Costa Blanca South 1 – 7 February 2024 Issue 2013 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

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Issue No. 2013

1 - 7 February 2024

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

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ILMAINEN

GRATIS

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PINK HARMONY

JOIN the celebration at La Zenia Boulevard on Saturday February 3 from midday until 4.00pm 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, covering a range of musical styles from 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. The party will continue with more musical performances until 3.30pm from when you will be entertained by various dance performances. Throughout the day, the Pink Ladies will be present at merchandise stands, offering pink-coloured scented candles and other exclusive items for purchase.

Image: Pink Ladies & Panthers / Facebook

PINK LADIES: Don’t miss this special day.

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.

WARMEST JANUARY

THE warmest January on record has heightened air pollution in Alicante Province. Stagnant air, due to minimal rain and airflow, led to the accumulation of pollutants. While ozone levels currently don’t surpass risk thresholds, they hover above 50 ppb, indicating potential concerns.

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1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Camino de Santiago Bob Marquess TORREVIEJA has introduced the Camino de Santiago Salinero, a new route that stems from the aspiration to extend the Camino de Santiago del Sureste towards the Mediterranean Sea. This route traverses the Iberian Peninsula diagonally, connecting the Mediterranean to Santiago de Compostela and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Finisterre. The Camino Salinero serves as an extension of the Camino de Santiago del Sureste, originating from Orihuela (Alicante) to Santiago de Compostela. As it stretches to Torrevieja, the Camino Salinero encompasses the Vega Baja region, passing through the municipalities of Torrevieja, Los Montesinos, Benejuzar, Jacarilla, and Orihuela.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

A new route opens.

It is essential to note that there isn’t a singular Camino de Santiago, but rather multiple Caminos leading to Santiago. These routes offer an ideal way to appreciate the natural environment and the rich historical-artistic heritage along the diverse paths to Santiago de Compostela. The French Way, being the primary route, attained World Heritage Site

status in 1993. The Camino Salinero, like other Caminos de Santiago, emerges as a means to showcase and appreciate the natural and cultural heritage of the five municipalities it traverses. Covering a distance of just 40 kilometres, the route allows visitors to experience and enjoy the varied heritage firsthand.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com K9 agents

STUDENTS in Santa Pola received a talk from Local Police officers about their work with animals and the use of drones. The students then enjoyed watching the demonstrations. The canine agents Indio and Nero were able to show the students the work they do in the detection of prohibited substances.

70 Events

THE Sports Department of the Torrevieja City Council has presented the Sports Calendar for 2024. The calendar is made up of nearly 70 events of various disciplines, international, national, and regional, as well as international campuses, highlighting the city as a sports tourist destination.

Busy trains

OUIGO, having started operations in Spain in May 2021, has transported nine million travellers on existing routes, including Madrid-Zaragoza-Tarragona-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia, and Madrid-Albacete-Alicante. The operator, with rates starting at €9, offers 509 seats spread over a two-storey train.

School business

THE completion of CEIP Nº4 in Almoradi is set for October 2025. The regional Secretary of Education, Daniel McEvoy, confirmed: “The educational centre features a modern building with a gym, designed for future expansion.” McEvoy also discussed educational aspects during his meeting with the Almoradi mayor.

San Anton

ON February 4, Aspe’s pilgrimage in honour of San Anton will take place. As every year, San Anton will leave from Avenida Padre Ismael accompanied by the neighbours who wish to do so and will travel through the streets of La Villa to Doctor Calatayud Park.

ALICANTE and Elche are set to symbolically unite in a marathon, marking a signiﬁcant addition to the national calendar of such events. While 28 marathons are held throughout the country, none have taken place in the province of Alicante until now. The marathon is scheduled for February 2025. Both city councils, in collaboration with the Provincial Council, will continue working on technical, organisational, and promotional aspects of the marathon. The Tourism Departments will play a key role in designing tourist packages and promotional actions to ensu-

Marathon milestone Image: Alicante City & Beach

NIBS EXTRA

1 - 7 February 2024

Luis Barcala and Pablo Ruz with the Marathon 2025 t-shirt.

Tractor effect

ALICANTE’S Ciudad de la Luz film studios are poised to create a significant ‘tractor effect’ to draw film productions to Alicante Nuria Montes, the Minister of Tourism and Innovation, emphasised the pivotal role these facilities will play in the region’s film industry and their synergy with the Valencian Community’s commitment to cinema. Montes highlighted that having one of the best film studios in Alicante will act as a driving force to attract filming not only to the city but also to the entire territory. This will offer the flexibility of shooting both outdoors and indoors, enhancing the appeal for filmmakers. Montes underscored the strategic importance of audiovisual productions in the region, citing their impact on income, employment, the attraction of talent, and the modernisation of the local, provincial, and regional productive fabric. Beyond the direct impact on the audiovisual sector, Montes confirmed the significant indirect effects on the hospitality, restaurant, transport, and services sectors.

Broom of change

A new mural has been added to the San Anton neighbourhood in Alicante. Spanning about 15 square metres, it graces a facade on the corner of Calle Trafalgar and Calle Olvido, courtesy of the space provided by Iberdrola, the electricity company. The artwork portrays an elderly woman wielding a straw broom in various shades of grey. She gazes at a green plant growing at her feet, serving as a tribute to those who dedicated their lives to bettering the central Alicante neighbourhood. Over 100 individuals, including students, teachers, and local residents, contributed to the mural’s creation. The Alicante School of Art and Design presented eight projects, with three selected as top contenders based on the project’s objectives. The ﬁnal choice for the mural was determined through a neighbourhood vote, with 68 people participating. This mural marks the eighth addition to the San Anton neighbourhood, following the seven created in the EDUSI Art project.

Robust return THE Costa Blanca made a robust return to the International Tourism Fair (FITFUR) in Madrid, showcasing a stronger presence than ever before. This year marked a record-breaking turnout for the municipalities presenting their tourist oﬀerings in person at the Provincial Tourism Board stand, with 33 locations. The Provincial Council acted as an ‘umbrella’ for all 141 municipalities within the province. The international event, held from January 24 to 28 at the IFEMA, surpassed its own records by bringing together 9,000 participating companies, representatives from 152 countries, and 806

re that the event generates maximum impact on both cities. The initiative aligns with the growing trend of sports tourism. INE data from 2022 indicates that over 5.1 million trips were initiated with sports as the main motivation, contributing to a total associated expenditure of more than €2,450 million. The marathon not only enhances the sports tourism oﬀerings in Alicante and Elche but also positions them as attractive destinations for enthusiasts and participants.

headline exhibitors. The Alicante Provincial Council curated a comprehensive display featuring cultural, environmental, sports, nautical, leisure, and gastronomic oﬀerings from all 141 municipalities in the province. The president of the institution outlined the main strategic lines for the autonomous organisation in a year expected to lay the foundations for the consolidation of tourism. This strong representation at FITFUR underscores the commitment of Costa Blanca to showcase the diverse and vibrant tourism oﬀerings from across the entire region.

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YOUR EWN HAS

126 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Euromarina Optimist THE 14th Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja has concluded with Catalonia dominating the absolute podium. The new champions emerged after a spectacular fourth day, featuring good wind conditions and the completion of four races on January 28. The absolute podium had two representatives from Club Nautico Cambrils in Catalonia. Iker Múgica claimed the championship, while Joan Domingo secured the bronze. The silver medal went to Juan Lleonart from Club Nautico Balis. Iker Múgica demonstrated his strength in the Optimist class during the event. After securing four partial victories in the qualifying round, he continued to perform well in the final series.

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.

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euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

1- 7 February 2024

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

Mind your Spanglish 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

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.

Optimistic outlook

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Bob Marquess ALICANTE’S hospitality sector concluded the year with positive figures. The outlook for 2024 is expected to be equally promising or even better in terms of tourist influx to the city’s establishments. Gabriela Córdoba, the president of the Alicante Restaurant Association (ARA), stated, “The forecasts for this year are at least to be in the same numbers as last year. “We have to seek excellence because it is the only formula to continue our success.” The president added: “The sector is optimistic, keeping an eye on potential increases in tourists with the arrival of more cruise ships and expanded routes at Alicante-Elche Airport, as these developments would significantly benefit the hospitality industry.”

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Image: Rio Safari Elche

1 - 7 February 2024

RIO SAFARI ELCHE: The unique zoo park offers an exciting opportunity.

Wonders of nature Anna Ellis DO you fancy immersing yourself in the wonders of nature and its creatures? Rio Safari Elche is offering an exciting opportunity to explore the beauty on foot or hop on an expeditionary train that winds through the enclosures. Plus, they’re currently running a sale with a fantastic 40 per cent discount on tickets, valid until February 15. The discount applies to

the regular admission fees, bringing down the price to €22.50 for those aged 13 and above, and €17 for kids aged three to 12 or seniors aged 65+. Situated in a century-old orchard boasting nearly 4,000 palm trees, Rio Safari Elche is a unique zoo park that not only provides a delightful experience in nature but also contributes significantly to conservation efforts. The park is sustained so-

lely by the support of visitors who come to enjoy the blend of nature, fun, learning, and wildlife preservation. You can find Rio Safari Elche on the road connecting Elche and Santa Pola (865 hp), located 9km from Elche and 4km from Santa Pola. For more information or to grab your discounted tickets, you can reach out to Elche Safari via email at info@ riosafari.com or give them a call on (+34) 966 638 288.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

1 - 7 February 2024 Image: Alicante City & Beach

ALICANTE: Experienced a significant increase in tourism.

Four stars

Anna Ellis ALICANTE experienced a significant increase in tourism in 2023, as reported by Civitatis, the world’s leading company in the sale of guided tours and excursions in Spanish. The data revealed that Alicante attracted 58.7 per cent more visitors in 2023 compared to the previous year, setting a new record for the city. The number of visits to the Alicante section of Civitatis’ website also saw a

substantial increase, reaching 64 per cent higher than the previous year. This surge in tourism aligns with other notable achievements for Alicante in 2023, such as being recognised as the second-best city in the world to live in by expatriates, according to the ‘InterNations’ organisation. The positive indicators underscore the city’s rising popularity and its reputation for providing a

high quality of life. The demographic breakdown of visitors to Alicante, as reported by Civitatis, indicates that couples represented the largest group, accounting for 45.1 per cent of visitors, followed by groups of friends at 20.7 per cent.. The satisfaction index among tourists who visited the city also improved, with over 90 per cent of ratings on Civitatis’ website exceeding four stars out of five.

Guided routes

TORREVIEJA stands out as one of the municipalities with the highest number of guided routes in natural parks in the Valencian Community, boasting a total of 32 annual itineraries. Nestled in the Alicante region of Vega Baja del Segura, Torrevieja is a key tourist destination known for its sun-soaked beaches and residential tourism. With a significant population of foreigners residing year-round and a substan-

tial influx of national and international visitors, the municipality experiences intensive use of its territory for leisure and recreational activities. The inaugural guided route in the Natural Park is scheduled for 2024 on Sunday, February 4. These routes, categorised into four types, have become a benchmark in the promotion of the environmental heritage of the region and enjoy considerable po-

pularity among the local population and visitors alike. In an exciting development, starting on March 17, guided tours will commence at the Municipal Natural Park of Molino del Agua in La Mata. This initiative offers 250 opportunities annually to explore this protected natural area nestled beside the Mediterranean Sea. For more information head to the website: www. torrevieja.es.

Palmeral viewpoint

ELCHE showcased its tourist offerings at the international tourism fair (Fitur) in Madrid from January 24 to 28. The city focused on the promotion of tourist activities centred around one of its primary resources: the palm grove. Mayor Pablo Ruz emphasised the municipality’s commitment to experiential and sustainable tourism, taking care to preserve, value, and promote the palm grove as an unparalleled tourist resource. Elche leverages the advantage of having

the largest palm grove in Europe, allowing the recreation of real experiences in the heart of this natural treasure. One highlighted attraction is the Palmeral viewpoint from the Torre de los Vaillo, a 15th-16th century watchtower. Since August 2023, visitors have had the opportunity to explore the tower, which offers stunning views of the palm grove. Positioned in the heart of the palm grove, the tower provides unparalleled views, surrounded by a magnificent palm orchard.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Image: DeRebus / Shutterstock.com

1 - 7 February 2024

WARNING ISSUED: The caterpillars are appearing earlier than normal.

Processionary problem METEORIHUELA has issued a warning for the municipality of Bigastro in Alicante, indicating the early presence of processionary caterpillars over the last weekend in January. These caterpillars, which can be potentially dangerous for dogs, are appearing earlier than usual due to rising temperatures associated with the arrival of spring. While contact with processionary caterpillars

can cause irritation in non-allergic individuals, it can be potentially fatal for dogs. The early emergence of these caterpillars is attributed to climate change, and their presence has been noted not only in Bigastro but also on the Cruz de la Muela Trail in Orihuela. Dog owners, particularly those walking their pets in green areas, should be cautious. The Thaumetopoea pit-

yocampa, or processionary caterpillar, is a defoliating lepidopteran species commonly found in pine forests in southern Europe, Asia Minor, and northern Africa. These caterpillars are covered in stinging hairs that can cause irritation in humans and pose a risk to dogs when ingested. Protective measures should be taken to avoid contact with these caterpillars during this period.

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Casting call EXCITING opportunities are afoot at La Zenia Boulevard as they announce their Model Casting Call! La Zenia Boulevard is on the lookout for models, and here’s your chance to shine! Age and gender are no barriers, so if you’re interested, or you know someone who would love to be part of vibrant campaigns, be featured on social media, and embrace the role of a model for a few days, then the time has come to step forward! They are seeking models of any age and gender who are enthusiastic about having a great time at the shopping centre and have a touch of ‘shamelessness’. If this sounds like you or someone you know, seize this opportunity! The sign-up period is from February 1 to April 6. All you need to do is send an email to La Zenia Boulevard at comercial@ccze

niaboulevard.com with the subject: “I want to be a model for Zenia Boulevard!” Don’t miss out on the

chance to be part of an exciting experience and showcase your unique style at La Zenia Boulevard!

Quality wine

FROM January 24 to 28, Pinoso participated in the international Tourism Fair (FiTUR) in Madrid, showcasing the town’s tourist resources, particularly its traditional gastronomy and quality wines from Bodegas Pinoso. On a day dedicated to the Alicante Wine Route, the Pinoso Council and Bodegas Pinoso jointly presented their offerings. Mayor, Lazaro Azorin, highlighted the municipality’s benefits, emphasising the quality of local gastronomic products and the culinary richness rooted in tradition found in Pinoso’s restaurants. Rosa Vazquez presented the wines ‘Diapiro Blanco’, fermented in barrels, and ‘Camarillas Monastrell 2019’, accompanied by a commented tasting. The mayor expressed that it’s a pleasure to promote the serene environment of Pinoso, with clean air and the sounds of nature, aligning with the trend at FiTUR this year to promote quieter destinations. He emphasised the importance of wine tourism and gastronomy, encouraging visitors to choose Pinoso for these experiences. He also welcomed the increased tourist visits in the Valencian Community, highlighting the commitment to quality in Pinoso’s wineries, especially for organic production by Bodegas Pinoso.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

1 - 7 February 2024

Master plan Heritage tour

THE University of Alicante’s study has proposed a master plan for the coastal façade of Cape Santa Pola, featuring new routes at various heights. These routes aim to en-

hance the use and enjoyment of the distinctive natural environment, promoting accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The Sierra de Santa Pola, rising 144 metres above

sea level, includes the cape at its foothills, marking the end point of the bay of Alicante and the beginning of that of Santa Pola. The Atalayola Watch Tower, housing the current lighthouse, stands at its highest point. The master plan envisions three distinct itineraries. The first involves the current Cabo road, designated for various activities in harmony with permitted uses. The second itinerary, situated at a height of 100 metres, features a fully accessible pedestrian and cycling path for people to enjoy nature. The third, at an even higher elevation, offers a panoramic experience, showcasing incredible views of the cape’s front and highlighting its environmental significance as a rare fossil reef on the Mediterranean coast, home to unique vegetation and fauna.

ARE you a budding historian or simply looking for something to keep you busy? Discover the Phoenician and Islamic Heritage in Guardamar del Segura! Nestled between the dunes and pine trees in Guardamar del Segura lies the archaeological site of La Fonteta Entre️, showcasing the Phoenician port city and the Califal Rabita. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of these ancient civilisations. Explore the Phoenician port city and gain insights into their way of life from the eighth to the sixth centuries. Admire the remarkable Islamic monastery from the 10th century. Visiting hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00am to 2.30pm, and entrance is free. Additionally, you can enhance your experience by THE mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, made a notable appearance at the 2024 tourism exhibition in Madrid, FITUR on January 26. During the event, he introduced the ‘Torrevieja Eres Tú’ (Torrevieja is You) campaign, a strategic initiative aimed at providing a distinctive vision and experience of Torrevieja throughout the entire year, catering to both visitors and

Image: Guardamar Turisme / Facebook

HISTORICAL SITE: Step back in time.

booking a guided tour in English or Spanish on Saturdays at 11.00am for €4-5. For more information or to book your tour, visit the website: agendaguardamar.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to step back in time and discover Guardamar del Segura!

Torrevieja is You residents alike. The core objective of the campaign is to challenge the traditional seasonality of tourism and showcase the diverse opportunities available in Torrevieja every season. The promotional spot is designed to convey the essence of Torrevieja as a lively

and enticing tourist destination at any time of the year. The underlying philosophy of ‘Torrevieja Eres Tú’ places residents and tourists at the centre of the city, emphasising that each individual plays a crucial role in the wealth and vibrancy of the municipality.

ADVERTISING FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

EWN

Are you fulfilling your residency obligations? Any UK resident who would like to spend more than 90 days in one or more of the Schengen zone states are confronted by a time-consuming, paper-heavy visa process.

Court ruling has impacted the situation. It found in favour of an Iranian woman who lost her temporary residence and work permit after being for more than six months.

Whether right or wrong, this perhaps explains why many UK nationals with second homes took the opportunity to apply for a residency permit prior to the UK leaving the EU, even if they had no intention of spending 183 days in Spain – a requirement for its successful renewal, and, incidentally, the point at which you become a tax resident.

After finding a contradiction with Article 19 of Spain’s constitution espousing ‘freedom of movement’ when talking about temporary residence permits, the Court nullified Regulation 162.2 of Spain’s immigration law which restricts absences to no more than 182 days a year. It however confirmed the government can re-introduce it as an organic law in the future.

Swapping a pre-existing residency card for one stating it was issued under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, thus preserving pre-Brexit rights, was more of an exchange than a review of the individual’s actual qualification for the residency permit in the first place. But many of these cards fall due for renewal or upgrade to permanent residency cards from mid-

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

2025, and many UK nationals might feel concerned about what awaits them. The EU is going through a massive digital immigration upgrade, with the “Entry and Exit Scheme” (EES) expected to come online later this year. This will quickly establish how many days a Briton spends in Spain, though individuals holding residency permits are exempt. Spain court ruling and ramifications A recent Spanish Supreme

This now means each situation will be reviewed on its own merits, with no real security over what scenario will qualify. Residence decisions may be based more on assessing if Spain is the main home, rather than the number of days. The threat of being denied a permit renewal therefore remains.

The Spanish tax authorities are likely to be interested in reviewing the days in and out of Spain and trying to establish if your “centre of economic interests” or “centre of vital interests” (family base) is in Spain – all of which could make you liable to Spanish taxation on worldwide income and wealth. On renewal at five years, you are likely to be denied permanent residence as there is an extra stipulation of no more than 10 months absence over the five years of temporary residence. The risks of fulfilling residence criteria Applying for or renewing a residency permit with no intention of becoming legally resident is potentially fraudulent. It may well result in a large fine, removal of the permit, country ban for several years and rejection of any future visa and residency applications.

The ongoing discussions between UK and Spanish government departments may eventually lead to the annual 180-day allowance becoming flexible across the year, rather than the current maximum of 90 days at a time. This may be sufficient for some people, though this change may need to be agreed at EU level. Any Briton falling foul of a state’s immigration authorities may find they have lost the thing they value the most – the ability to spend time at their villa for several years to come. If any of this concerns you, take steps to rectify your situation before it is too late. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www. blevinsfranks.com.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Bird’s-eye view Cultural vibrancy SANTA POLA has introduced a new video featuring 360º technology, allowing any internet user to virtually tour the entire coastline of the municipality in an interactive and bird’s-eye view. The immersive journey through Santa Pola is now accessible on the Tourism website. Tourism councillor, Borja Merino, highlighted Santa Pola’s commitment to the digitalisation of its tourist resources.

He explained, “We now offer a virtual tour of our entire coastline, a project executed with immersive technology that enables users to explore our town through the screens of their mobile devices, tablets, or computers. “The unique aspect is that users can direct their gaze wherever they want, providing a spectacular experience.” The production process, captured with a drone,

showcases Santa Pola from a bird’s-eye view and in 360º, spanning from the Mirador del Faro, covering all beaches and the island of Tabarca, to the Salinas Natural Park. The video concludes with the iconic sunset at the Torre del Tamarit, one of the most photographed spots on the Costa Blanca. The video is available online on the tourismsantapola. es website and can also be directly accessed on YouTube at this address.

Tennis triumph

THE Pinoso Tennis Club’s veterans +35 team have concluded the second division competition of the season in second place. They secured the runner-up position in their group after losing in the final, held on January 28, with a score of 2-5

against the Las Vegas Tennis Club of Valencia. The closely contested match was ultimately decided in the doubles. With this outcome, the Pinoso Tennis Club will advance to compete in the first division next season, facing off against

the top seven clubs in the Valencian Community. In the Deportes Amorós Tennis Team League, Pinoso Tennis Club secured the third-place position by defeating Sax Tennis Club with a score of 6-3 in the elimination round.

Anna Ellis ALICANTE has unveiled several exciting developments. These plans include collaborations with the Starlite music festival, plans for a major longevity conference and the introduction of a new cruise terminal. The mayor, Luis Barcala, emphasised the city’s high-quality and differentiated offerings for tourism, positioning Alicante at the level it deserves. The city is set to host the Longevity World Forum in October, a major conference on longevity, bringing together 500 leading experts in the field. Alicante’s new cruise terminal, operational from May, aligns with the city’s efforts to increase its presence in the cruise segment.

ALICANTE: Unveiled exciting developments.

The terminal, with nearly €2 million in investment, will feature a 930-metre docking line, a two-storey building, parking, a new generation boarding bridge, commercial areas, and solar panels. The collaborative efforts with Starlite, the renowned music festival, will lead to ‘La Plaza by Starlite’ at the Plaza de Toros, featuring top na-

tional and international artists. Musical tourism will see a boost with ‘La Plaza by Starlite’, complemented by six additional concert and festival cycles. The line-up, featuring artists like James Blunt, Simple Minds, Camilo, Viva Sweden, and Dorian, will add to the cultural vibrancy of Alicante.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

SEAFOOD stands as a cornerstone for Santa Pola’s identity as a tourist destination. In keeping with tradition, it took centre stage at the prestigious FITFUR tourism event in Madrid. On January 26, the Paco Baile Restaurant, in collaboration with Caldo de Caldero Peix de Santa Pola, presented a cooking show at the Costa Blanca stand. Attendees had the pleasure of savouring the restaurant’s delectable

cuttlefish rice and vegetables, showcasing the rich flavours of Peix de Santa Pola. Tiel Baile skillfully helmed the cooking demonstration, receiving high praise from those fortunate enough to indulge in the culinary delight. Adding to the gastronomic allure was the spotlight on a new delicacy gaining acclaim in the gourmet market: Santa Pola shrimp carpaccio.

HOTEL data for 2023 shows the recovery and consolidation of tourism on the Costa Blanca. The number of travellers who stayed in hotels in the province reached 4.6 million. Alicante received over 2.2 million travellers, marking an improvement of 4.1 per cent. The international market now accounts for 52 per cent of the total, representing a 10.1 per cent increase. In the rest of the Valencian Community, the province of Valencia ac-

Crafted by the local company Marufina, this culinary creation further elevates the status of the region’s renowned shrimp, presented in the form of a delightful carpaccio. The showcooking event also featured a pairing of Santa Pola shrimp carpaccio with the Renaix La Passió muscat wine from Riko, a family winery founded in Xaló in 1947, known for producing exceptional wines and mistela.

High-speed opportunity for improved connectivity between Elche and Madrid, providing Elche residents with doubled journeys at reduced prices. Ruz expressed the goal of positioning Elche as the beach destination for Madrid residents, encouraging them to explore the city’s heritage and attractions. Ruz also announced plans for a revamped urban bus service, ensuring accessibility to the beaches and the historic and heritage

centre. Hélène Valenzuela, the general director of OUIGO Spain, highlighted the commitment to joint actions with the city council to promote tourism development, encourage high-speed train usage, and support the sustainable growth of the area. The proposed schedules include departures from Madrid at 8.15am and 6.15pm, and from Elche at 12.59pm and 8.59pm. Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Seafood showcooking

ELCHE and the low-cost high-speed train operator, OUIGO, have signed an agreement in anticipation of the upcoming launch of OUIGO services in the city. OUIGO plans to provide two daily round-trip frequencies (four routes) on the Madrid-Albacete-Elche-Murcia route, featuring early morning and late evening schedules. The journey duration is estimated to be two hours and 45 minutes, offering a total of 14,000 seats per week, equivalent to 2,000 seats per day. The mayor of Elche, Pablo Ruz, emphasised the new

Tourism data counted for 38.6 per cent of the total number of guests staying in hotels (more than 3.6 million), with 57 per cent of travellers of national origin, showing an 8.2 per cent increase. The average workforce in the hotel sector is 16,746 workers on average in the Valencian Community. Despite the positive outlook, the

search for professionals in the sector remains challenging, and efforts are needed to encourage specialised training. Economically, Alicante and Valencia City lead with average rates of €114 and €101.4, representing a 32 per cent and 31 per cent increase, respectively.

OUIGO: Have signed an agreement to launch new services.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Nora Shephard THE Popular Party (PP) of Alicante has put forward an institutional declaration urging the construction of a second runway at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport to the Spanish government. The proposal, discussed in a plenary session on January 30, emphasises that the new runway would double the number of flights, reduce delays, and enhance operational efficiency at the airport. The PP considers this infrastructure a “strategic investment” for the city and the province’s future, aiming to solidify the tourism significance of Alicante and the Costa Blanca. The proposal points out that the airport already has

Image: Veja / Shutterstock.com

Second runway? OPERATORS: Would be able to maximise benefits.

infrastructure in place, such as the currently unused terminal 1, which could be repurposed to facilitate the management of additional flights. The institutional statement highlights the potential saturation of Alicante-Elche Airport’s operational capacity, particularly considering the upward trend in the air transport sector.

The airport broke passenger records in 2023 with 15.7 million users, and the PP underscores that having a single runway poses limitations to handling the growing flow of travellers. The PP confirmed: “The construction of a second runway would enable the introduction of new routes and maximise benefits from alliances with operators like easyJet and Ryanair.”

Almoradi artichokes Image: Ayuntamiento de Almoradi / Facebook

A culinary jewel.

ALMORADI made its presence felt at the International Tourism Fair (FITFUR) held from January 24 to 28 in Madrid. Mayor María Gomez and Tourism councillor Jose Antonio Latorre took charge of showcasing the local tourist attractions.

High-definition STARTING on February 14, the standard (SD) Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) signals in Santa Pola will be permanently discontinued, and only the high-definition (HD) signals will continue to be available. This marks a significant transition, as all television channels in Spain will exclusively broadcast in high definition from that day onward. Channels currently available in SD will be phased out. For most viewers, the process will be as simple as retuning their televisions to access the new HD channels. Up until now, viewers had the option to tune into DTT channels in two qualities: standard SD and high-definition HD. Major stations typically broadcast in both formats, resulting in duplicate channels. However, some channels are only transmitted in SD. With this change, SD channels will vanish from television sets, and users will generally only need to retune their televisions to organise the new HD channels. This adjustment will eliminate the gaps left by the discontinued SD channels, streamlining the viewing experience for the majority of viewers.

Almoradi emphasised its traditions, green routes, vibrant commerce, and activities centred around the weekly market, an attraction recognised as of Regional Tourist Interest since 2011. The presentation was complemented by the screening of the video ‘Almoradi, A Wonderful Place’ on the Costa Blanca Videowall stage. The popular video ‘See You Here’, inviting visitors to explore one of the province’s most significant markets, was also featured. Mayor Gómez pointed out that the town’s culinary jewel, the artichoke, took centre stage in the showcooking space of the Valencian Community. FITFUR served as an ideal platform to highlight the ninth National Artichoke Congress scheduled for March 2 and 3. Recognised as an event of Regional Tourist Interest, the congress, according to the Tourism councillor, promises to bring new features and further enhance its significance.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

LIVESTOCK FAIR: Showcases native breeds.

Additionally, he highlighted other attractions in Dolores, such as El Hondo Natural Park, known for guided tours led by experts to observe birds, including some endangered species. The municipality also engages in Ornithological Tourism, aligning with a growing trend in

Spain. Dolores offers a range of attractions throughout the year, including the Gastrocultural Artichoke Festival, which celebrates the native product of artichokes known for their sweetness and white colour due to the salinity of the soil.

THE 24th edition of the Medieval Market in Orihuela is set to take place from February 2 to 4. The market will transport visitors to a bygone era where Jewish, Arab, and Christian cultures coexisted. The event covers a route from Plaza de Santiago to the Diocesan School of Santo Domingo and is divided into three zones. The first area, located between Plaza Santiago and Calle Colón, features a dragon village, the majestic return of birds, dromedary and animal stops, children’s games, craftsmen, and surprises. The second zone, from Calle Mayor to Plaza de Santa Lucía, hosts large-format shows, artisans in Plaza de Ramón Sijé, and a children’s area in Plaza del Salvador. The third area, from Plaza Santa Lucía to Santo Domingo, represents the Arab market with shows, music, and dance. THE stalls on the Alicante Esplanade have been given an end date. October 31 will be the last day for business for the stalls located on the promenade near Canalejas Park. Thirty-one stalls dedicated to the sale of artisan products will need to find a new loca-

Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

Nora Shephard THE Dolores Livestock Fair, known as FEGADO, is seeking recognition as a Fair of National Tourist Interest. Already acknowledged as a Festival of Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community since 2019, the Dolores Council aims to elevate its status to the national level. FEGADO is a significant event, standing out as the most important livestock fair in the Spanish southeast and one of the most notable in the country. The fair showcases native breeds and plays a vital role in highlighting the strategic sector of the region. The mayor of Dolores emphasised the fair’s unique role in promoting the native breeds of the land.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Dolores

National interest Medieval market

MARKET: Transport visitors to a bygone era.

The Great Knights Tournament takes place in Rincón Hernandiano. Parking facilities have been arranged near the AVE slab, behind the Álvarez de la Riva Health Centre, and in the Los Huertos grounds. Additionally, free buses from Orihuela Costa are available with reservations through www. orihuelaturística.es.

End date tion, although the city council has not specified where. Potential locations, such as the Doctor Gadea area or another spot around the Esplanade, have been considered. The suspension of the market in this area is based on

the city’s goal to recover the emblematic space, aiming for a broader promenade open to general use and visually connected to the maritime façade. The decision reflects the importance of reclaiming the image of the most emblematic promenade in the city.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Madrid Fusion Image: TRAM d’Alacant / Facebook

TRAM STATION: Is set to be closed for works.

Brief pause Anna Ellis ALICANTE’S Luceros TRAM station is set to be closed until February 21 due to ongoing improvement works aimed at enhancing train manoeuvring. The investment for these works amounts to €1.6 million and involves the installation of a new railway escape (the union of two detours) at the terminal. During this period, lines 1 (Luceros-Benidorm), 2 (Luceros-Sant Vicent del Raspeig), 3 (Luceros-El Campello), and 4 (Luceros-Plaza La Coruña) will have their origin and destination temporarily relocated to

the station market. The closure is necessary to facilitate the efficient execution of the improvements. Currently, Luceros station operates with only two tracks, both essential for meeting established frequencies. However, only track 1 is equipped for vehicle departures, leaving the other available for manoeuvring purposes. This setup requires continuous manoeuvring to align the rolling stock with each line’s requirements, remove excess units, and keep the platform track clear until the departure time.

Aspe gastronomy FROM January 24 to January 28, Aspe showcased its tourism offerings for the year at the FITUR Tourism Exhibition held in Marid. Antonio Puerto, Aspe’s mayor, emphasised the city’s welcoming atmosphere and recognised it as a secure investment with consistent growth in economy, population, and services in recent years. Rosa Ruiz, councillor for Tourism, provided details about essential events for tourists, including festivals like Flamenco, Socarrat, and Aspe Suena, which have adjusted their dates in 2024 to establish a distinct identity. Gastronomy, a key feature of Aspe, took centre stage with the presentation of the Aspense Traditional Recipe Book.

Police merit

PINOSO has approved a proposal to the Generalitat to award the Police Merit Cross to Local Police Officer D Ramon Javier Verdu Aldeguer. The initiative, put forth by Chief Inspector Quentin Mohedano, is in recognition of Officer Verdu’s 25 years of dedicated service. He assumed the role of a Local Police officer on November 1, 1998. Silvia Verdu, the mayor of Security, expressed satisfaction with the decision to grant the Police Force Cross and mentioned that the distinction would soon be presented at a local or county-level event, alongside other deserving officers.

ELCHE actively participated in Madrid Fusion, one of the most important events in the culinary world, held from January 29 to 31. This gastronomic fair, recognised as the most dynamic in the world of cuisine, spanned 18,000 square metres of exhibition space across two pavilions at the Madrid Fair Institution. The event attracted thousands of participants from both international and national backgrounds, with over 200 professionals from the Valencian Community, including chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, mixologists, producers, winemakers, and sommeliers. Irene Ruiz, Elche’s councillor for Tourism and Culture, highlighted the excellent opportunity provided by Madrid Fusion to showcase Elche’s gastronomy, chefs, and products. VisitElche was present at the event with its own space within the 80-square-metre stand of the Valencian Community. Irene Ruiz emphasised that the main objective at the fair was to promote and position the municipality as a top-level gastronomic destination. The goal was to highlight the professional excellence of Elche’s chefs and producers by showcasing the most identifying features of the local gastronomy based on landscape, sustainability, product quality, traditions, and gastronomic culture. Additionally, participation in Madrid Fusion served as an excellent platform to give visibility and commercial exposure to the producers and restaurateurs of Elche.

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.”

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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.

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Oldest gorilla dies at 60 Unfortunately, after recently suffering from a chest infection, and being in ill health for some time, the decision was taken to put Delilah to sleep to prevent further decline in her condition.

Belfast Zoo curator Julie Mansell said: “Because of her advanced years we knew this day would come, but it is still a difficult time for everyone who was involved with Delilah during her life at Belfast.”

Delilah was previously featured on the show Animal Magic with Johnny Morris, and had lived at the zoo for 32 years. During recent years, Delilah had been kept on a specialised diet and received baby porridge with her medication each morning.

The statement released by Belfast Zoo said: “The team is deeply saddened by her loss. During her 32 years at Belfast Zoo, Delilah was a character and was loved by keepers and visitors.” People from all over the world have flooded social media with messages of

Credit: Belfast City Council

DELILAH the gorilla was the oldest gorilla in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. She celebrated her 60th birthday in late 2023 and lived at Belfast Zoo. Delilah reached this remarkable age due to the constant love and care of the animal teams at Belfast Zoo.

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The much loved Delilah.

love for the gorilla, with many adults reminiscing on visiting her during their childhood.

Airport boarding streamlined THE often laborious check-in and boarding procedures can be a tedious distraction for travellers at airports. However, technology looks set to transform the boarding experience, with a new futuristic option already a reality at several Spanish airports, thanks to Vueling, a trailblazer in air travel innovation. Recently, Vueling has introduced a ground-breaking facial recognition system at key Spanish airports, including Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas, and others in Palma de Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. This system marks a significant departure from traditional boarding processes, with plans to expand to Tenerife North and Gran Canaria airports. To utilise this new system, Vueling passengers must first register their facial data. This can be done either online during check-in via the airline’s website or app or at designated kiosks in the airports. Once registered, passengers won’t need to undergo this process for future flights if they opt to use facial recognition which is currently a voluntary choice. The main advantage of this biometric system is its efficiency. Registered passengers can move through security checks

Passengers can register their facial data.

and boarding gates without needing physical documentation. This system, initially available at select points, promises to streamline the airport experience significantly. Vueling’s adoption of facial recognition technology signals a major shift in air travel procedures. The airline foresees biometrics becoming the norm in the coming years, not only expediting airport procedures but potentially inspiring other airlines to adopt similar technologies. With this change, Vueling is leading the way in modernising the aviation experience.

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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.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

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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.’

‘Generous’ tourist arrested 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.

Credit: bbernard/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

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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.

24 EWN 1- 7 February 2024 HOW can someone become a man and a mother at the same time? This is the case of a young person from Rome who, with his transition to become a man almost complete, discovered he was in his fifth month of pregnancy. ‘Marco’, as he was called in the story from an Italian newspaper, did not recognise himself in his body. He felt like a man and not a woman. He thus started the long and difficult process of gender reassignment.

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Italian man is 5 months pregnant First the psychological process to ascertain gender incongruity and then hormone therapies. His physique began to change. His face became covered with a beard and male features slowly became predominant. Marco then began to eliminate what remained of his former body and underwent a mastectomy. The process had reached such

an advanced stage that the Italian court authorised a change of sex attribution and the change of name on all documents. One last step was missing: the hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus. When the operation was performed, however, it was immediately clear that Marco was five months pregnant.

Doctors found themselves in an extremely complex situation in one of Rome’s major health facilities. It emerged that following a relationship, ‘Marco’ had conceived a child. Now, high-level discussions are under way among the doctors who are following Marco’s case and who have never before been confronted with this situation.

Sustainable tourism 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

Credit: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com

FEELING THE HEAT: Promoting shaded spots is key.

up to 15 per cent. 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 Ame-

rican tourists are particularly 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.

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COULD Spain’s renowned San Fermin festival in Pamplona ever be the same without its trademark bull run? This controversial suggestion has sparked a heated debate across Spain. In an unusual turnaround, Rakel Arjol, the newly appointed president of the Pamplona Federation of Clubs, voiced her opinions to a Spanish news source. “I would like San Fermin to be without bulls, that’s my personal opinion,” she declared. Arjol further expressed her indifference towards the bull runs and bullfights, a sentiment that runs counter to the centuries-old tradition. The festival, known for its adrenaline-charged bull runs through Pamplona’s cobbled streets, culminates in bullfights at the Plaza de Toros. The ritual, which involves six fighting bulls and thousands of participants in traditional white outfits with red sashes and neckerchiefs, stretches over 800 metres, ending with the bulls’ death at the hands of matadors. Alexander Fiske-Harrison, a British amateur matador and bullfighting aficionado, ridiculed the idea in The Times. “What do they want to run - the world’s largest frat house party? But without the bulls the young Australians and Americans would not attend anyway,” he ar-

Credit: Photos Time/shutterstock.com

No bull run The San Fermin festival, Pamplona.

gued. Aside from tradition, the ethical treatment of bulls and human safety are central to the debate. Humane Society International highlights the killing of approximately 180,000 bulls yearly in fights, underscoring the cruelty and prolonged suffering in bullfighting arenas. Moreover, the danger to humans is very real. In Valencia, a 61-year-old father, Jose Antonio Subies, tragically died after a bull gored him, causing severe injuries to his liver and lung. Last year’s Pamplona festival saw at least five individuals hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the run.

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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

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 27

28 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE ELCHE has now proudly presented its programme for Mig Any. Mig Any are the winter festivities celebrated every year in February, marking the midpoint between the Moors and Christians Festival in August. This year, the Moors and Christians Association has announced the organisation of ‘Kilos de Fiesta,’ a food collection campaign for the Conciénciate Foundation.

Mig Any begins On February 2 and 3, between 9am and 1.30pm, donations of non-perishable food and hygiene products can be made in the Festive Association tent located in the Candalix parking lot. The festive events will commence on Friday, February 2, at the Gran Teatro at 8.30pm. On Saturday, February 3,

Nocturnal beauty THE ‘Night Skies of Santa Pola’ exhibition is now open at the Casa de Cultura. Titled ‘Milky Ways, Moons, and Circumpolars’, this collaborative showcase features the work of local photographers José Espinosa, Rafael González, and José Juan González, sponsored by the Garnero’s Association. Night photography, being an artistic endeavour, demands not only camera expertise but also considerable patience for extended exposures. The exhibition presents a captivating glimpse of the nocturnal beauty of our surroundings. This mesmerising display is available for viewing until Friday February 23, inviting visitors to appreciate the enchanting night skies captured by the talented trio.

various events for children will take place throughout the morning. At noon, the collected items from the food collection campaign will be delivered to the Conciénciate Foundation. In the afternoon, the traditional Entraeta will unfold, starting on Calle Marques de Asprillas and concluding in Plaza Mariano Anton. Sunday, February 4, the traditional Parade starts at 12.15pm traversing through several streets and concluding at Plaza del Congreso Eucarís-

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Kilos de Fiesta campaign.

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).

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.

34 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/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 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

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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.

36 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024 Photo credit: Megan Mallen

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

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.

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.

FEATURE/NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

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.

Credit: Shutterstock/248200348

Mandatory service

NATIONAL SERVICE: British soldiers in France 1918.

However, in 2024, National 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 sen-

se of anxiety 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?

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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

38 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.

40 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

Luscious lips

ACHIEVING luscious, healthy lips is a combination of good care practices and mindful habits. Firstly, hydration is key; drinking plenty of water ensures your lips remain moisturised from the inside out. Regularly using a hydrating lip balm, especially one with SPF, protects and nourishes the delicate skin of the lips. Exfoliation is also important; gently scrubbing your lips with a sugar scrub once a week removes dead skin cells, revealing smoother lips. Avoid licking your lips as

ATTRACTIVE LIPS: Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

saliva can dry them out. Incorporating vitamins A, C, and E in your diet supports skin health, benefiting your lips too. Lastly, choose lip products wisely - opt for those with hydrating

WAXING is a popular hair removal method that offers several benefits over other techniques like shaving or hair removal creams. Firstly, waxing removes hair from the root, resulting in a smoother finish and a longer period of hairlessness, typically lasting three to six weeks. This method also exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving the area feeling softer and more rejuvenated.

ingredients and avoid those with alcohol or allergens that can cause dryness. These simple, effective steps can help maintain soft, attractive lips yearround.

To wax or not? Over time, regular waxing can lead to finer and sparser hair regrowth, as the hair follicle weakens. Additionally, waxing reduces the risk of cuts and nicks that can occur with shaving, and avoids the harsh chemicals present in some hair removal creams, making it a safer option for sensitive skin.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

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IN a recent study, experts at Harvard University pinpointed specific foods that could negatively impact brain function, particularly memory. Harvard’s research highlights five particular foods to limit or avoid: • Added sugars: Excessive consumption may lead to memory deficiencies. • Artificial sweeteners: These can increase harmful stomach bacteria, adversely affecting mood. • Processed oils: High in Omega-6 fatty acids, they cause brain inflammation and damage to blood vessels. • Fried foods: They have been identified as detrimental to memory. • Ultra-processed foods: Excessive intake can shorten chromosome ends, potentially leading to degenerative diseases. Conversely, certain foods are highly recommended for enhancing cognitive functions. • Oily fish: Salmon, mac-

Credit: Ruslan Huzau/Shutterstock.com

Brain-boosting Valentine nails

BRAIN HEALTH: Some foods can affect your memory.

kerel, tuna, and sardines, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, regulate neuronal function and improve information storage in the brain. • Nuts and seeds: Macadamia nuts, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, known for reducing dementia and Alzheimer’s risks. • Spinach: Loaded with folic acid and vitamin E, it not only reduces tumours and cancer cells but also slows neuronal ageing. • Red fruits: Strawberries, blackberries, currants, and

blueberries are rich in flavonoids and fisetin, enhancing memory and various cognitive functions. • Eggs: Containing vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, help prevent cognitive decline. • Dark chocolate: In moderation, its flavonoids and antioxidants bolster brain health. • Green tea: Known for fat-burning properties, it also enhances brain health. by stimulating concentration and blocking sleep-inducing adenosine.

VALENTINE’S Day is the perfect occasion to express your style and affection through creative nail designs. This year’s trends embrace a mix of classic and contemporary looks. The quintessential red and pink hues remain popular, offering a timeless romantic appeal. For a more subtle elegance, nude bases with delicate heart accents or fine line art add a touch of whimsy. Glitter and metallic finishes can add a glamorous sparkle, perfect for

Celebrate love in style.

a special evening. For those seeking a modern twist, geometric patterns or negative space designs incorporating Valentine motifs offer a chic

alternative. Whatever your preference, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to showcase your personality and celebrate love through your nail artistry.

42 EWN 1- 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

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

Clampdown on scooters

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.

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

1 - 7 February 2024

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Celebrating 20 years on the Costa Blanca!

THIS will be the 20th year of trading for Premier Removals, started and owned until 2021 by Albie and Siobhan Mennie, now run by their daughter Emma who is a licensed HGV driver and her amazing team. Premier Removals have been part of making 100s of dreams come true, helping move families worldly possessions internally in Spain and to another country including UK, Ireland, France, Portugal and Holland, to start their new adventure. They have transported a few boxes to a hot tub to a yacht not to mention moved a few famous faces! When Brexit hit it changed the whole process, nothing was simple anymore with the endless customs clearance paperwork and taxes but they got through it. Now they know the paperwork like the back

Where it all started in 2004!

of their hand and included in every job they undertake they complete all the paperwork making sure the clients receive a stress free move. They have tried a few diﬀerent things

over the years and are now back to what works best for them and their clients. They have their own UK and Spanish fully insured storage warehouses with 24hr surveillance and security giving you complete peace of mind. The main oﬃce is here in Spain along with their own vehicles. They oﬀer collection, delivery and long

or short term storage in Spain and the UK plus wrapping and packing. So whether it’s a local move or a move to a whole new country, Premier Removals can help. No job is ever to large or too small! They also run diﬀerent monthly oﬀers including free storage for all European moves. Emma is not afraid to jump in and help the team when needed and you will see her occasionally driving the lorry with her sidekick, rescue dog Teddy. Emma is an avid supporter of local animal charities and is currently helping Suella at Big Reds Animals Association which is a small rescue centre in Catral that helps small breeds, especially the oldies. They have asked local businesses to sponsor their new t-shirt designs, ‘Don’t shop…adopt’ and Emma of course said yes, and are on sale now. Get in touch today if you would like a FREE no obligation quote from your local family-run business who pride themselves on giving their clients 110 per cent.

Premier Removals. Office: 966 190 643 - Mobile: 634 191 061 info@premiermovesspain.com - www.premiermovesspain.com - www.facebook.com/premiertopdivsionremovals

44 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

AMSTERDAM Mayor Femke Halsema stated that: “the sale and use of cocaine and other drugs should no longer be a punishable offence,” in an article published on Thursday, January 25. This controversial statement was from an interview in the Financieele Dagblad (FD), and according to the mayor the fight against drugs is “perverse and counterproductive.” Instead, she proposes that drug markets be regulated to undermine the revenue model of “unscrupulous criminals.” Her words have caused quite a stir, so much so that her spokesperson released a statement confirming that: “Halsema does not advocate for the rash legalisation of cocaine, but for regulating the drug.” The spokesperson also noted this is already happening in the Dutch government’s cannabis cultivation pilot project, where cannabis is legally supplied to coffeeshops. It is not the first time that Halsema has advocated for a new approach to drug policy. For example, during a conference on organised crime in October 2022, she said that “the war on drugs is not working.” She also expressed the hope that countries would consider drug use differently and that an “alternative strategy”

Credit: Civil Liberties Union for Europe

Not a crime Butane price rise

CONTROVERSIAL: The mayor of Amsterdam.

should be formulated. Leader of People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, Dilan Yesilgoz responded by declaring that she thinks “regulating the cocaine trade is nonsense,” adding that: “the Netherlands, as an important transit country for drugs, suffers enormously from organised crime and how it has creeped its way into other areas of life. We are dealing with major violent crimes; with journalists, judges and lawyers who are threatened. That is my priority.”

CONSUMERS who rely on butane cylinders will pay more in the coming weeks, with costs set to rise in February. In mid-January, the price of butane cylinders saw a notable increase, impacting households that depend on butane for cooking and heating. The latest revision, setting the price at €15.89, marks a rise above the rates of preceding months. This increase in cost is expected to last throughout February. The Spanish government, on June 25, 2022, implemented a decree law capping the price of butane cylinders weighing between eight and 20 kilograms at €19.55. This measure, extended until the end of 2023, was part of a broader package of anti-crisis strategies adopted by the last Council of Ministers in 2023. It aimed to alleviate the financial strain on families

NOTABLE INCREASE: Gas bottle delivery.

by maintaining a ceiling on butane prices. The determination of butane cylinder prices hinges on multiple factors. The primary influencer is the international market cost of raw materials, namely propane and butane. However, additional elements such as freight costs and the euro-dollar exchange rate fluctuations also play a crucial role. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the government imposed a 5 per cent limit on price adjustments du-

ring reviews. Consequently, ‘the butane cylinder cannot rise or fall more than the percentage established by law’, ensuring some stability for consumers amid market volatility. In calculating the final price of a butane cylinder, one must account for IVA (VAT), currently at 21 per cent, and the Special Tax on Hydrocarbons (IEH), charged at €1.5 per kilo. These additions, alongside the raw material and transportation costs, contribute to the final retail price.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A few words about German box clocks from FixingTime

BOX clocks are frequently brought to our workshop. Changing tastes after the FIrst World War, led to the gradual replacement of ornate Vienna Regulators with more modern looking Box Clocks with a minimalist design. They have a simple rectangular wooden case with clean lines, a simple crown, glazed features and are not complicated by carvings and embellishments like earlier clocks. German manufacturers, such as Gustav Becker, The Hamburg American Clock Company and Hermle, were involved in the design and construction of box clocks. They are either a weight-driven or a spring-driven movement. Spring-driven were within the budget of most households, and are often the type we are asked to repair. They require winding to keep accurate time every eight days. The movement is always housed within a wooden case viewable through glazed pa-

nels. It was often a ritual to wind the clock every Sunday. Most box clocks have black spear or spade hands for contrast against a white or silvered dial. A prominent feature is the pendulum, which swings beneath the clock’s dial, visible thorough a glass panel. The pendulum’s length is adjusted to regulate the clock’s timekeeping. Some clocks strike the number of hours and strike once on Most box clocks were produced in Germany, coming in a variety of designs. the half-hour. Others include a chime on the quarters. Usually Westminsnufacturing. Box clocks were ter Chimes, adding a pleasant widely used in homes, offices, sound to mark the passage of schools etc. Today, box clocks time. are sought after by collectors Box clockmakers were reand enthusiasts for their historinowned for their precision cal significance and craftsmansand craftsmanship, making hip. Germany a hub for clock maFixing Time, have restored

many box clocks. Customers remember them in the homes of relatives. They remember the ritual winding before church on Sunday, the striking of the hour, and they remember the clock falling off the wall and so on. Every clock comes with its own story. Some customers want to keep their clock going in memory of loved ones, others feel they owe it to the clock to keep it going. Many things can stop a clock. The spring driving one of the features (either the time, the strike or the chime) can finally break after many years of winding, the holes in the plates of the movement can become misshapen due to wear and the wheels can no longer drive the mechanism.

Whatever the problem FixingTime will be able to get it working again. If you have one of these clocks, which has given up, and if you hold it in high regard get in touch with us. We are three horologists building our business in Spain. Jeff (FBHI) is also Chief Examiner for the British Horological Institute (BHI), and FixingTime is in the BHI’s directory of accredited repairers. Jeff works alongside David and Gail and we are proud of our good reputation. We can help you with antique and modern clocks and mechanical watches, and with modern high end-quality watches. We are grateful to our customers who put their trust in us. If you can’t bring your item to us, we will come to you. Our workshop is open most of the time, so if we can help give us a call, text, or email to arrange an appointment at your place or ours. Quotes are free with no obligation.

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.

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

48 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 Calida Join Mabs

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.

MABS Mazarron, is a non-profit organisation which stands as a beacon of hope for individuals dealing with the challenges of cancer. MABS Mazarron is on a mission to extend its services, and it urgently needs compassionate individuals to join its volunteer force. Even if people can only spare a few hours a week, that 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 mazvolunteers@mabscancerfoundation.

49 EWN 1- 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE INTERVIEW

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Over 30 years’ experience THE Gate and Garage Door Company are based in the Costa Blanca South and have been working with automatic security roller shutter doors and gates including gate automations for over 30 years, they can supply and install or supply only a wide range of remote-controlled gates or roller doors as well as bespoke aluminium car ports in the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. Their popular Insulated aluminium security automated roller shutter door is fully remote controlled with emergency access override and anti-lift security feature built-in including a safety obstacle detection sensor. This roller shutter door can be used as a new replacement garage door, security glass curtain protection shutter, replacement entrance gates, outside pool kitchen/bar shutters. Electric gate automation systems for residential sliding gates and double opening gates and garage doors. We only use the best systems that are available including the full safety anti crush obstacle detection built in as stan-

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.

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“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.

euroweeklynews.com • 1 - 7 February 2024

PETS Humane deterrents Pet-sitters cherish your pets at home SPONSORED BY

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.

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

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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

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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

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,

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.

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com AIR CONDITONING

1 - 7 February 2024

ALARMS

AIR CONDITONING

CONSTRUCTION

BLINDS

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BOILERS

BUILDERS

BALUSTRADES

BLINDS

52 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024 DRAINS

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54 EWN 1 - 7 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SERVICES WINDOW TINTING

REMOVALS/ & STORAGE

INSURANCE

TV & SATELLITE

CLASSIFIEDS ARCHITECT

CARE HOME PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (305146)

CHARITY

BUILDING SERVICES

J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (1296232)

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES RETIREMENT SALE: Sunday market stall Zoco. Qualtiy Watches, Silver Jewellery Sales & Repairs. Full Repairs training given. 9am-2pm Sundays. Other days available. Sunday market: 5 figure annual profit income. Well established clientele, over 17 years. Accounts figures available. Repairer contacts available. Supplier contacts available. Well stocked, ready for takeover. Price negotiable. Phone 696 311 704 (303248)

CARS FOR SALE

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. 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 confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www. aa-costablanca.org (93323) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_ campello@hotmail.com (95475) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight. com.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia. com Tel 600 841 064 (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@ helpvegabaja.com. We also have

CHARITY

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a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www. icatorrevieja.org (95476) LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasi estaevangelicalchurch.org (10005) PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www. pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk. Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@ gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to

1 - 7 February 2024 guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http://branches.britishlegion. org.uk/branches/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www. orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rbl. community ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@ yahoo.co.uk (10004)

of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb.org. es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www. amscb.org.es (295976)

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (294038)

FOR SALE/WANTED WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

GOLD WANTED

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorrevieja@ aol.com (95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesupportgroup@ hotmail.com, website: torreviejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188.

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Profes sional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (303833) CLASSIC MATURE SPANISH LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 50€. Ana 657 603 495 (303922) TORREVIEJA centre 5 Spanish and Colombian girlfriends, very affectionate and dominant masseuses 24 hours a day Call outs . 613668548 (302991)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (295418)

INSURANCE

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

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THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www. spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com. Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SER VICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@beneficial insuranceinspain.com or visit www. beneficialinsuranceinspain.com for online quote. (304738)

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (303170)

MASSAGE FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302439)

LOVELY slim lady, 46, offering a pleasant massage. Mil Palmeras. In your home or hotel. Contact leilapuss@yahoo.co.uk for more details (303843) TORREVIEJA Unique Massage Experience. Slim Masseur. Relax for 1 hour and enjoy a distresful massage. My name is Tina FROM BRAZIL and I am Mulatto 44yrs and perfect body. Incalls & Outcalls Tel. 603 301 635 (305224) LA ZENIA English lady for masseuse. Full body relaxing massage, in own apartment or 10 kilometres from La Zenia WhatsApp 711 041 330 (304963) ANA. ONLY VISITS HOMES AND HOTELS 24HRS FOR MASSAGE AND PROSTATIC. ENGLISH/FRENCH. PHONE 697 207 715. (304335) LIA, Beautiful masseuse in Punta Prima, with perfect curves, offers tantric, body-to-body and relaxing massage services. Call +34 653 958 958 (305175)

MISCELLANEOUS GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

MOTORING

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com 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)

MOTORHOMES MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

MUSIC FOR SALE 2 brand new Grundig Hi-Fi speakers 50watt, 26 x 18cm. €25. 699 321 591 (304542)

MUSIC TUITION PIANO Teacher. Please call 606 984 535

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and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies. com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@yahoo.co.uk (302053)

PETS BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (305162)

PET CHARITY EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare.net www. easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706) GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708)

La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor.blog. com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

1 - 7 February 2024 RADIO

PLUMBERS MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (294038)

POOL MAINTENANCE POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www. pooltechspain.com (294206)

PROPERTY FOR RENT VILLA FOR RENT in ORIHUELA COSTA – Long Term Rent Villa on a 1,000m2 plot & house of 250m2. 4 beds, 3 baths, private garden, private pool & garage. Only 3 minute walk to the beach and close to shops, restaurants and golf course. For info email caroblo@ yahoo.es (305157)

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity,

SITUATIONS VACANT

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euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING HAVE you ever weighed the cost difference between used electric cars and their petrol or diesel counterparts? Recent insights reveal a striking disparity in the second-hand car market. In December, an annual analysis conducted by a Spanish vehicle sellers association disclosed a significant price gap in the pre-owned car sector. This study which focused on vehicles with a single previous owner or those used in leasing

Used car market with less than 15,000 kilometres, found that used electric cars were priced at an average of €34,818. In stark contrast, the average costs for petrol and diesel vehicles stood at €19,999 and €17,743 respectively. Statistics show that electric vehicles, despite a €2,000 decrease in value over the year,

were almost twice as expensive as their combustion engine equivalents. This disparity underlines the major hurdle in adopting electric vehicle technology. According to Faconauto, electric cars comprised a mere 0.6 per cent of Spain’s vehicle transactions last year. The Moves III Plan, initiated

Who foots the bill?

HAVE you ever wondered who’s liable for repairs if your vehicle is damaged during a Spanish ITV vehicle inspection? In the unfortunate circumstance that a vehicle incurs damage while undergoing the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV) - a process mandatory in Spain for ensuring vehicle safety and environmental compliance - the responsibility for repairs depends on specific circumstances. The ITV station’s insurance typically covers damages incurred during the inspection process. In situations where a vehicle sustains damage during the inspection, such as a broken windscreen wiper, window damage, bodywork scratches, or mechanical faults

caused by technician actions, the ITV station’s insurance is obliged to cover the costs. However, if a fault emerges after passing the ITV and exiting the facility, the vehicle owner must prove that the issue resulted from malpractice during the inspection. This requires evidence the vehicle was in pristine condition upon arrival and that the breakdown is directly linked to the inspection. Repair responsibility during an ITV hinges on when and how the damage occurs. ITV stations hold liability for damages caused during inspections, while proving post inspection damage responsibility falls on the vehicle owner.

in June, aimed to bridge this gap by offering up to €7,000 in subsidies for ‘pre-owned’ electric cars, provided they are less than 12 months old and owned by manufacturers or rental companies. Prices for pre-owned electric vehicles vary across Spain. Murcia recorded average prices around €44,000, while La Rioja saw averages drop to €24,000. Madrid, Catalonia, and Andalucia, with the most transactions, posted figures close to the national average, at €31,800, €34,519, and €37,000 respectively. The Renault Zoe led the used electric car market in Spain, despite a 35 per cent drop in sales to 1,099 units. Following closely were the Smart ForTwo, 1,028 sales; and the BMW i3, with 730 cars sold. The Fiat 500 and Tesla Model 3 rounded out the top five, with 658 and 611 sales respectively. Notably, the Megane E-Tech saw a significant increase, from 30 units to nearly 400 by the close of 2023.

MOTORING II euroweeklynews.com

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SEAT Leon FR Sport e-Hybrid - a tempting package

ROAD TEST By Mark Slack

SPANISH car maker SEAT, part of the Volkswagen group, has a longer history than many realise having been formed in 1950. It was created by Spain’s government-owned Instituto Nacional de Industria, Spanish private banks, and Fiat. After 36 years the Spanish government sold SEAT to the Volkswagen Group in 1986. SEAT has another brand in its stable now, Cupra! It appeared in 2018 and was billed as their sporting brand, and SEAT has always portrayed itself as a more sporting alternative since it became part of VW. The Cupra brand has proved very successful but now the downside is that SEAT has revealed they plan to lose the SEAT name off their range and concentrate on Cupra. Although the SEAT name

may well appear on other modes of transport, for now at least the SEAT name is set to disappear from our roads. Which proves a good opportunity to get behind the wheel of the SEAT Leon FR Sport plug in hybrid. Many SEAT models have a Cupra equivalent but the differentiation between the SEAT Leon and the Cupra Leon is the latter being a more sporting take on the former with lower ride height, bolder styling tweaks and a sportier interior. The SEAT Leon is arguably, therefore, a more liveable daily drive as although it does sit low, and has firmed up suspension, the ride is perfectly acceptable even on our worst roads. It still retains a sporty dynamic with nicely weighted steering and feels agile and sure footed enough to prove quick, and entertaining, on twisting cross country

SEAT Leon FR Sport e-Hybrid makes for an entertaining drive.

roads. The range starts from €27,301/£23,335 and en-

compasses four trim levels and four engines including the plug-in hybrid.

Lead-in models have air conditioning, rear parking sensors, keyless start, LED

Facts at a Glance • Price: €44,318/£37,880 • Engine: 1.4-litre petrol with 75kw battery developing 204PS • Transmission: 6-speed DSG Automatic • Performance: Max speed 220kph/137mph O - 100kph/62 mph 7.5 seconds • Economy: 1.17l per 100km/241.7mpg combined - real world driving probably circa 5.65l per 100km/50 mpg depending on driving style and conditions - 64km/40 miles electric only range. • Emissions: 26g/km

lights, CarPlay and Android Auto. The plug-in hybrid in FR Sport trim, with power from a 1.4-litre hybrid petrol engine aided by a 75kw battery. This means you have 40 miles pure electric driving, subject to weather conditions and type of driving, and three modes - pure electric, pure petrol or a combination of the two, where the car decides which is the appropriate power and can include both petrol and electric. In FR Sport mode standard fare includes three-zone-climate, park assist, auto dimming mirror, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and steering wheel, suede upholstery and interior wraparound interior lighting. For those dipping an automotive pedal into EV motoring the Leon e-Hybrid is a tempting package and an entertaining drive.

60 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 SPORTS

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.