Costa Blanca North 27 Feb - 5 Mar 2025 Issue 2069

EURO

Art, heritage, bonfires

Festival giants take to the streets for Las Fallas de Denia

Abigail Frazer

THE huge gures of Las Fallas de Denia will shortly be planted around the town for everyone to enjoy before their eventual cremation on March 19.

The festivities are gearing up for the main event - the planting of the Fallas. The festival focuses on art and local heritage, there are events exploring the history of the festival and showcasing smaller egies.

The huge statues and their smaller counterparts will be placed around the town from March 11 to March 16, visitors and residents will then have three days before the massive bon res of Saint Joseph’s Day take over the main squares and burn the creative statues to the ground.

The main gures can be seen in Plaza de la Constitucio.

The celebration is a local phenomenon that dates back to the 18th century and celebrates the arrival

of spring which coincides with Saint Joseph’s Day. Multiple events will take place between the end of February and March 19 to celebrate the festival, including parades, community dinners and competitions for the best gures.

Costa Blanca North • Issue No. 2069 • 27 Feb - 5 March 2025 FREE

GRATIS GRATIS

Las Fallas de Denia 2024.

Photo Credit: Instagram FallasSaladar

Silent disco dancing tour

Abigail Frazer

WEEKEND visitors to Alicante can be centre stage in the centre of the city as a new tourism phenomenon takes over its streets.

Groups of people are touring the city centre whilst dancing in silent discos. The quiet flash mobs, are called silent tours and are a novel way to immerse visitors in local heritage and take in Alicante’s architecture. During the tours, groups of up to 20 people follow routes around

the city whilst dancing to music that everyone in the group can hear. The activity does not disturb other city goers as they all complete the route with head phones on.

Although, it might garner a few odd looks, the experience has been leaving lasting impressions on its participants. An energetic guide takes visitors to some of the most important sites in Alicante, like the Town Hall Square and the Central Market, all whilst making sure they have the most

active and fun experience possible.

At the moment there are just a couple of tour groups offering the experience, which has been popular in other European cities.

One of those companies is Silent Crazy, they say their “company is dedicated to offering immersive experiences by combining music and adventures using silent technology headphones where you can listen to the music and the monitor.”

U3A CALPE held its most recent General Meeting at Yodel on February 21, which marked the end of an era at that venue.

The organisation has experienced impressive growth, resulting in an overwhelming number of members that have outpaced the available facilities at Yodel.

While it is encouraging to see such an increase in membership, it also brings a sense of sadness, and U3A Calpe would like to thank Dennis and Anastasia for their wonderful support and hospitality. It is also not goodbye, as they will be back there for the Irish celebratory event on Tuesday March 18.

During the meeting, key committee members provided several updates. David Stockton provided insights into press activities, highlighting the efforts made to keep the community engaged and informed. Dairong shared valuable information regarding membership status, while John presented an overview of the financial position, which remains strong and stable.

One of the most anticipated segments of the meeting was led by Travel Organiser Shirley. She outlined the upcoming planned activities and excursions, provided detailed information, and took bookings from eager members.

The next Coffee Morning and all future monthly meetings will be held at the Tennis Club Calpe, a more spacious venue. For full details of all their upcoming events and activities, please visit www.u3acalpe.org.

Spanish hotel ID rules Ibuprofen recall

Expert tips to prevent identity theft

BRUNO PEREZ JUNCA - a top cybersecurity expert and judicial IT specialist - says it’s time to turn the tables on opportunistic crooks. Appearing on TV3’s Tot es mou, Perez Junca dropped the bombshell: handing over your original DNI at check-in is a risky business. Instead, keep the real deal under wraps and supply a photocopy, whether digital or old-fashioned paper. There is no need for them to be handling and keeping your original documents.

Perez Junca explains that black-andwhite copies are obviously different from the original, which could make them harder to exploit. But don’t stop there - he also re commends pixelating or erasing any details not strictly needed by the hotel. That might include issue and expiry dates, your signature, and even that cringe-worthy photo.

By blotting out the fluff and leaving only your name and address, you’ll be handing over the bare minimum of information. It’s a quick and simple ‘hack’ that stops criminals dead in their tracks. No bank accounts opened in your name. No sneaky loans. No world tour on your dime!

For even more peace of mind, the cybersecurity guru advises adding a watermark to your copy. If you’re sending it by email or printing it off, simply la-

bel it with something like ‘For Hotel Check-In Only’. It might sound like extra faff, but if your details ever turn up somewhere dodgy, you’ll have a clearer path to prove that the document was only meant for that hotel booking - and nothing else.

Now you know the (hotel) drill - when you’re asked for ID, don’t get scammed. Give them a copy and keep your holiday from turning into a how-liday! Safe travels, Euro Weekly News readers!

A MAJOR Ibuprofen brand has been recalled from pharmacies after Spanish health authorities flagged a quality issue. Consumers in Spain are advised to check their medicine cabinets as this common painkiller may not work as intended.

The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has issued a recall for Ibuprofeno Pensavital 400 mg due to ‘out-of-specification results’ in its dissolution test - meaning the tablets may not dissolve properly, affecting their effectiveness, and potentially their side-effects.

Ibuprofen is widely used to ease aches, inflammation, and fever. However, the affected batches of Ibuprofeno Pensavital 400 mg film-coated tablets (NR: 82815, CN: 729876, Lot: 464X, Expiry: 31/07/2026) have failed dissolution tests.

The product is manufactured by Farmalider SA in Madrid and marketed by Towa Pharmaceutical, SA, based in Martorelles. AEMPS has ordered all distributed units to be removed from pharmacies immediately and returned to the laboratory for further examination.

AEMPS has not issued specific guidance for consumers, but experts recommend:

Checking the batch number (464X) to see if your pack is affected.

Consulting a pharmacist or doctor before taking any further doses.

Properly disposing of the tablets if you have any concerns about their effectiveness.

A medicine that doesn’t dissolve properly may not provide the intended pain relief, potentially leaving users without effective treatment for headaches, migraines, arthritis flare-ups, and other health issues. It may lead to inconsistent absorption, potentially reducing its effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of side effects.

Mercadona price hikes Hacienda cancels some debts

Customers turn to competitors

MERCADONA is in the midst of controversy once more after yet another price hike in the supermarket chain.

This time, annoyance has arisen especially among users of the online service, who have seen the delivery fee increase for the first time in the 25 years of the service.

The new rate of €8.20, which came into force earlier this month,

ted a barrage of criticism on social networks, with many customers venting their anger with what they consider another abusive blow to their pockets.

For the past couple of years, inflation and rising costs have affected all supermarket prices in Spain.

Mercadona, Calahonda.

However, Mercadona’s decision to raise its prices even further, added to the increase in the online delivery rate, has caused customers to consider alternatives.

Until recently, the name of Juan Roig, CEO of Mercadona, was associated with altruistic initiatives, especially after helping those affected by DANA di-

saster in Valencia. However, this new measure is changing the perception of many customers, who have gone from praising the supermarket chain to criticising what they consider an abusive response to their customers’ loyalty. Roig has claimed, ‘It doesn’t depend on a decision of ours [to raise prices], it depends on supply and demand.’

Despite being the leading supermarket chain in Spain, the controversy could affect consumer confidence. Some shoppers have insisted that they will explore other cheaper alternatives, such as Lidl, Aldi or Alcampo, looking for more competitive prices.

SOME taxpayers in Spain could see their debts automatically cancelled, as Hacienda applies exemptions for small amounts and low-income individuals. Since June 2022, the Spanish Tax Agency has stopped collecting minor debts and has introduced protections against asset seizures for those with limited financial resources.

A key rule, published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), states that any outstanding tax debt under €3 will no longer be collected. This measure, designed to reduce administrative costs, means that small debts are automatically cancelled without taxpayer intervention.

Beyond minor debts, certain individuals are also protected from Hacienda’s collection efforts. Under Article 27.2 of the Spanish Workers’ Statute, anyone earning below the minimum wage (€1,134 per month in 2024) cannot have their salary or pension seized. This safeguard ensures that low-income workers and pensioners are not pushed into financial hardship due to unpaid taxes.

To check if you have an outstanding debt with Hacienda, taxpayers can either visit the Agencia Tributaria’s website sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/ inicio.html and log into the electronic tax portal or book an in-person appointment at a local office. While tax compliance remains crucial, these exemptions provide relief for those struggling with small debts or low incomes.

euroweeklynews.com

Spanish hotel ID rules: The one thing you must say when asked for your ID.

Credit: Shutterstock, DC Studio

The grand fi nale

THE grand nale of the exhibition ‘Music, Gunpowder, and Landing’ was marked by a touching ceremony on February 21, commemorating the conclusion of the Moors and Christians festivities.

This event took place at Vilamuseu, where the councillor for Festivities, alongside the president of the Santa Marta Association, ceremoniously presented ags to the representatives of the 22 participating companies.

These ags, which had proudly adorned the quarter section for three and a half years, were paraded to the entrance of Vilamuseu, accompanied by the music of the local ensemble, Colla Els Valerios.

The exhibition’s unique approach, which successfully merged historical context with festive elements, showcased a dynamic rotation of participating companies featuring

newly designed costumes, music, and decorations.

The integration of documents recovered by the Municipal Archive and active community participation drove exceptional visitor numbers, fostering a collective appreciation of the signi cance of the Moors and Christians festivities in Villajoyosa.

The evening concluded with an address from Mayor Marcos Zaragoza as he

introduced Pedro Escrig Negrete as the town crier for the upcoming Moors and Christians 2025 festivities. Pedro Escrig, who served as president of the Santa Marta Association from 2000 to 2007 and held the esteemed position of Moorish King in 1994 with the Moros Pakkos company, was acknowledged for his deep commitment and lasting impact on the festivities.

Thank you luncheon

THE Calpe and Benissa Lions Club expressed their gratitude by hosting a delicious lunch at the Antica Roma restaurant in Calpe for their dedicated shop volunteers.

This special event aimed to celebrate and acknowledge the tremendous e ort of a remarkable group of ladies throughout the year 2024. The shop achieved an impressive revenue of over €30,000 last year.

Out of this substantial amount, nearly €26,000 was allocated to various charitable causes. This included support for three local Caritas organisations focused on assisting local families in need.

So far, the organisation has successfully contributed €4,500 to the Valencian Relief Fund, part of a broader initiative where the Lions Interna-

tional Relief Fund for Valencia has garnered over €300,000 from Lions Clubs around the globe to aid in recovery e orts.

Not an organisation to stand still, they are now preparing for what has become the event that they are now most well-known for. The highly anticipated Calpe and Benissa Annual Lions Fashion Show will take

place on June 6 at the El Toro Restaurant. As in previous years, it is sure to be an event not to be missed, so make a note in your diary.

The Lions Club is continually looking for more volunteers and new members to join its cause. If you are interested, please contact Carole on 0034 639 637 520 or email calcalpe@gmail.com.

Mayor of Villajoyosa introduces town crier.

Volunteer thank you lunch at Antica Roma.

Credit: Calpe and Benissa Lions

ON February 22, a cyclist faced a dramatic situation that necessitated a helicopter rescue following a significant fall in the Barranco Tapia - Umbria area, located in the foothills of the Sierra Cortina within the municipality of Finestrat.

The incident was reported to the Provincial Firefighters Consortium of Alicante at exactly 12.19pm, prompting an immediate mobilisation of a specialised rescue operation due to the region’s challenging ruggedness.

Responding swiftly, the Alpha I Rescue Helicopter was dispatched, equipped with a qualified medical team and personnel from the Special Rescue Group (GER). In addition to the helicopter, two rescue vans (FSV) were summoned, staffed by two corporals and four dedicated firefighters.

After locating the injured cyclist, who was unable to

move due to his injuries, the emergency teams quickly assessed his condition. They carefully immobilised his injured limbs using splints to ensure stability and minimi-

se further harm. The cyclist was then secured onto a specialised air rescue stretcher designed for high-altitude transport.

Using the helicopter’s crane system, the team hoisted the cyclist safely into the aircraft. Once aboard, he was transported to the Finestrat helisurface, where a SAMU ambulance was on standby, ready for immediate transfer. Following this, he was swiftly evacuated to the Regional Hospital for urgent medical attention, where he could receive the critical care necessary for his recovery.

The Magic of Mig Any Cyclist rescued

MIG ANY 2025 was celebrated in Duanes de la Mar, Javea and gave a sneak preview of the incredible summer celebrations to come. Moors and Christians groups made their way through the town’s streets, dressed traditionally and ended the parade at Javea Port.

The Moorish and Christian troops hosted Mig Any on Friday February 21, it is the celebration where the main festival positions are appointed for the 2025 upcoming festivities.

Javea Council said “This weekend, the Moorish and Christian troops once again took over Duanes de la Mar to celebrate the Mig Any Fester, a day of music, camaraderie, and festivity.”

The council also sent special messages to the newly appointed stan-

dard-bearers. “Congratulations to Elvira and Ana, Moorish and Christian standard-bearers, as well as Rosa Maria and Jose from the Pirates de Sant Jaume fila. We also want to recognise the efforts of Lucía and Vanessa, 2024 standard-bearers, and captains Chema and Amaia from the Baharis fila.”

Just a week before International Women’s Day they also mentioned the first woman to preside over the Moors and Christians Festivities Boards, Monica Leal. And said “Now, we eagerly await the July festivities!”

The Moors and Christians festivals, are celebrations of historical battles between the two opposing sides from Spanish history. The Valencian Community is renowned for their displays.

Injured cyclist on specialised air rescue stretcher.

Donna Williams

THE European Union of Women Marina Alta (EUWMA) was privileged to meet with 35 Ukrainian female psychologists.

The Cultura Contra Balas (CCB) brought them to Javea for a 10-day recuperation stay.

These incredible women will soon return to Ukraine, where they continue to provide support to military personnel, bereaved families, the elderly, schoolchildren seeking education in bomb shelters, and amputees strug-

gling to adapt to new realities. During their visit, President Margaret Hale recounted how the foundation of the European Union of Women (EUW) began in 1953, out of the devastation of the Second World War. She explained how it was initiated by a courageous Austrian woman who extended her hands in solidarity and sisterhood to women across Europe during a time of profound turmoil.

“Hope was born out of destruction,” she de-

Ukraine.”

Hope out of ruins Green Pioneer

clared, her voice resonating with conviction, “and though it may not

BENIDORM has further cemented its status as a leader in sustainable tourism with the unveiling of a significant new sculpture at the Plaza de la Hispanidad. This sculpture symbolises Benidorm’s distinction as a ‘Green Pioneer’ destination for Smart Tourism, awarded by the European Union for 2025.

Andrea Staicu, head of the tourism sector for the European Commission, presented this recognition during a ceremonial event that highlighted the town’s innovative approach to smart and sustainable tourism.

The award ceremony took place against the backdrop of the Plaza de la Hispanidad, which was filled with proud citizens, local officials, and representatives from the tourism and business sectors of Benidorm. The Italian city of Grossetto, selected as the Green Pioneer for Smart Tourism in 2024, also had a representative present, highlighting the collaborative spirit of European cities focusing on sustainable

be visible right now, we firmly believe that hope will eventually blossom in

Natasha, a passionate representative of CCB, expressed her appreciation for the support they received: “We are immensely grateful to all who come to help, but we can always use more collaboration in our mission.” Last year alone, they hosted 421 individuals from war-torn Ukraine, showcasing their commitment to making a difference.

Those interested in learning more about the CCB can visit their website at www.culturacontrabalas. com. For more information about the EUWMA or to become a member, visit https://euwmarinaalta.org.

tourism practices.

During his address, Mayor Toni Perez celebrated the collective efforts of the Benidorm community, saying, “We are a people that sets ourselves challenges.”

He echoed the visionary words of the town’s former mayor, Pedro Zaragoza, whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire the town’s transformation: “The

courage of the pioneers is still alive; our chimaera, always imagining the future and making it a reality. That’s what we’re working on.”

Perez went on to highlight this year’s upcoming milestone - 700 years of history as a town - and reflected on Benidorm’s long-standing commitment to tourism, which has shaped its identity.

Green Pioneer 2025 sculpture.

EUWMA lunch with Ukrainian female psychologists.

Credit: Benidorm.org

CAMPELLO’S young people are learning sign language to be more inclusive and allow accessible communication for all.

The initial classes began on Friday, February 21 and were arranged by the councillor for Young People, Marcos Martínez. Young people between the ages of 12 and 30 were able to attend the event put on by the Youth Department.

Sign language uses visual, gestural and special characters as cues to communicate, it has its

Promoting inclusion

own grammar and is an official language in its own right. In Spain there are two types of sign language used, Spanish Sign Language and Catalan Sign Language.

The idea of the sign language project is to promote social inclusivity, education and participation by young people.

The first workshop lasted for half an hour and it is hoped that continuation of the initiative will

improve communication with the deaf community.

According to CNSE or the State Confederation of the Deaf: “there are over 1,064,000 people who are deaf or have some hearing disability (2.3 per cent of Spain’s population)”

They mention language barriers in their report and reference: ‘lack of subtitles on television, lack of sign language interpreters in the different areas of public and priva-

Trade Saves Trade

TRADE SAVES TRADE is coming to Denia and aims to raise much needed funds to support the businesses affected by the DANA floods in Valencia

The commercial initiative has spread to many towns and cities across Spain, including Ibi and Burriana. It was set up by Confecomerc or the Confederation of Businessmen of Commerce, Services and Self-Employed of the Valencian Community.

The initiative consists of environmentally friendly paper bags with a design created to show solidarity. The connected stores will be able to sell the bags to their clients for €1. The entire proceeds will go to help businesses affected by the disastrous storms of 2024. The Denia organisers have given 1,000 bags out to 34 businesses taking part in the initiative.

Denia’s Maria Jose Garcia, the councillor for Commerce, has asked for all citizens to take part.

Raising much needed funds.

The councillor for Commerce, María José García, has encouraged all citizens to participate in this, she said that solidarity is a key part of Denia society.

“Our town has always shown solidarity, and once again, we want to turn to the people affected by the DANA collaborating in this commercial and solidarity campaign. Every little contribution counts, and with gestures like this we can make a difference for many businesses that need our support.”

te life’.

The CSNE said that until 2007 sign language was ‘forbidden in classrooms’, the local government hopes workshops like this one will help bridge a communication gap.

Photo Credit: Campaña ‘Comerç salva comerç’ Dénia

THE Teulada Moraira Lions have initiated what they aim to establish as an annual event in partnership with CEIP Cap d’Or school: a drawing competition designed to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 7. This year’s theme, ‘Women Who Inspire’, invites all students to engage creatively by depicting a woman who has played a significant role in their lives.

Drawing competition

Participants are encouraged to illustrate women who hold special importance to them. This could include close family members

such as mothers and grandmothers or influential figures like teachers, community leaders, or women who inspire them through their acts of bravery, intelligence, or notable achievements.

To ensure fairness and creativity within the competition, a detailed set of rules has been established. All drawings must be completed during class time and submitted to their respective teachers no later than February 28. Once the

submissions are in, both teachers and Lions Club members will evaluate the artworks based on several criteria, including originality, creativity, and relevance to the chosen theme.

On Friday, March 7, a

special exhibition will be held at La Senieta (Salon de Actos) to showcase the drawings. This event will also feature an awards ceremony where students will be awarded various prizes.

The community is invited to attend the exhibition on March 6 to view the impressive works created by these budding artists.

An invitation to Danish tourists

CALPE visited the Ferie for Alle 2025 in Denmark on February 21 to 23, the most important tourism fair in Scandinavia. It was held at the Messecenter for the three-day period and welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors from the tourism trade, the public and media.

Calpe used the opportunity to showcase its tourism and consolidate its position as an attractive destination for all ages. By participating in the fair, Calpe is continuing its promotional campaign in the Scandinavian countries; it began visiting the countries last year in January at the MATKA fair in Finland. Calpe attended the fair as part of Turespana and had the support of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board.

Also, staff from the tourism department of the Calpe Town Hall provided information necessary to help with queries and planning holidays to the town. The town’s representatives offered brochures, tourist maps and information about the activities and events that take place in the bustling town throughout the year.

According to Calpe Town Hall, the Danish market represents an excellent opportunity for Calpe due to its high spending capacity, preference for quality destinations,

The fair welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors.

preferences for a combination of beach and culture, medium-long stays and a tendency to travel outside the high season.

The Danish tourism market is in full growth, with a 6 per cent increase in visitor arrivals.

Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Calpe

Meet Marilyn Mulkens, a beauty queen dedicated to supporting the homeless

Donna Williams

ORIGINALLY from Belgium, 52-yearold Marilyn is happily married to Marco, and they affectionately refer to themselves as ‘M&M’. Their family is completed by their adopted street dog, MoMo. In 2019, they made the exciting decision to relocate to Spain and have not looked back.

As Marilyn explained: “Initially we had our sights set on settling in a different city within the province of Alicante, but we found ourselves captivated by the charm of the quaint village, Olivia, located on the picturesque coast.”

They later decided to move to the tranquility of the mountains and are now happy to call the beautiful valley of La Vall de Gallinera their home. Marilyn loves the abundance of sunshine, reduced stress, and rural atmosphere, which she feels enriches her daily life.

Marilyn’s life wasn’t always easygoing, and she shared that she has had some significant challenges to overcome.

She told me how this included a period of homelessness, which lasted three years while still living in

Belgium. It is this life experience that has instilled a deep desire in her to give back to others who are struggling. Marilyn said, “In pursuit of this goal, I found Project 4 All, an organisation founded by Arne Soeten, providing assistance to homeless and underprivileged

Credit:MarilynMulkens

For Marilyn, this work is essential, and she wholeheartedly believes that it is desperately needed in our community.

Together with Marco, they are committed to supporting Project 4 All in any capacity they can. Her position to help has been further enhanced by having the title of Mrs

Marilyn Mulkens, Mrs Classic Beauties International 2024/25.

Classic Beauties International 2024/25 bestowed upon her on November 10, 2024.

This concept, created by Royal Productions Pageants in the US, is for women who are dedicated to various causes.

Marilyn explained: “I am honoured to hold this title as it provides me with a platform to showcase my commitment to my project, empowering me to grow as a strong individual, and ultimately evolve into a worldly queen.”

Talking to Marilyn, it is very apparent just how passionately she believes in the importance of continually promoting her cause, whether she has on her sash or crown or not. Naturally, there are times when it is not practical to do so, but her aim is always to raise awareness about the realities of homelessness. As Marilyn, having lived that life herself, eloquently puts it: “It is often not a conscious choice for many, and the struggles of being poor can be deeply consuming, both mentally and emotionally. No one deserves to endure such hardships.”

Urban health from Finland to Benissa

BENISSA has continued to work alongside other European countries on the project URBACT Oh4C or (One Health for Cities).

grate human, animal and environmental health in urban planning.”

Benissa sent representatives to visit a conference in Finland’s international URBACT project meeting in Kuopio to participate.

The URBACT initiative promotes the integration of human, animal and environmental health in urban planning. So that, as cities and towns construct new areas, they consider the implications of buildings and infrastructure on wildlife and com-

munity spaces. They also aim to find approaches to urban planning that improve the lives of those already living in urban settings.

Benissa Town Hall released a social media statement about their participation that said

“Benissa has participated this week in the international meeting of the URBACT project held in Kuopio (Finland).

“The Department of European Projects, led by Adrian Cabrera, continues to advance in this project that seeks to inte-

They went on to say that the project, which is 100 per cent financed through European funds allows Benissa to position itself as a European point of reference in the promotion of urban health, capture new European funds and learn about best practices in urban planning… in other European cities.

One of the major topics of discussion at this February meeting was how bio-diversity affects well-being and how green spaces can promote healthy activities.

British are leading tourists

BRITS are still the leading nationality vi siting the Valencian Community and represented 24.7 per cent of all in ternational tourists who came to Spain in 2024.

A report by the councillor for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Marián Cano, presented the data in a report on an international tourist profile for those who visited Valencia in 2024.

Results showed that a total of 11,938,668 tourists came to the Valen cian Community in 2024. 24.7 per cent of that number were Brits, 18.9 per cent were French and the third most important tourist market were the Nordic countries coming in at 8.7 per cent of the total. The Netherlands and Germany also had substantial percentages respectively.

Cano presented information that showed average daily spending by tourists had increased from 2023, from €126.80 to €131.40 and that on average they stayed for 10 days.

From 2023 to 2024 the reasons people chose to vacation in the Valencian Community were for leisure reasons, with people most interested in beach tourism and enjoying the sun. These accounted for 54.9 per cent of all trips in the Valencian Community.

There were plenty of tourist trends that became apparent from the report. Popular activities were things like visiting the beach, enjoying local foods, visiting cities and taking advantage of natural spaces. The year 2024 showed a growth in sport activities as a tourist trending activity, with 13.1 per cent of visitors participating.

Photo Credit: Flickr anna_kosk

THE town council of l’Alfas del Pi recently hosted a meeting with prominent figures dedicated to international cooperation and educational initiatives. The councillor for International Residents, along with the councillor responsible for Relations with Residents’ Associations and Clubs, welcomed the head of the Department of Special Education from Santiago de Cuba. She was accompanied by representatives of the Valencian Association of Friendship with Cuba Jose Marti.

Friendship with Cuba

The primary focus of their discussion was the upcoming Educational, Trade Union, and Solidarity Brigade to Cuba 2025, an initiative scheduled to take place from April 17 to 28 this year. This programme is organised by the Valencian Association of Friendship with Cuba Jose Marti, in collabora-

tion with STEPV-IV, the leading trade union representing educators in Valencia, and the Intersindical Solidaria.

This brigade aims to

foster a deep understanding of Cuba’s educational and social landscape through socio-cultural activities and interactions. Participants will have the opportunity to visit educational institutions at various levels, delve into biotechnology research advancements, engage with mass organisations, and explore various socio-community projects.

The brigade will also include tours of important cultural heritage sites, museums, and iconic tourist destinations in cities such as Havana, Pinar del Rio, and Matanzas.

Sand mining affects biodiversity

THE University of Alicante have produced a study warning about the negative consequences of sand mining. The Department of Ecology has participated in an international project that highlights the environmental destruction caused by the process and the e ects on both humans and bio-diversity.

Aurora Torres, a researcher at the University said “Sand is a fundamental resource that shapes both the built and natural world,” their study has proven that taking sand from coasts minimises the resilience of the coast against natural phenomena, like bad weather and sea levels rising. Torres said that “sand contributes to the resilience

of coasts in the face of sea level rise and storms and provides essential ecosystem services that support livelihoods.”

Urban life and building structu-

res are part of the reason sand is being mined, it is one of the main components used in “infrastructure and coastal development globally and is a key component of concrete, beach regeneration and land reclamation projects.” The process of removing the sand is destabilising natural habitats along coasts. “In coastal and marine ecosystems, [sand] plays a crucial role underpinning a wide range of habitats that support biodiversity at multiple levels, from cyanobacteria to algae, sh and rays.” One of the big problems Torres argues is that unlike deep sea mining, attention is not paid to sand mining, in fact, she says it “remains largely ignored.”

Alfas del Pi welcomes representative from Santiago de Cuba.

Attention is not paid to sand mining.

Legal advice on evictions. Economic and social vulnerability. Social Services. Everything you need to know.

IN 2025, legal advice on evictions is more crucial than ever. This topic sparks significant debate and, in many cases, confusion. There is a lot of discussion around the suspension of evictions due to economic or social vulnerability, the role of social services, and other related matters.

Is claiming economic vulnerability enough to suspend an eviction process? What role do social services play in these cases? In this article, we review some key aspects and debunk common misconceptions about the process.

The role of Social Services in an eviction procedure.

When an eviction claim is filed, the court must inform the occupant of their right to seek assistance from the relevant housing and social services au-

thorities. Additionally, the court will officially notify the competent authorities about the eviction proceedings. These authorities must assess any potential vulnerability and, if necessary, propose immediate support measures, financial aid, and a social housing alternative.

Can an eviction be suspended due to economic and/or social vulnerability?

Yes, eviction can be temporarily suspended in certain cases. Up to four months if the claimant is a large-scale landlord and up to two months in all other cases. However, this suspension is not automatic.

Social Services must issue first a report to the court confirming whether the defendant is in a situation of vulnerability.

However, to suspend the eviction, merely claiming eco-

nomic or social vulnerability is not enough. This vulnerability must be documented and proven. Furthermore, the authorities must propose a social housing alternative, immediate support measures, and specific financial assistance. If this documentation is not provided, or there is no evidence that aid is in process, the court could refuse to suspend the procedure.

Have all evictions been suspended until 31 December 2025?

Not exactly. Spanish law allows for the extraordinary suspension of eviction in cases of economic vulnerability, but this is not applied automatically or universally. It only applies to:

- Unpaid rent in vulnerable households with no alternative housing under the 1994 Urban

Leasing Law (LAU).

- Occupants without legal title to the property who are victims of gender-based violence, have dependents or minor children in their care, and are in a situation of vulnerability (provided the property belongs to individuals or legal entities that own more than 10 properties).

Suspension of evictions for mortgage debtors in vulnerable situations until 2028.

Additionally, an eviction suspension for mortgage debtors in situations of special vulnerability remains in effect. Originally established under Law 1/2013, this measure was extended once again through Royal Decree-Law 1/2024. Protection has now been extended until May 15, 2028.

This means that if a property has been repossessed throu-

gh mortgage foreclosure but is occupied by vulnerable individuals, such as families with minor children or people with disabilities; who meet the established financial requirements, they cannot be evicted until 2028.

At White-Baos Lawyers, we are experts in real estate law, judicial claims, and eviction proceedings. If you find yourself in any of these situations and need legal advice on evictions, do not hesitate to contact us. We will analyse your case and provide expert legal guidance.

The information provided in this article does not constitute legal advice; it is intended solely to provide general information on legal matters.

ABOGADOS / SOLICITORS

WHEN you watch TV programmes such as the Vikings they all appear to be a bloodthirsty yet healthy lot but new research suggests that they actually carried plenty of health issues.

Modern techniques are now able to prove or disprove long held theories and the latest initial research comes from researchers from the Swedish University of Gothenburg which was recently revealed in the British Dental Journal.

They first took an interest after Viking

Viking secrets

teeth were studied in the town of Varnhem thanks to the large number of preserved skeletons discovered in and around the town.

Having caught their interest, the Gothenburg researchers undertook CT skull scans on some 15 deceased Vikings aged between 20 and 60 and discovered that al-

most all of them were diseased in one way or another.

There were ear and sinus infections, osteoarthritis, bone growth in craniums and jaws and much more which suggest that health care in the time of the Vikings was nothing to write home about.

Mind you, it’s hardly surprising conside-

ring the fact that the Vikings in Sweden reached their ascendency around 1,000 years ago and they lived in basic poor conditions although they were still hardy enough to loot and pillage throughout Europe.

“There was much to look at. We found many signs of disease in these individuals. Exactly why we don’t know. While we can’t study the damage in the soft tissue because it’s no longer there, we can see the traces left in the skeletal structures,” explained study lead, Carolina Bertilsson.

Credit: Viking Museum Facebook

It wasn’t all looting and pillaging in Viking Sweden

Tourist hot spot

ALTHOUGH there are many popular city breaks for tourists across Europe with London and Paris being some of the busiest, not many people would expect that Berlin would attract so many.

According to a report from tourist association Visit Berlin, some 12.7 million people chose the German capital as a favoured destination in 2024 which is a 5 per cent increase in visitor numbers over 2023.

Add to this, for the first time since the pre-pandemic days of 2019, more than 30 million overnight stays were also recorded by the hospitality industry.

Increasingly more important as a business destination for German residents, the real drive has come from foreign tourists who accounted for 42 per cent of all visitors in 2024, a considerable increase over the previous year. Interestingly, the two European countries which

supply the largest proportion of foreign visitors are The Netherlands and the United Kingdom based on a long-term survey conducted by the company of some 1,700 tourists between May 2023 and April 2024.

The age groups which are most attracted to Berlin from abroad are in the early 40s, whilst German visitors tend to be a little older averaging 44 years

SOME artists believe that if they can’t find fame in their own right then at least they can make a handsome living by copying modern and older masterpieces.

It’s the modern art that is easier to get away with as paintings by masters such as Rembrandt are closely catalogued, so if a new piece was uncovered it would be subject to investigation, nevertheless some produce supposed artists sketches and offer them for sale at ‘reasonable’ prices through internet sales rooms.

The Italian police specialist unit, the Carabinieri TPC art squad working with the Rome public prosecutor’s office undertook an investigation into what appeared to be production and sale of a series of pieces of art by masters such as Pablo Picasso.

When they raided the property in the north of the city, officers discovered no less than

of age, but Visit Berlin insists that there is something to attract everyone with historic sites, good hotels and restaurants, plenty of shopping and entertainment.

Much is being done to promote international trade fairs which attract wealthy businesses as well as visitors and there is even a programme to import an American NFL match to the city in 2025.

Forged art

71 pieces of fake artwork, some complete and some part finished but that was not all.

The workshop where the fakes were produced was full of different artists materials, canvasses, old auction catalogues and perhaps most telling, forged certificates of authenticity.

It is not known how long this enterprise had been carried out for, so officers are now trying to trace all of the sales made and make a total of the illicit gains that the forger will have made.

This not an uncommon crime as in December 2024, Italian police dismantled a Europe-wide forgery network suspected of producing replicas of works by artists including Banksy,

Scene from the fake art workshop.

Credit: Carabinieri TPC

Credit: Daniel Mennerich flickr

The Brandenburg Gate is a popular tourist destination.

Foreign screws

Farah Mokrani

DUTCH surgeons are grappling with a unique winter challenge - treating ski injuries from the Alps complicated by foreign surgical hardware. Each year, hundreds of Dutch skiers return from Austria and Switzerland with fractures treated using screws, plates, and pins from small, often unfamiliar manufacturers. Trauma surgeon

Kees Bartlema from Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum highlights the problem: “It’s like trying to fit a Pozidriv screwdriver into a Phillips screw - if the tool doesn’t fit, you risk stripping both.”

The difficulty lies in the lack of standardisation in orthopaedic materials across Europe. Dutch hospitals often struggle to match the equipment needed for follow-up care, leading to delays and potential complications.

Bartlema has even had to request specific tools by post or consult directly with Alpine surgeons to manage patient care. He advises injured skiers to consider waiting until they return home for surgery, opting instead for temporary casts and pain management to avoid future complications.

Many skiers face the risk of injuries on Alpine slopes, often leading to surgeries abroad and potential challenges for Dutch hospitals.

This issue has sparked calls for a unified European standard for surgical hardware.

Not only would this streamline medical care across borders, but it could also prevent unnecessary surgeries and reduce the

need for patients to travel back to Alpine clinics for corrections. With travel insurance and healthcare costs also in play, standardisation could offer significant benefits for both healthcare providers and patients.

Cigarettes litter

LAST year 6,609 litterbugs were caught red-handed in Belgium’s Flemish region and 93 per cent of these involved cigarette butts.

Public waste collection agency OVAM which collects Flanders rubbish had to handle approximately 6.6 tons of rubbish in 2023.

Talking to the VRT broadcaster, OVAM’s press officer Jan Verheyen said this suggested a downward trend, but the Agency was not entirely satisfied with the reduction. He revealed that many smokers did not regard throwing away a cigarette butt as dropping litter. “While it certainly is,” Verheyen added.

As well as making work for OVAM, he explained to VRT that discarded cigarette ends were environmentally unfriendly.

“Cigarettes contain tar, nicotine and heavy metals which end up in groundwater and can cause pollution,” he told VRT.

“Filters also decompose very slowly as they consist of plastics that decompose into microplastics.”

Anybody found dropping litter faced a fine of up to €500 although this amount increases if the same person was caught doing so within two years

“Flemish cities and municipalities spend €144 million a year cleaning up litter,” Nathalie Debast from the Flemish Municipal and City Authorities association (VVSG) said.

“That is money we would rather use for other projects,” she told the VRT.

Credit Shutterstock, Nancy

Hibernating bears

SOMEHOW when one thinks of animals living in zoos, it doesn’t occur that some will stick to the genetically learned concept of hiber nation.

Certainly, a healthy pair of female brown bears at the Kor keasaari Zoo, Finland’s largest zoo disappeared into their cave at the end of October and apart from re gular waking mo ments, the longest they stayed asleep was for five weeks, partly because of the warmer weather at the beginning of 2025.

tructions.

Mother (Sofia aged 24) was the first to emerge into the snow, soon followed by her 19-year-old daughter Yula as they raced around their snow covered enclosure, stopping regularly to tumble in the snow and to scratch their backs on handily positioned wood cons-

Closely observed during their period of hibernation, they were regularly fed with vegetables and fruit, but they were not terribly interested in food, although they enjoyed a snack when emerging intermittently to relieve themselves.

Now that they are awake, they will be allowed out on a daily basis and their diet

will be increased to inclu de dry food as well as more substantial fare later in the year as they have to bulk up to around 220 kilos for their next period of hibernation. For the time being, they will return to their cave in the early evening to catch up with some shut eye, but they are expected to be out and about every day from now on.

Adam Woodward MURBACH, a small village in the Haut-Rhin region of France, has a vestige of a bygone era: the last telephone box in France. And it still rings.

It has become a tourist attraction, attracting more visitors each year than the village’s impressive eighth-century Romanesque abbey, curious to try out this relic from another age.

Originally left alone by France Telecom due to the valley being a mobile-signal blackspot, the booth has been kept running as a much-loved tourist attraction. The local council has even gone so far as to install a wifi hotspot.

The mayor does not fail to emphasise the importance of this unusual and emblematic

landmark and has even insisted on having the number painted on the cabin: 03 89 74 11 53. And people do call, whether to ask for someone in the village in particular or just curious to see if anyone answers. The town hall has a notebook with the number of calls received from Belgium, Marseille, New Caledonia, and even from as far afield as Colombia.

The mobile signal is still terrible. There was a plan to install a radio tower to improve the signal back, but that was knocked on the head for safety concerns. So, for now, the phone box remains.

In the meantime, the booth continues to be a source of entertainment for the locals, as well as a curious tourist attraction, with many calling in just to see who answers.

Receiving calls every day.

Credit: Korkeasaari Zoo

Who let the bears out?

Navarra: A scenic campervan adventure in northern Spain

NAVARRA is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. Situated in northern Spain, this region is a combination of stunning landscapes and rich history. With its lush forests and medieval villages, Navarra promises a journey filled with unforgettable experiences.

Natural wonders

For nature enthusiasts, Navarra is a dream come true. The Irati Forest, one of Europe’s largest beech and fir forests, offers peaceful hiking trails and the chance to spot local wildlife. Visit Bardenas Reales, a dramatic semi-desert landscape - it’s a striking contrast to the northern terrain, and the perfect place to

with Hispavan Campers

practise your photography skills. For outdoor adventurers, visit the Pyrenees mountains for everything from hiking and cycling in the summer to skiing in the winter.

Gastronomy

A trip to Navarra wouldn’t be complete without savouring its incredible food. Pamplona, the capital of the region, is known for its pintxos (delicious small tapas inspired by Basque cuisine). Don’t miss out on trying chistorra, a local sausage, and sample the exquisite wines from the Navarra wine route.

Festivals and culture

Navarra’s vibrant festivals are a key part of the region’s culture. The San Fermín festival in Pamplona, which takes place every July, is world-famous for the thrilling running of the bulls.

Beyond the excitement of the festivals, Navarra is home to charming medieval towns like Olite. With its impressive royal palace and the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, it attracts both travellers and history buffs from all around the world.

Stops and routes

Travelling by campervan in Navarra is a breeze thanks to the many motorhome-friendly areas. Pamplona offers several convenient spots for overnight stays, while also providing easy access to the city’s attractions.

SUMMARY

Navarra is a great destination for your campervan travels. It doesn’t matter if you’re

Airport pay row

PUBLIC sector employees striking over a wage dispute caused huge delays and flight cancellations at Dusseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports. The strike in Cologne began on the evening of Sunday February 23, causing 106 out of 168 take-offs and landings scheduled for the next day to be cancelled.

At Dusseldorf strikes began at 3am (2am GMT) on Monday February 24 and have been reported to have affected around one third of the scheduled 334 flights.

The strikers’ union Verdi said that 400 workers participated in the Dusseldorf strike, with employees working in administration, passenger and crew transportation, baggage handling, check-in staff and aircraft handling all taking part. Verdi announced the 24-hour actions on Friday February 21 after a second round of wage negotiations

in Potsdam collapsed earlier in the week. The union is calling for an 8 per cent increase to wages, around €350 per month, in addition to increased bonuses for work causing high levels of stress and three extra days off per year.

Gabriele Schmidt, Verdi’s regional leader, emphasised the increased cost of living workers are facing as well as stressful working conditions.

She said: “The previous refusal by employers directly impacts the employees at the NRW airports.” Verdi aims to place pressure on negotiations in continuing wage disputes within the public sector.

The next round of negotiations are to take place on March 14. The strikes are taking place as public transport workers have participated in industrial action in states across Germany.

SpaceX crash landing

A PIECE of debris from one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets re-entering the earth’s atmosphere has crashed next to a warehouse in Poland. Adam Borucki was amazed to discover the object in his warehouse yard at 10am local time (9am GMT) on Wednesday February 19 in his village of Komorniki. He reported the object, which resembles a water tank measuring 1.5m by 1m, to the local police.

Police spokesman Andrzej Borowiak said: “We are investigating how the object ended up in this location, but the important thing is that no-one was harmed.” A second piece of debris was discovered in a forest by the village of Wiry roughly 30km (19 miles) from the warehouse in Komorniki, local police reported. Other parts of the rocket might also have landed in western Ukraine, according to experts.

The police investigation, carried out along with the Polish space agency Polsa, have identi ed the debris as a part from a SpaceX rocket. A Polsa spokesperson said: “The team of the Department of Space Security (DBK) con rms that at about 4.46am to 4.48am on February 19, 2025, an uncontrolled entry into the atmosphere of a member of the Falcon 9

reusable launch vehicle over Polish territory.”

The Falcon 9 rocket, made by Elon Musk’s space exploration company SpaceX, was launched on

link satellites.

February 1 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Polsa o cials believe that the rocket was carrying a payload of Star-

Dusseldorf airport, where around one-third of 334 scheduled flights are reported to have been affected by the strike.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons: Arne Museler

Debris from one of Elon Musk’s Falcon 9 SpaceX rockets has crashed into a Polish man’s yard.

FORGET Brussels which whilst attractive doesn’t come into the 20 top ‘European Best Destinations’ list 2025 and follow Namur in Belgium that shoots to fifth place.

The Walloon capital is situated just one hour away from Brussels but according to the organisers of the list (which is topped by Monaco), it is light years ahead.

“Much like Bordeaux, Namur is a city that has awakened, reclaiming its vibrancy and reinventing itself through audacious and innovative projects,” the organisation, an initiative of the European Commission, wrote about the up-and-coming city.

Also one of its main historic attractions, a citadel perched on top of a hill was once a difficult trek from the city centre, it is now easily reached using the cable car (telepherique) which was opened in 2021 and has encouraged visitors to stop at the pretty and environmentally friendly city.

European Best Destinations

Interestingly, it’s not just about tourism but the review also cites Namur as being a superb place to settle in and enjoy the green open spaces, quality restaurants and other local entertainment attractions.

Last appearing in the ‘European Best Destinations’ list in 2019, the city seems to have had a genuine renaissance reinventing itself and is now on the short list as a candidate for the European Capital of Culture 2030.

This particular survey is not a quick glance at a few travellers’ opinions, but a detailed investigation which saw responses from no less than 1.25 million travellers from more than 150 countries around the world.

The cable car has added significantly to Namur’s attraction.

Celebrating women

INTERNATIONAL WO -

MEN’S DAY will be celebrated next week on March 8 and Benitachell is celebrating women who broke social barriers every day from March 2 until March 9.

The town has organised a living memory project to recognise their women who set an example for future generations to follow. The town hall is working with the Women’s Association, The European Union of Women Marina Alta and many more to host events celebrating women.

The main event, the Living Memory documentary screened on March 8 at 7.30pm at the social centre, will tell the stories of seven women who broke the mold to leave their domestic roles, in doing so breaking social conventions. On March 2 there will be a dance performance in Plaça de les Pesqueres at 3pm by students from the Municipal Sports Club.

On March 3 at 6pm there will be a photo exhibition called The Women of Benitachell by Jessica Hooghiemstra and a series of short films will be shown at the Social Centre, that cover the theme of equality.

On March 4 at 4.30pm there will be a guided walk to the L’Abiar Washouse, with a talk given by Humberto Garcia, he will focus on its social history and restoration.

There will be more films, concerts, dance performances and sports events not to mention a chocolate party thrown by the Women’s Association on Thursday March 6. Find out more, visit the Benitachell Town Hall website.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH Food, fun, fitness

ALEX FISHER from the Paris 24 Club de Padel and Restaurant tells us about his family’s business.

“It’s a padel club but we also have a swimming pool, dance studio, physiotherapy rooms and a restaurant.”

The restaurant is available to the public “pop in for a morning tostada and coffee or eat something more elaborate, like entrecote or lasagne…We’ve got a great variety of options and the prices are fantastic.

“The kitchen used to open for the summer and close in the winter. My idea was to keep it open all year long and see whether I could get it moving…I think people have now realised our dedicated

team we’ve run it all year round.”

Their Grandfather bought Paris 24 in 1985. “Me and my brother have made changes like putting covered pergolas on the terraces. Inside the restaurant we’ve renovated to give it more of an Amazonian feel. Lots of greenery, gives a lovely feeling of calm and links it together with

the style of the terrace.”

Live music is coming to Paris 24.

“We’re doing live music, starting with singer Tom Panizza on Friday, February 28. In winter there will be one act bi-weekly and then in the summer an act once a week. We also do everything from padel competitions to charity events.”

Phone Number: 0034 722 378 527

Address: Paris 24 Club de Padel and Restaurant, Avinguda de París, 24, 03738, Javea, Alicante Website: www.paris24padel.com

The restaurant is now open all year round.

Photo Credit: Facebook Paris 24 Club de Padel

Who’s Andy Warhol?

Photo Credit: TASMA

TASMA or The Arts Society Marina Alta has invited Alejandra Carazo to give an exclusive illustrated lecture about Andy Warhol.

Andy Warhol is arguably the most important figure in Pop Art history, he embraced celebrity and consumerism and became an American icon who is still recognised the world over as an artist who changed art culture.

There is a lesser-known side to the King of Pop Art. Andy Warhola, as he was christened, reinvented himself from a shy, gay son of Eastern European immigrants to take American pop culture and art by storm.

TASMA have said their guests will discover how the ‘prolific and experimental’ artist enabled a counterculture that played a role in transforming the modern art world. It is

an unmissable success story. There are two lecture times on Wednesday March 5, a morning session will be held from 10.15am until 11am at Espai La Senieta, Crta. Moraira a Calpe 8, 03724

Moraira. The evening lecture will be held from 6.45pm to 7.30pm in the Casa de la Cultura, Plaça de Baix 6, 03730 Javea. There is a social time after the lectures with a complimentary drink. It is free admission for members, but guests are welcome to come along and enjoy the arts society’s lecture, they need to send a prepaid donation via the website www.art socma.org

Carnival for every age

EL CAMPELLO Carnival will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1 and they’ve got a day split into two parts, one part aimed at children and the other at adults which visitors and residents alike can enjoy.

tre to the Municipal Park. Where there will be activities, games and a prize winner will be announced for the best parade costume, at 1pm the children’s disco starts.

The first half of the day is devoted to the town’s families with a party in the Plaza del Deportivo Central from 11am for children, they’ll be able to enjoy sweets and dancing, then join in a costume parade. The parade will follow the road from the Sports Cen-

Then in the evening the town hall has described the carnival activities as ‘the adults taking the lead’. The late carnival starts at 5pm with the mobile disco, at 6pm there will be an Orchestral performance from ‘La Senda’, then at 10pm another disco begins.

FISH & CHIP RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY, IN MORAIRA

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Serving top quality fish and chips at the best value, plus a range of home-made sauces, fish cakes, delicious burgers, roast chicken and pies etc plus a great value kids menu.

Welcome to the circus

Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alfaz del Pi

Pi for an exciting carnival that promises to be totally different from anywhere else. Alfaz carnival organisers have announced a circus themed festival will take place at the beginning of March.

The Carnival will be held on Saturday, March 1 in the municipal sports centre from 11.30am. It is aimed at all ages and the organisers have said everyone is welcome to join in the fun. There will be the usual parades, an addition to the event

world. Plus, a bar with drinks and traditional circus snacks like hotdogs at decent prices.

The organisers are promising many surprises for the day and entertainment from DJ Mannu Marmor and local DJ Marcus Modino.

The early party will be starting in the morning and will focus on entertaining the local children but there will also be the adult party starting in the afternoon and running until late.

Thirty-three people have made up the festi-

val committee this year and the Department of Festivals and Traditions has emphasised the great work that they are doing to ensure that the upcoming festivals are an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.

Last year’s children’s carnival with its video game theme was a roaring success and drew crowds from all over the Costa Blanca.

To find out more about their plans visit the town hall website and Facebook.

A new level of beach bar

BRINGING the beach bar to Moraira Port, Mandala’s variety of dishes cannot be beaten.

The restaurant said “At Mandala Port Moraira, we have taken the beach bar concept to a new level.” Their open plan modern indoor and outdoor terraces provide all the natural light you could want. They also said that “The Mediterranean essence of our cui- sine is reflected in every dish, from a nutritious breakfast to after-dinner drinks… we offer a varied menu to suit every palate and time of day, always with a focus on quality and detail.”

dishes, there will be something tasty for every price bracket and every palate imaginable. A standard meal costs about €15 not including drinks, we strongly recommend testing their cocktail menu.

Their breakfasts run until just after midday and range in price from a basic tostada at €2.50 to decadent crepes and pancakes for up to €7. They are known for there delicious main menus, with the perfect snacks for a lunch time visit. Their menu ranges from tapas dishes, to bur-

They have two locations this one at Moraira and the Mandala Beach Bar at Benissa both of which are well worth a visit.

Visit them in person: Mandala Port Moraira C. Mar, 25, 03724 Moraira, Alicante

Contact them on phone number: 0034 965 275 821

Photo Credit: Mandala Port Moraira

Make your own jewellery

THERE is an opportunity to learn how to make the jewellery of your dreams in a jewellery workshop presented by Jacqueline Sieraden Jewellery. The workshops will take place Thursday, February 27 and Thursday,

March 20 at the UUR in Teulada/Benimarco. The theme of the workshop will be spring and it starts at 1pm and will end at 5pm.

The workshop organisers say “Without any experience you will make the most beautiful earrings, necklaces and other accessories from… Polymer clay.”

You can learn the basics of working with polymer clay, different techniques to make your own designs and how to turn your creations into finished jewellery products.

They also say it is an opportunity to socialise, relax and let creativity flow, whilst meeting new people. It is the perfect place to make a heartfelt gift for a loved one or friend.

People can sign up via the email jacqueli nesieradan@gmail.com and it costs €40 per person to complete the workshop.

Pick the best ninot

LAS FALLAS in Denia are on their way and to mark the arrival of these giant, beautiful statues that lead fleeting lives, a museum has opened its doors to show some of the smaller creations that Denia has in store for residents and visitors in the next month.

The Exhibition at Museu Fester, a new museum in Denia, opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, February 22 and showcased little and large figurines that will eventually adorn the streets of Denia, it is now open for the public to visit. There were 22 Ninots presented in total, 11 larger figurines and 11 children’s figurines, all competing for the title of

Best Ninot across multiple categories. The best statue will be spared the bonfires at the end of the festival, which will sadly and inevitably engulf the rest of these fantastic works of art. The competition winner will be announced at the Dinar del Germinor on Saturday, March 1.

The Ninot’s themes are multiple and varied, from figures of mermaids and fictional characters through to cats and political figures.

The Museu Fester, will be a space that preserves local festival traditions, with two floors that will cover everything from festivals like this one Las Fallas, through to the Moors and Christians festival.

Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Denia

The Danish Prime Minister said “We must upgrade massively to protect Denmark.”

Is Russia a security concern for Europe? Your VOICE

WITH security dynamics in Europe evolving, the discussion around Russia’s influence continues. Denmark has announced a massive boost in its defence budget, allocating an extra 50 billion Danish kroner (€6.7 billion) to its military over the next two years. The move, aimed at reaching 3 per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2026, is the biggest increase the country has seen in decades. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made it clear that this isn’t just about long-term planning - it’s about responding quickly to what she sees as an increasingly dangerous security situation, stating, “We must upgrade massively to protect Denmark.”

Meanwhile, on the global stage, Russia’s relationship with the West is taking new twists. After a high-stakes phone call, Vladimir Putin has invited Donald Trump to Moscow, sparking speculation about what this could mean for US-Russia ties and, by extension, Europe’s security.

These developments prompt a question: Do you perceive Russia as a threat to Europe’s security?

Malcolm Franke says yes: “Obviously! My family had to live under communist rule until 1989. Putin wants the Soviet Union back.”

Bev Townsend states, “With Trump as US president, yes.” Jason Wilson

agrees, writing, “It already was but now with that orange clown in the White House even more so!”

China Li does not think so, stating, “Most definitely not! Only if NATO insist on inserting themselves will Russia (which is their right might I add) defend themselves.”

Paloma Santamaria believes the real threat “is the press with its misinformation.” Miquel Garcia agrees: “No. Only media and government spread hate and lie. The big threat to Europe is Europe’s leaders.”

Angela Edgley shares a similar view: “The EU is a threat to itself. It’s been running around in circles since the UK left instead of becoming stronger. Putin? Well he’s a threat to the world, not just Europe.”

Colin Wheeler feels safe, writing, “No, not now Mr Trump is in charge.”

In conclusion, responses to whether Russia is a security concern for Europe are deeply divided.

While some firmly see Russia as a security concern, others dismiss the idea, or argue that NATO, the media, or even European leadership pose greater risks. With opinions almost evenly split between ‘yes’, ‘no’, and alternative concerns, it’s clear that perspectives on European security remain as polarised as ever.

DENMARK

X-ed out

THE Danish National Police could leave X (formerly Twitter) amid concerns regarding misinformation and changing algorithms, Denmark’s media revealed. The National Police have used X for real-time updating for some years, but said the time had come for the force to use its own media communications system.

Cry wolf

PRIME MINISTER Mette Frederiksen admitted in parliament that protected wolves were a problem for smaller rural communities, although a solution was outside her area of expertise. She added that more regulation was needed to ‘give nature the space it required’ while ensuring the safety of the local population.

PORTUGAL

Mondego mutiny

THIRTEEN sailors aboard the Mondego who refused to escort a Russian vessel in Portuguese waters in March 2023 are now accused of ‘insubordination through disobedience’. They claimed the Mondego was poorly maintained, slow and incapable of monitoring or keeping up with the Russian ship.

Milestone case

A FARO court held a Ria Formosa fish farm responsible for the death of 14 birds, including eight flamingos, which were trapped in the nets covering the fish cages in December 2021. The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds welcomed the ruling ‘as so many environmental crimes do not reach court’.

ITALY

Going private

ITALIANS spent €40 billion on private healthcare in 2023, although the Welfare and Health National Observatory (CNEL) found that 40 per cent of tests and services did not correspond to patients’ real needs. Families often took on this financial burden to avoid the Healthcare System’s waiting list, the CNEL said.

Read it up

TURIN university will lead a €2 million international project that intends to use X-rays to decipher an unknown work by third century BC Greek philosopher Chrysippus. The two papyrus scrolls were discovered in Herculaneum, which was buried by the same Vesuvius eruption that destroyed Pompeii in 79AD.

EURO PRESS

NORWAY

Train delayed

THE first long-distance train from Swiss manufacturer Stadler will come into service in 2028 and not 2027, owing to a subcontractor’s holdups caused by River Rhone floods in July.

This initial delay will not affect deliveries of the 17 Stadler trains agreed with Norske Tog which leases rolling stock to Norway’s railways.

Photo credit: Stadler Rail

LONGER WAIT: First long-distance Stadler train will arrive in 2028.

FRANCE

Upside down

POLICE were called to investigate an upended motorhome found on a Saint-Malo road wedged between a ditch and power cables. Eyewitnesses quoted by the Ouest-France newspaper said they saw three unhurt people leave the scene, prompting police to post on Facebook that they ‘sincerely hoped they were okay’.

Born and bred

A STUDY of the 2020 Paris census by France’s Statistics and Economic Studies Institute (INSEE) showed that only a third of the population were born in the city. One third had originated elsewhere in France while the remaining third were born abroad, although INSEE said this was a common pattern in the largest cities.

IRELAND FINLAND SWEDEN

Major errors

KHALID JABER, deputy State Pathologist between 2009 and 2013, was found guilty of ‘major errors’ in post-mortem findings in two cases that could have resulted in a wrongful acquittal or murder conviction. Now based in the Middle East, Jaber said complaints were ‘malicious’ and ‘racially motivated’.

Exclusive club

THE acceptance ‘in principle’ of Ireland’s application to join the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) which is based in Geneva, should allow the country to become an associate member in 2026. Associate membership will cost the government some €1.9 million a year for an initial period of five years.

GERMANY

Data draw

THE Sommerlad furniture company applied for permission to develop a data centre on municipal land adjoining its central warehouse in Wettenberg and now awaits a council decision. All parties focused on the likelihood that the data centre would attract more businesses to the area and create more jobs.

So there!

A FINANCIAL TIMES analysis of railways revealed that despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s criticism of Britain’s ‘broken tracks and bad trains’, Germany’s were no better. The FT found that Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance trains were the least reliable in central Europe, even when compared to the UK’s worst operator.

Nursery duty

PETER KULLGREN, Rural Affairs minister, has taken five weeks’ paternity leave but emphasised that although he was the first male Cabinet minister to do so, this was not a case of gender equality. “It’s completely irrelevant. This is something I believe is important in the relationship with my child,” he said.

More time

SWEDEN’S battery manufacturer Northvolt, which announced in November that it had applied for bankruptcy protection in the US and would complete procedures during 2025’s first quarter, has now applied for an extension. “But we still aim to finalise the process during the first quarter,” a spokesperson said.

NETHERLANDS

Here to stay

RESEARCHERS from the University of Utrecht detected unusual concentrations of PFAS known as ‘forever chemicals’ in rivers, lakes and ponds in 170 areas. Eliminating pollution caused by closed or bankrupted companies could cost the government ‘billions’, financial daily Financieele Dagblad warned.

Helping hand

SURVIVORS of last December’s apartment building explosion in The Hague, which killed six people, received a €15,129 share in the €700,000 that the Lichtpuntjes van Mariahoeve association raised via crowdfunding. As Lichtpuntjes has non-profit organisation status, the donations will not be taxed.

Road runners

WEAKENED infrastructure and deteriorated bridges on private roads were affecting the forestry and energy industries, the Finnish Forest Centre’s Economic manager warned. “These roads must withstand very heavy transport,” he said. “If the infrastructure fails, it restricts industrial activity and weakens competitiveness.”

Big spenders

APPROXIMATELY 4.9 million foreign tourists from 106 countries spent €3.7 billion in the country last year, the Business Finland government agency reported, with each person spending an average €764. The Chinese and Americans spent most, while winter tourists spent more than summer visitors, Visit Finland found. Our call

BELGIUM

HILDE CREVITS, Home Affairs minister in Flanders, asked for an end to the language tests needed for Flemish government jobs. The exams were organised by the Federal Policy and Support Service (BOSA), she said, meaning that the Flemish government had no say in setting the requirements for its own language.

Self service

A LEUVEN pizzeria owner recently found an intruder who had turned on an oven and a deep fryer, presumably to make something to eat, before drinking several bottles of spirits and falling asleep. Woken the next morning by the restaurateur, he later insisted to police that he had no idea of how he came to be there.

Where Confidence Grows: Top British International GCSE Education at Lady Elizabeth School

FOR over 37 years, Lady Elizabeth School has delivered top education with outstanding results. Graduates excel at universities, apprenticeships, or gap years worldwide. With academic excellence, personal growth, and diverse opportunities, they prepare students for success. Join their GCSE Open Day on Wednesday, March 5, at 4pm!

Most comprehensive GCSE Programme in the area to suit all academic paths, with over 20 subjects - from the arts to the sciences with core subjects as well as subjects such as Marine Science, Photography, Media Studies, Business or Tourism.

Based on the British system, they also offer the Spanish Curriculum with additional Spanish subjects, thus ensuring

access to the best universities in the world including Spanish ones.

Outstanding Achievements in GCSE for 2023/24, demonstrating the perseverance of our students, the exceptional quality of our curriculum,

the dedication of our teachers, and the unwavering support of their families:

• Highest Mark in Europe: Photography (equal first between two students)

• Highest Mark in Spain: Russian

• 36 per cent of our results were grades 9-7, significantly outperforming the UK average at 22 per cent.

Holistic approach: Life Competencies and learning beyond the classroom

LES takes a holistic approach to education, integrating core life competencies - Confident Learners, Responsible Individuals, and Positive Relationship Builders - into their curriculum and school life.

Learning extends beyond the classroom with diverse programmes, clubs, and extracurriculars. Students pursue Cambridge English Certifications and use Unifrog for future guidance. Leadership and communication skills grow through LAMDA Public Speaking (UCAS points), Duke

of Edinburgh, Student Voice, and LES Times. Sports, community service (eg, Primary Library Gang), and global opportunities like ISP ILOS (TED Talks, MUN) further enrich student development.

Diverse international graduate destinations for their graduating class of 2023/24 with Spain, UK and the Netherlands as their top three university destinations, exemplifying the school’s vision of producing globally minded, high-achieving individuals destined for some of the world’s leading universities, including:

• Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Sydney

• Fashion Design in Paris

• Theoretical Physics at Lancaster University

• Psychology at UC San Diego

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

In the air

NATWEST chief executive Paul Thwaite declined to comment on rumours that the bank, bailed out in 2008 but now preparing to return to full private ownership, was considering future takeovers. These centred on Santander UK and also the TSB should Spain’s BBVA succeed in taking over its owner, Banco Sabadell.

On track

SPAIN’S Ineco, Typsa, Idom, Consultrans and Meta Engineering are amongst companies competing to carry out a €15.42 million preliminary study for Chile’s new Santiago-Valparaiso railway link. The 172-kilometre railway line serving the two cities and 10 other municipalities will cost an estimated €3.65 billion.

Treading water

THAMES WATER avoided nationalisation after the courts approved a £3 billion (€3.6 billion) lifeline from senior creditors. This will give the UK’s biggest water company, which has debts of £18 billion (€21.7 billion), an initial £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion) with a possible £1.5 billion to extend funding until May 2026.

Now open

OPENBANK, Banco Santander’s fully online subsidiary, began operations throughout Mexico with a wide range of day-to-day banking services on February 18 for the 30,000 customers on its waiting list. Clients sign up in just five minutes, pay no fees and are able to make cash withdrawals at 10,000 Santander ATMs.

Looking ahead

HSBC, the UK’s biggest bank, confirmed that it will scrap plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions throughout the company by 2030. The bank also told shareholders that it plans to cut still more jobs, incurring approximately £1.4 billion (€1.7 billion) in severance pay and other costs over the next two years.

STAT OF WEEK

€5 billion

Conflict pays

PROFITS for BAE Systems, which builds military equipment, rose to £3.02 billion (€3.6 billion) last year as governments worldwide increased their defence budgets.

Global defence spending grew 7.4 per cent last year to $2.46 trillion (€23.59 trillion) as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, combined with conflict in the Middle East and deteriorating relations between the West and China, figures from the International Institute for Strategic Studies showed.

BAE’s 2024 profits were 14 per cent up on 2023, while revenue for the UK company, which is Europe’s leading defence contractor, rose to £28.34 billion (€34.22 billion) compared with £25.28 billion (€30.52 billion) the previous year.

Orders slowed to £33.7 billion (€40.7 billion), contrasting with

£37.7 billion (€45.6 billion) in 2023 although BAE’s record backlog amounted to £77.8 billion (€94 billion), an increase of £8 billion (€9.7 billion) and three times its annual sa les.

Over the coming year BAE, which employs 107,000 people in more than 40 countries, pre dicts that sales will climb between 7 and 9 per cent as Europe prepares to improve its military strength.

is needed to carry out work preventing a repetition of catastrophic flooding in Spain’s Mediterranean areas, the Association of Infrastructure Construction Companies (Seopan) calculated.

The company had sustained its track record of “strong top-line and earnings growth, free cash flow and orders,” BAE’s chief executive Charles Woodburn said on February 19.

“We remain confident in the positive momentum of our business

Masdar wants more

ABU DHABI-BASED renewable energy company

Masdar is in talks with Endesa to acquire a second holding in Enel Green Power Spain.

This follows Masdar’s €850 million purchase last summer of a 49 per cent stake that put a €1.7 billion value on the company.

Masdar and Endesa have not commented on the operation which,

Done deal

BRITISH mining multinational Anglo American has agreed to sell its nickel division for approximately $500 million (€479.5 million).

MMG Singapore Resources, a subsidiary of Melbourne-based MMG, has agreed to pay $350 (€335.6 million) on completion.

An Anglo-American statement added that MMG Singapore Resources would pay up to $100 million (€95.8 million) in price-linked payments and a contingent $50 million (€47.9 million) in cash for the potential development of the projects.

according to a source quoted by the financial daily, Cinco Dias, was still at a ‘very early’ stage.

More than half of the cost of the July transaction was covered by a syndicated loan headed by BNP Paribas with participation from Banco Santander as well as banks in Italy, Abu Dhabi and Japan. The same source suggested

into the future,” he added. Meanwhile the BAE board has recommended a final dividend of 20.6p (€0.25) per share, taking 2024’s total dividend to 33p (€0.40) which, subject to shareholders’ approval, will be paid on June 2, 2025.

that these banks were likely to be involved in the acquisition of a further holding.

Outside Spain, Masdar

Spreading it out

THE La Caixa Foundation has increased its 2025 budget to a record €655 million, 9 per cent more than in 2024.

Of this, the Foundation is assigning the lion’s share of €370 million, 60 per cent of total, to its social transformation programmes which assisted more than 235,000 people in 2024.

The remainder will be allocated to culture and science (€130 million), investigation and health (€105 million), together with education and grants (€49 million).

The Foundation is the sole shareholder of Criteria Caixa, whose dividends fund its welfare projects. The investment holding company, which is also Caixabank’s majority shareholder, contributed €120 million in payouts to the Foundation earlier this year.

BP could be considering the sale of its Castrol lubricants business, Bloomberg reported.

This could be worth $10 billion (€9.6 billion), sources who asked not to be named told the financial news agency.

The sale is said to be one of the options that the multinational is currently contemplating as it tries to regain the confidence of investors. It is almost certainly linked to activist investor Elliott Investment Management which holds a stake of almost 5 per cent in the London headquartered company, insiders maintained.

has already signed a 2023 ‘mega-alliance’ with Iberdrola to invest €15 billion in renewables in the UK, Germany and the US.

Some improvement

TELEFONICA subsidiary Virgin Media 02 announced losses of £16.5 million (€19.9 million) last year.

Although the UK telecoms company, which Telefonica part-owns with Liberty Media, was still in the red, the 2024 losses were 99.5 per cent lower than the £3.64 billion (€4.39 billion) that the company reported in 2023.

Revenue fell 2.1 per cent to £10.68 billion (€12.89 billion) but the improved figures were the outcome of the ‘positive evolution’ of Virgin Media’s operations and lower outgoings.

In 2023, the company’s operations resulted in losses of £2.46 billion (€2.97 billion) but brought in £928 million (€1.12 billion) in 2024.

THE European Union’s intellectual Property Office (EUIOP) has accepted Zicaffe’s appeal against Inditex’s use of the name Zacaffe for Zara coffee shops. Italian coffee company Zicaffe challenged the Inditex application on the grounds that the names are confusingly similar. Having accepted the appeal, the EUIOP has given both parties two months to reach an agreement. If that does not produce results, it will be followed by a long-drawn-out process lasting several months that could eventually reach the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

BILLING mistakes cost the UK’s principal energy providers more than £20 million (€24.15 million) since 2020.

Centrica, formerly British Gas, was responsible for 20 per cent of all payouts.

Analysing cases referred to the Energy Ombudsman when companies and clients failed to resolve a problem within two months, the Guardian detected a 141 per cent increase over the last five years.

Billing was responsible for 54 per cent of the complaints.

Photo credit: BAE Systems

RENEWABLES: Further Masdar interest in Enel Green Power.

CHARLES WOODBURN: BAE can sustain track record, chief executive said.

3I Group 4.102,25 4.108,97 4.095,70 18,18K

Group 2.805,6 2.811,0 2.803,0 2,72K

British Foods 1.917,0 1.921,0 1.914,0 11,15K

11.749,0 11.754,0 11.728,0 27,34K

Trader Group Plc 771,20 773,00 771,20 106,32K

499,60 500,60 499,30 42,04K B&M European Value Retail SA 290,20 295,20 290,00 401,46K BAE Systems 1.287,11 1.294,50 1.286,50 166,47K

302,70 303,40 301,05 799,34K

Redrow 427,30 427,90 423,80 64,25K Beazley 822,00 829,00 820,50 3,02K Berkeley 3.760,0 3.760,0 3.734,0 3,46K BP 448,55 449,80 448,25 293,72K

American Tobacco 3.009,7 3.025,0 3.009,7 193K

Group 152,00 152,00 150,64 142,4K

3.364,0 3.378,0 3.358,0 9,71K

147,85 148,35 146,52 227,64K

BUSINESS EXTRA

Enagas losses

ENAGAS, which owns and operates Spain’s gas grid, lost €299.3 million in 2024 compared with 2023’s €342.5 million profit. The partly publicly-owned company attributed its losses to the sale of Tallgrass Energy in the US and cancellation of the GSP project in Peru.

Deal doubts

BRITAIN’S Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the £764 million (€922.9 million) sale of haulage firm Wincanton to US company GXO Logistics could reduce competition and raise grocers’ costs. Without concessions, it would reverse the deal, the CMA warned.

Port Talbot go-ahead

TATA STEEL’S electric arc furnace at its Port Talbot plant received planning permission from the local authorities on February 18.

The company would start ‘large-scale work’ at the site this summer, Tata Steel UK’s chief executive Rajesh Nair, pledged.

The £1.25 billion (€1.5 billion) investment was the most significant that Tata had made in the UK steel industry ‘in decades’ Nair added. The company also received £500 million

Losses for Pontegadea

AMANCIO ORTEGA’S UK property investments lost 11 per cent of their value in 2023.

Pontegadea GB 2020, which manages the real estate holdings of Inditex’s creator and principal shareholder, reported losses of €34 million compared with a €51 million profit the previous year.

According to the last available Mercantile Register figures, the combined value

of Ortega’s properties fell from €3.1 billion in 2022 to €2.7 billion in 2023. This was principally due to the impact of interest rates which have particularly affected his prime site office blocks in recent years.

Pontegadea UK’s accounts also arrived later than usual, after Ortega engaged Deloitte as the company’s auditors, following disagreements with EY over delays and charges.

(€603.4 million) funding from the UK government.

Tata closed its two Port Talbot blast furnaces in 2024, announcing that they would be replaced with an electric arc furnace as the company shifted to ‘greener’ production methods.

Approximately 3,000 jobs were lost, although Tata Steel insisted that the move had also saved 5,000 UK jobs, while on-site carbon dioxide emissions had been reduced by 90 per cent.

The company also pointed out that it had lost £4 billion (€4.8 billion) since acquiring the Port Talbot steelworks in 2007 and the arc furnace would create a business that was sustainable ‘both financially and environmentally.’

The new installation will include a scrap processing plant as the furnace will function by melting scrap steel, with more pure forms added in order to achieve specialist grades.

Big loan

MASORANGE is negotiating a €2 billion loan to reduce the size and cost of its €12 billion debt and extending the repayment period. The telecommunications company, which hopes to take advantage of lower interest rates as well as its own good results, has engaged investment banks BNP Paribas, Goldman Saches and Mitsui to lead the operation.

ANGLO-SWISS Glencore, one of the world’s largest mining companies, said that it was considering plans to change its primary listing from London and would probably go to New York. The company, which floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2011, has since said it believed that its shares would obtain a higher price elsewhere.

PORT TALBOT: Traditional blast furnaces phased out.

Onward and upwards

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ONE of my almost daily undertakings is to watch American TV news programmes. Later, when I laboriously and often somewhat briefly scan the UK media, I am frequently staggered by the perspectives and propaganda the leftie run channels heap down the throats of the British public.

Despite the rhetoric that issues from the mouths of BBC presenters, whose female variety are now garbed from neck to ankles, including wrists in the dowdiest of outfits presumably to not offend some areas of the British populace, I can quite categorically state that the vast majority of Americans are elated by the election results.

The whole country is heaving tumultuous sighs of relief that finally they have reinstated someone who is more interested in the public well-being than preaching antiquated nonsense and wasting the tax payer’s money on a misconception of priorities and obscure rackets that are bleeding their country dry.

The leftie democrat minority, who supported the Biden/Harris/Obama brigade running the nation into the ground, are much like the British labour party; not coming up with any efficacious alternate ideas to overcome problems that beset the country, but merely screaming public obscenities, holding traffic obstructing protest meetings and singing ‘we shall overcome’ to a raggle taggle bunch of diminishing supporters who are more interested in supporting diversity and entering men in women’s sports events than putting food in the mouths of the struggling public.

Trump (who has most certainly had face and somewhat dubious hair procedure) is, at one hell of a pace, striding into the foray like a well-intentioned elephant. Although you may disagree with some of his often-inconceivable suggestions, every single one has the well-being and productive future of the American voters in mind.

Just this week he announced that he is forming a committee to go through the gold records of Fort Knox, merely to see if it’s ‘all still there’ and I’ll tell you something, it truly wouldn’t surprise me if the investigation came up

short. One thing is without a doubt, his overall intentions are anti-war and a reinstatement of America as one of the most peaceful leading countries in this crime ridden, woke infested society that most of the world’s inhabitants are finding themselves in.

Just the other day I couldn’t help but laugh at a White House conference where the head of one department advocated that trans men should be allowed to partake in female sports events and when Trump stated that he would cut off all their federal money, informed the president of the United States that she would ‘see him in court,’ Trump truly loved that.

Another example of the mentality of the woke morons, many I’m afraid who still hold positions in the portals of UK politics. Ah well, onward and hopefully upwards. Thanks for all the mail, including the yoke instead of yolk correctors who left the ol boy with egg on his face last week. Keep ‘em coming, I do read them all. Have a good week. Don’t let ‘em grind you down and whatever ya do -

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.

Citizenship test

FINLAND is planning to introduce a new citizenship test designed to assess how well applicants understand Finnish society, culture, and values. The Interior Ministry’s proposal aims to ensure that potential citizens are genuinely prepared to integrate and contribute to the community. Unlike traditional tests, this new assessment would go beyond rote memorisation of facts.

It would cover a wide range of topics, including history, geography, everyday skills, and public safety. The goal is not only to measure knowledge, but also to evaluate an applicant’s ability to live in harmony with Finnish values and maintain public safety.

Applicants aged 18 to 64 would be required to take the digital test, although exceptions might be made for those who struggle with the format. Additionally, a personal interview could become part of the process, providing a platform to discuss values, national security, and assess language skills in Finnish or Swedish.

The proposed test is part of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s broader plan to tighten citizenship requirements, including stricter rules on income and length of residence. The bill is expected to be presented to Parliament later this year.

If implemented, this test could significantly change Finland’s citizenship process, promoting deeper integration while balancing national values with inclusivity.

Finland introduces a draft proposal for a new digital citizenship test.

INTERVIEW

Tuomas Korhonen, Swede in FuengirolaSpeaking European

OWNER of a sports equi pment company in Finland, Tuomas travels the world and doesn’t need to be based in a specific place, and so decided to follow his wife, Sofia, to Spain.

Tuomas: I told her, to take all the time off she needs. We can go try out Spain. I have to travel anyway.

EWN: But why Fuengirola specifically?

Tuomas: It’s perfect, really. We’re 20 minutes from Malaga airport. It’s an international airport, so I can take a flight anywhere I need to be.

Sofia, Tuomas’s wife was an attorney back in Finland, but fell in love with the

Costa del Sol, and so three years later, they remain in Fuengirola.

Tuomas: We have two small kids here, of five and two. The five-year-old is already fluent in Spanish, and the two-yearold in kindergarten is learning fast.

EWN: And you? How is your Spanish coming along?

Tuomas: Well, I already speak Swedish, and of course I have learnt Finnish. I also speak Norwegian and English, and I have been learning Russian too. Now, I’m catching up with Spanish too.

EWN: Will you ever return to Finland?

Tuomas: Maybe. Who can say? For now, we are more than happy here.

Tuomas Korhonen.

Tuomas Korhonen, a multilingual Swede married to a Finn, decided to try out life in Fuengirola with their two small children for six months while his wife, Sofia was on maternity leave, and decided to stay.

Ultimate healthy meal

A NUTRITION expert has designed what he claims is the healthiest meal ever, packing all essential nutrients into a single sitting. Paul Berryman, a leading nutrition researcher, analysed thousands of studies to create a perfectly balanced

three-course meal. The starter features a salmon terrine with a green salad and olive oil. Rich in omega-3s, salmon supports brain and heart health, while the salad provides vitamins and fibre. Olive oil adds polyphenols, known for

their anti-inflammatory effects. The main course is a chicken and lentil stew, delivering lean protein, iron, and gut-friendly fibre. Dietitians suggest adding extra vegetables for enhanced balance. Dessert is a yoghurt-based blancmange topped with walnuts, combining probiotics for gut health with brain-boosting antioxidants and healthy fats. While this meal is packed with benefits, experts caution against eating the same thing daily. Variety is key to long-term health, as different foods provide different nutrients. Some concerns also surround frequent salmon consumption due to mercury exposure, with alternatives like mackerel or sardines offering similar benefits. So, is this the healthiest meal ever? It’s certainly one of the most balanced, but the real secret to long-term wellness is a varied, nutrient-rich diet rather than a single perfect meal.

A holistic approach

NATUROPATHY is a holistic approach to health that emphasises the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Rooted in natural therapies, it combines modern science with traditional healing practices to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For beginners, understanding naturopathy starts with its core principles: treating the root cause of illness, prioritising prevention, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health. At its core, naturopathy uses natural remedies like herbal medicine, nutrition, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle counselling. It also incorporates techniques such as acupuncture, massage, and mindfulness to restore balance. Unlike conventional medicine, which often targets symptoms, naturopathy seeks to address the underlying causes of illness, considering factors like diet, stress, and environmental toxins.

Starting your naturopathic journey can be as simple as integrating small changes into your lifestyle. Focus on a whole-food, plant-rich diet, ensure proper hydration, and prioritise quality sleep. Practices like yoga and meditation can further enhance your mind-body connection.

Consulting a licensed naturopathic practitio-

IMPROVING circulation is crucial, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles, such as office workers. Sitting for long periods restricts blood flow, which can lead to discomfort, muscle stiffness, and serious health issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or car-

Boost your circulation

diovascular diseases. To combat this, it’s important to take breaks every 30 minutes to stand, stretch, or walk around. Incorporating stretches for the neck, shoulders, arms, and legs can help

enhance circulation by increasing blood flow to these areas and relieving tension. Simple exercises like calf raises or foot pumps are effective for stimulating circulation in the lower body. Staying

hydrated is also essential, as water helps maintain blood viscosity, allowing for smoother circulation.

Alternating between sitting and standing, using a standing desk, it promotes better posture and

reduces the risk of developing circulatory problems. Standing engages different muscle groups and helps prevent pressure buildup in the legs. By introducing small changes like taking regular breaks, stretching, and staying hydrated, you can boost circula-

tion, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall health. These simple adjustments to your routine can make a significant difference. in combating the effects of prolonged sitting and promoting a healthier, more energised lifestyle.

Spring styles

AS spring 2025 approaches, several fresh and dynamic hairstyles are set to make a statement. One prominent trend is the French Girl Bob, a chic, ear- to chin-length cut that exudes effortless style. Celebrities like Lily Collins have been seen embracing this look.

Another notable style is the Jawline Bob, which aligns with the resurgence of shorter haircuts. This sleek, jaw-grazing bob offers a modern and sophisticated appearance. For those seeking a touch of romance, Fairy Waves are popular. These soft, ethereal waves add a whimsical element to longer hair, providing a dreamy aesthetic.

In terms of colour, Teddy Bear Brunette is emerging as a favoured choice. This dimensional brunette shade with golden highlights offers a warm and rich look, as seen on celebrities like Daisy Edgar-Jones.

Additionally, braids continue to be a versatile and stylish option. From intricate patterns to simpler styles, braids offer a range of possibilities to suit different preferences. These trends provide a variety of options for those looking to refresh their hairstyle this spring.

Drinking crackdown

BARCELONA has dropped a boozy bombshell on fun-seekers: from June 1, pub crawls are strictly off the menu in the city’s famous Eixample district. This sobering new measure, set to last two years, also rules out any sort of advertising for organised drinking tours.

This isn’t Barcelona’s first rodeo when it comes to cracking down on bar-hopping. Pub crawls have already been banned in the city’s old town - the Ciutat Vella district - since 2012, and that particular prohibition will remain in force until at least 2028. Now, Eixample is joining the party (or not!) by rolling out its own two-year ban, signalling a strict ‘no gracias’ to anyone hoping to take part in organised pint-fuelled prowls around the city’s iconic grid-like streets.

City bosses say these late-night boozy jaunts are ‘incompatible with community harmony and the local residents’ right rest’. In a mayoral decree, officials have promised to completely restrict pub crawls between 7pm and 7am, citing concerns over public disturbances - especially in hotspots like the trendy Enric Granados area, where revellers have been known to cause a right old racket.

Before the measure is set in stone, there’s a 20-day public consultation period for any objections.

Barcelona City Council is already taking a firm line: over 2023 and 2024, officials dished out a whopping 366 fines related to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Eixample.

‘Free’ return flights

AER LINGUS which is part of the IAG Group of airlines which include British Airways and Iberia is o ering members of its AerClub a free return ight from Dublin to Faro.

This is the second o er, following the introduction of a similar free return ight to Tenerife scheduled for April of this year which was fully booked within three hours of being announced.

The idea is to encourage passengers to be loyal to both Aer Lingus and British Airways (whose Executive Club members may also apply for the seats).

The concept is very simple as club members simply have to book the ights by surrendering 15,000 Avios points that they have earned through other ights and in return they will receive the free seats as well as attractive baggage allowances inclu-

ding both hand and hold luggage at no extra cost.

The actual ights will be as follow; EI496 Dublin to Faro (DUB-FAO) departing August 17, 2025 at 16.05 EI497 Faro to Dublin (FAO - DUB) departing August 24, 2025 at 19.40 although inexplicably the return ight is mistakenly described as a Du-

TOMMY CASH is a 23-year-old Estonian rapper who usually sings in English and whose real name is Tomas Tammemets.

When he travels to Basel to compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in May, Estonia’s entry will be partly in English but also - as the title, Espresso Macchiato suggests - in Italian.

Codacons, a group of Italian of consumers’ rights associations, has already objected to Espresso Macchiato’s lyrics, which it nds o ensive for dwelling on ‘stereotypes about Italy and Italians’.

It has complained to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), calling for the song’s exclusion from Eurovision.

Written in bad English and bad Italian, Estonia’s entry has been slated as ‘a parody of Italian culture’ with hackneyed expressions taken from the Italian language.

‘Mi money numeroso. I work around the clocko’, Tommy Cash raps, ‘That’s why I sweating, like a ma oso’.

Senator Gian Marco Centinaio from the League party also wants the song to be barred from Eurovision.

“Is this the idea of European brotherhood that the organisers have in mind?” he wrote on Instagram.

Italy

blin to Faro ight in the small print of the Aer Lingus website o er. There will be extra charges if passengers want to choose one of the 174 seats that are being made available and they will also have to pay government taxes, fees and carrier charges, but the saving will still be signi cant over the published price.

isn’t amused

EBU has since explained that all participating broadcasters had until March 10 to formally submit their entries.

“If a song is deemed unacceptable for any reason, broadcasters are given the opportunity to modify it,” the organisers said. “Or they can select a new one, before the deadline as per the rules of the contest.”

Aer Lingus special return flight Dublin to Faro.

TOMMY CASH: Will represent Italy in Eurovision 2025.

Photo credit: Estonian Foreign Ministry

7 smart ways to save fuel on your daily drive from Generali Expatriates

Did you know that burning just one litre of petrol releases about 2.3 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere? Reducing fuel consumption not only saves money but also reduces your environmental impact. Here are seven simple ways to help save fuel:

1. Plan your route: Check traffic updates and plan ahead. Adding 10 minutes to a journey can increase fuel consumption by up to 14%.

2. Check tyre pressure: Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by 2-4% and decrease safety.

3. Carry only what you need: Every extra 50 kg can raise fuel consumption by nearly 3%.

4. Maintain a consistent speed: Gradually accelerate and ease off the accelerator early when slowing down.

5. Use higher gears: Keep the engine relaxed by using higher gears at lower rpm to save fuel.

6. Turn off the engine during long stops: Idling wastes fuel. Switch off the engine if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute.

7. Use air conditioning wisely: Keep windows closed and set air conditioning to 21-23°C to avoid excessive fuel consumption.

Switching to an electric vehicle can drastically lower CO2 emissions, and don’t worry because Generali Expatriates also offers specific cover for electric vehicles, including travel assistance, battery protection, and civil liability up to €300,000 per claim.

Drive smarter and enjoy your life in Spain with confidence!

Expatriates provides tailored solutions for all vehicle types with over 200 brokers and agents to assist you in your language. For a quote or to find a broker, visit www.generaliexpatriates.es or call 913 422 549.

Foreign buyers flock to Golden Visa scheme

A GROWING wave of international investors is turning to Greece’s Golden Visa programme, driving up real estate transactions and cementing the country’s status as a top destination for residency-by-investment. Recent statistics show that more than 10 per cent of all property deals during the 2023–24 period were tied to the scheme, highlighting Greece’s dual appeal as both a home and a gateway to the European Union.

According to the Hellenic Property and Investment Authority, Greece recorded approximately €41.2 billion in property sales in 2023 and 2024, with a significant €4.44 billion linked to Golden Visa applicants. The residency programme attracted 8,477 applicants in 2023, with numbers rising to 9,289 in 2024. While the minimum required investment stood at €250,000, many buyers exceeded this threshold, contributing to the buoyant real estate market.

In a bid to manage housing demand, Greece recently raised the minimum investment to €800,000 in high-demand areas. Analysts anticipate this change could cool real estate-driven applications, but Greece’s Golden Visa might still thrive due to shifting policies in other European countries. With Spain phasing out its Golden Visa and Portugal excluding real estate from its programme, experts believe Greece could become even more attractive to investors from the US and Asia.

Looking ahead, the Greek government aims to diversify its investment incentives, reducing reliance on property deals and encouraging broader economic engagement. This evolving strategy could see Greece balancing its real estate appeal with fresh opportunities in other sectors, ensuring long-term growth and stability.

Cold water event

FINLAND has always had a reputation for being inhabited by hardy souls who think nothing of enjoying the snow and jumping into very cold water.

To prove the point, the Avantoralli event returns to the city of Silo on March 1 and 2 and revels in the excitement of cold water swimming and general well-being.

There is a growing interest in the link between AI and cryogenics with the suggestion that freezing the human body under controlled conditions can be beneficial to long term health and possibly extend the lifespan.

The Avantoralli event certainly doesn’t go that far but does promote the advantages of being cold and then warming up and the opening ceremony of

the event will be held at the Salo Market Square which will feature hot tubs, saunas, cold pools, a jacuzzi and a river slide.

Naturally, there will also be a chance to enjoy live music, a fashion show and a selection of stalls, some of which will be supplying hot food for cold bodies as well as drinks.

There are a number of saunas in Salo, most of which are close to

well organised cold swimming areas such as the sea, lakes, ponds, springs or rivers, so for a small fee there will be a number of attractive and hopefully healthy options for visitors of all ages.

As part of what could be considered a ‘New Age’ weekend, Salo will also offer other well-being-related events, such as yoga, pilates and sound bowl relaxation.

Get ready to enjoy the cold water.

Credit: City of Salo Council

Greece has dual appeal.

Credit - Shutterstock: Alexandros Michailidis

Costa del Sol Tivoli to repoen

TIVOLI WORLD amusement park, the only one of its kind in the Costa del Sol, will have a second life. After years left abandoned, except for the dedication of its ex-employees taking care of the site, the fun fair will reopen completely renovated and somewhat transformed.

This change is the result of months of negotiations between the council of Benalmadena and the owner, Tremon Group, who are to sign an agreement to revitalise the area of the Costa del Sol.

The 60,000 square metres it occupies in Arroyo de la Miel were being eyed up for a shopping centre project. Benalmadena Council managed to negotiate a deal with the group for a renewed theme park with a shopping centre and a hotel.

The park closed in 2020 declaring itself bankrupt after years of legal battles between the previous owner and Grupo Tremen over payment. Ever since, the workers of Tivoli have been campaigning to get the park up and running once more.

Axarquia

Charity walk for Blanca

TOTALAN will hold a charity walk on Sunday, March 2, to support Blanca, a 10-year-old girl with reduced mobility. The event, organised by the Totalan Town Hall and Totalan Women’s Association, aims to raise funds for her essential therapies and rehabilitation.

The walk will begin at 11am from Plaza Antonio Molina, where a donation box will be available for those who wish to contribute anonymously. Additionally, aromatic plants will be sold to further support the cause.

At approximately 12.30pm, after the walk, the donation box will be opened at the association’s headquarters, with representatives from the town council present for the official count of the funds.

Despite her big challenges, Blanca is known in Totalan for her courage and enthusiasm. She actively participates in the local events of this village, and has a deep love for music. Organisers have shared that Blanca is very excited to take part in the walk, making the event even more meaningful.

Mallorca Welcomes Imserso tourists

BALEARIC tourism is set to receive a major boost as approximately 100,000 Imserso travellers arrive between February and April 2025. According to ABACTUR, the regional association of tourism activities, February will see 37,000 visitors, March 40,000, and April 20,000. Mallorca will welcome 80 per cent of these tourists, while Ibiza and Menorca will host around 15,000 and 10,000 respectively. This influx of off-season visitors provides essential support for the local hospitality sector, ensuring that hotels, restaurants, and tour operators remain operational during quieter months. Rafael Durán, president of ABACTUR, emphasised the programme’s critical role in maintaining employment, supporting the local economy, and contributing to overall economic stability across the islands. Although Imserso tourism generally slows during autumn and winter, it experiences a resurgence in early spring. By May, as peak season begins, mainstream tourism takes over.

Costa Blanca South New world record?

ALICANTE is kicking off 2025 with a clear goal: to become the centre of attention in the global culinary world.

As Spain’s national gastronomy capital this year, the city has planned around 50 industry-related events, aiming for an economic impact of up to €22 million. Special menus, professional gatherings, and public events are on the agenda, with hopes of even setting a new Guinness World Record.

Alicante will take part in food fairs across the UK, Norway, Italy, and Germany to showcase its culinary excellence.

According to the council, the title of Gastronomy Capital could generate between €15 million and €22 million, alongside significant media exposure that is already putting the Costa Blanca in the global spotlight.

Since Spain introduced the Gastronomy Capital title in 2012, several cities have held the honour.

Almeria Andalucia Day 2025

DIA DE ANDALUCIA (Day of Andalucia), celebrated on February 28, marks the anniversary of the 1980 referendum in which the people of Andalucia voted for autonomy, establishing the region as an autonomous community within Spain. The day is a symbol of Andalucian identity, pride, and cultural heritage, commemorating the region’s unique history, traditions, and contributions to Spain.

From its Moorish past to its influence on Spanish music, cuisine, and literature, Andalucia has played a defining role in shaping the nation’s identity. Public buildings display the green and white Andalucian flag, official ceremonies take place in many towns, and cultural activities highlight the richness of flamenco, traditional crafts, and gastronomy. It is a day for community celebrations, bringing people together through food, music, and festivity.

Across towns in our area, a variety of events will take place, offering something for everyone. Music and dance will also play a central role in the celebrations.

Costa Calida

Cartagena on screen

CARTAGENA’S incredible mix of history and nature will soon be showcased across Spain in a new TV documentary. Un país en bicicleta: Diario de una ciclista (A Country by Bike: A Cyclist’s Diary) will air this autumn on La 2 of Televisión Española, one of Spain’s main national TV channels, with journalist and cyclist Ainara Hernando leading viewers on a two-wheeled adventure.

The series follows Ainara as she explores Spain’s most beautiful spots, combining tourism, culture, and nature. Cartagena’s episode will feature some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Roman Theatre, the Naval Museum, and the historic port. It also highlights natural treasures like Calblanque Natural Park, Cabo Tiñoso Marine Reserve, Cala Cortina, and the stunning coastline of La Azohía.

This TV programme is designed for everyone, inviting viewers to discover Spain’s charm at a slower pace.

Homeowner fined €69,000

AN Amsterdam homeowner has learned a costly lesson after being fined €69,000 for backing out of a signed property sale agreement. The abrupt decision left the buyer facing unexpected expenses and led to a legal battle in which the courts ruled firmly in the buyer’s favour.

The property in Nieuw-West was initially sold for €470,000 in February 2024, with the transfer date set for June 3. However, just weeks before the handover, the seller requested a delay. When the buyer declined, expecting the deal to proceed as agreed, the seller simply failed to appear at the notary’s office.

Unable to finalise the purchase, the buyer incurred costs for temporary accommodation, moving expenses, and repairs to a broken heating system - totalling €22,000. Under Dutch real estate law, a signed

Under Dutch law, a signed contract is legally binding.

contract is legally binding. The penalty was calculated at 0.3 per cent of the sale price per day, accumulating to €69,000 for the 49-day delay.

The seller argued in court that they had been pressured by a relative and did not fully understand the contract due to age and limited Dutch language skills.

However, the judge rejected this defence, stating that the seller should have sought legal

advice if they were uncertain.

While the €69,000 fine was upheld, the court denied an additional €22,000 in damages, noting that the penalty fee was intended to cover the buyer’s losses. The seller must also pay €5,500 in legal fees.

This case highlights the strict enforcement of property contracts in the Netherlands, serving as a reminder to understand all legal commitments before signing.

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PETS

We are looking for pet-sitters!

COULD you be like Diane and Mike, who have decided to embrace both their love of pet-sitting and their desire to travel by pet-sitting through HouseSitMatch to see the world! They are a semi-retired couple who have packed up their home and decided to care for pets and homes in exchange for free accommodation. It means they have been able to travel for months at a time. They love it!

HouseSitMatch saves you money - pet-sitting is free for pet owners and accommodation is free for sitters

We remain true to our values, promoting collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win!

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - safe

and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets. If you’re planning travel this year, join now. Get organised today:

1. Register as house-sitter or homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Join for as little as £89 /€99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos

4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match!

How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

I really love HouseSitMatch it’s just perfect for me and Lamia the owner is so very kind and helpful in every way, she helps you whenever you need her (even at weekends) I have done a couple of house-sits now both wonderful, also have found a lovely house-sitter to look after our kitties.

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How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

Smith, cat owner

Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

Cat-friendly spaces

CAT-PROOFING your home is essential for ensuring both your feline friend’s safety and the preservation of your belongings. Cats are curious creatures, and without proper precautions, they may get into places or cause damage. Here’s how to catproof your home: Secure toxic items: Store cleaning supplies, medications, and any plants that are toxic to cats out of reach. Many common houseplants like lilies, ivy, and poinsettias can be harmful if ingested.

Protect furniture: Cats love to scratch, so provide scratching posts or pads to redirect their attention away from your furniture. You can also apply double-sided tape on areas you want to deter scratching.

Block small spa-

ces: Cats can squeeze into surprisingly tight spaces, so be sure to block off any small gaps between furniture, appliances, or in cabinets. Check areas such as behind the fridge or under the sink to prevent accidental hiding

or injury.

Secure cords and wires: Cats often chew on cords, which can be dangerous. Use protective covers or hide cords in cable organisers.

5. Cat-proof windows and balconies: Ensure that all windows

LIKE people, cats and dogs are at risk of getting various dental problems. It is important to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and to take them to the vet for regular oral check-ups.

are securely closed and that balconies have barriers to prevent your cat from slipping out or falling.

By taking these precautions, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for both you and your cat.

Diane and Mike love animals and

SOLAR ENERGY

TV & SATELLITE

Speed camera shake-up

THE Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, is rolling out a fresh breed of mobile speed cameras - and they’re already catching out drivers across the country.

For years, fixed speed cameras have been the bane of lead-footed drivers around Spain, but the DGT is stepping up its game with the new ‘radares remolque’ - trailer-mounted speed cameras that can be deployed anywhere, anytime.

A total of 122 new radars are hitting Spain’s roads in 2025, with many of them set to be these stealthy mobile units.

These high-tech spies on wheels are battery-powered, laser-equipped, and completely wireless, meaning they don’t need a permanent power supply and can stay active for days without a human operator.

Unlike fixed cameras, which drivers can learn to avoid, these portable enforcers move around constantly, keeping motorists on their toes.

The DGT isn’t messing about - these new trailer cameras can scan multiple lanes, track cars

TESLA over the past four years - led by Elon Musk - has taken at least six owners to court in China after they complained of alleged defects like faulty brakes or unintended acceleration. Tesla also sued six bloggers and two news outlets for negative coverage. So far, the carmaker’s won every single case that’s

It’s highly unusual for automakers to sue their own buyers, but Tesla’s approach in China has silenced critical voices and deterred others from speaking out. In one case, the company demanded a whopping €640,000 (around

DGT’s sneaky new ‘trailer traps’ are already nabbing drivers.

from long distances, and even snap multiple offenders at once.

The first batch has already been spotted in Catalonia, catching out drivers on major routes like the AP-7, C-31, and B-23. And because they’re connected to the internet, fines are processed in real-time - no more waiting weeks to find out if you’ve been caught.

Unlike the static speed cameras drivers have grown used to, trailer radars can be set up in minutes and then moved elsewhere, making it nearly impossible for motorists to predict where they’ll be lurking next. Their laser technology also means they can catch speeders from incredible distances, with pinpoint accuracy.

Tesla sues drivers

$685,000) from a driver who claimed brake failure. Another Tesla owner said he nearly died and showed off surgery scars - but the court made him apologise and pay Tesla anyway.

A little help from powerful friends?

Analysts say Tesla’s staggering success in

Chinese courts may be thanks to strong backing from senior Communist Party officials like Li Qiang, the former Shanghai party boss and now China’s premier. Under his watch, Tesla got massive tax breaks, low-interest loans and the green light to build an enormous factory in record time. Meanwhile, the firm’s rosy coverage in Chinese media and its courtroom triumphs keep piling up.

Allies in the West Musk’s influence isn’t limited to China. He’s tight with US President Donald J Trump, championing big budget cuts and helping sideline officials who once scrutinised car safety. Critics fear Musk’s political sway could shield Tesla from further government oversight on both sides of the Pacific.

Credit: Shutterstock, Felix Geringswald

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

IT’S sometimes easy to forget, when so many companies offer SUVs, that amongst the newer entrants to the SUV market there are some manufacturers who have some long serving models. BMW is a case in point with their X3. It has been in the sales brochures since 2003 and remains hugely popular amongst mid-sized SUV buyers. It’s easy to see why as it offers space, practicality and, despite having the usual boxy SUV design, has more than a dash of style.

In its latest form the range offers plug-in hybrid along with petrol and diesel options that have mild hybrid assistance. Prices start from €59,727/£49,495 with three trim levels - X-Line, M Sport and M models.

BMW X3 - as you would expect, refined and smooth

Power largely comes from 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines in three power outputs, 199PS diesel, 210PS and 303PS petrol and a six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol developing 398 hp. Performance ranges from 7.8 seconds to just 4.6 seconds to the benchmark 62 mph. All versions come with either mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid with the latter offering a stated 55 miles pure electric driving depending on driving style and conditions.

Even being pessimistic about pure electric range the X3 figure suggests

Facts at a Glance

Model: BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, all-wheel-drive, 48v mild hybrid assistance, developing 153kW/208hp

Gears: 8-speed Automatic

Price: €61,900/£51,295

Performance: 0-100kph/62mph 7.8 seconds 215kph/134 mph max’ speed

Economy: 7.2l per 100km/39.2 mpg

Emissions: 162g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

most drivers would complete an urban commute on pure electric power. With a home charger that’s economical commuting, whether to work or on the school run. It’s also worth remembering that if you don’t have access to a home charger then PHEVs by their nature don’t take very long to charge. Therefore, unlike a full EV you’re not waiting at the charging point drinking coffee and buying unnecessary snacks! There’s also no range anxiety.

Standard fare on the X3 is good, although like all German marques those additional ticks in the option boxes can prove costly. Power tailgate, air conditioning, LED headlights, power front sports seats, wireless phone charging and cruise control are amongst the standard features across the range.

The X3 drives as you would expect of a BMW, refined, smooth and, even at its lowest power output, with verve when your right foot prods the accelerator. It’s a comfortable ride and despite its size handling is very decent too. The interior is not so much of a success in this writer’s view. It no longer feels special as BMWs once did, with a material quality that could have come from any mid-range car maker. Thankfully you also buy a BMW for the driving experience, and even in entry level form the X3 still delivers.

Kean collapses

EX-PREMIER LEAGUE forward Moise Kean caused a major scare during Fiorentina’s match against Hellas Verona when he collapsed on the pitch after a head injury. The incident occurred in the second half as Kean clashed with Pawel Dawidowicz and Diego Coppola, taking an accidental knee to the head.

Despite receiving treatment for a cut above his left eye, Kean briefly returned to the game. However, moments later, he collapsed with no one around him, prompting immediate concern. Medical staff and teammates rushed to assist him, and he was stretchered off the field before being transported to the hospital. Fiorentina later confirmed that Kean had suffered head trauma and would remain under observation while undergoing further tests.

The unsettling scenes overshadowed the final moments of the match at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi. When play resumed, Verona secured a last-gasp 1–0 victory through Antoine Bernede’s stoppa-

ge-time goal. Fiorentina, currently sixth in Serie A and five points away from the top four, released a statement to reassure fans about Kean’s condition, expressing hopes for his swift recovery.

Kean joined Fiorentina from Juventus in the summer, signing a five-year contract until 2029. His impact has been immediate, with 19 goals in 29 appearances this season. Before returning to Italy, Kean played for Everton in the Premier League, scoring twice in 32 matches. The Italian international’s health is now the priority, with fans and the club hopeful for his safe and speedy return to the pitch.

Moise Kean, seen here playing for Juventus, was recently rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch during Fiorentina’s clash with Hellas Verona.