ‘em.

Excluding of course those who see the popularity of their present administration slipping away and raise their heads above the parapet swearing their allegiance to the new leader before they get drummed into oblivion with the rest. (Heaven forbid they would need to sell the yacht or move into a smaller house!) At this moment however they are attempting just about every twist and turn they can to discredit their formidable rival before the votes pour in.

They’ve even come up with a distinctly unwell woman who has managed to win a case against him for a rape accusation occurring years ago. The judgment,

undoubtedly brought about by members of the Biden supporters club, has awarded the ‘victim’ some 83 million dollars even though Trump professes to have never even met her. Maybe he has, maybe he hasn’t. I doubt if those who sat in judgment even actually cared.

The important thing is the ‘Trump Hunt’ and the discredit it can bring. I also seem to recall this almost certainly equivalent legal mob, somehow damping down a highly illegal state of affairs concerning Biden’s son during his Dad’s own race for the White House. In fact these investigations have been going on pretty unobtrusively for years.

Somewhat unsurprisingly it has recently resulted in a plea deal with prosecutors which avoids jail time and quietly squashes any insensitive talking points in the run up to Dad’s new presidential endeavours. What a bunch. Let’s just hope all these trumped up accusations actually come up trumps for Trumps triumph. Or you can probably deal us all out.

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.

An obvious scam Paul Edwards SOMETIMES one has to wonder who is most stupid, scammers or those who fall for what are obviously ill conceived and simply impossible scams.

Happily, the average reader of Euro Weekly News is a lot brighter than the idiots behind what has been an ongoing attempted scam for several years.

We were sent this by a reader who lives in Costa Blanca and received an email purportedly from the Head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Interpol accusing them of all kinds of nefarious activities.

They are asked to respond to this email which has mysteriously found its way from Canada to Brazil (it reads cesar@ aluno.edu.jaru.ro.gov. br) confirming which jurisdiction they live in so that the necessary

Credit: hackNY.org flickr

20 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

All a scammer needs is a computer and email account.

warrant can be served on them.

Clearly the hope is that the person receiving the email will respond and thus their email address is verified which leaves them open to further approaches from the potential scammers.

To some extent it would make some element of sense if you live in Canada to receive an email from the Canadian Police (even though it’s obviously false) but the mentality of those sending this accusation to Spain almost beggars belief.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Photo credit: Megan Mallen

1 - 7 February 2024

PIEDEMONT: One of Italy’s principal wine-growing areas.

Fewer Italians

Linda Hall ITALY is drinking less wine. Analysis by the Unione Italiana Vini (Uiv)-Ismea Observatory based on figures from data specialist Nielsen found that the country’s supermarkets, stores and distributors sold just under one billion bottles of wine in 2023.

This was 3.1 per cent less than in 2022, with an 8 per cent dip over the five years between 2018 and 2023. According to the Observatory, 2023 was “a complicated year” owing to changes in post-pandemic consumption habits and generalised price rises.

Red wines took the hardest hit, with a 15 per cent slump over the past five years although 19 per cent more people bought sparkling wines and Prosecco in 2023 than they did in 2019, with sales of 139 million bottles. Rose enjoyed a 17 per cent increase

over this same period.

But although the Italians might be drinking less wine than previously, the Observatory also found that they were becoming more discerning.

Overall sales of wine with DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) label fell by just two per cent while white wine saw a 3 per cent increase since pre-pandemic 2019.

The Observatory also found that people buying online ordered more DOP and TGI (Typical Geographical Indication) wines which accounted for 75 per cent of the total purchases of non-sparkling wines.

Online purchases have increased threefold since 2019, the Observatory noted, although internet orders had declined by 21 per cent over the past two years, compared with the high of 2021.

EWN 21

Flight bomb scare

THE National Court has recently delivered a verdict in a case involving a young British man’s ‘joke’ bomb hoax, while he was about to board a flight to Menorca.

On July 3, 2022, the accused, a 19-year-old man of Indian origin holding a British passport, sent a Snapchat message to a private group of friends while preparing to board a flight from London to Menorca.

The message, which included a photo of himself and a text stating, ‘On the way to fly the plane (I am a member of the Taliban)’, was picked up by British security.

The plane, flying over French airspace at the time, was then escorted by a Eurofighter from the Spanish air force to its destination in Menorca.

Upon landing, the plane and its passengers

Credit: Juan Ci/Shutterstock.com

NOT GUILTY: The court decided it was meant as a joke.

underwent isolation and a thorough check, which confirmed the absence of any explosives or indications of a genuine threat.

In his nine-page ruling, Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto of the Central Criminal Court analysed the facts and the legal implications.

He concluded that the accused’s actions did not constitute a crime. The judge noted that the message was intended as a private joke among friends,

with no evidence of any intention to provoke the mobilisation of security forces.

The court remained uncertain about how British security services intercepted the private message, as this was not substantiated during the trial.

This case highlights the delicate balance between personal jokes and public security, raising questions about privacy and the unforeseen impact of seemingly harmless actions.

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

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

27

24 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

• News Across The Regions • Costa del Sol Chefs for Children

Costa Blanca North Good Luck, Lee

Axarquia Nordic events

Almeria Make lemonade

Mallorca Giants and Big Heads

Costa Blanca South Pink Harmony

RENOWNED chefs are raising funds for Autism Spain with the most charitable recipe of the Michelin stars.

More than 50 Michelin-starred Spanish chefs will take part on April 22 at the Anantara Villa Padierna hotel in an initiative to raise funds for the social group Autism Spain and to disseminate culinary recipes for children so that they eat healthily.

The charity day, supported by the Provincial Council through Sabor a Malaga will begin with healthy cooking workshops with the chefs and 150 children from the Benahavis and Autismo España schools, and will culminate with a gala dinner featuring an exclusive tasting menu prepared by the Michelin-starred chefs who work in Malaga Province.

LOS NÓRDICOS Almuñecar is gearing up for yet another exciting excursion on the third Saturday in February to Nigüelas, nestled under the majestic Sierra Nevada rocks. This outing promises a picturesque journey along Acequias, where members can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of almond blossoms.

Los Nórdicos Almuñecar fosters a sense of community among its members. From cultural outings to adventurous trips, the group offers a diverse array of activities that cater to various interests. To stay updated on their upcoming events and enjoy the perks of membership, be sure to visit their Facebook page. Embrace the camaraderie and shared experiences that make being part of Los Nórdicos Almuñecar a truly special experience.

ON Saturday January 27, there was a gathering of Giants in Palma with examples arriving from some 14 different municipalities and suburbs of the city.

Each group brought with them their own pipers (xeremiers) and the parade started at 10am with each collection of Giants setting off towards the Plaza de Cort.

There have been records of Giants in Palma since 1734 but those made to look human first appeared 1904 when Palma Council commissioned ceramicist La Roqueta de Palma to create Tofol and Bet-Maria who made regular appearances in festivals until 1936, when they became unlikely casualties of the Civil War. There is no doubt that the Giants are well respected in Mallorca.

LEE HARKER has taken on a new and more ambitious challenge to support the AKIRA Dog Sanctuary in Benissa.

Having successfully raised €10,000 by completing a 240km walk from Moraira to Valencia and back, Lee has now set his sights on a 500km trek from Barcelona to Moraira.

The journey kicked off on January 29 and is scheduled to wrap up on February 10, spanning a total of 12 days.

Lee’s fundraising target for this endeavour is €20,000, with all donations going directly toward supporting AKIRA and the well-being of the dogs under their care.

Expressing gratitude for every contribution, Lee underscores that no donation is too small. To make a donation, visit the website: www.akira-animals.

STORIES of kindness stand out in the chaos of the world news.

Angie Grenter found her dream home in Mojacar 12 years ago. Her latest visit was to celebrate her 65th birthday. Unfortunately, she found herself feeling quite ill, and shared the information on her Facebook page.

Angie took a walk to get some fresh air, and when she got back there were the biggest lemons she had ever seen lying on her doorstep, with a note attached saying ‘get well soon, from Christine’.

She eventually found out it was someone she had met in 2017. She won’t make lemonade: it will be lemon drizzle cake. A small gesture can make a big difference.

JOIN the celebration at La Zenia Boulevard on February 3 from 12.00 - 16.00 for a fun-filled day of music, art, and solidarity in support of those battling cancer.

Starting with a live broadcast by Radio Sunshine, the event will feature performances by several musicians and singers, with timeless classics to contemporary hits.

At 3.00pm, a minute of silence will be observed to honour all those who have faced the battle against cancer.

Every donation or purchase contributes to raising vital funds in support of the fight against cancer.

Don’t miss this special day where music, dance, and solidarity come together to create ‘Pink Harmony’, leaving a positive impact.

NEWS/FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

WITH the continual rise in grocery prices, navigating the supermarket without overspending is a challenge. Here are just a few tips on how to optimise your food expenses effectively.

An obvious one, but creating a family shopping list is crucial. By collectively deciding on necessary items, you can avoid impulse buys and stick to essentials. It’s vital to follow this list strictly, resisting the lure of unnecessary purchases.

Opting for store brands, often referred to as ‘white label’ products, can cut your grocery bill significantly. These products offer good quality at lower prices, with the potential of saving you around 35 to 45 per cent annually.

This doesn’t mean forgoing all premium brands, rather, it’s about identifying where brand choice truly matters. In cases where brand isn’t a key factor, switching to more affordable store brands

Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

Shop smart spend less

MAKE SAVINGS: Avoid impulse buys and stick to essentials.

can make a big difference.

The choice of supermarket can impact your budget substantially. The price difference for the same items can vary greatly among stores.

Avoid shopping on an empty stomach to resist impulse buys, especially unhealthy snacks. Always compare the cost per kilo or unit, rather than just the total price. This helps in identifying truly cost-effective options.

If you have ample storage, take advantage of bulk buying and special offers

like ‘buy one get one half price’ or ‘three for the price of two’ on items you regularly use.

Finally, make the most of loyalty programmes offered by supermarkets such as Carrefour, Dia, Consum, or Alcampo for additional discounts and savings.

Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce your supermarket spending, leading to substantial savings over time. Remember, small changes can make a big difference.

Spain’s longest wall WALLED cities are not uncommon in Spain, however, one of its most impressive and officially the longest in the country is tucked away near the border with Portugal.

Have you ever wondered about Spain’s longest wall? The answer lies not in famous sites like the walls of Lugo or Avila, but in the less well-known location of Badajoz, Extremadura.

This city, steeped in a history of border clashes with Portugal, hosts the continent’s most extensive fortification.

Constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, Badajoz’s wall system epitomises an era marked by military innovation.

Influenced by the designs of French military engineer Sebastien Le Prestre, Marquis of Vauban, these fortifications are a continuation of earlier defensive structures.

The initial walls, dating back to the ninth and 11th centuries, were erected by prominent Muslim leaders, including Ibn Marwan, Abd Allah Ibn Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Rahman, and Abdullah Ibn el-Aftas.

The 17th century brought renewed focus on Badajoz’s defences, following Portugal’s independence in 1640. The city’s strategic position demanded an enhanced defensive system, leading to the construction of the ‘Baluarted Wall’.

Visitors to Badajoz can explore nume-

Credit: Michael Newman/Creative Commons Attribution 3.0

The city wall of Alcazaba, Badajoz.

rous bastions and gates along the wall.

Among them, the 16th-century Puerta de Merida and the 1680 Trinity Gate showcase classicist designs and royal emblems.

Notable too are the 16th-century Puerta del Pilar and the 1460 Puerta de las Palmas, each displaying distinctive architectural elements. The wall’s bastions, such as San Pedro, Santa Maria, and San Vicente, highlight strategic points around the city.

The wall’s length and complexity, spanning approximately five kilometres, make it a remarkable and historically significant structure, second only to the wall of Pamplona in terms of perimeter.

EWN 25

INTERVIEW

Johanna from Finland Johanna Pesonen’s sister has lived in Spain for over 20 years, so her whole family have always had one foot on the ground here and one foot still in Finland.

“THE weather is definitely the thing for me: here than in Finland is the bureaucracy, the sun and the relaxed atmosphere, things “I miss being able to do whatever I need that appealed far more than in my home online. Here you can lose an entire day in country. If we could have this clian office to sort out just one conmate in Finland, we would tract.” be overpopulated,” said Johanna visits FinJohanna. land whenever posJohanna Pesosible, “I have my nen is CEO of family there, I Fuengirola real have friends estate agency there and I will Huugo247 and always have has no regrets Finland as my about mohome country.” ving here, “if She went on to anything it has say, “In Finland only got clearer we wait nine that I may not be months every year able to ever move for the sun so we back,” she said. can emerge from our Johanna likes the outdoor life.

For her the best thing caves! Here, outside about living on the Cosactivities are available ta del Sol is the possibility to enjoy outside all year round.” life almost every day of the year. “I am more Looking to the future Johanna believes active in my free time here and have had she will stay here for the rest of her life. “Of more time for my family,” she added. course, you never know, but at the moment The only thing Johanna thinks is worse that’s how I feel,” she concluded.

26

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 1 - 7 February 2024 SPONSORED BY

Pet-sitters cherish your pets at home

Humane deterrents IN the quest for a harmonious coexistence between our beloved gardens and the local feline population, finding humane ways to deter cats is essential. A key approach is understanding that cats are sensitive to certain smells and textures, which we can use to our advantage.

One effective method is using certain plants that emit scents unappealing to cats, like lavender, rosemary, and lemon thyme.

Planting these around the garden not only deters cats but also enhances the garden’s aesthetics and aroma. Another option is to use citrus peels; cats dislike the smell of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Scattering these peels around flower beds can keep cats at bay.

For those seeking a more high-tech solution,

ultrasonic devices offer a modern approach. These devices emit a high-frequency sound, inaudible to most humans, that cats find unpleasant.

Strategically placing these devices can protect specific areas without causing harm to the cats.

Water deterrents, such as motion-activated sprinklers, can also be effective. These sprinklers activate when they detect movement, gently spraying water to startle and discourage cats from entering the area.

Importantly, while employing these deterrents, it’s crucial to ensure they are safe and non-harmful to cats. Humane deterrence is about gently encouraging cats to choose other areas for their adventures, maintaining a respectful and kind relationship with our feline neighbours.

Most pets just fare better when they stay in their home when you travel.

you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

Pure Joy - I have completed two house-sits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog.

Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, Pet-sitter from the UK How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN- Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HouseSitMatch.com.

Paw licking WHEN a dog persistently licks its paws, it’s a signal that warrants attention. This behaviour can be attributed to various causes, ranging from physical discomfort to psychological factors.

One common reason is allergies. Dogs can develop sensitivities to certain foods, pollen, or household chemicals, leading to itchy skin and paws. In response, they lick their paws to soothe the irritation. Similarly, environmental irritants like road salt or lawn chemicals can also cause discomfort, prompting excessive licking.

Another possibility is the presence of parasites, such as fleas or ticks. These pests can cause intense itching and discomfort, leading to persistent licking. Additionally, injuries or foreign objects like thorns or burrs lodged in the paw pads can cause pain, leading to licking as a natural response to soothe the area.

Psychological factors, such as anxiety or boredom, can also lead to compulsive behaviours like paw licking.

Protecting your pets THE UK government has recently endorsed an innovative law, set to transform the handling of pet theft in the UK. The Pet Abduction Bill, championed by MP Anna Firth, introduces severe penalties for those convicted of pet theft, including up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

Recent statistics from the Pet Theft Taskforce revealed alarming numbers, approximately 2,000 dog thefts and over 400 cat thefts were reported in 2020.

These figures highlight the significant emotional toll on both the owners and their pets, emphasising the need for stringent laws.

Given that 28 per cent of UK adults have dogs and 24 per cent own cats, pet theft has become a pressing issue for the public.

Credit: Bachkova Natalia/Shutterstock.com

CERTAIN PLANTS: Emit scents unappealing to cats.

KEEPING your pets at home when you travel can give you real peace of mind.

This is accentuated when you know the sitters are checked and come from HouseSitMatch. What is more, they wont charge you a cent!

The pet-sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 join now to find sitters. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised. All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network. The sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care.

These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and

PET THEFT: New law to safeguard our pets.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay, empathising with pet owners, stated, “As a dog owner myself, I appreciate deeply what treasured members of the family dogs and cats are.

It is a deeply traumatic experience for both the owner and the pet when they are stolen.

“This vital Bill will recognise the severity of this shocking crime and should act as a dete-

rrent to anyone considering stealing a dog or cat. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.”

This announcement is a continuation of broader efforts to safeguard pets, including mandatory microchipping for all cats and dogs. This measure aids in reuniting stolen or lost pets with their owners.

CLASSIFIEDS BUY & SELL

CAR FOR SALE

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

27

English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

INSURANCE CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you.

ABBEYGATE Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygat einsure. com (302721)

MASSAGE ELEGANTE, slim Sophie.

Experienced in a large variety of full body massages.

Villamartin apartment or can

1 - 7 February 2024 travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302437)

INSURANCE

MOTORING

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance.

Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

OTHERS EDS? We have the solution, Ka magra pills & jells, Cialis, Side men & ladies, mixed trial packs.

Available by mail-order. Whats App or call 603 117 394

PERGOLA COVERS TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, made to measure pergola covers, cushions, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off any two items. Mazarron based, and reaching Almeria to Costa Blanca plus mail order. Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@yahoo.co.uk

REMOVALS & STORAGE

28 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

TEENAGE dart sensation Luke Littler who hit the headlines recently has been issued with a word of warning from former darts professional Peter Manley.

The former world darts number one, Manley, expressed concern about 17-year-old Littler, who has captured the nation’s admiration with stellar performances at the World Darts Championship, Bahrain Masters, and Dutch Masters.

Reportedly, Manly commented: ‘Luke Littler, to me, just looks a big unit. If he isn’t careful and doesn’t look after himself, he won’t last long because of that.’

The advice came after Littler’s frequent mentions of his fondness for kebabs, particularly at Alexandra Palace in early January.

“Luke Humphries reminds me so, so much of Luke Littler,” Manley, the chairman of the Professional Darts Players Association, stated to a local news source.

He drew parallels between Littler and Luke Humphries, another young player who successfully lost four-and-ahalf stone during the coronavirus pandemic. Humphries’ weight loss positively impacted his career, leading him to a World Championship victory.

He credits Humphries’ transformation for improving his physical and mental health, overcoming challenges such as anxiety and pressure.

He emphasises the endurance needed in the sport, where players often compete from morning to evening, requiring sustained concentration and physical stamina.

Manley himself had a wake-up call in his 40s when diagnosed with heart failure, prompting him to alter his lifestyle significantly.

Humphries, on his part, has spoken about the difficulty of eating healthily on the darts circuit.

Replacements wanted!

John Smith TWO of the biggest football cubs in the world, Barcelona and Liverpool will be looking for new managers at the end of this season.

We know that Jurgen Klopp is off to take a sabbatical but at the moment is still under contract to Liverpool until the 2026, so it’s unlikely that his announcement was a subterfuge to head towards Barcelona.

As far as Barcelona are concerned, the appointment of Xavi Hernández in 2021 hasn’t turned out to be a success after his first great season as they are currently only in fourth place in La Liga, way off the top spot and are suffering financial fair play difficulties.

He opted to go rather than wait to be pushed, but this then leaves something of a poisoned chali-

Credit: FC Barcelona

Littler warning

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

OPTED TO GO: Xavi announced he was bowing out.

ce for whoever is recruited to take over.

There were rumours that former Barcelona

player and now Arsenal manager, Mike Arteta was a favourite but he quickly made it clear that he isn’t

currently interested in the job so that also leaves Barcelona in a bit of a dilemma.

There are a few ‘big names’ such as Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho who have recently been sacked, but if they weren’t good enough for Chelsea and Roma (plus plenty of other major clubs) are they right for Barcelona?

Back in the UK Roberto de Zerbi has been achieving great things with Brighton and Hove Albion, but look what happened to former Brighton manager Graham Potter who couldn’t make the grade when stepping up to Chelsea.

Maybe the logical way to go is to trawl former Barcelona players who are now managers or look at some of the more successful La Liga managers who understand Spanish football.

Grand Prix returns

MADRID is set to host the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix starting in 2026, marking the sport’s return to the city after over four decades.

The agreement was finalised last week at IFEMA Madrid.

This decision brings the prestigious motorsport back to Madrid, with a commitment spanning from 2026 to 2035.

The proposed circuit, which is still pending final approval from the FIA, promises to be a unique addition to the F1 calendar.

Stretching over 5,474 km with 20 turns, it is designed to deliver a qualifying lap time of approximately one minute and 32 seconds.

The track will incorporate both existing and future roads of the Ifema Madrid site, as well as including a 1.5 km stretch of public roads.

The venue will be very close to the Adolfo Suarez

Credit: Tim Henman Charitable Foundation

Tim Henman partnered Hugh Grant in a charity doubles match.

New tennis channel

Credit: cristiano barni/Shutterstock.com

PRESTIGIOUS MOTORSPORT: Hungarian Grand Prix.

Madrid-Barajas airport and only 16 kilometres from the city centre. the Madrid circuit will have facilities never before seen in F1, including a covered and heated paddock, together with transport connections that will be accessible for fans by car, bus, train and metro The event, entirely fun-

ded by private companies, is expected to inject around €500 million into Madrid’s economy every year.

This substantial economic impact underlines the significance of hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Spanish capital.

Madrid’s entry into the Formula 1 calendar is not just a return of high-octane

motorsport to the city, but also a promising economic opportunity, showcasing innovative circuit designs and strong private sector support.

As the engines start to rev in anticipation, the world watches to see how Madrid will transform into a new hub for Formula 1 excitement.

BRITISH tennis lovers will no longer have to wait for Wimbledon to get their fix of strawberries and Champagne provided they have a Sky Sports subscription.

The broadcaster has just announced that it will shortly launch the UK’s first TV channel dedicated solely to tennis and from February 11, Sky Sports Tennis and Now will deliver over 4,000 matches from more than 80 tournaments a year on the ATP and WTA tours as well as exclusive coverage of the US Open.

Two well-respected former players, Tim Henman and Laura Robson will form part of the new team and names of other commentators, no doubt many from the tennis world, will be revealed shortly.

The first week of programming will feature live coverage from the Hologic WTA Tour tournament in Doha, where viewers can watch their favourite players such as Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek.

The action continues with the ATP Tour from Rotterdam, followed by an all-star line-up of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev on court in Doha from February 19.