Costa de Almeria 8 – 14 February 2024 Issue 2014

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2014 • 8 - 14 February 2024

Albox Success ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

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GRATUITO

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LIVREE

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Credit: Robert Farhi

THE Albox Carnival which is one of the earliest in the year took place on Saturday February 3 and was such a success that it has laid out a challenge to other carnivals.

Starting at 6pm from the Plaza San Francisco some 350 friends and family enrolled in 20 different groups to march towards the Auditorio Centro de Agua y Salud where the prize giving took place followed by the always exciting party.

This was a new venue for the event and there was an interesting twist as prizes of varying amounts from €100 to €500 were awarded with separate prizes for local groups and those from other areas who were taking part.

Food and drink was of course available and music was supplied by Los Vinilos, followed by DJs from midnight.

FREE

Carnival, an event for all.

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8 - 14 February 2024

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Lover’s raffle WITH Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the Adra ‘You are a sweetheart campaign’ promises some special bonuses for those who take part.

Everyone who spends €15 or more at a participating store in the town until 11am on February 14 will be entitled to take part in a raffle with prizes of a meal for two at the Garum restaurant, a further meal for two at the Taberna La Granja restaurant and one of three cakes from La Despensa

Credit: Adra Council

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Announcing the campaign.

bakery.

Organised by the local trader’s association with the support of the council, the campaign hopes to encourage people to spend a

little more at local stores.

The draw itself takes place in the Plaza Puerta del Mar, at the doors of the town hall from 11am on Valentine’s Day.

Almeria Airport THE Board of Directors of Spanish state owned airport handling company Aena has decided to offer an incentive package to 32 airports which handle less than three million passengers annually.

All airlines using these airports will be exempt from paying passenger fees in respect of all additional passengers they

attract over and above their 2023 figures.

Airlines using Almeria Airport, which currently handles less than three million passengers will benefit from this offer is one of the 32 that will benefit from the offer and there will be additional benefits if they operate off season flights to the Balearics, Canaries, Ceuta and Melilla.

Michael Cano NIBS EXTRA SOMETIMES actions

Cycle camp

THE successful women’s cycling team UAE Team Emirates has selected the hotel and other facilities at the Valle del Este Resort in Vera for their February training camp thanks to the equable climate, good local road conditions and the general peaceful surroundings.

Close ties

ALMERIAN town of Garrucha and French town of Tence have for many years enjoyed a friendly relationship and the Mayor D Pedro Zamora and councillors were pleased to welcome a delegation from Tence at the end of January which will strengthen the ties between the two.

Dog walking

ON January 31, representatives of the Apa Nueva Vida Huercal Overa dog rescue centre were invited to receive a cheque in the sum of €800 collected by the local council following its involvement in a recent dog walking fundraiser.

Good news

THOSE who need to be transferred to a health centre in Huercal Overa but aren’t capable of making their own arrangements will benefit from the introduction of a second ambulance which will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Still pollution

A REPORT published by the US government on January 31 refers to the fact there is still an excessive amount of pollution in the area around Palomares but no remedial action is taking place as yet.

taken in another country can have serious repercussions here in Spain and the latest problem affects both farmers and transporters in Almeria.

Demonstrating farmers in France haven’t just blockaded Paris but as has been widely publicised stopped lorries bringing fresh produce into France and have looted some of them.

The Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisations of the province of Almeria (Coexphal) has criticised the lack of intervention from

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8 - 14 February 2024

Hauliers rights Credit: PP Almeria

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Members of PP demand help for hauliers.

the Spanish and French governments and now members of the Partido Popular (PP) in Almeria have joined in the pro-

More clean water

REGIONAL Minister Carmen Crespo arrived in Mojacar on Friday February 2 to lay the first stone for the proposed pipelines and Wastewater Treatment Plant which will benefit more than 53,000 people.

It is going to take 24 months to complete at a cost of €19 million but when finished, this much needed facility will be able to pump out clean (but not potable) water to benefit residents and agricultural operations in the towns of Mojacar, Bedar, Garrucha, Los Gallardos and Turre.

Mayors from each of these towns attended the ceremony as it will eventually have such an impact on their residents.

There will be eight pumping stations a new treatment plant and some 28.6 kilometres of pipelines which will not only benefit the watering of fruit and vegetables but will also create a number of jobs both during the construction period and thereafter.

In a time of drought, this is an important step forward but in her speech, the minister also called upon the National Government to do more to assist in the creation of desalination plants.

tests.

They argue that not only are growers suffering from their inability to safely move their produce

Free concert ON Saturday February 18, three bands will be performing free of charge at the Water and Health Centre in Albox as the Processional Marches Contest returns.

It is 14 years since the last time that the competition was held in the town and taking part will be the Albox Municipal Music Band, the Virgen de la Amargura Musical Group from Lorca and the María Santísima de la Estrella Musical Group from Granada.

This has been a deliberate decision made by the Albox Council in conjunction with the five local Brotherhoods as Municipal Bands are forever linked with Easter Holy Parades.

As the Albox Holy Week festivities are classified as an event of National Tourist Interest in Andalucia the Council wants to promote the Municipal Band and give it as much exposure as possible as part of its campaign to be seen to promote the traditions of the municipality.

The competition starts at noon on February 18 and it is hoped that an audience of several hundred from across Almeria will be attracted to the event.

World Cancer Day SUNDAY February 4 was World Day Against Cancer and the AECC Almeria (Asociacion contra el cancer en Almeria) took to the streets of the capital to show its commitment in the fight against the disease.

A large human green ribbon appeared in the Plaza de la Constitucion and supporters

from various different organisations took part in the display and those taking part in different sports across the Province wore green armbands to highlight the constant need to fight the insidious disease.

A special call for support was presented by cancer sufferer María Angeles Arcos followed by speeches from lo-

across the border between Spain and France but drivers (and up to 350 lorries a day were crossing) are now losing their livelihoods which affects them and their families.

National deputy Maribel S. Torregrosa blamed the “absolute abandonment by the Pedro Sánchez government to this sector” and demanded that action is taken to ensure that drivers can safely take advantage of the free movement across Europe to which they are entitled.

cal politicians as well as former FC Almeria footballer José Ortiz Bernal.

The AECC issued a formal note of thanks to all those in Almeria who recognised the importance of the day, not forgetting the thousands of patients who suffer from the disease in various forms every year.

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YOUR EWN HAS

122 STORIES in this week’s edition

Vehicle imbalance IT’S not just big cities which seem to be overtaken by huge numbers of vehicles, but according to a report from SIMA (a statistics division of the Junta de Andalucia) Almeria Province has almost as many vehicles as people.

With just over 750,000 counted as residents in the latest census, between them, they own more than 610,000 motor vehicles of one type or another.

Sounds a huge number but bear in mind that with a lot of agricultural activity, there is a need for tractors and other vehicles involved in harvesting and many people need their own transport to get to and from work.

Almost half of the population owns a car of some sort and there are almost 100,000 motor bikes and mopeds.

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Watching the grass grow VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON I HAVEN’T been following with any great interest the Covid enquiries currently taking place in the UK. I have come to assume that it stands for Covering Over Vapid Idiotic Discussions.

To be honest, I wouldn’t like all my WhatsApp messages to be made public, especially some that I might have sent in a tantrum, or to a friend after a couple of glasses of wine.

But then again, I am not a national politician making decisions that will affect the economic well-being of the country, the safety of millions of families, the development of children, and so on.

I am always the optimist, and I, unlike many peo-

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ple I know, thought that this might get behind the scenes of the often poor decision making processes that was the whole pandemic response.

How wrong I was. Whatever messages seem to be left in cyber space do little more than question the maturity and capacity of those holding the reins during this time. We already know that, at least in the UK, they didn’t even follow their own guidelines for dealing with this, so the enquiry has not brought to light any mind blowing revelations.

However, disclosures of top politicians allegedly making comments like “Just let people die” whether these are private conversations or semiofficial ones moves the conversation from ‘idiotic’ to ‘disturbing’.

It’s like making jokes about pedophilia: it is bad taste whatever the context.

I wonder how those directly affected by the whole thing either by loss of loved ones or loss of their businesses, homes and mental health, and the subsequent damage from the treatment, feel about the enquiry. I suspect they are not put at ease.

Although not designed for this specific purpose, there is a degree of entertainment value at watching the great and the good squirm in their seats when

asked to explain ‘Why?’ It is amazing how Covid has created collective and selective amnesia among the big players.

‘I don’t recall,’ is clearly a synonym for ‘I don’t want to tell you because it will make me look bad.’

The entertainment value more or less stops there.

Beyond that, the enquiry is as interesting as watching grass grow.

There is another component which could be classed as educational, even though learning how to do this is not an evolutionary advantage for the human race.

That is, how to look sincere and keep a straight face while clearly lying through their teeth, albeit by omission and not by commission.

My poker face directly resulted in losing all of my 20 matchsticks in a game with my son. These guys and gals are past masters at the poker face. I still think I’d rather be an open book with a face and body language that gives me away every time. I prefer the truth even when it works to my disadvantage.

Can’t say I will be following the rest of this with great interest. Life is too short, and watching the grass grow has suddenly captured my attention.

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

8 - 14 February 2024

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Almond Blossom route John Smith

THE month of February is a very special one for nature lovers in Almeria as the Provincial Council is reintroducing the Almond Blossom route once again.

Each one combines an opportunity to enjoy a day out seeing both the blossoms and also attractive towns in different parts of the Province followed by lunch in restaurants which offer a range of local dishes.

The days out are on both Saturdays and Sundays and run until March 3 but to participate you will need to make a reservation by emailing almeria@na tures.es or calling 606 795 056.

The dates, towns and restaurants are as follow; February 10 - Castro de Filabres - Lunch: Las Eras Restaurant by Antonio Gázquez.

February 11 - Benizalon-

Credit: Almeria Provincial Council

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Announcement of the Almond Blossom route.

Collado Almecino-Castillo Benimina - Lunch: Los Olivos Restaurant.

February 17 - Lucainena de las Torres-Calcination Kilns-Vía Verde - Lunch: Montesión Restaurant.

February 18 - SenesPizarra, Alcazaba, Moors EVEN though dog exercise areas are pretty much widespread across Spain, there aren’t many leisure outlets for dogs in Almeria but this is about to change.

Mojacar Council has confirmed that it plans to introduce a dog beach, which will be a first for the town and will join a very

and Christians mysteries - Lunch: Las Eras February 24 - Sorbas-Karst, Cariatiz Fossils - Lunch: Sol de Andalucía Restaurant.

February 25 - Lubrin-La Alcarria-La Alameda Lunch: Albar Restaurant

in El Pilar-Lubrín March 2 - Uleila del Campo-Ethnographic Heritage-Winery - Lunch: Bodega Perfer Restaurant.

March 3 – Tabernas Gastronomic Day and show cooking with Antonio Gázquez.

Dog beach small number in the Province.

There is money in the 2024 budget to allow for this although at the moment no particular beach has been chosen and there

is a potential problem with regards to water.

If only it was raining cats and dogs, as beaches all over the coastal areas of Spain have already turned off showers for humans and dog showers have been wrapped up to ensure that they are not used, so unless reservoirs are filled, there could be a delay.

Dogs and cats are going to be looked after in different ways in Mojacar this year as there will be a dog park created as there so many canines friends in the municipality but for cats the outlook isn’t quite as rosy as feral colonies will be subject to capture, sterilization and return.

Credit: Elvy Pexels

Enjoying access to the beach.

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Music in Vera Credit: José Huertas Flamenco Facebook

Jessica Sweeting

THERE are two fascinating musical events coming up at the Vera Auditorium in the next few weeks with tickets costing €10 in advance or €12 on the night.

On Saturday February 17 it will be Two Pianos as Antoni Tolmos and Josep Porté offer a tour of great classics of pop and rock.

A selection of some of the most famous songs by Police, Michael Jackson, Abba, Supertramp and Coldplay will sound from two opposing grand pianos in a very different but very exciting

A scene from the Flamenco ballet Tebdemir.

soundscape.

Then on the following Saturday, February 24 there will be a unique Spanish Flamenco Ballet created by the Valencian company Ballet Flamenco Jose Huertas and

telling the story of Tebdemir, the last Visigoth betrayal.

Tebdemir was the Doge of Riba-roja del Turia in Valencia and was attacked by two armed men in 733 in revenge for his betrayal of Rodrigo.

Lucky Garrucha

GOOD news for a lottery buyer in Garrucha as they were the lucky holders of a decimo (10th) of the winning number 07709 in the Saturday February 3 National Lottery draw.

With the winning ticket being worth €600,000 then a decimo is worth €60,000, not to be ‘sneezed at’ even

though, apart from the profit made from sales of lottery tickets, the government also collect a slice of that €60,000 in tax.

The winner is allowed to keep the first €40,000 without paying tax and then has to pay 20 per cent on the balance which means that they will actually collect €56,000.

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Tourist haven Credit: Almeria Provincial Council

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TOURISM COUNCILLORS: Travelled to Granada to speak to travel agents.

ALTHOUGH one tends to think of promotion of tourism as being something to attract those from overseas or the other end of Spain, councils in Almeria have taken a different view.

On February 2, tourism councillors from Almeria, Mojacar, Nijar, Roquetas de Mar and Vera travelled to Granada to speak to travel agents and others who can direct tourist traffic to the province.

Mojacar councillor Ma-

ría Gracia Alarcón spoke in depth about Mojacar’s tourism campaign, offers and activities for 2024.

With a boost of €4.5 million from the Sustainability Plan she explained that this was “a great help for the fight against seasonality, an increase in the quality of the tourism experience and an improvement in the use of our multiple resources.”

One area that Mojacar is concentrating on is sports tourism which doesn’t have

to rely on the summer season but is an ideal getaway not just for families but professional teams in winter training camps or in preparation for national or international competitions.

In addition, she claimed that Mojacar with its festivals, restaurants of high standard, membership of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain Association and the added bonus of the beaches is the ideal holiday spot.

Resignations THE resignation of two Mojacar councillors Rosa María Cano and Sergio Alonso Soler from their role as heads of department means that there has to be a change of responsibilities.

The two councillors will still retain their status and in the case of Rosa María Cano she will maintain some departments but there will be no additional responsibilities for Sergio Alonso Soler other than those expected from a councillor.

This means that following an extraordinary plenary session on February 6, the new allocation of responsibilities is as follows;

Jesús Montoya Gredilla is head of the delegations of Festivities, Sports, Youth, Civil Protection, Works, Cleaning, Gardening and Deputy to the Mayor’s Office; María Gracia Alarcón García will be responsible for Tourism, Transportation, Contracting, Trade, New Technologies, Heritage and Environment.

Ana María García Fernández will be the delegate councillor for Health, Senior Citizens, Parks, Land Registry and the Cemetery; Rosa María Cano, Deputy Mayor and Social Assistance whilst María Luisa Pérez López remains head of the delegation of Relations with Foreigners and Commitment to Citizenship.

Epilepsy Day IT is estimated that more than 7,000 residents of Almeria Province suffer from epilepsy and not only are they ill but are often discriminated against when they suffer a fit.

If people don’t know about the problems of this illness, then they can easily assume that there is a cause other than an identified illness and this

discrimination can affect sufferers mental health as well as making it difficult to hold down steady employment.

The Almeria Provincial Council alongside the Junta de Andalucia and various authorities throughout the Province intend to make an important statement about the need to understand

epilepsy on February 13 which is International Epilepsy Day. According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is estimated that about 50 million people live with epilepsy worldwide, of which 400,000 are in Spain, making it one of the most prevalent neurological diseases.

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Cuevas Carnival Thriller of a night

IN a bid to try to ensure that local waters are not overfished, a decision has been made to stop trawlers from sailing out for the five ports in Almeria until the end of February.

This ban is in respect of certain shellfish especially prawns but ironically, there will be no ban in bringing crustaceans caught in other areas to Almeria.

veiling the special poster on February 2, the mayor, Antonio Fernández, reminded everyone of the importance of the carnival to the town and looking back to the Franco era explained that even though at some stages these events were banned, Cuevas continued to enjoy its own brand of carnival.

There will be music on several days and the climax which is the parade will start at 5pm on the last day and by 11pm, the winners will have been announced and those with the stamina will then be able to enjoy music from three different sets of performers.

Prawn limit The following month there will be a ban on catching anchovy and mackerel but again it will be perfectly acceptable to bring in supplies from other areas.

This is all to do with demands from Brussels to try to keep the stocks as high as possible but

with some of the shellfish in Almeria waters such as red prawns (carabineros) achieving very high prices, the lack of fishing will make a significant financial dent in an industry that has seen costs increase and several owners packing up.

Credit: Michael’s Legacy

CARNIVAL 2024 in Cuevas del Almanzora will run from February 10 to 17 and promises to be an exciting week with prizes for the best costumes.

There is something on every day with popular events such as the creation of masks, burial of the sardine with the highlight being the Grand Parade which takes place on February 17.

Some 30 different groups have indicated that they will take part in the parade and based on past experience, the organisers are expecting around 10,000 spectators to arrive in the town.

Announcing the programme and un-

KING OF POP: See the many faces of Michael Jackson

MICHAEL’S LEGACY is probably the very best show about the king of pop, Michael Jackson which will be presented at the Huercal Overa Theatre on Saturday February 17 from 9pm with tickets costing €15.

With a total cast of 20 which includes nine dancers on stage and a singer who replicates Jackson’s voice exceptionally, this is an ideal evening for those who grew up with the former singer from the Jackson Five.

So popular is this Spanish conceived

show that more than 200,000 people have seen the performances presented by the Jackson Dance Company.

Even with your eyes open, you will be convinced that this great entertainer has come back to life to perform all of his best songs and dances which are reproduced at the highest quality.

An evening with Michael’s Legacy sees a selection of performances from his various hit albums and tours which will of course include the iconic moonwalk.

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Start of the 2023 Walk for Life

Walk for Life THE Walk for Life, Arboleas group consists of a small number of volunteers who are dedicated to helping sufferers of cancer and their families within a 25 kilometre radius of the village.

For more than 10 years, they have provided financial support including help with mobility, translation, and transport and every client can expect one to one support, individual to their needs and with complete confidentiality.

Their most important fundraiser is the sponsored Walk for Life which last year saw 451 people take part, between them raising €21,667.76.

This year’s event will be a two day affair with pre-registration and entertainment on the evening of Friday May 3 with the Walk starting from Arboleas Town Hall at 5pm on Saturday followed by an evening of more entertainment where food and drink will also be available.

Although it seems a long way off, those taking part have two important things to do between now and May, firstly they have to cajole as many people as people as possible to sponsor them and secondly spend some time getting fit in order to make sure they can complete the course of either 3km or 6km comfortably.

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Vera Carnival Jessica Sweeting

EVERY town in Almeria has either enjoyed or is gearing up for Carnival and the latest to announce its intentions is Vera with four days of fun.

In theory it runs from Saturday February 10 to Friday February 16 but the main events take place on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

On each of these days there is a different parade involving masks and children as well as music with the whole event culminating in the Grand Parade on Friday February 16 followed by prize giving and a giant party.

All of this was announced on Sunday February 4 at the Victoria Convent in the presence of Mr Carnal played by Pablo Aguado Becerra and Mrs Cuaresma represented by Laura Lopez Soler.

There were performances by one man band Dani Domingo and the somewhat unusual musical group from Albox Chirigota del Soto who dress in very special costumes and sing satirical songs.

A large audience enjoyed the presentation and had the chance to view some of the bright costumes from previous carnivals.

Good value A NEW report suggests that if you are looking for value for money, buying pre-owned property in Almeria is more attractive than many other regions of Andalucia.

According to two online agencies, Fotocasa.es and Pisos.com, although prices have risen by about 10 per cent across the autonomous community, Malaga Province is the most expensive per square metre whilst Almeria is the

second cheapest., just ahead of Jaen.

On average, an older property will cost around €1,322 per square metre in Almeria which makes the area very attractive for those wanting the best deal for their money, it follows that profits when selling will not be as high in cash terms as in other areas although percentage profits should still be attractive provided that the markets hold steady.

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Celebrating tomatoes TO celebrate the granting of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for La Cañada Tomato, the Minister for Agriculture of the Junta de Andalucia arrange a special event.

Bearing in mind the current attack by French farmers on lorries delivering fresh product from Spain, including large volumes of Almerian tomatoes, this was probably the ideal time to promote this star export.

According to Minister Carmen Crespo, last year, Almeria pro-

duced some 180,000 tons of the red fruit (which is considered a vegetable) and generated income of more than €260 million, so it is an important crop for both the Province and also the country.

As well as supplying around 25 per cent of the Spanish tomato market and exporting into Europe, the Almerian tomato also benefits from Ramadan with significant sales to both Morocco and Turkey.

The mayor of Almeria, María del Mar Váz-

quez, also confirmed her council’s wholehearted support for the tomato as La Cañada is effectively a superb of the city and generates considerable wealth for all involved.

The event ended with a tasting of La Cañada PGI tomato by all those present, which highlighted the extraordinary quality of this product, which is highlighted as it is only one of the two tomato granted PGI in Europe, along with the Pomodoro di Pachino from Sicily.

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Electric chargers John Smith

ONE of the worries that drivers have concerning the changeover to electric vehicles is the difficulty in finding charging points, especially in more rural areas.

Electricity is expensive and not everyone can afford to have a charging point installed at home so options include street chargers, petrol station charging at a cost but there is a new option which has been introduced in 2024.

The Junta de Andalucia has spent €4.2 million of mainly European funds to install 168 solar powered charging points at the 70 ITV stations it owns through the public company Veiasa in Andalucia.

Two cars connected to a double charging unit can completely recover 100 per cent of battery life in two hours or a single vehicle can achieve that in one hour.

Although initially this service was intended only for ITV customers, the Junta de Andalucia Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines has decided that all those who own

Credit: Junta de Andalucia

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Spotlighting the new ITV charging service.

electric vehicles will be able to use the charging points.

To do this however, access will be controlled electronically from the station, so the user must request activation of the service at the ITV office itself.

At the moment there appear to be just five ITV stations with charging points in the entire Almeria Province but it is likely that more information will be available concerning other suitable charging points from Veiasa over the coming weeks.

Dire Straits WITH Mark Knopfler selling his guitar collection for more than €10 million

earlier this year, it can be pretty certain that the unlikely reformation of Dire Straits has been firmly hit on the head!

Their music continues to be regularly played on the radio and they can be credited for helping to launch MTV having sold millions of records worldwide.

On Saturday March 9, it’s a first visit to El Ejido Auditorium by gREAT sTRAITS founded by guitarist Óscar Rosende who performed with Dire Straits Tribute Brothers in Band for several years, playing Mark Knopfler on more than 250 occasions.

Now with this new nine piece band he is following the same route due to his

absolute commitment to keeping the Dire Straits songbook alive now that the band is unlikely to ever reform.

An unsolicited quote from former Dire Straits keyboard player Guy Fletcher confirms how accurate the band is when he confessed “I was playing Why Aye Man and I have to say that I thought it was one of our recordings.”

So to enjoy such classical songs as Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Brothers in Arms, Tunnel of Love and Money for Nothing, tickets cost between €35.98 and €40.98 (including booking fee) but act fast as they are already selling out.

Special bike race NO less than 477 riders, from across Almeria took part in the 12th MTB - ACD Bomberos Levante Almeriense 2024 competition on Sunday February 4.

The start was from the Fire Station in Turre and similar competitions take place all over Spain on a regular basis.

This was a mountain bike course which the winner completed in one hour and 27 minutes and running alongside this competition was a further group of 70 e-Bikers who covered the same course in a slightly faster time although they started earlier to ensure that they were finished before the other bikers came too close.

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Almanzora Friends Model clinic THE Almanzora Group of Friends was officially founded in 2000 and it now exists to do what it says, literally getting people together as friends.

With a library and numerous events it serves the English-speaking community in a number of towns including Arboleas, Albox, Alfoquia and Huercal Overa.

On Monday February 19, it is planning a day trip to the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort and Nevada Shopping Centre with pick ups and returns at the towns mentioned above and cost is

Credit: Roquetas de Mar Council

THE Pulpi Geode is one of the largest crystal caves ever found, and is the largest accessible geode in the world.

It is located in Mina Rica, an abandoned silver mine near Pulpi and was discovered in 1999 by members of the Mineralogist Group of Madrid, before being opened to the public in 2019.

The accessible area measures eight metres long by two metres high, and is covered with huge translucent gypsum crystals.

Due to its unique features, the Pulpi Council with the support of the Junta de Andalucia hope to have it accepted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a feasibility study is currently being undertaken to allow a formal plan to be submitted.

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Credit: Pablo Monteagudo flickr CC

World Heritage

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Have a coffee or brave a gondola at the busy resort.

€22 for members and €27 for non-members.

Assuming that the road to the ski resort is not closed because of snow (and if so, the coach will divert to the el Dornajo Visitors Centre and then to the sho-

Wacky Races THERE was a buzz of excitement in the streets of Cuevas del Almanzora on Sunday February 4 when the 17th race for specially made vehicles without motors took place.

Some 30 riders steering 15 vehicles, many of which were basically tricycles although there were some vehicles which could have come out of Wacky Races or Mario Kart.

pping centre) there will be a two hour stay at the resort and the adventurous could perhaps take a ride in the gondola (discount if you have a pensioner’s card).

Then the coach will take everyone to the Nevada centre which with 240 shops and restaurants, there will be several hours of retail enjoyment before heading back home.

Bookings (if space is available) have to be made in person at the Social Centre on Plaza San Antonio in Albox but visit https:// www.almanzoragof.org/ to find out more.

Councillors viewed the miniscule works of art.

Jessica Sweeting A MODEL Clinic was hosted for the second time in Roquetas de Mar on February 5 which attracted 130 modellers of types from across Spain.

Organised by the Almeria Modelismo Association at the Bahía Serena Hotel those attending were a mixture of well-experienced modellers happy to share their knowledge and new modellers who were looking for advice and suggestions.

In the adult section, there were six workshops in different categories: Scenes, Figures, Science Fiction, Civil Vehicles, Vehicles Military and Aviation.

For the first time there was a special workshop for children and no less than 60 youngsters aged between six and 11 attended.

Showing the council’s support for the event, three councillors attended and not only found out more about the hobby but were impressed with the level of skill displayed.

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

14 8 - 14 February 2024

• News •

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Women lead the way A TWO-DAY conference in Madrid aimed to redress the balance in terms of gender equality with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez leading the call for change.

Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s President endorsed the campaign for gender alternation in the UN’s top position during the ‘Women’s turn to reshape the future’ event in Madrid.

This historic gathering, which was held on January 22-23, drew over 100 global leaders for its International Dialogue.

“It is time for us to have a Secretary General of the UN,” Sanchez declared emphatically.

Despite the UN’s nearly 80-year history, it has always been led by men - a trend that GWL Voices and Sanchez aim to change.

Spain’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its current Cabinet, where women outnumber men.

Sanchez highlighted this, alongside the parity law, a cornerstone policy

President Pedro Sanchez at the conference opening.

requiring a minimum 40 per cent female representation in government, corporate boards, electoral candidates, and constitutional entities.

The law advocates for a 60-40 balance, applicable in the public sector and to be adopted by ministries and senior state positions within five years.

Professional and constitutional bodies will follow suit.

Sanchez described feminist diplomacy as not only a moral duty but also a key strategy aligning with Spain’s govern-

mental vision.

Firms with over €500 million market capitalisation have until June 2025, and other listed companies until June 2026.

The forthcoming report on women’s roles in multilateral spaces reveals a stark contrast between governmental gender equality rhetoric and actual practices in vital sectors like security, climate, and trade.

This event’s organisers view the report as an opportunity to shift towards leadership that truly reflects society.

Spain on top again ACCORDING to a study by World Population Review Spain takes the top spot in Europe for the best place to live.

It pushes the UK into 21st place.

The study acknowledges that asking what the best place is, is a subjective question, and different people have different living situations. Therefore, the right country for one person to live in might not necessarily be the same as the right country for someone else.

And while the UK may now be excluded from all things European Union, it is still a part of Europe.

Best Country rankings are based on statistical data, but different countries will have different strengths and weaknesses to different individuals. As such, personal rankings may vary.

Good quality of life: Spain consistently earns its place among the top nations

for quality of living, thanks to its quality healthcare system, affordable cost of living, and pleasant environment. This is reflected in its ranking within the top 10 countries on the Quality of Life Index.

Other studies have placed Spain highly on a world scale, placing it as number 10, and one of the reasons given was how easy it is to settle down in Spain. “Spain is a wonderfully friendly country, making it easy to settle and assimilate when you first arrive.”

Spain also provided less of a culture shock than many other beautiful places one could live around the world.

Are there any negatives about living in Spain? It did not do so well when it came to career prospects, or salary and job security, making it perhaps a more attractive option for those who wish to retire.

• News •

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15

More border controls The most consequential change is scheduled for April 30, when physical inspections at the border will commence for medium- and high-risk goods.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC said: “The government is finally implementing major changes to Great Britain’s inbound border conFOUR years on, has Brexit fulfilled its promises? The moment the United Kingdom officially parted ways with the European Union at 11.00pm on January 31, 2020 marked a new chapter in its history.

The move to leave the EU surprised many after a close-run battle, in which Brexiteers won by a narrow margin of 52 per cent to 48 per cent in 2016, revealing a nation deeply divided.

Four years on and the differences are still passionately debated, encompassing a broad range of economic, social, and political discussions.

Credit: Nerthuz/Shutterstock.com

NEW regulations that are now effective mark a pivotal moment in the UK’s post-Brexit era. But what implications will it have for businesses and the general public?

On Wednesday, January 31, the first stage of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) came into effect.

This change will require export health certificates for plant and animal products imported from the European Union, with some experts predicting further confusion and chaos at the border.

Under the newly implemented Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), all imports of animal and plant products from the EU are now classified into three risk categories: high, medium, and low.

Health certificates are now mandatory for medium- and high-risk items before they can be brought into the UK. • High-risk items include live animals, certain seeds, tubers, and plants for planting.

• Medium-risk items encompass cut flowers, plant parts like tomato cuttings, meat, eggs, non-pasteurised milk, and specific types of fish.

8 - 14 February 2024

Illustration: UK - EU border.

trols and customs checks stemming from Brexit, but there are still unanswered questions around its plans.

“Especially, as businesses are already facing a tough start to the year, with container shipping prices quadrupling as the Red Sea disruption continues.”

Goods from the island of Ireland are currently exempt from

Brexit: success or setback?

An Ipsos poll conducted for the Evening Standard reveals a stark verdict: 57 per cent of Britons view Brexit as a failure, with a mere 13 per cent believing it to be a success.

The dissatisfaction is more pronounced among younger adults, Londoners, and graduates, indicating a generational and geographical divide in opinions.

For instance, 70 per cent of 18

to 34-year-olds and 67 per cent of Londoners consider Brexit a failure, underscoring the wide-ranging disillusionment with its outcomes.

The promise of Brexit was to take back control, enhance the NHS with an additional £350 million a week, secure a lucrative trade deal with America, and usher in a prosperous future.

‘I don’t find it at all surprising

these physical checks, but this is set to change after October 31 this year.

However, this figure might be an underestimation. The Fresh Produce Consortium warns of a potential additional £200 million annual cost due to the inclusion of more fruits and vegetables in the medium-risk category from October. that we haven’t yet been able to start sorting the post Brexit position. Ok, it’s been four years, but four years of complete turmoil.’

According to the survey, 54 per cent of the population believes Brexit has diminished Britain’s standing on the global stage, adding to the sentiment of lost opportunities.

In an interview on GB News, Davis highlighted the false predictions by remainers compared to the post-Brexit realities... “we were told, you’re going to have a million more unemployed.

Oh no, actually 150,000 fewer unemployed.”

• News •

It has been suggested that children should no longer use mobile phones at school.

No mobiles in schools COULD the era of mobile phones in Spanish classrooms finally be coming to an end?

In a significant policy shift, the State School Council in Spain has just given the green light to a proposal aiming to ban and limit mobile phone use in educational settings.

This decision was reached unanimously in a recent meeting, chaired by President Pedro Sanchez and Education Minister Pilar Alegria.

The council’s recommendations are aimed at preschools, primary schools, and institutes for ESO students.

The Council’s proposal outlines a blanket prohibition of mobile phone use in preschools and primary schools.

In secondary education institutions, or ‘institutes’, where ESO students study, the regulations are slightly less stringent. During school

hours, including breaks and rest periods, students are advised to keep their devices switched off.

However, this does not extend to class time reserved for educational purposes, leaving room for each school to set its own rules on phone use.

The Council’s statement clarifies, ‘Students do not need to bring mobile phones to the educational centre, except in those cases in which they are authorised for individual or specific reasons related to health or personal or family circumstances.’

A new government plan includes strategies like reducing classroom sizes, splitting classes, conducting extracurricular activities within school hours, enhancing maths teacher training, and hiring additional staff.

euroweeklynews.com

Terror suspect arrested IN a coordinated effort between Spain’s Guardia Civil and Norway’s PST, a Spanish woman evading justice has been apprehended in Norway.

The arrest, carried out under a European Arrest and Surrender Order issued by the National Court, was down to the successful collaboration between Spain’s Guardia Civil and Norway’s security services, the PST. Details of the operation were published on Friday, February 2, which highlights international cooperation in tracking down individuals accused of terrorist activities.

On the run since her provisional release in August 2023, the suspect had previously been detained for alleged terrorism offences.

Despite having her passport confiscated she fled to Norway, breaching her bail conditions, which included a travel ban and compulsory weekly checkins. Her escape to Norway

Credit: GuardiaCivil.es

Credit: Ground Picture/shutterstock.com

16 8 - 14 February 2024

The Guardia Civil joined forces with Norway’s PST.

was a desperate attempt to evade Spanish judicial proceedings.

She had become a vocal supporter of DAESH, creating a digital library that served as a repository for over 4,000 jihadist multimedia files.

Experts from Europol highlight the significance of such decentralised operations by individuals like the suspect.

The investigation also uncovered plans for the suspect to travel to Tunisia in September 2023, intending to join forces

with DAESH. However, her arrest in August 2023 prevented the potential journey to a conflict zone.

Following her escape to Norway, the Guardia Civil, in collaboration with Norwegian authorities, confirmed her location and facilitated her arrest through a European Arrest and Surrender Order.

This highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating terrorism. The extradition process will soon commence, ensuring the suspect faces justice in Spain.

• News •

Berlin is a fantastic place to call home.

Global powerhouse BERLIN is not just any city, it’s a global powerhouse according to TimeOut’s latest rankings.

Securing third place alongside heavyweights like New York and Cape Town, Berlin’s international appeal is on the rise.

Burkhard Kieker, the brains behind VisitBerlin, credits the city’s allure to its vibrant community.

“The brand of our city of Berlin is strong and intact,” he says, acknowledging the tireless efforts of those working to make the city irresistibly attractive.

TimeOut digs into Berlin’s charm, highlighting that it’s more than just clubs and galleries.

Grace Beard, TimeOut’s travel editor, spills the beans on what makes the city truly remarkable.

“It is not just a tourist hotspot; it is a fantastic place to call home,” Grace confirmed “Beyond the glitz and glam of world-class restaurants, culture, and nightlife, the city boasts a strong sense of community spirit and an undeniable vibe.”

The annual TimeOut list of the best cities in the world not only provides inspiration for travelling, but is also a global snapshot of urban life.

Thousands of city dwellers were asked about the quality and affordability of their city’s food, culture and nightlife and how they feel about their city.

FRANCE is taking the lead in a digital revolution, pioneering Digital Schengen visas among the European Union members.

This progressive step is in anticipation of a complete digital makeover of Schengen visa processes, a monumental shift expected to be fully realised by 2026.

This digital leap coincides with France gearing up to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, scheduled from July 26 to August 11 and August 28 to September 8, respectively.

In preparation for the global influx of visitors during this sporting ex-

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Paperless visa Image: AlpakaVideo / Shutterstock.com

Image: Vety Maria / Shutterstock.com

18 8 - 14 February 2024

France is taking a digital leap.

travaganza, French authorities plan to roll out around 70,000 digital visas.

However, with limited availability, not everyone will make the cut.

This groundbreaking move by France not only sets the stage for a more streamlined visa process but also underscores the nation’s commitment to embracing the digital era.

Eligibility for the French Digital Schengen visa is split into two categories for non-EU citizens.

The first category is for members of the Olympic and Paralympic Family: This includes a diverse range of individuals, from members of the International Olympic Committee to athletes, coaches, and even accredited journalists.

The second category covers other official guests invited by the Olympic or Paralympic Committee (OCOG).

Plan your route

Winning streak

NETHERLANDS: a breathtaking flat landscape stretching as far as the eye can see and a cycling infrastructure that’s the envy of the world. Welcome to the cyclist’s paradise, with the country’s 37,000 kilometres of bicycle paths.

Planning your cycling escapade is easy when you have the right apps and tools at your fingertips.

The Dutch Automobile Association (ANWB) comes to the rescue with its cycling app, ANWB Eropuit.

This nifty tool taps into the numbered-node cycle network, guiding you through signposted routes that crisscross most of the Netherlands. Set up, save, and follow your route, all while discovering points of interest and the best bars and restaurants along the way.

For those who like to keep it offline, enter the Fietsknoop app. Similar to ANWB Eropuit but with a bonus, free registration unlocks the ability to access your saved cycling routes offline on multiple devices.

And, let’s not forget the Fietsersbond Routeplanner app, whether you’re navigating from point to point or planning an extensive cycle tour using the nodes, this app has your back.

IRELAND is on a winning streak, snagging the Best Destination in Europe title at the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards in New York for the impressive 10th consecutive year.

This remarkable achievement places Ireland at the pinnacle of European travel destinations, outshining tough contenders like France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.

The award, presented to Tourism Ireland at the 21st annual Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards, holds significant weight in the industry, with thousands of readers, including travel agents and professionals, casting their votes during the summer.

This marks Ireland’s unbroken winning streak since 2014, a testament to its enduring charm and appeal.

As Ireland gears up for another year of promoting its unique offerings, this award serves as a valuable endorsement. The United States holds a special place in Ireland’s tourism landscape, and in 2019 alone, 1.7 million American visitors contributed a substantial €1.6 billion to the Irish economy.

• News •

JOHAN FLODERUS: Swedish diplomat accused of spying for Israel.

call, although no date has been set for a final verdict.

He is held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, where he has been on a hunger strike seven times in order to call his family.

Prison officers have warned that he will not speak to them again if he strikes again. His cell, which he shares with three others, has lighting 24 hours a day.

“I can see from pictures taken during his trial that he looks very different from the brother I know,” his sister told Euronews in Brus-

sels at an event organised by the FreeJohanFloderus campaign.

He was very pale and looked much thinner, Ingrid said, as he is never allowed out and given very little food.

“He is an innocent man,” Ingrid said. “I don’t think that anyone really feels my brother has done those crimes that he has been accused of.”

Meanwhile, officials in Stockholm and Brussels said they are “working tirelessly” to obtain his release.

DESPITE the negative effects of Brexit, the EU and UK still place a high value on cooperation on important matters.

On Friday February 2, a ground-breaking discussion took place in Brussels, which is hoped will set a new precedent for UK-EU cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

This pivotal meeting, rooted in the framework of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), offered a platform for both the United Kingdom and the European Union to delve into extensive counter-terrorism discussions.

They explored terrorist threat assessments and devised strategic methods for both prevention and response, aiming to safeguard citizens across borders.

The meeting was the first-ever occasion in which the EU and UK have shared insights on counter-terrorism, touching on the mitigation of online terrorist content and the disruption of terror financing.

The commitment to ongoing collaboration, including engagement with other nations and in various international settings, was unanimously agreed upon.

The UK’s team was led by Jonathan

FERRUCCIO LAMBORGINI: Creator of the famous marque could be Flavia Borzone’s grandfather.

EU-UK talks Emmett, the Director of Counter-Terrorism & Homeland Security Strategy at the Home Office, joined by colleagues from both the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, alongside a police liaison from the UK’s Europol bureau.

The EU delegation was steered by Nadia Costantini, EEAS’s Special Envoy for Counter-Terrorism, with the Belgian Presidency observing.

High-level representatives from the European Commission, including Olivier Onidi from the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs and the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator’s office, also participated.

The next CT Dialogue will be held in London, heralding a future of enriched and constructive dialogues.

EU-UK hand in hand.

Photo credit: CC/Author unknown

Linda Hall SWEDISH diplomat Johan Floderus, imprisoned in Iran, is being used as a pawn in a political manoeuvre, his sister Ingrid Floderus said.

Floderus, was detained at Teheran airport in April 2022 following a visit to a friend working for the Swedish embassy in Iran, accused of spying for Israel and “corruption on earth” which carries the death penalty under Iran’s Islamic laws.

Floderus is one of many EU and Western citizens detained on trumped-up charges to obtain concessions from their governments in return for their release.

In this case, his arrest coincided with Sweden’s trial of Hamid Noury, an Iranian accused of mass executions of dissidents in Teheran in 1988. Floderus’s family now fear the worst following the death penalty

Photo credit: amnesty.se

Diplomat ‘a pawn’

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Credit: MattiaATH/Shutterstock.com

20 8 - 14 February 2024

DNA does it Linda Hall

A BOLOGNA court will decide whether Flavia Borzone, a 35-year-old beautician, is the daughter of Tonino Lamborghini.

Flavia, who lives in Naples, maintains that DNA from a drinking straw used by his daughter Elettra proves that the two women are sisters.

Tonino Lamborghini (76), whose Ferruccio father created the ultimate luxury car, in turn accuses Flavia and her mother Rosalba Colosimo of defamation, insisting that he has no biological link to Borzone. His lawyers also told the court that the DNA material was taken without

his daughter’s knowledge.

The beautician said she had always suspected that she was the outcome of the relationship between Lamborghini and her mother, who met him in 1980. He had given her a lift after he saw her waiting for a bus in Milan and Flavia was born in 1988. “I just want to know whose daughter I am,” she told the court.

“She had this niggle for a long time,” her lawyer explained. She did not resemble her father and had heard her mother tell him during arguments that Flavia was not his daughter.

In 2019 she visited Lamborghini, who admitted his involvement with Rosalba Colosimo during a conversation which Flavia recorded.

As he had refused a DNA test, Flavia hired private detectives who eventually managed to acquire the drinking straw used by his daughter.

Flavia was not pursuing the case for financial reasons, her mother said.

• News •

Battle of the Rats Credit: El Puig Council

John Smith

TO those who haven’t grown up in Spain there do appear to be a number of rather strange local customs, none more so than the Battle of the Rats.

Basically, the original idea was that the people of the town of El Puig de Santa Maria in Valencia used to celebrate the feast day of San Pedro Nolasco which has moved from January 31, to January 28.

They used to construct cucañas - a kind of piñata in a clay pot, which were filled with nuts, beans and fruit, but these became tempting treats for local rats and as the cucañas were being bashed, often the odd rat would drop onto the heads of the local people.

Some bright spark decided that it would be a good idea to round up the rat population on an annual basis, and having killed them, stuff them into the cucañas to add some extra fun to the proce-

Gangs of youngsters are formed to break the cucañas.

edings.

The next step was for those in crowds who got hold of a dead rat to throw them as hard and far as they could and this continues to the present day, except that rather than kill the rats randomly, they are obtained humanely killed.

There is a lot of good comes out of the celebration, with food being prepared (no ratatouille) over open

fires to feed those who may be hungry and there is a blessing from the local priest and dancing but there is also rat hurling!

The animal charity AnimaNaturalis proposes therefore that instead of dead rats, revellers should use rubber rats as part of an ongoing programme by different communities to maintain traditions whilst not involving cruelty.

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Buy or rent IS it more cost-effective to rent or buy a home in some of Spain’s most populous cities?

Recent data from December 2023 has shed light on the pros and cons of buying versus renting. In a study by UVE Valuations, based on data from Idealista, a shift in the financial landscape of Spain’s property market has been observed.

As of December 2023, in nine of Spain’s most populous municipalities, including San Sebastian, Marbella, Alcobendas, Pamplona, Cadiz, Palma de Mallorca, A Coruna, Bilbao, and Madrid, homeowners are finding mortgage payments surpassing rental costs. This trend marks a significant shift in the housing market dynamics.

The study highlights the recent surge in mortgage rates which has dramatically increased the cost of home buying.

While rental prices are also on the rise, the increase is not uniform across different areas. This disparity has altered the traditional balance between renting and buying a home.

German Perez Barrio, the president of

Credit: nikkytok/shutterstock.com

euroweeklynews.com

Study of the Spanish housing market.

UVE Valuations, points out, “the fact that the instalments are higher than the rents does not imply that it is better to rent than buy in the long term.”

Conversely, in 12 cities such as Parla, Cordoba, Algeciras, Murcia, Reus, Badalona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Telde, Alicante, Lleida, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Tarragona, the scenario is different.

Here, buying a property with a mortgage appears more beneficial than renting, with the average mortgage payment not even equalling the rent.

This suggests that in these cities, owning a property could be a more economically viable option, considering the longterm wealth generation through property ownership.

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• European Press •

IRELAND

EUROPRESS

IRISH government ministers including the Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, will visit 86 cities in 48 countries on St Patrick’s Day, March 17. Karadkar is to visit the White House in Washington DC as well as Boston, while deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin will go to Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto in Canada.

Pretty good WOMEN members of Ireland’s Armed Forces can now wear nail varnish and fake tan with six different hairstyles to choose from under rules that came into effect on February 1. “We are making efforts to be as progressive as possible while keeping health and safety and operational effectiveness in mind,” Defence sources said.

NORWAY

SWEDEN

Photo credit: H&M

Big day

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H&M exit HELENA HELMERSSON (51), H&M’s chief executive since 2019, resigned on January 31 ‘with immediate effect’as the fashion chain’s sales fell while failing to keep ahead of rivals like Zara.

Helmersson’s replacement is Daniel Erver, who has worked at H&M for 18 years, mainly as head of the H&M brand.

Role reversal FORMER intelligence chief Hans-Georg Maassen is under investigation as a suspected extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), which he once led. He resigned from the BfV in 2018, accused of being over-lenient towards right-wing extremists, and now vociferously opposes immigration.

Pirate raid POLICE seized 50,000 bitcoins worth almost €2 billion on January 30 and arrested two men aged 40 and 37 in the biggest haul of this kind yet made in Germany. They are believed to have acquired the cryptocurrency from the profits they made by exploiting copyrighted works on a pirate website they ran until 2013.

DANIEL ERVER: New chief executive of Sweden-based H&M chain.

ITALY

GERMANY

FRANCE

DENMARK

Oil-rich

On the game

Smaller crowd

Give and take

NORWAY’S sovereign wealth fund reported record 2023 profits of $213 billion (€917.1 billion) based on the country’s income from oil and returns on technology stocks. The fund, created in the 1990s to invest revenues from the country’s oil sector, now invests in more than 8,500 companies in 70 countries worldwide.

CECILIE HOLLBERG, director of Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia art museum, apologised after claiming that mass tourism had turned the city into “a prostitute” where it was impossible to find normal shops.

Mayor Dario Nardella argued in return that the city deserved respect and tourism “employs thousands of people.”

INTERIOR minister Gerald Darmanin revealed that approximately 300,000 spectators will be able to watch the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics from the banks of the River Seine on July 26. This is half the originally-estimated number, although Darmanin failed to explain why this had been reduced.

DENMARK’S autonomous region of Greenland absorbs more methane than it produces, a University of Copenhagen study has found. Since 2000, Greenland’s dry, icefree areas consumed at least 65,000 tons of the greenhouse gas annually compared with wet zones which produced 9,000 tons, according to the researchers.

Wild West

Tax break

Not so tough

Don’t listen

RESEARCH by fact-checking website Snopes confirmed in January 2024 that the use of ‘Texas’ as Norwegian slang for ‘wild’ or ‘crazy’ is not an urban myth. After finding Texas used as an adjective in 50 publications in 2023, Snopes linked the word to Norway’s early taste for cowboy movies and Western thrillers.

MISTERBIANCO (Sicily) promised a €200 discount on Italy’s rubbish collection tax, TARI, to any resident who adopts a dog from one of the local shelters. This would boost adoptions, reduce the costs of sheltering strays and reward families who adopted by reducing local taxes, said Misterbianco mayor Mario Corsaro.

FRANCE’S new Immigration Law was condemned by critics as “restrictive and racist” but hailed as an “ideological victory” by the far-right’s Marine Le Pen. Asylum expert Smain Laacher said to the Euractiv news website that France’s law was no tougher than other European countries but was “part of a general trend.”

MEMBERS of the public were advised to ignore English-language phone calls where a robot voice claiming to be the Danish police accused them of committing a crime before giving the option to leave a message. The calls were a ruse to trick people into handing over personal information, the Economic Crime Unit (NSK) said.

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

PORTUGAL

Bird-watching

Keep it

Wipe clean

Shower fresh

HOUSE sparrows were seen more than any other birds in Flanders as 46,000 people joined the Great Bird Counting Weekend on January 27 and 28. Great tits were ranked second, followed by jackdaws (third) and wood pigeons (fourth) while blackbirds, ranked seventh, were beginning to reappear in greater numbers.

ROTTERDAM mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb’s recent Latin America visit included a stopover in Colombia to discuss the cocaine shipments reaching Europe via Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg. Accompanied by his Antwerp and Hamburg counterparts, Aboutaleb met Bogata mayor Carlos Fernando Galan to debate the problem.

UNIVERSITY OF JYVAKYLA researchers are developing surfaces that can halt the spread of viruses, including different types of coronavirus. An ingredient found in pine resin ‘significantly’ reduced the infectivity of coronaviruses on plastic surfaces, they found, suggesting a practical solution for public spaces and medical centres.

A SURVEY carried out for the OCU consumers’ association found that between 85 and 94 per cent of Portugal’s population showered once a day, making them the second-cleanest in Europe. Italy headed the list with 95 per cent taking a daily shower, compared with 65 per cent France, Germany, Norway and Russia.

Pared down

Sell-out

Vape swoop

Lithium fever

TWO unconnected importers faced prosecution for presenting incorrect paperwork and evading €6.6 million in customs duties on electric bicycles imported from China.

The e-bikes reached Belgium in separate parts, presumably to avoid the EU anti-dumping levies that would have been charged on entirely-assembled bicycles.

STING’s is the biggest international name on the list of 62 acts appearing at the 47th North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam on July 12-14, while the principal Dutch artist will be Anouk accompanied by the Metropole Orchestra. Season tickets for the entire weekend are already sold out, the organisers announced.

A ROUTINE inspection of a courier service depot by Finnish Customs officers uncovered 1,000 vapes remaining from a shipment of 1,600 ordered from China by a Lappeenranta man. He now faces a fine or even imprisonment, plus repayment of evaded taxes and illicit profits amounting to thousands of euros.

UK-BASED Savannah Resources intend to open western Europe’s biggest opencast lithium mine in Covas do Barroso, adjoining the Peneda-Geres National Park in northern Portugal. Residents continue to oppose the plan but fear that the government will compulsorily purchase their land unless agreement can be reached.

• News •

euroweeklynews.com

Spain tops the list SPAIN has emerged as the cheapest country to live in 2024, according to an index that looks at a wide range of living costs including food, petrol and energy bills.

The Cost of Living Overseas Index, compiled by website Property Guides, looks at living costs across 13 countries, comparing UK prices with those in Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

For those considering emigrating to the European countries closest to the UK, the results bode well, with Spain being revealed as the most affordable country to live in. The analysis reflects what an expat, holiday home owner or retiree would encounter when settling into a new home abroad.

The report’s ‘basket of goods’

includes everyday staples like a litre of milk and a loaf of bread, but adds a few British favourites like the all-important teabags (and a bottle of gin).

They’ve also compared the cost of actually setting up your new home, including

Photo: Shutterstock / Maxx-Studio

COST OF LIVING: A wide range of goods were taken into account.

decorating materials such as paint and the cost of IKEA bookcases, as well as the cost of a cleaner to keep your home clean and tidy. The report also checked the prices of popular leisure items and activities: from Netflix subscription costs to the price of cinema tickets.

They also decided to look at the price of electricity across Europe particularly with the energy crisis that has raised costs everywhere.

Whilst it’s certainly not cheap in the UK, electricity is still more expensive in Cyprus, the USA and Canada, whilst it’s significantly cheaper in Spain and Italy.

The result is, the same ‘basket of goods’ that cost €2,335 in the UK, cost just €1,515 in Spain - a saving of €820. It probably comes as no surprise that the UK is almost 53 per cent more expensive.

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23

Profits plummeting IS Ryanair facing a difficult future?

The airline has recently disclosed a significant drop in profits, attributing this downturn to soaring fuel prices and changes in its online presence.

On Monday, January 29, Ryanair reported a dramatic decrease in after-tax profits for the quarter ending December, plummeting to €15 million from the previous year’s €211 million.

This decline comes amid a 35 per cent increase in the group’s fuel expenses, now totalling €1.2 billion. These costs have eclipsed the 17 per cent growth in revenue, painting a concerning financial picture for the airline.

In response, the airline reduced its prices, a move necessary to maintain seat occupancy but one that impacts ticket revenues.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief, shared his insights: “While we will benefit from the first half of Easter traffic falling in late March, this is unlikely to fully offset the weaker-than-previously-expected load factors and yields late in the third quarter and early fourth quarter.”

He emphasised that the final yearly results hinge on avoiding unexpected negative events, referencing global concerns like the Ukraine conflict and

Credit: katatonia82/Shutterstock.com

Ryanair boss, Michael O’Leary.

the Gaza situation.

Ryanair’s strategies to counter these setbacks include a new partnership with Loveholidays, marking its first collaboration with an online travel agent.

This move comes after the airline’s repeated objections to other online travel agents selling its flights, often without authorisation.

The airline now anticipates an after-tax profit of between €1.85 billion and €1.95 billion for 2023, a reduction from its previously estimated range of €1.85 billion to €2.05 billion.

This adjustment reflects the company’s efforts to adapt to the changing dynamics of the aviation industry and the global environment.

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

www.vosshomesspain.com

FINANCE BUSINESS EXTRA Fiery words

THE global chief executive of Tata Steel TV Narendran defended the Indian company’s decision to cut thousands of jobs at Port Talbot by substituting two blast furnaces with an electric arc furnace.

Shareholders had “grown weary” of spending “billions of pounds” on the Welsh steelworks , Narendran said.

Ready to go

TELEFONICA has received 2,118 applications for its voluntary redundancy plan, covering 62 per cent of planned job cuts for the telecoms’ three Spanish subsidiaries. Union sources revealed that 1,825 applications had come from Telefonica, 244 from Telefonica Moviles and 49 from Telefonica Soluciones.

Vinyl revival

PARENT company Sunrise Records & Entertainment profits reported that HMV profits soared from £2 million (€2.34 million) to £5.3 million (€6.2 million) over the year ending May 2023.

A growing interest in vinyl records boosted sales which jumped 18 per cent from £151 million (€177.1 million) to £178 million (€208.8).

Imagine that

IMAGINA ENERGIA, which specialises in solar power installations, reported sales topping €100 million in 2023 following its merger with Quantica Renovables.

The group, which intends to spend €1.5 billion over the next 10 years, now has more than 23,000 clients, who produce more than 67 megawatts of electricity.

More trouble

TELEGRAPH co-owner Alistair Barclay (34) faces bankruptcy after reportedly defaulting on a £946,754 million (€1.1 million) loan from Investec, whose clients must have a net wealth of at least £3 million (€2.5 million).

26

euroweeklynews.com • 8 - 14 February 2024

STAT OF WEEK

€831.4m

in earnings for Real Madrid FC during the 2022-2023 season, a 17 per cent increase that put it ahead of all other top earning worldwide teams for the 13th time.

HSBC failed customers

HSBC must pay a £57.4 million (€67.2 million) fine for ‘serious failings’ in protecting customer deposits.

The London-based bank excluded billions of pounds of customer deposits eligible for the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) said.

Under this scheme, deposits are protected up to £85,000 (€99,467) but the PRA, which safeguards the Bank of England’s financial stability, detected massive HSBC exclusions between 2015 and 2022.

Banks must have sys-

Photo credit: CC/Tintazul

HSBC: The bank is headquartered in Canary Wharf, London.

tems and controls in place to ensure that financial information is accurately recorded should the FSCS need to compensate customers if a bank were to collapse.

The PRA inspection revealed that an HSBC subsidiary, HSBC Bank, had incorrectly flagged 99 per cent of eligible deposits

Outlook fair THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the eurozone economies to grow overall by just 0.9 per cent in 2024.

Although more than 2023’s 0.5 per cent growth, this is still three-10ths of a percentage point below the IMF’s October 1.2 per cent growth forecast for 2024.

The Washington-headquartered IMF also reduced its forecast for Spain, whose economy it expects to grow by 1.5 per cent, two-10ths below its original

as ineligible for an FSCS payout. It also provided insufficient proof that its systems met certain requirements of the deposit protection rules, the financial stability watchdog said.

The £57.4 million HSBC fine indicated the “seriousness” of its failings, the PRA said, as it was the

prediction.

This is better than the 0.5 per cent growth foreseen for Germany, or Italy (0.7 per cent), Netherlands (0.7 per cent) or France (1 per cent) but below the 2 per cent that the Spanish government announced for 2024.

The IMF’s 2.1 per cent growth for Spain in 2025 remained unchanged.

The Fund’s chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said inflation should ease worldwide from 6.8 per cent in 2023 to 5.8 per cent this year,

second-largest fine ever imposed by the Bank of England, outstripped only by the PRA’s £87 million (€101.8 million) sanction slapped on Credit Suisse in 2023.

The regulator nevertheless added that it did not consider the bank’s breaches to be “deliberate or reckless.”

As HSCB had cooperated throughout the investigation, the fine was reduced, the PRA said, revealing that it would otherwise have faced paying a £96.5 million (€112.9 million) penalty.

HSBC later issued a statement, declaring it was pleased to have resolved the “historic matter.”

Photo credit: IMF/Cory Hancock

PIERRE-OLIVIER GOURINCHAS: IMF’s chief economist announced 2024 predictions.

before falling to 4.4 per cent in 2025.

In the most advanced economies, the agency expects inflation to drop in 2024 to 2.6 per cent and to the 2 per cent that the Federal Reserve and some central banks have set as their 2025 target.

New approach

Suitor rejected

Crypto hiring

BRADFORD-BASED Morrisons plans to invite customers to attend board meetings and hold monthly round tables for shoppers.

The supermarket chain has fought intense competition from rivals while struggling to service heavy debts following its £7 billion (€8.2 billion) takeover by the US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 2021.

The retailer now hopes to “start a new chapter” as Rami Raitieh, who took over from David Potts as chief executive in November 2023, revealed “new plans” which will be announced this coming March.

UK-OWNED Vodafone turned down a €10.5 billion merger offer from Iliad Group, owned

by French billionaire Xavier Niel.

Iliad Group proposed combining their Italian operations in December 2023, pointing out that this would benefit both companies in an ever-more competitive market.

Niel then enhanced the deal with an additional €100 million in cash while relinquishing a call option that would eventually have given it further control over the joint venture.

Vodafone rejected the sweetened offer, resulting in a 4 per cent dip in its share price and is now reported to be ‘considering’ other Italian companies. These include the mobile and broadband provider Fastweb, owned by Swisscom.

Meanwhile, Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle, intends to reduce global operations in an effort to pay off debts and return to growth.

BRITAIN’S former Chancellor, George Osborne, has been hired by US cryptocurrency exchange operator, Coinbase.

“There is a huge amount of exciting innovation in finance right now,” Osborne was quoted as saying in the UK media.

The appointment coincides with Coinbase’s legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which accuses it of operating as an intermediary on crypto transactions “while evading disclosure requirements protecting investors.”

The San Francisco-based company revealed on January 31 it had engaged Osborne on the strength of his “insights and experiences.”

Records broken SANTANDER BANK broke its 2022 €9.6 billion profit record by earning €11.07 billion in 2023.

Assisted by the European Central Bank’s constantly rising interest rates, the bank headed by Ana Botin had reached double-figure profits for the first time, it announced on January 31. Botin also predicted “if 2023 was good, 2024 would be even better.” BBVA has also broken its previous record with earnings that increased by 26 per cent in 2023 to reach €8.02 billion.

The bank announced a “significant increase of pay-out with a relevant cash dividend and a new share buy-back programme” while allocating more than €4 billion to shareholders.

Tax go-ahead THE Spanish government approved a 4.9 per cent airport tax increase at a Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday, January 30.

The new rate coming into force on March 1 works out at approximately 40 cents per passenger, state-owned airports operator Aena announced. The increase, which requires validation from the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC), was based on the 3.5 per cent inflation rate with additional adjustments bringing it up to 4.09 per cent.

Transport and Sustainable Mobility minister Oscar Puente defended the rise, maintaining that Spain had the lowest airport taxes in Europe “as well as the best airports.”

Stout favourite DIAGEO profits fell 11 per cent during the last half of 2023, with the multinational’s overall sales dropping by 1.4 per cent.

Nevertheless, Guinness is becoming popular amongst younger women thanks to endorsement for the drink from celebrities like Kim Kardashian, and its 210 calories compared with 226 for pale ale or 226 for a large glass of wine.

Debra Crew, chief executive at Diageo, which owns Guinness, said 24 per cent more younger women were drinking the stout in the UK despite the drink’s “intimidating” rugby player image.

28 EWN 8 - 14 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 5 February

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.342,00............ -137,00...........-5,53%............1,25M Admiral Group.............................2.508,0................ -7,0..............-0,28%.......... 106,66K Airtel Africa................................. 111,80................ -0,40.............-0,36%............2,38M Anglo American...........................1.869,8............... -26,8.............-1,41%............1,71M Antofagasta................................1.749,50.............+14,50........... +0,84%......... 765,10K Ashtead Group............................5.248,0...............+46,0............ +0,88%......... 618,17K Associated British Foods.............2.277,0............... -64,0.............-2,73%............1,15M AstraZeneca...............................10.394,0............. -106,0............-1,01%............1,36M Auto Trader Group Plc................ 731,20................+2,40............ +0,33%...........2,36M Aviva........................................... 424,85................ -7,45.............-1,72%............1,69M B&M European Value Retail SA... 515,40................ -3,20.............-0,62%.......... 664,15K BAE Systems..............................1.173,00.............. -4,00.............-0,34%............1,96M Barclays...................................... 145,72................ -2,70.............-1,82%...........13,97M Barratt Developments................. 536,60................ -3,80.............-0,70%.......... 686,61K Beazley........................................ 550,50................+6,00............ +1,10%......... 596,55K Berkeley......................................4.792,2................ -8,8..............-0,18%........... 44,36K BP............................................... 465,30................+2,85............ +0,62%..........24,93M British American Tobacco...........2.337,5................ -1,0..............-0,04%............1,24M BT Group.................................... 109,80................ -2,40.............-2,14%...........14,96M Bunzl...........................................3.194,0............... -21,0.............-0,65%........... 83,94K Burberry Group...........................1.283,2............... -24,8.............-1,90%.......... 318,86K Centrica....................................... 136,30................ -2,15.............-1,55%...........12,32M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.324,0................ -4,0..............-0,17%.......... 151,84K Compass....................................2.148,00............. -30,00............-1,38%............2,10M ConvaTec Group......................... 238,80................ -2,20.............-0,91%.......... 818,03K Croda Intl....................................4.948,0..............+143,0........... +2,98%......... 215,41K DCC.............................................5.802,0...............+46,0............ +0,80%......... 112,97K Diageo.........................................2.884,0...............+23,5............ +0,82%...........1,62M Diploma.....................................3.358,00.............+98,00........... +3,01%......... 245,34K DS Smith.................................... 278,46................ -4,10.............-1,45%............1,60M Endeavour Mining......................1.394,00............. -18,00............-1,27%.......... 617,82K Entain.......................................... 980,60...............+12,40........... +1,28%...........1,67M Experian......................................3.323,0...............+27,0............ +0,82%......... 455,63K F&C Invest.................................. 967,70................ -6,30.............-0,65%.......... 240,12K Flutter Entertainment..................16.440,0.............+155,0........... +0,95%......... 330,51K Frasers........................................ 800,00............... -10,00............-1,24%.......... 356,98K Fresnillo...................................... 517,20............... -14,40............-2,71%.......... 454,88K Glencore...................................... 424,70................+4,25............ +1,01%..........11,78M GSK plc......................................1.594,80.............+26,80........... +1,71%..........11,76M HALEON...................................... 324,50................+3,00............ +0,93%...........9,16M Halma..........................................2.183,0............... -10,0.............-0,46%.......... 267,74K Hikma Pharma...........................1.908,50............. -23,00............-1,19%........... 78,26K Howden Joinery.......................... 798,00................ -4,80.............-0,60%.......... 528,83K HSBC.......................................... 610,80................ -7,40.............-1,20%............9,28M IAG.............................................. 146,30................ -1,75.............-1,18%............3,24M IMI PLC......................................1.713,00.............+28,00........... +1,66%......... 149,17K Imperial Brands..........................1.879,81............. -18,50............-0,97%.......... 544,12K Informa....................................... 775,60................ -1,80.............-0,23%............3,22M InterContinental..........................7.452,0............... -48,0.............-0,64%.......... 142,86K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intermediate Capital...................1.794,50..............+8,50............ +0,48%......... 474,27K Intertek........................................4.483,0............... -10,0.............-0,22%........... 52,65K J Sainsbury................................. 268,60................ -1,60.............-0,59%............1,44M JD Sports Fashion....................... 115,00................ -2,05.............-1,75%............3,50M Kingfisher.................................... 217,40................ -3,00.............-1,36%.......... 794,22K Land Securities........................... 657,00............... -12,60............-1,88%.......... 636,03K Legal & General.......................... 251,12................ -3,88.............-1,52%............4,42M Lloyds Banking............................ 42,41................. -0,13.............-0,31%...........77,99M London Stock Exchange..............8.908,0............... -34,0.............-0,38%.......... 518,14K M&G........................................... 220,30................ -3,80.............-1,70%............2,21M Marks & Spencer........................ 242,60................ -4,70.............-1,90%............2,23M Melrose Industries...................... 580,20............... -10,60............-1,79%............1,01M Mondi.........................................1.404,00............. -10,00............-0,71%.......... 913,72K National Grid..............................1.048,50.............. -6,50.............-0,62%............2,42M NatWest Group........................... 220,30................ -4,90.............-2,18%............8,75M Next............................................8.304,0.............. -164,0............-1,94%.......... 252,04K Ocado.......................................... 520,40............... -26,20............-4,79%............1,17M Pearson....................................... 967,40................ -4,20.............-0,43%.......... 332,58K Pershing Square........................3.778,00.............. -2,00.............-0,05%........... 98,41K Phoenix....................................... 503,00................ -2,40.............-0,47%............3,79M Prudential.................................... 804,80............... -13,80............-1,69%............4,75M Reckitt Benckiser........................5.678,0............... -30,0.............-0,53%.......... 360,13K Relx............................................3.287,00.............+25,00........... +0,77%...........2,18M Rentokil....................................... 406,30................ -2,00.............-0,49%............8,73M Rightmove.................................. 568,00................+7,80............ +1,39%...........2,06M Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.472,0............... -31,0.............-0,56%............2,24M Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 300,20................ -1,00.............-0,33%............4,90M RS PLC....................................... 776,40................ -9,20.............-1,17%.......... 625,99K Sage...........................................1.178,00...............0,00.............. 0,00%............1,27M Schroders.................................... 403,3.................. -2,9..............-0,71%.......... 363,87K Scottish Mortgage....................... 762,80............... -11,00............-1,42%.......... 809,35K Segro.......................................... 866,60............... -15,20............-1,72%.......... 676,66K Severn Trent...............................2.597,0................ -1,0..............-0,04%.......... 884,41K Shell............................................2.508,0...............+61,0............ +2,49%...........9,72M Smith & Nephew........................1.097,00............. -13,50............-1,22%.......... 641,15K Smiths Group.............................1.629,50..............+7,00............ +0,43%......... 278,77K Smurfit Kappa.............................2.882,0............... -66,0.............-2,24%.......... 480,51K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.030,0..............+25,0............ +0,25%.......... 55,19K SSE............................................1.667,00............. -18,00............-1,07%............4,52M St. James’s Place........................ 645,60................ -8,60.............-1,31%.......... 424,40K Standard Chartered..................... 594,20................ -4,60.............-0,77%............7,63M Taylor Wimpey............................ 146,68................ -1,52.............-1,03%............5,90M Tesco.......................................... 281,40................ -5,20.............-1,81%...........11,63M Unilever.......................................3.841,5................ -5,5..............-0,14%............2,52M Unite..........................................1.012,00.............. -5,00.............-0,49%.......... 277,77K United Utilities............................1.065,50.............. -1,00.............-0,09%............1,76M Vodafone Group PLC.................. 67,400...............+0,080........... +0,12%..........22,78M Weir Group................................1.817,50.............. -2,00.............-0,11%.......... 122,99K Whitbread...................................3.554,0............... -42,0.............-1,17%.......... 333,22K WPP............................................ 768,80................ -2,60.............-0,34%.......... 638,97K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85363

1.16996

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0828 Japan yen (JPY)...................................158.41 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9329 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4526 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.331 currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 5 February

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3M............................................... 94,68.................+0,33............ +0,35%......... 867,98K American Express....................... 200,26................ -0,47.............-0,24%.......... 763,43K Amgen........................................ 317,36................+3,10............ +0,99%......... 457,78K Apple........................................... 185,35................+0,95............ +0,52%..........15,85M Boeing......................................... 208,07................ -2,97.............-1,41%............4,38M Caterpillar.................................... 302,49................+2,18............ +0,73%......... 623,91K Chevron...................................... 147,69................+0,26............ +0,18%...........1,76M Cisco............................................ 50,01................. -0,17.............-0,35%............4,61M Coca-Cola..................................... 60,24.................+0,76............ +1,27%...........2,75M Dow............................................. 52,88................. -0,71.............-1,33%........... 1.000K Goldman Sachs........................... 380,59................ -3,42.............-0,89%.......... 644,35K Home Depot................................ 353,20................+0,24............ +0,07%......... 410,70K Honeywell................................... 194,63................ -7,62.............-3,77%............3,44M IBM............................................. 184,70................+1,04............ +0,57%...........1,14M Intel.............................................. 42,51................. -0,57.............-1,32%...........10,97M J&J............................................. 158,04................ -0,85.............-0,54%............1,33M JPMorgan................................... 171,84................ -2,52.............-1,45%............2,52M McDonald’s................................. 294,11................+1,39............ +0,47%......... 521,96K Merck&Co................................... 124,03................+3,25............ +2,69%...........3,80M Microsoft.................................... 403,47................+5,89............ +1,48%..........12,65M Nike............................................. 101,11................ -0,42.............-0,42%............2,17M Procter&Gamble......................... 158,42................+1,28............ +0,81%...........1,28M Salesforce Inc............................. 281,87................+0,78............ +0,28%......... 800,63K The Travelers.............................. 209,53................ -1,82.............-0,86%.......... 221,76K UnitedHealth............................... 506,97................ -4,77.............-0,93%.......... 899,13K Verizon......................................... 42,37.................+0,01............ +0,04%...........6,94M Visa A.......................................... 275,05................+1,79............ +0,66%...........1,44M Walgreens Boots.......................... 22,54................. -0,04.............-0,16%............4,20M Walmart...................................... 166,88................+1,63............ +0,99%...........1,69M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 5 February

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Cimpress plc....................................................+24.93%........................ 222,531 Corteva, Inc......................................................+16.90%.........................5.081M Nextracker Inc..................................................+17.32%.........................9.126M Allegro MicroSystems, Inc................................+9.41%..........................2.565M Ferrari N.V.........................................................+9.88%......................... 766,043 Etsy, Inc............................................................+9.65%..........................6.533M Lancaster Colony Corporation...........................+8.94%......................... 100,895 Credit Acceptance Corporation..........................+8.08%.......................... 89,253 UGI Corporation................................................+8.85%..........................1.653M Arvinas, Inc.......................................................+7.61%......................... 307,831 M - Million Dollars

Most Declined New York Community Bancorp, Inc................. -14.61%........................42.959M C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc......................... -11.93%..........................2.62M Western Alliance Bancorporation..................... -13.16%..........................2.44M CONMED Corporation...................................... -11.37%.........................1.044M Valley National Bancorp................................... -11.64%.........................4.628M Markel Group Inc............................................. -10.24%........................ 105,319 Aflac Incorporated............................................ -10.27%.........................2.501M Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc....................... -10.21%........................ 465,484 Zions Bancorporation, National Association...... -9.71%...........................2.98M Banc of California, Inc....................................... -8.42%..........................1.315M Meritage Homes Corporation............................ -7.82%......................... 401,161 M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com Clean green

THE Spanish bought approximately 20,000 cars costing more than €60,000 each in 2023, 51 per cent more than in 2022 although the Agencia Tributaria tax authority took only an average €5,800. Tax is calculated on the amount of pollution they generate, which in the case of expensive electric vehicles is usually zero, insiders said.

BT profit

TELECOMS company BT made a pre-tax profit of £1.5 billion (€1.75 billion) in the nine months ending in December 2023, a 15 per cent increase on the same period in 2022 resulting from a 14 per cent price-rise for mobile and broadband clients. Revenue was up 3 per cent at £15.8 billion (€18.5 billion).

Breaking even JOHN LEWIS, which publishes its annual results on March 14, believes it is on the road to recovery.

Current chair Dame Sharon White announced in a video to staff on January 30 that the Partnership, which also owns Waitrose supermarkets, “would more than break even” in 2024.

Despite three consecutive years in the red, with a £234 million (€273.8 million) loss in 2023, White told em-

Photo credit: John Lews Partnership

BUSINESS EXTRA

8 - 14 February 2024

SHARON WHITE: Changes will put John Lewis on the right track, chair said.

Going shares SIXTY-SEVEN per cent of Iberdrola shareholders are choosing shares over a 2023 cash dividend via the company’s Flexible Remuneration system.

This gave them the option of receiving Iberdrola shares, receiving cash after selling all or some of the shares, or receiving all cash.

Under the system introduced in 2024, the group issued 73,021,000 new shares resul-

ting in a 1.15 per cent capital increase.

The shares could be sold from February 2 onwards, the company announced.

“The level of acceptance once more demonstrates shareholders’ confidence in Iberdrola, which in terms of capitalisation is Europe’s leading utility company and the second most-important globally,” Iberdola said in a communique sent to Spain’s National Stock Market Commission (CNMV).

ployees to prepare for “quite big changes and quite bold changes.”

These will inevitably entail job cuts, following an earlier announcement that John Lewis was considering reducing its staff of 76,000 by 10 per cent to 65,000. In a move to make redundancies more affordable, it is also slashing payoffs by half.

“There’s been an awful lot of change over the past year,” White admitted in her video. “But those efforts are starting to show themselves in our commercial performance, we are converting more of our sales into return to partners, and we will more than break even this year,” she said, “This is a great start as we build back to sustainable profit for the business,” she added, having said in September 2023 that this would not happen before the 2027-28 financial year.

EWN 29

New habits THE UK’S Channel 4 confirmed plans for its biggest-yet staff reduction involving 240 personnel as it struggles to adapt to changes in television viewing habits. The broadcaster also announced that it intends to sell its former Westminster headquarters in Horseferry Road for a hoped-for £90 million (€105.5 million) and will also look for smaller offices in central London.

Danone downer DANONE, France-based but founded in Spain in the 1920s, is closing its Barcelona factory, the second closure in less than two years. The household name, beset by ‘own-label’ supermarket competition, reported net results of €10.8 million in 2022, 36.8 per cent below 2021’s €17.1 million although sales of €768.9 million were 9.6 per cent up on 2021.

• Feature/News •

I couldn’t agree more LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT LET’S be absolutely clear. I find the conflict taking place between Israel and the Hamas organisation completely devastating and absolutely soul destroying. To see the suffering and destruction of men, women and particularly the children, all but breaks my heart and shatters the very essence of my existence among the spiritually immature population of our primordial planet.

The news I watch on TV is generally Al Jazeera, the channel has periodically been recommended as probably the most newsworthy and responsible network of all. (Frankly the likes of Kay Burley and her ilk leave me completely cold when I observe the egotism and self-gratification she and her producers epitomise in their presentation of the news.) I of course fervently crave the termination of the distressing and often positively overwhelming anguish of the war taking place in the mid-east. Unfortunately, in my opinion I’m afraid

this would ultimately be a tremendous error by the Israeli government. Hamas, without the full support of Iran and its allies, has no chance of final victory and will subsequently continue to wage war midst the Palestinian population until many more devastated civilian lives are shattered or lost.

If however a ceasefire is obtained too early and also includes the Israeli release of 30,000 detainees; of which a large number are undoubtedly Hamas devotees, the whole consortium will merely withdraw, regroup, re- arm and in two or three years’ time, probably with even more support and once again using civilians as protective shields, repeat the whole, almost indescribable horror yet again.

Personally I have no real answer to the utterly distressing scenes of suffering we are subjected to on a daily basis, but can only really see the complete annihilation of Hamas as a step in the right and possibly peaceful direction. I would be interested to hear the opinions of some of my readers. Any constructive ideas out there? Drop me a line; we’re all ears.

I was very moved to hear the opi-

nions of Brianna Gheys’ mother on TV last week. Her 16-year-old transgender treasure was brutally killed by two 15-year-old monsters, who were in my opinion quite rightly named, shamed and publically displayed on the British media. Part of her mother’s poignant, but often very constructive interview, contained the advice to those in power to completely restrict the use of ‘fully fledged’ mobile phones to those under 16. She suggested a children’s phone should be obtainable but not contain the vast areas of often indescribable and frequently unspeakable sites that should in no way be available to the young, inexperienced and totally undeveloped minds of our future adult population.

Frankly I couldn’t agree more. It has also been suggested that mobile phones should also be banned in schools.

Another piece of legislation that should as quickly as possible find its way into the law books approved by the politicians of Westminster’s portals. Keep that mail coming and whatever ya do.

Always Keep the Faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@ gmail.com

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

euroweeklynews.com

Paczki Day PĄCZKI, (pronounced as ‘pohnch-kee’), are fried doughnuts, sprinkled with sugar, golden brown on both sides and with a lighter-coloured ring around their centre.

These leavened Polish doughnuts are fried and coated with icing sugar or fried orange zest and filled with various jams and jellies.

Paczki have a long history in Poland, dating back centuries, and are particularly associated with carnival and Mardi Gras, known in Poland as Tłusty Czwartek. As with pancakes in the UK and torrijas in Spain, paczki are a way to use up all of the ingredients that are forbidden in Lent, including one that sets them apart: Polish vodka.

Vodka is incorporated into paczki dough which prevents them absorbing too much frying oil and this makes them crispier and lighter than a normal

Credit: hackNY.org flickr

30 8 - 14 February 2024

Zagoździński pastry shop in Warsaw.

doughnut or buñuelos here in Spain.

Pączki have been in Poland since at least the Middle Ages. The dough was improved to make it lighter, fluffier and tougher thanks to the influence of French cooks who came to Poland during the reign of Augustus III. They are eaten during carnival season and bakeries that prepare the pączki are known for their hours-long queues, especially on Maundy Thursday, the day when the biggest sales of pączki occur. This year, Paczki Day lands on February 12, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.

• News •

32 8 - 14 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com

Credit: Jacob Lund/shutterstock.com

A RECENT survey posed by Euro Weekly News asked expatriates: ‘If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself before you moved to Spain?’

Living abroad brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Expatriates in Spain share what they wish they’d known before embarking on their new life under the Spanish sun, offering a wealth of wisdom and hindsight.

Yvonne commented: “Do your homework, make an effort to learn some Spanish and rent first till you know where you want to be.” “Rent before you buy,” was good advice.

“Learn the language, integrate,” said Emily. Steve advised: “Learn the language before you move and be patient or you will implode.”

A common regret is not maintaining a property back home. Having a base can significantly reduce stress and financial burden during visits or a final move back.

Joan advised: “In hindsight I wish we had kept a small flat in the UK. It would have made

Credit: Jacob Lund/shutterstock.com

Expats - If only I’d known. . .

Tennis balls take years to break down.

New balls please John Smith

LIVING ABROAD: Enjoy your new life under the Spanish sun.

visits home much easier.”

Navigating Spain’s bureaucracy can be challenging. Expats should seek reliable legal advice. Understanding these aspects thoroughly can prevent future hardships.

Michelle offered some strong advice to couples: “If you are not married to your partner, God help you if either one of you die. You will be crucified

by Spanish inheritance tax and indifference to your grief and

situation.”

Liane and Mike gave some encouraging comments: “It’s always difficult moving and you do look back with rose-tinted glasses when things are difficult or frustrating. Take photos as you go along, especially if you are doing a build/refurb so you can see how far you have come.”

Let’s leave the final word to Susana: “Never looked back, am a Spanish national now, have lived here 49 happy years.”

LOVERS of tennis who regularly watch Wimbledon and other Grand Slam matches will have heard this phrase emanate from the umpire’s chair many times.

What few realise is the amount of waste a single tournament can generate or the global footprint that a tennis ball makes to allow it half an hour’s play and it can take up to 400 years to decompose.

Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are some of the foremost countries who supply rubber or physically make hundreds of millions of tennis balls annually and a huge volume is shipped to Europe and the USA not just

for tournaments.

The average life of a tennis ball owned by a leisure player is estimated to be around eight hours of serious play and although some end up as dog chews, the majority are simply thrown away and end up in landfill.

One company in the Czech Republic, Dropp, has taken up the challenge and can boast it is part of the circular economy, collecting used tennis balls and turning them into something useful.

Since the company opened, it has collected some 330,000 old balls from Czech tennis clubs and is able to reclaim 90 per cent of each ball for use in soft flooring, soles for shoes, sports surfaces and more.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

8 - 14 February 2024

Daily water intake John Ensor NEW research seems to indicate that monitoring one’s daily water consumption could be a key factor in reducing the risk of dementia.

Recently, Dr Angela Rai from The London General Practice shared vital preventative measures against dementia on the UK news. Central to her advice was the daily consumption of two litres of water, among other lifestyle adjustments.

Dr Rai emphasised a holistic approach: Engaging in mental and physical exercises, limiting alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet with ample water intake, cutting down on sugar, quitting smoking, striving for hours of quality

Credit: goodluz/Shutterstock.com

Water: essential for brain health

sleep, socialising, and managing stress.

These recommendations align with studies from the National Library of Medicine, which link dehydration to an elevated risk of dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation explains that water, comprising 60 per cent of the adult human body, is vital for cellular functions, including brain cells.

Insufficient hydration impairs these cells, leading to cognitive issues.

This effect is particularly pronounced in the elderly which hastens cognitive decline. Dr Rai said to look out for early signs of dementia. Warning signs include difficulty remembering names of loved ones or recent events, confusion, and a noticeable decline in short-term memory and concentration.

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• News •

World leader

Leader in tourism.

ACCORDING to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE), Spain is set to take its place as the world leader in tourism.

Last year, 2023, saw Spain beat its pre-pandemic levels of tourism with over 85 million visitors

from overseas. France and Spain have been vying for the top position, and until France publishes its figures for 2023 we will not know if Spain has beaten it to top spot.

The number of tourists from the UK, France and Germany all showed a sig-

nificant rise in numbers, with French tourist to Spain showing the biggest hike.

The INE estimates that tourism brought 108.7 billion euros to the Spanish economy which is a 25 per cent increase from the previous year.

euroweeklynews.com

Changes to tax for 2024 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN tells us that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. The Spanish government has released new information on changes to the latter. Not even governments can change the former.

Accountant Armando Benito of CostaGestion updates us on some of the changes which will take effect this year.

The amount earned from work which obligates the worker to make an annual tax declaration is now €15,000. If you earn less than this, you can choose to make a return or not.

All self-employed workers will have to make a tax return of their net income regardless of how much or little their net income is. Also, the module system for tax liability will lose the 10 per cent reduction previously enjoyed.

Still with self-employed, new changes to VAT (IVA) regulations may work in their favour. Workers who invoice less than €85,000 will no longer be obliged to add VAT to their invoices.

As this has still to be approved there is no date for the introduction.

This is not an initiative proposed by the Spanish Treasury, but rather a European decision that must be com-

plied with by the EU Member States.

Electric cars: vehicles purchased between June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2024, will bring tax relief to the purchasers, 15 per cent of the purchase price of the vehicle can be claimed in tax relief to a maximum of €3,000.

There will also be tax relief on the cost of installing a charging point with 15 per cent of the cost receiving tax relief to a maximum of €4,000.

People who sell things online are now being targeted.

From next year digital platforms will have to report to the Tax Agency on the sales operations that professionals or individuals make through them, for example, on Amazon, Wallapop, or Vinted, when sales exceed 30 per year or €2,000 in value. Tax on income generated will be calculated by the authorities.

As from February 1, all self-employed workers with employees and small businesses in the construction sector will have to contribute to a pension plan for their employees.

According to some studies, it will increase spending by about €20 per month per worker.

Information provided by CostaGestion.com and correct as of January 31, 2024.

euroweeklynews.com

• Feature •

8 - 14 February 2024

35

ADVERTISING FEATURE IN the picturesque landscapes of Murcia and Andalucia, where the charm of outdoor living blends seamlessly with the rustic beauty of nature, one family-run business stands out for its dedication to quality and craftsmanship: Wood 2 Go. Nestled in Velez Rubio, Almeria, Wood 2 Go is not just a company; it’s a legacy of woodcraft, carried forward by the father-son duo, Graham and Paul, since 2006, and now for the last three years continuing with Paul’s daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Juan David.

Specialising in the supply of laminated timber and the custom creation of wooden structures like pergolas, carports, sheds, and more, Wood 2 Go brings over 65 combined years of timber industry experience to the table. This expertise is evident in every project they undertake, ensuring that each piece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and perfectly suited to the needs and tastes of their clients.

What sets Wood 2 Go apart is not just

Wood 2 Go: The heart of timber crafting in southern Spain

WOOD 2 GO: Specialising in the supply of laminated timber and the custom creation of wooden structures.

their exceptional product range, which includes everything from gazebos and decking to trellises and summer houses, but also their commitment to providing a professional service that maintains the warmth and personal touch of a family business. Operating in the scenic regions of Murcia and

Andalucia, they’ve carved a niche for themselves by offering individualised solutions that transform outdoor spaces into cosy, inviting areas.

Their current special - approx 2m x 1m Log Stores for €500.00 - exemplifies their approach: highquality products at fair prices, tailored

to the Mediterranean lifestyle.

For those interested in enhancing their homes or commercial spaces with beautiful, functional timber structures, Wood 2 Go’s doors are open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm, and Fridays from 9am to 3pm.

To enquire about their services or to discuss a project, clients can reach out via email at support@wood2go.eu, or contact Paul directly through WhatsApp or mobile on +34 661 147 689. Further details, including their full range of products and previous projects, can be found on their website, www.wood2go.eu, or their Facebook page, Wood 2 Go. Located at Calle la Forja, 6, Poligono Industrial, 04820, Vélez Rubio, Almeria, España, Wood 2 Go is more than just a supplier of timber; it’s a destination for those who value quality, craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of wood in their living spaces.

• Feature/News •

Life is for living

Hansi StØkken moved to Spain from his native Norway in the year 2000.

HE saw Spain as a land of opportunities, indulge myself in what is my passion: Spanot to mention better weather and daylinish wines.” ght. Hansi set up a range of companies unHansi studied to become an oenologist der the ‘Conrisa’ brand from property and his Gastrobar boasts the finest management, construction wines from all around Spain. “I and what was perhaps know it doesn’t sound like the jewel in his crown, work, but having the Conrisa Gastrobar. opportunity to travel “Life in business in around Spain once Spain brings its or twice a year, own challenges,” visiting wineries he says. “Diversifand selecting the ying is important, wines personally as making a living has been a highlifrom one single ght for me. I don’t source is not always just go for price, but easy.” for quality. That’s not Hansi speaks Spanialways the same thing.

Hansi does it all with a sh like a native, and EngliOur fortnightly wine tassmile. sh comes naturally to him, tings with food pairing are that is on top of his grasp of Scandinavian very popular, but I think people are more languages and also German. “It has been keen on tasting the wine than learning important to me to be able to reach out to about them,” he says with a grin. as wide a customer base as possible. There “Life is for living, and a glass of good has never been a time when one business wine adds to the experience.” And most approach could meet all the needs, so mulimportantly , he does it all Conrisa, with a tiple streams of income has allowed me to smile.

Easy money

IN the quest to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities, authorities worldwide are forever considering innovative measures.

In France, certain motorists have speed cameras installed in their vehicles, earning up to €1,500 per month, could this scheme ever come to Spain?

In 2023, Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) ramped up efforts to curtail road accidents by significantly increasing radar installations. This move underscores a broader European challenge in the relentless quest to improve road safety. France has taken a unique approach by deploying 400 new mobile radars at the start of 2024, as announced by a French company on social media.

These aren’t your typical radars monitored by police or official agency personnel.

Instead, they’re operated by private citizens, driving unmarked cars across French cities. This strategy allows for a more discreet surveillance of speeding drivers,

Linda Hall

Credit: Alfredo Maiquez/Shutterstock.com

INTERVIEW

euroweeklynews.com

ROAD SAFETY: A Spanish motorway at night.

potentially catching them off guard.

The police praised this method for its simplicity and effectiveness in detecting speeding violations.

The French Traffic Department contracted four major companies to recruit suitable drivers for this task, proving that sometimes, the best solutions come from thinking outside the box.

Not just anyone can become a radar operator.

Candidates need at least 10 out of 12 points on their driving licence, ensuring that only the most responsible drivers are selected for the job.

EIGHTY-THREE bottles of rare wine worth €1.5 million have disappeared from the famous La Tour d’Argent restaurant in Paris.

Police were called in after a sommelier from the Michelin-starred restaurant discovered the bottles were missing during a recent inventory, suggesting they must have been taken at some time since 2020, the last time they were checked.

The restaurant on the banks of the Seine with its impressive views of Notre Dame and a documented history dating back to 1582 is as famed for its wines as well as its food.

Some of the missing 83 bottles came from the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti estate in Burgundy which produces some of the world’s most expensive wines, with single bottles selling for five-figure sums.

A bottle of 1945 Romanée-Conti was sold for €482,000 in 2018, making it the most expensive bottle ever sold.

A spokeswoman for La Tour d’Argent declined to comment on the theft but according to reports in the French media, investigators have found no signs of a forced entry.

Sources close to the case revealed that police suspect that the robbery could have been carried out between the spring of 2022 and the autumn of 2023 when

These operators roam French roads, earning around €1,500 monthly, a fee that correlates with the distance covered rather than the fines issued.

Spanish municipalities, rather than the DGT, take the responsibility in hiring companies for traffic surveillance through cameras and radars. These companies receive up to 50 per cent commission, but it’s the town councils that ultimately issue the penalties.

This French initiative is currently off-limits in Spain, where it’s seen as a procedural flaw that could nullify any penalties enforced by mobile radars.

Wine heist Photo credit : CC/ Riggwelter at wts wikivoyage

36 8 - 14 February 2024

LEGENDARY RESTAURANT: La Tour d’Argent in Paris.

La Tour d’Argent was closed for renovations.

With a cellar whose 300,000 bottles are worth an estimated €27.8 million, La Tour d’Argent has what is believed to be the largest restaurant wine store in Paris.

In 2010, the restaurant’s owner Andre Terrail auctioned off 18,000 bottles of wine and spirits, fetching €1.5 million.

A wine expert quoted by the BBC pointed out that all of the missing bottles were numbered and it would be difficult for a thief to sell them without drawing unwelcome attention.

euroweeklynews.com

• Feature •

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FIVE BONE HOTEL: Is more than just a kennel or a cattery.

The Five Bone Hotel: A haven for pets in the heart of Almeria TUCKED away in the serene town compliance and ethical service of Turre, Almeria, The Five Bone further reassures pet owners that Hotel stands as a testament to their furry friends are in the safest comprehensive pet care and love. hands.

For 24 years, this establishment For those interested in boarding has been more than just a kennel or grooming services, The Five Bone or cattery; it’s a fully licensed and Hotel is ready to welcome your legal retreat where pets receive pets into their loving environment. the highest standard of care, from Boarding enquiries can be made grooming and teeth cleaning to by phone on 630 234 556, while the warm grooming embrace of a and other home away services can from home be discussed What sets v i a The Five Bone WhatsApp Hotel apart or phone on is not just its 662 344 wide array 734. of services The team but the depth is available of care and from 09.30 expertise to 12.30 and behind each 18.00 to The team offers passion and professionalism. s e r v i c e .

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Despite its long-standing It’s not just a place for pets to reputation for quality and care, stay; it’s a place where they are The Five Bone Hotel continues to treated like family, where every offer the best prices, ensuring that dog wag and cat purr is a testament top-tier pet care is accessible to all. to the love and care that define The The facility’s commitment to legal Five Bone Hotel.

the5bonehotelturre@gmail.com 630 234 556 / 662 344 734

8 - 14 February 2024

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38 8 - 14 February 2024

• News •

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IN 2023, Spain’s ports witnessed a historical surge in cruise passenger arrivals, surpassing all previous records and providing a significant boost to the Spanish economy.

In 2023, over 12 million cruise passengers docked at Spanish ports, outstripping the pre-pandemic peak of 10.6 million in 2019.

The data, announced during the 2024 International Tourism Fair (Fitur), underscores Spain’s position as Europe’s second most popular cruise destination, just behind Italy.

The impact of this sector is ‘very important’ for the economy not only of port cities but of Spain as a whole, according to Puertos del Estado.

The sector’s growth is not just about numbers, it’s a story of substantial economic contribution and job creation.

In 2022, the cruise industry brought in an impressive €5.6 billion and supported

Credit: Photomarine/Shutterstock.com

Another Spanish record Disappearing salmon

P&O cruise ship Britannia entering the port of Alicante.

over 42,000 jobs, as per a study by Tourism Economics/Oxford Economics for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Sustainability is a key theme at this year’s Fitur. Spanish ports are actively embracing sustainable practices, including the OPS programme to supply docked ships with electrical power, reducing emissions and noise.

The introduction of alternative fuels like LNG, alongside digital and innovative advancements, demonstrates Spain’s commitment to

eco-friendly tourism.

Several Spanish ports are showcasing their unique contributions to sustainable cruise tourism. The Port Authority of Cadiz will present its pioneering OPS project, positioning it as the first to offer electrical supply to cruise ships in dock by 2024.

This record-breaking increase in cruise passengers not only highlights the resilience of the tourism sector post-pandemic but also showcases Spain’s innovative approach towards sustainable tourism development.

Linda Hall Evensen said. Wild salmon was now so NORWAY’S rivers are no longer teeming threatened that that some rivers no longer with the wild salmon they have always been allow recreational fishing, he revealed. renowned for.

Norway farms more salmon than any Torfinn Evensen, secretary general of other country worldwide but producers reNorske Lakseelver, which represents 123 jected claims that their activities are affecriver management groups described the si- ting Norway’s wild salmon. tuation as “dramatic.”

“More than 95 percent of all “This is concrete evidence of the wild salmon die in the nature crisis we’re caught in,” sea,” insisted Henrik Evensen told a Norwegian Wiedswang Horjen, Broadcasting (NRK) intersecretary geneviewer. ral of the Sjomat Anglers caught 70,593 Norge fish-farsalmon in 2023, of which mers’ association approximately 19,000 in a written stawere returned to preserve tement to NRK. stocks. This was almost 30 “Nor is there per cent below 2022’s catch any connection beof 97,678. tween lice outbreaks “It’s a desperate situation and the wild salmon that Wild salmon. for everyone who cares about return to the rivers the Norwegian nature,” Evensen following year.” continued.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Fisheries direcAsked who was to blame, he unhesita- torate will get tougher about enforcing the tingly cited the fish-farming industry, ex- regulations which require fish farms to suplaining that infections - and particularly pply information on the number of fish they the salmon lice found in the crowded cages raise and how many escape.

- spread to wild stocks when they escape.

In theory they should warn river maThe number of fish farms inside fjords nagers but in practice they do not provide and along the coast needed to be reduced sufficient cooperation, the Directorate said.

HOLIDAYMAKERS have a knack for leaving behind some unusual items in hotel rooms.

According to new data revealed in a survey of 100 hotels within the easyJet Holidays portfolio across Europe, the past 12 months have seen an array of outlandish discoveries.

Surprisingly, dentures

Weird & Wacky take the crown as one of the most eccentric items frequently abandoned, with hotels admitting to accumulating false teeth in their lost and found collection.

In the realm of peculiar costumes, one hotel

stumbled upon a complete clown ensemble, featuring shoes, a wig, and even a cherry-red nose.

But the surprises don’t end there. Another hotel uncovered a collection of witchcraft paraphernalia in a guest’s room, evidently left behind by an aspiring sorceress.

Meanwhile, some guests bid farewell to their stays without their prosthetic limbs and even a glass eye on one occasion.

Some travellers inadvertently part ways with more sentimental possessions, like a ‘lucky’ teacup belonging to a grandmother that accompanied her throughout the trip.

Wedding rings and personal photographs also find their way into the forgotten mix.

And in the realm of unexpected discoveries, forget wallets and cash; a hotel stumbled upon thousands of old German Mark coins hidden behind a toilet water tank.

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42 8 - 14 February 2024

• Feature •

euroweeklynews.com

• News Across The Regions • Costa del Sol Warmest January

Costa Blanca South Olympic Week

Axarquia Cliff squatters

Costa Blanca North Fallas fun

Mallorca European summit

Costa Calida Whale sighting

JANUARY was the warmest month in history in the province of Malaga.

With an average of 12.7 degrees Celsius recorded across the whole of Malaga province, this was an all-time record. The last four weeks were more than 3 degrees above average and 2.2 degrees above the record of a year ago, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).

The first day of 2024 opened with a high of 21 degrees, with clear skies for a sunny and warm day.

The peak was reached on January 26 with an unusually high maximum temperature of over 27 degrees in Coín, one of the highest temperatures in Spain. The figures recorded in the rest of the country were also more typical of spring than mid-winter.

THE environmental group GENA-Ecologistas en Acción has raised concerns over the growing presence of campervans, campers, and squatters in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Site, a protected natural area. In January alone, around 50 campervans have reportedly invaded the protected space. Campers have set up in the Las Alberquillas area for extended periods, and a community of squatters has established itself in the remains of an abandoned dwelling. Both groups are in violation of regulations prohibiting free camping and overnight stays in the natural area. Ecologists accuse the campervans of encroaching on the old N-340 road, destroying signage prohibiting overnight stays, and leaving behind various types of waste, including food remnants, wipes, and toilet paper.

MALLORCA is set to become the focal point of European innovation, as the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), under the European Commission, has chosen the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Innovation of the Balearic Government’s proposal to host the prestigious Clusters Meet Regions congress.

This event, earmarked for late 2024 or early 2025, positions Mallorca alongside Malaga and Barcelona as one of the few Spanish locations to hold such a significant international gathering. The congress aims to bolster regional economic development through innovative clusters, focusing on good practices that drive economic transition. It will feature a blend of plenary sessions, workshops, expert debates, and company visits.

GET ready for the ninth Valencian Community Olympic Week, making its way to Torrevieja!

The Real Club Náutico Torrevieja will host the regatta, also serving as the Spanish Cup for the Europe, Flying Dutchman, and RC IOM classes.

Mark your calendars for February 9 to 11, when the western port will witness the IOM Spanish Cup, boasting 40 registered participants.

Following that, from February 16 to 18, the Spanish Cups for the Europe class and the Flying Dutchman class will unfold on a regatta course near the ‘Lo Ferrys’ area.

This edition sets a remarkable record with over 600 registered sailors which is an outstanding achievement in itself!

GANDIA is already counting down to the Fallas festival, where the streets will come alive with spectacular sculptural monuments made of wood and papier mâché.

The festivities kick off with street decorations on March 8, with the assembly of monuments beginning on the 9.

Musical events during the afternoon and night of March 9 and the afternoon of March 10 will set the festive tone.

The Fallas tradition has deep historical roots.

It’s origins are in Valencia several centuries ago, when carpenters celebrated the feast day of their patron saint, Saint Joseph, on March 19.

The culmination of the Fallas festival is the burning of these impressive sculptures in a spectacular display of flames and fireworks.

A GROUP of four fin whales were spotted off the coast of Aguilas on February 1. Landscape, nature, and weather photographer Mario Navarro captured the images just off the coast at sunset. Later that same evening he captured another pair gracefully passing through.

Fin whales are the second longest animal on earth surpassed only by the blue whale and usually travel between April and October from southern France to the strait of Gibraltar and while on this route they pass the shores of Murcia. If you are in the right place at the right time off the coast of Cartagena, Aguilas, and Mazarron, especially in the months of June and July, you might catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

43

PETS

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Automated pet feeders

FOOD containers, specifically automated pet feeders, have become increasingly popular among pet owners for their convenience and benefits. These devices can be particularly useful for those with busy schedules, ensuring pets are fed on time, even in the owner’s absence. Automated feeders dispense pre-measured amounts of food, which aids in maintaining proper portion control, crucial for preventing overfeeding and obesity.

Moreover, for pets that require strict dietary management due to health conditions like diabetes, these feeders ensure timely and consistent feeding. Some advanced models even offer the ability to control feeding via smartphone apps, providing additional flexibility and peace of mind for the owner.

However, it’s important to choose the right type of feeder for your pet’s needs. For instance, some pets might try to break into the container, so a sturdy design is essential. Also, while these feeders are convenient, they should not replace human interaction and care. Regular checks on the feeder for cleanliness and proper operation are necessary, and pets still need love, attention, and exercise from their owners. Overall, when used appropriately, food containers can be an excellent tool for managing your pet’s dietary needs.

Pet insurance HAVING pet insurance is akin to having a safety net for your furry family members. It offers financial protection against unforeseen veterinary expenses, which can be substantial, particularly in cases of emergency treatments or chronic illnesses.

One of the primary advantages of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing you’re covered means you can make healthcare decisions for your pet based on the best medical advice, rather than financial constraints.

Most pet insurance plans offer flexibility in terms of coverage options, from accidents and illnesses to routine wellness care. This allows pet owners to choose a plan that best suits their pet’s needs and their budget. Additionally, as veterinary medicine advances, treatments become more

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sophisticated and costly.

Pet insurance helps make these advanced treatments more accessible, ensuring your pet gets the best possible care.

Furthermore, pet insurance can also cover additional costs, such as lost pet advertising, rewards for lost pets, and even holiday cancellation if your pet falls ill. Overall, pet insurance is a prudent choice, ensuring that your pet’s health and your financial well-being are both well protected.

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Call and 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 guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion.org. uk/counties/spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email zurge narblchairman@gmail. com - (253989)

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ELECTRICAL ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (304222) ESTATE AGENT VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area.

Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824) INSURANCE MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now!

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PROPERTY FOR RENT

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WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726) OTHERS EDS? We have the solution, Kamagra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394 PETS

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TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end

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

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CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com REMOVALS

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Longest toll road to go to 30 years.

Hence, the toll on the AP-6 highway which connects Madrid with Castilla y Leon and incorporates the Guadarrama tunnel, is due to be removed before November 19, 2029, and as such will impact thousands of daily commuters.

Other highways in Spain are following suit, with varying concession periods ranging from 30 to 50 years.

AP-9 (Atlantic Highway) between Ferrol and the Portuguese border, the AP-36 between Ocaña (Toledo) and the Roda (Albacete), and the AP-68 are on the

list to become toll-free by 2026.

Moreover, Madrid’s radial highways and the AP-15 in Navarra are scheduled to end their toll concessions in 2032 and 2029, respectively. However, tolls remain active on the Catalan C-16 and C-32 highways.

Repsol makes a bold move RENOWNED Spanish energy company Repsol is set to expand its renewable fuels offerings, with a goal of serving 100 per cent renewable fuel at over 600 service stations across the Iberian Peninsula by the close of 2024.

This bold move will mark a tenfold increase in the number of stations providing this sustainable service, extending it to approximately 15 per cent of its extensive network, which comprises around 4,000 fuel stations.

Repsol, under the leadership of Chairman Josu Jon Imaz, is already ahead of its sustainability targets.

Presently, the company supplies 100 per cent renewable fuel at more than 60 service stations in key cities and transportation corridors within the Iberian

Peninsula.

With 46 stations located in Spain and 15 in Portugal, Repsol has surpassed its 2023 objective of reaching 50 stations, becoming the pioneering Spanish group to offer 100 per cent renewable fuel to its customers.

Moreover, Repsol is venturing into new territory with a pilot project involving three service stations offering 100 per cent renewable petrol.

These pioneering stations are situated in Madrid, making them the first in Spain to provide 100 per cent renewable gasoline and diesel.

Renewable fuels play a pivotal role in Repsol’s strategy to accelerate the reduction of transportation emissions, aligning with their goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Turning to the Basque Country, an innovative, booth-less toll system on the A-636 is revolutionising travel between Beasain and Bergara. Utilising ‘Free-Flow’ technology, this system identifies vehicles through cameras mounted on arches at Beasain, Ezkio, and Desakarga.

Motorists must register for charging via the Bidegui

app, join ABIATU, or use the ViaT electronic toll. The system offers discounts based on highway usage and eliminates the need for traditional toll booths, streamlining travel and reducing congestion.

This approach, akin to systems in Portugal, could be a precursor to broader implementation across Spain in the near future.

Credit: Philip Lange/Shutterstock.com

IS there a more satisfying journey than a toll-free one? News has emerged of the imminent change to one of Spain’s most extensive and expensive toll highways, although eager drivers will have to be patient for the time being.

On April 20, 2020, the Spanish government announced that the duration of individual tolls on Spain’s highways was to be limited

• Motoring •

TOLL ROADS: Some of them are due to be phased out.

• Motoring •

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8 - 14 February 2024

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Lexus NX – classy, comfortable and refined ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack WE have become used to manufacturers creating sporting or luxury brands as offshoots to their main production vehicles.

One of the car makers that began this trend, and certainly brought it to greater public consciousness, is Toyota. In 1989 they launched Lexus as their luxury arm and unlike some brands have maintained a presence where others have retreated. They have also succeeded in differentiating their two brands with Lexus having much sharper and more angular looks and strong exterior lines.

The latest Lexus NX has just been launched and prices for this larger SUV start from a not unreasonable €51,937/£44,430.

Powertrain choices are

the 350h, a self-charging hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid, the 450h, the first from the company. You can drive the front wheels or all four of them, and the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine is mated to an e-CVT automatic gearbox.

All NX models come with tyre pressure warning system, automatic rolling door locks, push-button start, dual zone air conditioning, auto dimming rear view mirrors, power adjustable steering wheel, heated front seats, LED lights with high beam assist, multi-function electric door mirrors, auto lights and wipers, car play and android auto, 10-speaker sound system, reversing camera and power tailgate. Phew!

My test model was the 350h, all-wheel-drive, Takumi model that sits towards the top of the range at €69,536/£59,485, and came with a tilt-andslide panoramic sunroof

along with a vast array of standard equipment and

safety kit. Quality on all Lexus models is pretty

much as guaranteed as it’s possible to be, and the NX is no exception. The interior of my example had ‘Dark Rose’ seating and looked very classy and a nice contrast to

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Facts at a Glance

• Model: Lexus NX 350h Takumi AWD • Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol with electric hybrid self-charging developing 248PS • Gears: e-CVT automatic • Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) Petrol 7.7 secs • Maximum Speed – Petrol 180 kph (112 mph) – EV 125 kph (77 mph) • Economy: Petrol 6.4 l/100km (44.1 mpg) WLTP • Emissions: 145 g/km WLTP Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

the black trim elsewhere.

A large touchscreen and some traditional buttons (no sub-menu scrolling required) reveals a much more intuitive control set up. Previous Lexus models have seen controls that are rather too clever for their own good, a kind of form over function approach.

Not so in this latest NX and it enhances the usability of an already impressive interior.

On the road the refinement and smoothness of the NX is excellent, unless you over exercise your right foot when the engine’s vocals rise noticeably due to the nature of the CVT gearbox.

For the main part though it’s a very nice drive with well controlled suspension over the rough stuff and decent steering. The NX is a classy, comfortable and refined SUV with all the usual, and very welcome, Lexus attributes.

• Sport •

Formula 1 news John Smith

FORMULA 1 is back in the news for two reasons, firstly because on February 1 it rejected the recent bid from the Andretti racing team to become part of the franchise.

The group is headed by former McLaren driver Michael Andretti and his probably better known father Mario, was 1978 world champion.

They wanted to become the 11th team on the F1 grid but their bid was rejected on the grounds that as they don’t have their own power unit and don’t expect partner General Motors to create one for several years, they are unlikely to be competitive.

While the announcement of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari for 2025 is understandably creating great excitement as the seven-time World Champion switches to Maranello after over a decade with Mercedes, the big loser in the musical chairs is Carlos Sainz.

There has been a well-documented on-off relationship with Ferrari who have been trying to poach Hamilton for years but when he signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes in 2023 it was assumed he was tied in until at least 2026.

Appearing on the F1 Nation podcast to discuss Hamilton’s move, F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto said that, given Sainz’s form isn’t in question, the current Ferrari driver will have no shortage of options on the driver market for next season.

Both Mercedes and Red Bull still have unconfirmed race seats for 2025 - although Barretto believes it’s Mercedes at which Sainz has the better chance.

Credit: Mercedes AMG F1

Hamilton is on the move.

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Anyone for a beer?

Credit: bernabeuofficial/Facebook.com

48 8 - 14 February 2024

Real Madrid’s stadium.

ASK most football fans and they will probably agree there’s no better way to enjoy a game than with a fresh beer.

This ideal scenario has been brilliantly envisioned by the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, as they introduce an extraordinary feature to their venue.

Announced recently, the iconic football stadium, which has been undergoing extensive renovations for five years, will soon reveal a ground-breaking addition.

Mahou San Miguel, the famous beer brand, is set to open a small-scale brewery within the stadium’s Padre Damian area,

near the Honor Box. This facility, visible to the public, will be the first of its kind in a football stadium. Alberto Rodriguez-Toquero, the general director of Mahou San Miguel, described the project as ‘a dream come true’.

The integration of a brewery within the Santiago Bernabeu marks a significant shift in how stadiums are utilised.

Beyond improving the physical infrastructure, the project aims to transform the stadium into a centre of ongoing activity, extending well beyond football matches.

This approach is geared towards enhancing the overall

experience for spectators, offering them something unique.

The upgrade promises to provide ‘climatic comfort’ to 100 per cent of members and spectators.

Florentino Perez, in his Christmas speech, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that it will contribute to ‘institutional stability and the economic solidity’ necessary to remain competitive.

The Santiago Bernabeu’s transformation is a testament to Real Madrid’s forward-thinking vision. This project not only serves as an enhancement to the sporting facility but also redefines the role of a stadium in the modern era.