Costa Blanca South 6 - 12 February 2025 Issue 2066

Coastal boom

THE Costa Blanca is the true standout in the Valencian Community’s growth story, drawing people in with its unique charm, economic opportunities, and sunny lifestyle.

A recent report commissioned by the Valencian Government shows the Costa Blanca has become a key player in shaping the region’s demographic and economic expansion.

The Costa Blanca’s impact is evident in towns like Torrevieja, which now boasts 94,803 residents. Tourism and international migration fuel this vibrant area, making it one of the fastest-growing spots along the southern coast.

Nearby, Orihuela adds to Costa Blanca’s in uence with a population of 83,720, combining its historical appeal with steady urban development.

While larger cities like

Valencia (825,948 residents), Alicante (358,720 residents), and Elche (243,128 residents) contribute to the region’s growth, the Costa Blanca’s ba-

lance of tourism, culture, and coastal allure cements its place as a driving force in the Valencian Community.

Whether it’s through

busy towns or smaller hubs spread along the coastline, the Costa Blanca remains the heart of this Mediterranean success story.

Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2066 • 6 - 12 February 2025 FREE

GRATIS GRATIS

Unique charm.

ELDA has launched the ‘In Love with the Commerce of Elda’ campaign to encourage shopping at local businesses for Valentine’s Day.

In love with Elda

As part of the initiative, customers who shop at the Elda Merchants Association affiliated businesses until February 15 can enter a raffle to win one of three romantic dinners for two. To participate, shoppers must send a photo of their purchase receipt via WhatsApp to (+34) 644 756 199.

To further promote local shopping, the campaign also includes live entertainment on Friday, February 14, from 5.45pm to 7.45pm, in the city’s pedestrian areas.

“We encourage all residents,” the councillor added “to join this campaign.

Silvia Ibáñez, councillor for Commerce and Markets, emphasised the goal of the campaign: “This initiative aims to support and strengthen our local businesses, which provide quality products, personalised service, and contribute to the local economy.”

Rental rises

IN January, rental prices in Spain rose by 11.8 per cent compared to last year, reaching an average of €13.8/ m². The Valencian Community saw an increase of 11.7 per cent, slightly below the national average but still significant.

In Alicante, rents grew by 10 per cent year-onyear, showing steady growth in the region. While not the fastest-growing city in Spain, this increase reflects a strong upward trend in housing demand. Alicante’s rental prices

remain more affordable compared to cities like Barcelona (€23.6/m²) and Madrid (€21/m²), with the Valencian Community averaging €15/m².

The Valencian Community recorded moderate growth compared to other regions. Madrid led with a 15.9 per cent increase, followed by Asturias (12.7 per cent) and Catalonia (12.5 per cent). Despite not being at the top, the Valencian Community’s rental market remains competitive, with rising demand

in cities like Valencia (11.8 per cent) and Alicante (10 per cent).

Overall, Alicante and the Valencian Community provide a balance between growth and affordability. While Barcelona and Madrid remain the most expensive markets, regions like Extremadura (€6.8/ m²) and Castilla-La Mancha (€7.5/m²) offer cheaper alternatives. Alicante sits comfortably between these extremes, maintaining its appeal for residents and newcomers alike.

Rents grew by 10 per cent year-on-year in Alicante.

Beat rising costs with this food app

Fighting food waste, feeding communities

WE have all had that shock at the checkout recently - when the cashier adds up the bill for a basket of essentials for the family. It’s even more sickening when at night tonnes of surplus food gets thrown away because it is nearing its expiry date, but still perfectly good and healthy to eat.

It is even more heartbreaking when we discover the staggering reality of food waste, with an average of 132 kg of nutritious food discarded per person per year.

More than 37 million people in our communities in Europe can’t even enjoy a healthy

meal every other day. A shocking one-third of all food produced for human consumption is needlessly thrown away, with restaurants, catering services, and supermarkets the most guilty.

However, emerging from this challenge, there is hope.

The Too Good To Go app is a revolutionary platform that is changing our relationship with food. It connects businesses that have unsold, surplus food with families, single parents, pensioners and anyone looking for a way of beating the surge in living expenses we face every day. For a fraction of the

cost at the supermarket checkout, we can now have access to some of the best and healthiest

fare just ready for collection.

So, how does it work? Through this incre -

Spain’s ‘tourist ban’

HOLIDAY lovers are flustered over Spain’s so-called ‘tourist ban’ - a term coined by a section of the British press apparently intent on funnelling home tourists away from Spain back to the UK - but what’s the truth behind the headlines? Let’s cut through the noise and get to the facts about this supposed-

ly sun-blocking move in the UK’s second-favourite holiday destination.

There’s no ban on tourism in Spain and nothing the Spanish do is specifically aimed at Brits as far as can be seen. It’s true some new rules have popped up, and yes, the anti-tourism protests last year have left their mark on legislation. But sun-seekers can breathe easy, your Spanish holidays

are safe and nobody is persecuting Brits.

We can still book Airbnbs, hotels, and rental villas - this ban only stops new holiday rentals from entering the market. The catch? A few dodgy flats registered after February 22 might lose their licences, especially if they don’t have separate access from residential neighbours.

While some changes might feel like a hassle, Brits can still soak up the Spanish sun without too much worry. Just make sure you’re up to speed on the rules!

Spain isn’t closing its doors to tourists and it’s not targeting Brits - but it’s rolling out the welcome mat with a few more strings attached.

The focus seems to be shifting towards higher-value tourism, aiming to reduce overcrowding and improve quality of life for residents.

dibly innovative app, which is free to download , restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and food vendors of all kinds can simply list their surplus food stock at the end of the day allowing shoppers like us to purchase a significantly better value ‘magic bag’ filled with a delightful surprise selection at a mere fraction of the usual cost - food that would otherwise be discarded because its sell-by date is nearing.

Since its creation, Too Good To Go has fast grown into a global movement, saving millions of perfectly good meals for those who need them most.

By embracing the app, people are not only helping local businesses reduce their waste and recover their costs, but they are also gaining access to so many great offers for delicious, affordable meals. Together, consumers are turning the tide on food waste, fostering a culture of sustainability and also spreading the word about this excellent way to beat rising costs. Join the movementmake a conscious choice that benefits your wallet, your community, and our planet. Let’s redefine how we think about food and inspire others to do the same!

Spain increases minimum wage

SPANISH workers earning the minimum wage are set to receive a €50 monthly boost following an agreement between the government and unions. This 4.4 per cent increase raises the minimum wage to €1,184 per month, paid over 14 instalments - a common practice in Spain that includes extra summer and Christmas payments. The change will benefit nearly two million workers, offering them an additional €700 per year.

Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz hailed the agreement as a victory for workers, stating that fair wages are essential not just for individuals but for economic growth. Unions have long pushed for higher pay, arguing that increasing the minimum wage is about dignity as much as finances. While business organisations participated in discussions, they opposed the full increase, preferring a smaller rise. Despite their resistance, the government is expected to formally approve the measure soon, with labour inspectors ensuring

Spain’s minimum wage increase brings workers closer to financial stability, with €1,184 per month across 14 payments.

companies comply. This wage hike is part of a broader effort to align Spain with European standards. Future discussions will focus on raising the minimum wage to 60 per cent of the national average and ensuring bonuses count towards wage calculations. The government also aims to modernise outdated pay agreements that leave many workers stuck on low wages. For Spain’s lowest-paid employees, this pay rise is a step forward in the fight for fairer wages and better working conditions.

The legendary Cibeles fountain in Madrid.

Putting food to good use rather than binning it.

Luxury lure Step for solidarity

IN recent years, there has been a growing interest among foreigners in purchasing properties in Spain, particularly high-end homes with hefty price tags.

These luxurious villas and mansions have attracted wealthy European buyers eager to own a residence in the country. The provinces that stand out for these millionaires include Alicante, Malaga, Girona, and the Balearic Islands.

A recent study by the real estate portal Idealista has examined the preferences

of European citizens when it comes to acquiring large properties. The study focuses on neighbourhoods, districts, and towns where more than 60 per cent of the interest in luxury homes - valued at over €1.5 million - comes from foreign buyers. Alicante stands out with nine areas that are especially appealing to European buyers. One such area falls within Costa Blanca South, La Zenia in Orihuela has a 61.7 per cent foreign interest, with the majority of buyers coming from Sweden.

PILAR de la Horadada’s second Solidarity March for World Cancer Day will take place on Sunday February 9, starting at 10.00am. The event aims to raise awareness and support for cancer.

Participation costs €10 for adults and €5 for children up to 12 years old, with a t-shirt included in the price.

Prior registration is required and can be done at the headquarters located at C/ Belmez, 30. Registration will be open until February 6, from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. For more information, you can contact the organisers on (34) 966 767 068 or by email at turismo@ pilardelahorada.org .

The area is especially appealing to European buyers.

Dance fever Skyward surge

THIS month, Santa Pola will come alive with dance.

The second International Dance Festival Moute Santa Pola 2025 will take over the streets and squares, featuring free public events and a grand gala with over 300 performers from Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Councillor for Culture, Nely Baile, emphasised the festival’s role as a key cultural event for Santa Pola, offering a wide variety of activities for everyone. A standout feature is ‘Sundays in Dance’, a series of open-air performances.

Sundays in Dance kicked off on February 2 with more performances set for February 9 in Plaza de la Comunidad Valenciana and February 16 at the Glorieta del Proyecto Good.

The festival’s main events will take place on February 21 and 22, with 25 schools performing on the first day and 22 on the second. The two-day celebration will gather over 300 dancers from across Europe. Highlights include a Schools Gala on February 21 and workshops on February 22 at the Lara González pavilion, wrapping up with another Schools Gala at the Glorieta.

The grand finale on March 15 will feature a spectacular closing show, building on the success of last year’s aerial dance performance.

THE outlook for Alicante-Elche Airport is promising as Jet2.com announced its expansion plans for the summer of 2025.

After establishing itself in 2024 as the airport’s fourth-largest airline and the third-largest carrier for UK passengers, with over 610,000 travellers, the company is set to increase its presence further. For the upcoming summer season, Jet2. com will add more than 52,000 incoming seats at El Altet.

According to airline projections, more than 515,000 tourists could arrive at Alicante-Elche Airport, marking an 11 per cent increase from last summer. This growth will be driven in part by the launch of two new routes. One of them is a direct connection with London Luton, set to begin operations on April 3.

Another major addition is a new link to Bournemouth, a coas-

Expansion plans announced.

tal city in southern England. This route starts on May 3.

Jet2.com has confirmed that it will provide direct flights to all 13 of its UK bases, increasing its peak weekly flights to 93 this summer, up

from 86 last year.

Alicante-Elche Airport is expected to become the airline’s third busiest in Spain, behind only Palma and Tenerife, among the 14 Spanish airports where Jet2.com operates.

Hard day

WINTER shing can be very hard some days. That was most de nitely the case when Carp-R-Us shed Round 7 of their Winter League on the Segura at Eden 2. Despite the lack of rain, the river here has been at a high level for several weeks. The result is the river here now has virtually no ow and this seems to have badly a ected the shing on the stretch.

The match was won by Tony Felstead with just 2.14kg, three carp caught on bomb and maggot from peg 8. Second from end peg 11 was Willy Moons who managed a carp and a couple of small sh for 1.00kg. Third on peg 6 was Steve Fell with ve mullet for 0.32kg and Russ Davidson managed two bleak from peg 4 for 0.02kg, enough to win his section!

The Mystic Meg award must go to Jeremy Fardoe who correctly predicted a keepnet wouldn’t be needed today so left it at home. Information can be found on www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on their Facebook page.

Torrevieja’s twist

THE 2025 Torrevieja Carnival has been officially confirmed, promising a busy programme filled with music and fun for all ages!

Running until March 8, this year’s celebration has been designed with a more tourist-friendly approach, focusing the main events on weekends to allow more people to enjoy one of the most spectacular festivals in the Valencian Community.

Mayor Eduardo Dolón has emphasised the significance of the Carnival in Torrevieja, noting that it has grown into one of the city’s most popular and widely attended events. With over 2,000 participants across more than 30 groups, the festival draws thou-

sands of spectators each year.

One of the major highlights for this edition is the increase in prize money for the Carnival Parade Contest, set for February 23, with awards rising from €15,000 to €22,000.

This year also sees an expansion in participation, with 15 international comparsas (groups) joining from various regions.

Torrevieja is among the few places in Spain, and the world, where Carnival is celebrated with four open and inclusive parades, reinforcing its reputation as a truly unique and diverse festival.

For programme information, head to the website: torrevieja.es.

Cancer crusaders

ON January 28, a representative from Aspanion, an organisation supporting children with cancer, visited Jacqueline’s Charity Shop in Sax to receive a €500 donation.

Another €500 was also given to APAC, a cancer charity.

Since opening on November 4, Jacqueline’s Charity Shop in Sax has made a significant impact in the community.

Just weeks after launching, the shop donated €1,000 to APAC on November 22 to assist cancer patients and their families.

In December, the shop partnered with Cervantes School in Sax to support its work with Aspanion, contributing to help a young student facing cancer.

To finish the year, another €1,000 was donated to APAC, reinforcing the shop’s commitment to cancer-related

causes.

The shop was founded by Jacqueline Dale, a survivor of anaplastic lymphoma, who turned her personal experience into a mission to help others.

The main goal of the charity shop is to raise funds for cancer su -

pport initiatives. For more information, contact the shop on (+34) 622 081 617 (English) or (+34) 633 452 284 (Spanish). You can also email jacquelinescha rity@hotmail.com . The shop is located at Calle Hermanos Pinzón, 10, Sax 03630, Alicante.

Group getaway

RENFE has launched a new campaign offering discounted tickets for travel between February 27 and March 5, available for purchase until February 11.

The ‘four or more’ fare offers a 50 per cent discount on ticket prices for groups of four to nine people. This fare is valid for travel on AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, and Intercity trains across the south, north, and northeast corridors nationwide. Additionally, this offer is compatible with the Large Family discount.

Tickets can be purchased through Renfe’s regular sales channels, including their website at renfe.com , ticket offices, self-service machines at stations, travel agencies (both in-person and virtual), and by calling (+34) 912 320 320.

Music and fun.

Image: Comunitat Valenciana

ROJALES never misses an opportunity to celebrate.

On February 8 and 9, the town will once again host the Half-Year Festive Party as the six-month countdown to the 2025 Moors and Christians celebrations begins.

On Saturday, February 8, the festivities start at midday at the fair-

Peace preserved Half-Year Fiesta

grounds, where visitors can enjoy live music, tapas, and beers.

Later, at 4pm, the Tardeo Half-Year Festive Party 2025 begins at the Malecón del Soto, bringing more live

THE Gran Alacant and La Marina Royal British Legion unveiled its Peace Memorial on Sunday January 26, with a great turnout.

The Legion would like to extend its thanks to Dusty Millar for attending, as well as to Membership Councillor Paul Kane, District Chairman, District Standard Bearer Bob Routledge, Gran Alacant Chairman John Shepherd, District Bugler Mark Benton, and Joan Kane.

The Legion extend their special thanks to the staff and students of Kings College School Alicante for contributing items to the time capsule, which was

music. As the night progresses, a DJ will take over to ensure the celebrations continue well into the early hours.

On Sunday, February 9, at midday,

placed beneath the monument.

Appreciation is also extended to Tammy for her coordination with both the school and The Royal British Legion, and to her daughters Payton and Autumn, who laid a wreath on behalf of the school.

Inside the time capsule were letters from the students about Remembrance, their lives, and the world today.

The capsule also holds the names of loved ones and friends remembered by the local community at this meaningful moment, along with a copy of the local newspaper, the Euro Weekly News , which will provide an interesting read in 50 years.

the much-anticipated Taking of the Bridge will take place.

The Moors and Christians will depart from the fairgrounds and meet at the foot of the Carlos III Bridge, where they will engage in a battle for control of the bridge, recreating a key moment in the traditional festivities.

Peace Memorial unveiled.

Image: Gran Alacant and La Marina Royal British Legion

Safe shores

AS the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, the ongoing conflict has left behind immense suffering, with countless lives lost and families torn apart.

On February 24, 2022, many Ukrainians had their lives upended, with some managing to escape the horrors of war and seek refuge in other countries, including Spain. Alicante, in particular, has become a significant destination for those searching for a safe haven.

According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the province has registered 499 Ukrainians over the past year, the highest number in Spain, ahead of Madrid (91), Barcelona (156), and Valencia (297).

Most of these new arrivals are between the ages of 30 and 39, with a notable number of children under 14.

Antonina Rohalska, president of the Association of Ukrainians in the Province of Alicante, notes that the presence of Ukrainians in the area is not new. “Our association has existed since 2004. Ukrainians have long come here for work, and when the war started, many of them welcomed relatives, friends, and acquaintances,” she explains. Since then, the flow of arrivals has continued.

Many have successfully integrated.

Alicante has become an appealing place for many due to its job opportunities, pleasant climate, and coastal location. Rohalska points out that many of the Ukrainians who arrived fleeing the conflict have successfully integrated into local society.

“They’ve adapted well, learned the language, and started their own businesses or are employed.”

In Memory

MARGARET MILES-BRAMWELL, the founder of Slimming World, has passed away at the age of 76 at her home in Mallorca.

The weight loss organisation shared the sad news on Facebook on Sunday, February 2, confirming that Margaret was surrounded by her family in her final moments.

Margaret, who founded Slimming World 55 years ago, was honoured with an OBE in 2009 for her contributions to public health in the UK.

In addition to her business interests in the UK and Ireland, she was also the founder and Principal owner of the House of Son Amar situated in Palmanyola, a short drive away from both Palma and Calvia.

Alongside Margaret’s work with Slimming World, Margaret was a devoted mother. She had a daughter, Claire, and two sons, Dominic and Benjamin, with her first husband, Roy Miles.

After her separation from Roy, Margaret found love with Tony Whittaker in 1996 and became a

stepmother to his children. Margaret often referred to Tony as her ‘soulmate’. The couple was married for 25 years before Tony passed away in November 2021, a loss that Margaret publicly acknowledged.

Awarded OBE in 2009.

x

Loving Corners Caring and sharing

MELODY MAKERS

Singing Group Quesada certainly does a lot more than just sing at events and rehearse new songs. Every year, they give lots of performances and at every performance they raise money for charity.

This year the members of Melody Makers Singing Group have chosen A Helping Hand Food & Clothes BankCosta Blanca as one of the charities they would donate the proceeds of their concerts to at the end of this year.

However after hearing how desperate the charity was for donations, a decision was made to make a donation of €1,000 immediately.

If you would like to be part of our amazing group then why not come along and see what we do.

If you would like us to perform at an event, then please get in touch with our chairperson, Shirley on WhatsApp 608 958 757 or check out our Facebook page.

Melody Makers Singing Group Quesada rehearses every Tuesday 2-4pm at Lakeview Bar and Restaurant Calle Toledo, 16, 03170 Quesada.

PILAR DE LA HORADADA is once again hosting the eighth Photography Contest, ‘Loving Corners in Pilar de la Horadada’, where the most romantic photo taken in a location tied to a love story within the municipality will be awarded.

The winners will receive three romantic menus, courtesy of local hospitality establishments. Additionally, all participants will receive a gift.

To enter, participants must submit their photos via email to turismo@pi lardelahoradada.org before February 9. The voting period will take place

from February 10 to February 16, 2025.

On Monday, February 17, after the online voting ends, participants will select the three winning photos from the five that received the most votes. The names of the winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 19.

For more information, contact the Pilar de la Horadada Tourist Office at Plaza Campoamor No. 2, call 966 767 068 , message via WhatsApp (+34) 675 545 781, or email turismo@ pilardelahoradada.org.

Romantic photos.

Best digital nomad sites

SPAIN may well have increased its income requirements to be able to be legally resident in the country, but it is still far from being expensive compared to the rest of Europe.

Due to pressure from trade unions, the Spanish government has felt obliged to raise the minimum requirements a little, by 4.4 per cent more to be precise, or about €50 more per month at €1,381.33 per month over 14 months, and at least €2,762 to be eligible in the first pla ce.

To be a digital no mad in Iceland, you will need to be relatively hi gh-earning at €7,075 or more per mon th.

In Estonia, it’s €4,500 a month.

Romania has been so popular

that they are putting their digital nomad visa up to €3,950.

Finland, nonetheless, has one of the lowest thresholds at €1,220, which is rather surprising given the high cost of living there.

Depending on the country, and compared to tourist visas, a digital nomad visa has a longer-lasting length of stay. The validity of a digital nomad visa can vary from six months

to two years. After expiration, your visa can be renewed if you still meet the eligibility criteria. In the case of Spain, which is due to undergo a major overhaul in residency requirements in May 2025, it may well be possible to gain permanent residency in the country after just two years.

We are still awaiting the full details, but it is going ahead.

English is now the number one language spoken in Belgium.

Mind your language!

IT’S official - English is now the number one language spoken by young Belgians, leaving the country’s official languages, Dutch and French, eating its linguistic dust.

According to new figures, over six in 10 (60.5 per cent) Belgians aged 15 to 34 claim to have a ‘good to very good’ knowledge of English. That’s more than both Dutch (57.1 per cent) and French (56.3 per cent), a dramatic shift in the country’s linguistic landscape.

“This surge of English across generations and borders is pretty striking,” said Jonathan Van Parys, the brainy data cruncher behind the stats, speaking to The Brussels Times. “It’s on track to become Belgium’s most widely-spoken language.”

That’s not just a bit of hyperbole - Belgium is now the only country in Europe where the most spoken language among

young people is not an official language. Across all age groups, nearly half (49 per cent) of Belgians can now hold a solid conversation in English.

In Brussels, where the EU’s movers and shakers rub shoulders, the shift has sparked fresh debate: should English become an official language? Many residents of the ‘capital of Europe’ struggle with both Dutch and French, making English the natural goto for everyday life.

The younger generations have embraced English at an unprecedented rate. A look at older groups shows a stark contrast:

• 35-54 year olds: French still reigns supreme (72.8 per cent), with Dutch in second (52.6 per cent).

• Over-55s: The traditional language divide still holds - 67.6 per cent speak French, while 64.8 per cent speak Dutch.

Credit: Andrea PiacquadioPexels.

Allure of being a digital nomad.

EU Customs targets online platforms

BRUSSELS is cracking down on unsafe products sold by online platforms like Temu, Shein, and Amazon Marketplace. A new proposal would hold these companies responsible for ensuring their goods comply with EU safety standards be -

fore they reach European consumers. This shake-up aims to protect shoppers from dangerous imports, shifting the burden of duties and VAT from buyers to the platforms themselves. Under current rules, individuals purchasing

from outside the EU often act as importers, handling customs and VAT payments. The proposed changes would make online marketplaces accountable for collecting these taxes and ensuring product compliance. This could mean the end of cheap, low-quality items flooding the market - no more hazardous toys or faulty electronics slipping through the cracks.

A central customs authority, the EUCA, is also in the works. By analysing data from all 27 member states, the EUCA would identify high-risk goods before they even leave for Europe. Their goal: intercept unsafe products at the border, safeguarding consumers and setting a new standard for online retail.

While Amazon, Shein, and the EU have yet to comment, it’s clear Brussels is determined to clean up the digital marketplace.

Granada crowned ‘City of Happiness 2025’

GRANADA has been na med City of Happi ness 2025 by the World Happiness Foundation. This prestigious accolade recognises cities that excel in improving their citizens’ quality of life through innovative social, economic, and cultural policies.

Granada’s achie vement stems from forward-thinking initiatives that blend sustainability with community connection. Local leaders have embraced people-centred planning, fostering a nurturing environment where cultural programmes and eco-friendly practices enrich everyday life. Granada’s model of urban happiness sets a global standard, proving that well-being can drive a city’s growth and cohesion.

The city’s role as host of the World

Happiness Festival 2025 further underscores its commitment to well-being. From March 14 to 16, the festival will welcome experts and leaders to explore mental health, education, leadership, and technology’s impact on happiness. Residents and visitors can participate in cultural events, mindfulness sessions, and public policy discussions that celebrate Granada’s people-first approach.

Granada’s title as City of Happiness 2025 is not just an honour - it is a validation of its visionary urban planning. By placing citizen well-being at the core of its development strategy, Granada has become a role model for inclusive and sustainable cities worldwide.

Granada, crowned as the City of Happiness 2025, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and community-focused initiatives

Credit : Shutterstock, lindasky76

A CONSUMER watchdog, Finnwatch has devoted time to studying the activities that seven of Finland’s fast food chains have on the environment and the climate.

They concentrated on organisations that had 50 or more outlets in Finland and those chosen in order of climate friendliness were, Kotipizza, Burger King, Hesburger, McDonald’s, Rolls, Scanburger and Subway.

Their conclusion was that the differences between the chains are large with the best chains having clear goals to promote emission reductions and concrete actions to achieve them.

Generally, large international operators have basic structures for climate work, such as emissions reporting and reduction targets, and they communicate these openly. Finnwatch made a point of singling out the fact that Subway with a US parent did not respond to enquiries and they received al-

Fast food

most no information about its climate work from searches on the internet. Any company that offers a plant based alternative to meat is deemed to be more climate friendly and the top four all offered such options or have plans to introduce them, but not all appeared determined to promote these options equally strongly.

As far as Rolls and Scanburger were concerned, Finnwatch observed that they were in the early sta-

ges of trying to introduce options to reduce the impact of their food offerings on the climate.

Leaders Kotipizza and third place Hesburger are considered the strongest forces committed to change and reduce emissions and both have published targets undertaking to increase their offerings of climate ‘friendly food’ by the end of the decade but consumers will need to be encouraged to change their eating habits.

Polish dumplings in space

POLISH astronaut to be Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski is due to travel to the International Space station with three other colleagues from different countries this spring.

He is allowed to take a small amount of hand luggage with him and three of the items that he has chosen are a Polish flag, a tiny golden heart issued by the Grand Orchestra of Christmas Help Foundation which will be auctioned for the charity and a selection of tasty Polish dumplings known as pierogis.

Clearly the pierogis cannot be taken into space without ensuring that they can be prepared on the International Space Station, so working with a small Polish family business it became possible to freeze dry the dumplings so that they could be eaten when he felt peckish.

The Polish flag is a historical item that was taken

into space by the first Polish astronaut Mirosław Hermaszewski in 1978 so will become a very special item to hopefully be passed on to the third Polish astronaut at some time in the future. Hermaszewski who was 81 when he died in 2022, lived long enough to congratulate Uznański-Wiśniewski when it was announced that he had been chosen to become an

astronaut and was apparently the first person to contact him after the announcement was made. This project which will be financed by the Polish government with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) is due to last 14 days and various experiments which will have been paid for by different companies will be undertaken.

Burgers are probably the least climate friendly fast food.

Credit: Idafian

CC

Poland’s second astronaut

The Special One

FORMER Chelsea Football Club manager José Mourinho has launched a new Douro red wine named The Special One. Mourinho first called himself The Special One in 2004 after becoming Chelsea’s manager. Fresh off a Champions League victory with Porto, he promised to bring success to his new club. He delivered, leading Chelsea to back-to-back Premier League titles, and the nickname stuck, making it a fitting choice for his wine brand.

The wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Sousão, selling for €144 per bottle.

“As someone who values precision, quality, and excellence in everything I do, I’m proud to present my own wine, The Special One,” Mourinho said. “Handpicked from one of my favourite regions in Portugal, this wine reflects the spirit of my homeland and my passion for enjoying life.”

Mourinho’s wine preferences once

came under fire from rival manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who criticised the drink he was served after a 2004 match. “He was certainly full of it, calling me boss and big man,” Ferguson recalled. “But it would help if his greetings came with a decent glass of wine. What he gave me was paint stripper.”

Mourinho later responded by bringing a premium Barca-Velha to their next meeting.

Da Vinci’s hidden tunnels found under Sforza Castle

LEONARDO DA VINCI’S notebooks have led to an extraordinary archaeological find beneath Milan’s Sforza Castle. A sketch hidden in his Codex Forster I has revealed a long-lost network of underground passageways, confirming that the Renaissance master was not only a brilliant artist and inventor but also a meticulous mapmaker.

Experts from the Polytechnic University of Milan, along with Codevintec and Sforza Castle researchers, used ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning to investigate the site. Their findings confirm the existence of a system of tunnels, which may be part of an even larger hidden network beneath the medieval fortress. “The ground-penetrating radar… brought to light unknown walkways and ideas for further studies on secret passages,”

explained researcher Francesca Biolo.

Historians believe these tunnels served both military and personal purposes. Some likely allowed troops to move covertly, while others may have connected the castle to key locations in Milan. One passage leads directly to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ and the Sforza family tombs,

suggesting a private route for noble visits.

While the tunnels remain inaccessible, plans are underway to create a digital reconstruction of the castle, complete with augmented reality tours.

This groundbreaking discovery offers a new glimpse into Milan’s history, proving once again that da Vinci’s genius continues to shape our understanding of the past.

José Mourinho launched a new wine.

The historic Sforza Castle in Milan, a Renaissance landmark where da Vinci’s sketches led to the discovery of hidden underground tunnels.

NEWS Travel

Ronda - The City of Dreams

RONDA, often called the ‘City of Dreams’, is a magical town in Andalucia. Perched on the edge of a dramatic gorge, it’s a place that seems straight out of a storybook. With its iconic bridge, whitewashed streets, and breathtaking views, Ronda offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re enchanted by its ancient charm or simply want to soak in the spectacular scenery, Ronda has something for everyone. With a Hispavan campervan, you can explore it all at your own pace - from the heart of the town to the peaceful countryside, all while enjoying the freedom and

with Hispavan Campers

comfort that only a campervan can provide.

Wander through Ronda’s history

Ronda’s historic centre is a delight to explore. Start by visiting Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. From there, wander through the the Old Town and visit landmarks like the Arabic Baths and the Church of Santa María la Mayor. Don’t miss the Mondragón Palace - once a Moorish ruler’s home, now a museum with stunning gardens overlooking the gorge.

Take in the Puente Nuevo

No visit to Ronda is complete without stopping at the Puente Nuevo, the town’s famous bridge that spans the dramatic El Tajo Gorge. Standing 100 metres above the gorge, it offers jaw-dropping views of the cliffs and valley below. Whether you admire it from above or take a walk to see it from the base, it’s a sight that will stay with you long after your visit.

Sip and savour local wines

Ronda is fast becoming known for its exceptional wines. The vineyards scattered around the countryside offer tastings where you can enjoy the flavours of the region. With a campervan, you can spend your day visiting these boutique wineries, and still have the comfort of home waiting for you nearby.

Discover beyond Ronda

With a campervan, day trips around Ronda are a breeze. Explore Setenil de las Bodegas, a charming village built into rock cliffs, or visit the ancient Roman ruins of Acinipo. For something a little more thrilling, head to the Caminito del Rey, a dramatic walkway suspended above a gorge.

SUMMARY

Whether you’re wandering through Ronda’s historic streets, gazing at its iconic bridge, or exploring the natural beauty of Andalucia, the freedom of a Hispavan campervan makes it all possible.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Baking History at El Jardín

COLLETTE grew up in Ireland and has fond memories of her time as a child helping at the village bakery. She recently opened El Jardín in Dolores and makes fantastic pastries.

Her bakery background inspires her café’s menu. “Since I was young, I’ve had a love of baking, I remember getting up at the crack of dawn at 10 years old and going to the bakery. The lady I helped, was ever so tough. ‘No don’t do it like that’, she’d say, ‘do it like this’. She was very specific. It struck me afterwards, she was like that because the measurements in baking are so important, even small errors can ruin something. She taught me to take care and I have had an interest ever since.”

Collette explained that she had adopted aspects of the local food styles but that she was developing her own signature foods for the café.

“I want my menu to be something that’s a bit different from standardised food, we’re so careful with the ingredients we use for our baked produce for example we only use butter for crois-

sants, never margarine, it’s the quality and texture. When we include tradition here it has to be quality tradition, and represent the café well.”

Dolores Town Hall have asked her to take part in April’s tapas route, she says that “In Vega Baja the artichoke is very important and the towns have an artichoke festival, everyone gets a chance to put forward an artichoke dish. I’m looking forward to taking part but I need to find the right dish, something practical to make lots at once but still be tasty.”

The village hub of activity

THE village restaurant has grown into a thriving hub of events, multi-course meals and is also the perfect spot to drink a coffee.

The Hondón Hub on the outskirts of Hondon de los Frailes, lies just outside of the main village and on the way to, or from, Hondon de las Nieves.

It reopened its doors after a lengthy refurbishment just a few short years ago and has since grown from strength to strength into a local restaurant that lives up to its name. It is a hub of activity, community and local events. There are live music gigs, frequent charity fundraising events and reliably delicious meals for every major occasion, be that the New

Year, Valentine’s Day or Christmas.

The Hub is known locally for their Fish Shop Fridays which are delicious and great value for money at just €13 for a large cod or haddock served with chips and traditional mushy peas, which can be ordered to take away.

I highly recommend trying their steak night on Thursday as they always cook them to perfection.

The Hondón Hub has a large indoor restaurant with a stage, a conservatory that is perfectly situated to enjoy a coffee and natter with friends and an outdoor terrace with amazing mountain views.

Hondón Hub, Partida Solana Galiana 20, Hondon De Los Frailes, 03689. Contact Number 865 664 073

Photo Credit: Abigail Frazer

BUTTERFLIES caf er ía

Cafeteria El Jardin

Craft your perfect Valentine’s Day

FANCY visiting somewhere a little different for an evening event in the Costa Blanca? Look no further than El Bosque Animado at Guardamar del Segura.

In February they have multiple acts scheduled, starting with Friday, February 7 when José Bolero will sing to audiences from 9.30pm. On Valentine’s Day Michael Bowen invites you to dance along with him and have a magical evening, February 14 from 9.30pm.

ENJOY AND RELAX WITH OUR GREAT COFFEE! AND...

ENJOY AND RELAX WITH OUR GREAT COFFEE! AND...

Breakfasts

Sandwiches + Rolls Cakes Drinks

Monday to Saturday

8.30am - 1.30pm / 3.30pm - 8pm Sunday 8.30am - 1.30pm

Plaza General Llopis 3, Dolores Just in front of the Town Hall

LOOKING for something a little different to do in the run up to Valentine’s Day? Then visit the Urban Coast Café’s Craft Valentine’s fair in Ciudad Quesada.

On Saturday, February 8 from 11am to 3.30pm the fair will have a variety of stalls for you to peruse. With unique and handmade crafts and jewellery that would make anyone the perfect gift. Have a long lunch in the café, a meander around the stalls and as Urban Coast Café say ‘Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day’.

Stallholders can still reserve spaces, although they are limited and should be reserved as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, you can do this over the phone on 633 594 063 or email them on urbancoastenquiries@ gmail.com.

The Urban Coast Café put on regular craft fairs every few weeks, and offer great wine, drinks and food alongside their events. Check them out on Facebook, where they post photos of all their delicious desserts and pastries. They cater perfectly to the lunchtime snack you could indulge in whilst you stroll around the craft market. For those with a sweet tooth they offer everything from carrot cake to cornflake and Oreo chocolate cakes with white fondant and check out their loaded flat breads for a tasty snack.

February 21 Mauris Guzman takes to the stage and the following Friday local duo Alkimia will be playing an amazing mix of pop, soul and rock for you, with both events starting at 9.30pm.

El Bosque Animado are an events venue, restaurant and bar, with a children’s indoor play area and beautifully modern outdoor terrace. They also have a great menu selection; a well-stocked bar and they are known for having fantastic rice dishes. They have a special menu on Wednesdays and Sundays for €20 per person that includes croquettes, Spanish salad, Paella and a drink.

To reserve a table WhatsApp 689 842 381 between the hours of 12am and 8pm.

A multicultural carnival

JOIN in the festival fun this February at the Orihuela Costa Carnival and dance along with the parade through the streets of Playa Flamenca.

On Saturday, February 15 the Carnival, organised by the Orihuela Costa Festival Committee will begin at 12pm with food, music and entertainment. There will be activities throughout the day but the highlight of the whole event will undoubtedly be the vibrant parade. Local dance groups and associations have been planning the procession and its entertainment for months, there will be live music, bands and DJs all performing to the crowds and bouncy castles to provide families with a lively and upbeat carnival atmosphere and a child-friendly day.

The parade starts at 5pm and sets off from the roundabout at Calle Nicolás de Bussi and Calle Pintor Ribera, heading in the direction of CEIP los Dolces.

CFOC or Comisión de Fiestas Orihuela Costa have appealed for more sponsors to collaborate with the carnival, those interested should reach out to them via Facebook.

The Carnival has been called Orihuela Costa Carnaval Multicultural and organisers say they want it to be an example of cultural integration.

The Orihuela Costa Carnival is the second locally, following the spectacular Torrevieja Carnival whose celebrations started slightly earlier but will run the whole month with activities every weekend.

Avd La Paz 63, Jacarilla, Alicante 03310 960 201 577

Photo

Drunk droning

Second-hand IKEA

A SWEDISH man has become the first person in the country to be convicted of ‘drone-driving’ while drunk - after police caught him flying the gadget at a classic car event while over the legal booze limit.

The 55-year-old was fined 32,000 SEK (around €2,500) after officers spotted his rogue device buzzing through the sky in a restricted no-fly zone over Rättvik, central Sweden.

When police tracked the drone’s pilot, they found the man swaying by the controls - later discovering his bloodstream contai-

ned 0.69 parts alcohol per 1,000.

Sweden, known for its tough drink-driving laws, sets the legal alcohol limit at 0.2 parts per 1,000. By comparison, the UK allows up to 0.8, while Spain, France, and Belgium set the cap at 0.5.

Despite being caught red-handed - or rather, redeyed and staggering - the man tried to dodge responsibility, later blaming a ‘friend’ who conveniently wasn’t there when police swooped in.

The court wasn’t buying it and handed down the fine, to be paid over 80 days

Credit: Shutterstock, Jag_cz

at 400 SEK (around €45) a pop.

The conviction is the first of its kind in Sweden, with prosecutor Jenny Holden Nyström telling broadcaster SVT: “I have not seen a case like this before. I am satisfied with the verdict.”

Judge Karin Hellmont explained that the court applied the same legal framework as it would for a drink-driving case.

“It is an aircraft. Even though it flies itself, it’s controlled by someone on the ground and could drop from a great height and injure someone.”

IN September of last year, Swedish company IKEA through its main franchisee INGKA launched a special online site in Norway and Spain allowing the sale of second-hand goods.

Known as Ikea Preowned is was tested in Oslo and Madrid and customers could either sell their furniture and other items back to IKEA or directly to individuals with no commission to IKEA.

For many, the attraction of not having to go through the frustration of taking flat pack material and building it themselves or hiring the more competent to do it for them must have been attractive.

There is also a general feeling in the IKEA boardroom that they should be seen to positively encourage people to pass their no longer needed items on to third parties rather then just throw them away.

The original test was due to last until the end of 2024, but now, because the sites have been so successful, it has been confirmed that not only will they continue to operate, but the ‘catchment area’ will be expanded to take in the whole of Norway and Spain.

The way the site works is relatively simple as the seller enters the items which they wish to sell using their own pictures with a selling price and then an artificial intelligence-enabled database

brings in its own promotional images and measurements.

The buyer collects the furniture directly from the seller, who has the option of receiving the amount agreed upon or a voucher for future IKEA purchases with an added 15 per cent bonus which would stimulate additional sales.

Drone flying near commercial aeroplanes.

First IKEA store outside of Sweden was opened in Norway.

NO more bustling and craning necks around the Mona Lisa as the Louvre museum nds the lady her own room.

Mona Lisa on the move

The €800 million plan was announced by President Macron on January 28 to upgrade the world’s most popular museum and the world’s most famous exhibit. He also announced a plan to start charging extra to see Leonardo’s 16th-century masterpiece. Macron said a vast programme of works were planned for the museum, in-

cluding a new entrance and an array of underground rooms, which would not be funded by taxpayers’ money. He said the Louvre would pay for much of the work itself, with its budget boosted by a surcharge on non-EU visitors.

Brits, Americans and other nationalities from outside the EU will be expected to pay between €25 and €30, while citizens from inside the EU will pay a regular €22. It is understood a similar pricing policy will also a ect the Palace of Versailles and the Musée D’Orsay. The surcharge will come into e ect in 2026.

“The museum is under threat from a worrying level of obsolescence!” said the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, in a memo to France’s Culture Secretary, describing a visit to the museum as a ‘physical ordeal’. The memo sparked a rethink about the layout and updating the entrance.

Many graduates unemployed

Akava reveals alarming ployment among univer-

A RECENT survey by Akava reveals alarming figures regarding unemployment among university graduates in Finland.

More than 52,000 highly educated individuals were unemployed at the end of 2024, with long-term unemployment figures nearing record levels.

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy (TEM) confirms that unemployment figures in Finland have continued to rise across all education levels. In December 2024, there were 321,560 unemployed job seekers, an increase of a staggering 23,900 compared to the previous year.

The ability to secure stable employment upon graduating is proving more difficult than ever.

Pasi Sorjonen, Chief Economist at Akava, described the situation as “disappointing,” warning that job vacancies remain exceptionally scarce, and “unemployment is unlikely to decline in the coming months.”

A worrying trend in the data is the increasing number of long-term unemployed university graduates. The figures are expected to surpass the highest levels recorded in the past decade, last seen in 2016.

Sorjonen stressed that these figures indicate a structural problem in the labour market, requiring urgent policy interventions to prevent further economic fallout. The data suggests that unemployment will likely continue to rise in early 2025, with no clear signs of recovery.

Finnish authorities may need to consider reforms to help the unemployed transition into new industries. Expanding access to upskilling and retraining programmes could be a key part of the solution.

University of Helsinki.

First Lidl pub

LIDL has won a court battle in the High Court in Northern Ireland to open its first-ever in-store pub.

The German supermarket chain has now been given the legal green light to open a bar inside its Dundonald store after a complaint had been brought against the proposed project by another local trader, near Belfast.

Mr Justice Colton said he saw “no good reason for refusing the application” for a bar that would accommodate around 45 customers as well as an off-licence. The Lidl pub will stock draught and bottled beers, wine, cider, and spirits, and no doubt Ireland’s favourite crisps, Taytos. Many of the brands on offer will be those already available on the shelves of the supermarket.

The supermarket had already been granted to go ahead with the pub

project back in August 2000 but was blocked when Philip Russell Ltd, which runs a number of convenience stores across Northern Ireland, requested an injunction be filed against the plan based on its claim that the chain had failed to establish that there was first a lack of pubs in the area.

Licences for new pubs legally depend on there being a shortfall of other similar businesses within a certain radius. Philip Russell Ltd also claimed that Lidl had applied for a licence in order to get around the Licence (NI) Order 1996. However, the judge was having none of it and allowed Lidl to go ahead with their project.

Lidl has been given the green light.

Your VOICE

Should there be bigger sanctions for feeding wild boars?

IN recent years, the issue of feeding wild boars has garnered quite a bit of attention in Spain. Many of us have seen these animals roaming the streets, scavenging for food - an occurrence that is becoming frequent in urban areas where food is easier to find. But don’t be fooled - these animals are not friendly!

As reported by Euro Weekly News, a resident in Mijas on the Costa del Sol was recently issued a €250 fine for feeding wild boars. This highlights the growing concern over human interactions with these animals, and their consequences.

Feeding wild boars can lead to several problems, including increased aggression towards humans, property damage, and overpopulation. Despite existing bans, instances of people feeding wild boars persist, suggesting that the current penalties may not be sufficient deterrents.

The situation prompts a discussion on whether bigger sanctions are necessary to protect both human communities and wildlife. We asked our readers for their thoughts.

Nigel Armitage supports feeding the boars, arguing that humans have devastated their natural habitats through urban development, poor land management, wildfires, and deforestation. He believes, “we should at least tolerate them when they invade our habitats.”

In contrast, Judith Dominique Wolfenegg favours stricter sanctions, writing, “Yes! What do those people actually think (if they think at all)?

Feeding wild animals, who then logically come closer and closer in the expectation of more. And when something happens, there’s a big outcry.”

Many readers argue that the boars have been displaced and should not be punished for seeking food. Colin Wheeler states, “the wild boar were here first,” while Teresa Tracy Ramsey adds, “If only they hadn’t been driven out of their natural habitat...”

Jeremy Newman shares an alternative approach used by his neighbours:

“I feed them kitchen scraps, in collaboration with neighbours. Location is forest, so it’s an attempt to stop them coming to town.”

Meanwhile, Sian Foster warns against feeding wildlife, explaining, “You shouldn’t feed any wild animals... Stop feeding them, you endanger their lives and disrupt nature.”

This week’s poll revealed mixed opinions, with the majority leaning towards allowing people to feed the boars. Many argued that the animals have been forced into urban areas through no fault of their own and deserve compassion.

However, it is important to acknowledge the potential dangers and consequences of feeding them, as they remain wild animals.

CREDIT: Shutterstock / Davide Zanin Photography

Wild boars have been forced into urban areas.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Still afloat

FAIRLINE YACHTS, which builds luxury boats, went into administration less than two months after it was bought by new investors, Arrowbolt Propulsion Systems, Sky News revealed. One of the 250 staff employed by the company said the insolvency was not expected to trigger redundancies.

Not yet

ABANCA, a medium sized retail bank based in Galicia, announced profits of €1.2 billion in 2024, a 69 per cent increase on the previous year. Speaking to the media, chairman Juan Carlos Escotet said that although the bank would consider a stock exchange listing, there were no immediate plans to float the company.

Going East

LONDON-BASED HSBC will axe divisions in Europe and the US, including those advising on stock market listings and takeovers, as it switches some operations to the Far East, its most important market. Most of the bank’s revenues originate there and many Asian shareholders would like the bank to relocate to China.

Mango choices

TONI RUIZ, chief executive of fashion chain, Mango, and a 5 per cent minority shareholder who took over as interim chairman following the death of founder Isak Andic in a climbing accident last December, was confirmed in the post. Andic’s son Jonathan, is now vice-chairman of Mango’s owner, Punto Fa.

Wind up

PRINCES GROUP, which makes Branston beans, said it would contemplate cutting jobs and moving production abroad if strikes go ahead as planned in February. Workers have rejected new owner Newlat’s 3 per cent pay increase and said former owners Mitstubishi had promised a rise of up to 7 per cent.

€160 billion STAT OF WEEK

current market capitalisation for Zara-owner Inditex which makes the textile group created by Amancio Ortega, the world’s 91st most-valuable company.

No Guinness sale

DRINKS company Diageo refuted rumours that it could sell Guinness or its 34 per cent holding in Cham pagne and Cognac company Moet Hennessy.

“We note the recent media spe culation around the Guinness brand and our stake in Moët Hennessy,” Diageo announced on January 26.

“We can confirm that we have no in tention to sell either.”

Nor would Guinness float on the stock market, insiders said.

Bloomberg reported the Diageo rumours on January 24, quoting ‘peo ple that asked not to be identified’ who stressed no final decision had been made, and there was no cer tainty that talks would lead to a deal.

A Guinness sale or spinoff would bring in around $10 billion (€9.6 bi llion), Bloomberg calculated, immediately sending up Diageo shares by

6.8 per cent.

This was its biggest hike in one day in the wake of a slump in shares since Debra Crew took over as chief executive in 2023, with the company reporting a decline in overall annual sales last July for the first time since the pandemic.

Guinness is now a megastar in the Diageo portfolio of more than 200 brands, which is heavier on spirits than beers, and was responsible for an 18 per cent increase in the company’s 2024 beer sales.

Newly popular with women and younger drinkers, including Generation Z, Guinness became the UK’s most popular beer in 2022 to overtake Carling lager and, as sales soared last December, Diageo had to put US shipments on hold and use its reserves in Ireland to meet demand.

Deal done

SPAIN’S state-owned shipbuilder Navantia completed its deal to acquire Harland & Wolff’s Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish facilities.

The sum involved was not disclosed but is understood to be around £70 million (€83.25 million).

Between 1,000 and 1,600 jobs have been saved, prompting Matt Robert

Bubbling up

CARLYLE is looking to sell its 60 per cent holding in Catalan cava-producer, Codorniu, unconfirmed sources revealed.

In October 2018 the risk capital fund paid €390 million for the stake, which included €90 million of debt and multiplied by 15 Codorniu’s gross operating profit.

By the end of Codorniu’s financial year in June 2024, the company reported €232 million in sales and a record net operating profit of €39 million.

from the GMB union to say that employees in all the yards would “breathe a sigh of relief” at finally working under stable ownership.

Nevertheless, the transaction involved putting H&W’s four shipyards in Belfast, Devon and Scotland into administration, enabling Navantia’s UK subsidiary to avoid taking

on the stricken company’s debts.

The deal ensures that there will be no setbacks to the £1.6 million (€1.9 bi-

Joint venture buzz

MASORANGE and Vodafone Spain, owned by UK company Zegona, are discussing a mobile joint venture.

According to the Spanish media, this would result in ‘multimillion combined resources including phone masts, equipment, transmission and staff.’

In early January the two companies confirmed that they would create a new fibre network joint venture, called FibreCo, reaching 12.2 million premises in areas where separate networks would not be economically viable.

Talks are still at an early stage and neither operator has commented on the new joint venture.

No figures have been mentioned, but should the new company materialise, insiders maintained that either party would be free to sell a stake and ‘raise millions’.

Joining

BRITISH engineering group Dowlais agreed to a $1.4 billion (€13.4 billion) takeover by Detroit-based company, American Axle and Manufacturing.

Dowlais, which makes automotive parts, said the deal with American Axle would help both companies to cope with the switch to electric vehicles. They expected to save around $300 million (€288 million) by sharing resources.

American Axle shareholders will own 51 per cent on the combined company in the cash-and-shares agreement, which represented a premium of approximately 25 per cent on the price of Dowlais shares.

llion) contract secured by Navantia UK, Harland and Wolff and the BMT Group to build three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Nothing wasted

THE Repsol board announced on January 29 that its plans to invest €800 million in a Tarragona (Catalonia) waste treatment plant could now go ahead.

Repsol explained that Ecoplant project had to be put on hold while the government’s windfall tax on energy companies was still in force.

The pioneering installation will transform and process up to 400,000 tons a year of solid non-recyclable household waste into 240,000 tons of sustainable fuel and ‘circular economy’ products, the oil and energy company said.

The plant should be operative by 2029, employing 2,800 people during construction and creating 340 jobs once completed.

WILLIAM VEREKER, chairman of Santander UK, said that he would resign later this year.

Vereker, a business envoy to former prime minister Theresa May, poured water on the Financial Times’ claims that he had clashed with Santander’s executive chairwoman, Ana Botin, regarding governance and resourcing.

“There is no substance in any suggestion of a rift between myself and Ana,” Vereker insisted, although his decision to step back came not long after Botin had to refute insiders’ claims that Santander was thinking of leaving the UK.

WH SMITH’S high street shops selling books and newspapers, are up for sale.

The chain founded 233 years ago reported a 6 per cent decline in sales in the 21 weeks ending January 25, a 6 per cent reduction on the same period last year.

In contrast, the company which is listed on the FTS 250, reported a 7 per cent increase in its travel arm’s sales which operate on railway stations, in airports and at hospitals in 32 countries.

Photo credit: Diageo

Photo credit: Flickr/William Murphy

NAVANTIA DEAL: H&W facilities acquired by the Spanish company.

DEBRA CREW: Chief executive at Guinness owner, Diageo.

3I Group 3.826,00 3.861,00 3.822,00 99,59K Admiral Group 2.695,0 2.700,0 2.684,0 15,88K

Airtel Africa 142,90 144,20 142,80 234,52K Anglo American 2.310,5 2.337,0 2.301,0 119,94K

Antofagasta 1.663,00 1.673,00 1.657,00 69,17K

Ashtead Group 5.164,0 5.214,0 5.134,0 75,14K Associated British Foods 1.862,5 1.890,5 1.857,5 41,75K AstraZeneca 11.266,8 11.316,0 11.228,0 122,3K

Auto Trader Group Plc 776,60 783,20 776,40 302,07K

Aviva 505,23 506,86 500,80 1,58M

B&M European Value Retail SA 319,20 320,20 317,00 207,67K

BAE Systems 1.225,00 1.229,50 1.213,50 485,63K Barclays 290,75 291,35 287,21 4,22M

Barratt Redrow 447,00 448,10 443,30 202,57K

Beazley 829,00 832,00 820,00 46,38K

Berkeley 3.800,0 3.836,0 3.792,0 19,04K

BP 418,70 421,00 417,00 4,37M

British American Tobacco 3.182,0 3.225,0 3.182,0 348,62K

BT Group 142,52 143,00 140,05 1,49M Bunzl 3.404,0 3.428,0 3.402,0 16,77K Centrica 141,65 142,70 140,99 1,25M

2.842,0 2.782,0 57,05K

2.783,00 2.794,00 2.773,00 197,07K

Group 240,40 243,90 240,40 314,72K

Intl 3.244,1 3.289,0 3.238,0 19,23K

5.480,0 5.575,0 5.465,0 16,14K

2.346,8 2.374,0

96,79K

688,71 691,50 674,00 120,21K

Euro

EUR/GBP: Up from £0.82 to £0.84

EUR/USD: Unchanged at $1.04

Trade in the euro has been mixed over the past month amid uneven Eurozone economic releases and dovish signals from the European Central Bank (ECB).

In terms of data, while there have been a couple of positive releases, this was largely offset by confirmation that Germany’s economy contracted for a second consecutive year in 2024.

Dovish commentary from the European Central Bank (ECB) has also dragged on EUR exchange rates, while the euro’s negative correlation with the US dollar has also infused volatility into the single currency in recent weeks.

Still to come this month is the ECB’s latest interest rate decision. An expected rate cut from the bank could see the euro end

Currency outlook: Pound rocked by UK bond market turmoil, US dollar soars amid falling Fed rate cut bets

January on a sour note, particularly if the bank hints that more easing will be needed in the coming months.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Down from €1.20 to €1.18

GBP/USD: Down from $1.25 to $1.23

The pound has gotten off to a dreadful start in 2025, with GBP exchange rates sliding to multi-month lows amid turmoil in the UK bond market.

GBP investors were rattled as government borrowing costs surged to a new three-decade high, sparking fears of additional tax hikes and spending cuts from Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

A surprise slowdown in UK inflation then offered some respite to Sterling, as bets for a Bank of England (BoE) rate cut next month helped to calm markets. Unsurprisingly, the focus now turns to the BoE’s rate decision at the start of February. With market conditions having now

normalised, we expect an announcement to cut interest rates will likely weigh on the pound.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Up from £0.79 to £0.81

USD/EUR: Unchanged at €0.96

The US dollar continued to attract notable support over the past month, with the currency striking a new multi-year high along the way.

This was linked to expecta-

tions for the incoming Donald Trump administration, as well as the falling odds that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year.

However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the US dollar, with the currency giving up some ground as markets speculated over the timing of his tariff plans.

Going forward, it seems safe to assume that movement in the US dollar will be tied to Trump’s first moves in office. The more his remarks rattle markets, the more we are likely to see investors favour the safe-haven US dollar.

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

Trade in the euro has been mixed over the past month.

I miss the politeness

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ONE thing I did learn on my recent London trip, was not to encourage any Uber driver into a political discussion. In the main, most Uber employees are (obviously legal) immigrants. True to any London taxi drivers form however, they are, (or consider themselves to be!) experts on just about any subject you care to mention, with current affairs undoubtedly a favourite.

The problem is, once they start, they are difficult to stop. In around a dozen journeys I found out more about Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq than any ‘Arab Spring’ discussions I’ve had since the criminal acts of Blair and Bush got us into it all. The open attitude of these cabbies rather sums up the feeling I got from most of London’s ethnic immigrant population.

The majority are extremely upbeat. From shop assistants to museum guides, I found them generally polite, enthusiastic, confident and certainly not backward in coming forward. In fact, while shopping in a local chemist, I

remarked to my companion that we needed candles. Her light-hearted suggestion of buying fork ‘andles, ala the Two Ronnies, brought a roar of laughter from the Pakistani assistant, who then proceeded to regale us with jokes from his favourite TV show, which happened to be Fawlty Towers

- ‘I come from Barcelona’ he said ‘I know nothing’! Unfortunately, this light-hearted attitude doesn’t extend to the Brits.

Personally, I think the locals simply don’t know what’s hit them. To me, most of them appeared to be living under a cloud of doomy acceptance and who can blame them?

They have been paralysed by the politically correct brigade, fleeced of free speech, overwhelmed by immigration and deprived of intellectual political leadership to the point of utter submission. They also appear to have relinquished to my mind one of their most endearing and strongest weapons of all, the wonderful British sense of humour.

Any attempt at a merry quip, particularly toward shop assistants, is met by an icy glare of suspicion while they apparently try and work out whether

you are being sexist or in some way abusive. The look I got when, purely by force of habit, I said thanks ‘love’ to a checkout girl (person!) had me looking back over my shoulder to see if she was dialling 999!

Oddly enough, I actually do believe it could all still work, but not under this bunch of political pussies and certainly not under Starmer. What they need is a Winnie or Thatcher or even a Trump. Strong decisive leadership; someone to give the British a degree of optimism. A leader who can instil a national ambition to somehow succeed in this unprecedented diversity of existence they have been subjected to by the incompetent politicians and woke happy brigade. All in all, I actually left the old country with a certain degree of sadness.

One thing I will miss however is the politeness. ‘Excuse me’. ‘Oops I’m sorry’. ‘My fault’ and ‘after you’ were expressions one doesn’t hear quite as often as one should in the country of our choice!

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

or sponsors.

DHL strike looming

TRADE union

Verdi is calling for a one-day strike of all DHL services, with the subsidiary of logistics giant Deutsche Post, insisting that high operating costs call for ‘economically viable’ increases in wage improvements.

DHL group, which operates German postal service Deutsche Post, and amasses some 170,000 employees across the country delivering mail each day, is set to see its workforces strike, with Verdi deputy chairperson Andrea Kocsis providing a statement.

“We mean this seriously, we are ready to fight for our demands.” This comes as Verdi announced they will fight for a 7 per cent wage hike and more paid leave days for its employees, who feel they are incredibly hard done by amid the financial crisis that still impacts many German sectors.

Kocsis stressed an urgent requirement for wages to be increased to cope with the soaring of living costs in Germany, labelling the logistic firm DHL’s position on wage hikes ‘unacceptable’.

Deutsche Post argued that costs in the industry were too high and demanded ‘economically viable’ salary increases to cope.

The next round of talks will commence on Wednesday February 12.

INTERVIEW

Tom Pedersen, Dane in Malaga

Twenty-six-year-old Tom Pedersen has been living in Malaga for the last five years after arriving just before the pandemic hit. At first, Covid restrictions meant he couldn’t return home. Now, he doesn’t particularly want to.

EWN: Where are you from, Tom?

Tom: I’m from a tiny place in the centre of Denmark called Billund. It’s pretty different there. Nothing like this.

EWN: What are you doing here?

Tom: I manage a gym in Malaga, and ge nerally I’m just enjoying myself. Life’s good here.

EWN: So, what keeps you here?

Tom: The weather, the friends I’ve made, the hours of sunlight here. It’s cool here. To be honest with you, I can’t think of anyone my age back in Denmark who doesn’t want to be living in Spain at the moment. Especially in Malaga. It’s absolutely the best place

to be right now. As a base, at least. Although, I love loads of places around the world. At only 26, Tom has set himself the goal of visiting 30 countries before his 30th birthday.

Tom: I’ve done most of Europe so far. Brazil was amazing. Peru, Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia. I’ve not got to Australia yet, but I will when I get enough time off work.

EWN: How are you getting on with the Spanish?

Tom: I get by. It’s not too bad. We used to visit here a lot because my uncle lives in Malaga.

EWN: Will you ever go back to living in Denmark?

Tom: Why? (He laughs).

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

DHL workers to go on strike in Germany.

Credit: Efrem Efre, Pexels.

Tom Pedersen from Denmark.

Credit: EWN

Colourful history

LIPSTICK, a beauty staple for centuries, has a rich and colourful history. Its origins trace back to Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago, where women crushed gemstones to adorn their lips with shimmer. Ancient Egyptians, including the iconic Cleopatra, elevated lipstick to an art form by blending carmine dye extracted from crushed insects with wax and oils, creating bold red hues that symbolised status and power.

In Greece, however, lipstick carried a different meaning. It was initially associated with courtesans and regulated by law to avoid misuse during daylight hours. By the Middle Ages, the church viewed cosmetics with suspicion, labelling them as tools of deception. Despite this, lipstick reemerged in Renaissance Europe, with

Breakfast & brain health

A NEW STUDY suggests that skipping breakfast could negatively impact brain health in older adults, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

Recent research followed over 850 older participants, tracking their cognitive function and brain health. Regular breakfast skippers performed worse on cognitive tests and were more likely to show signs of neurodegeneration, as confirmed by MRI scans.

Experts believe breakfast provides essential glucose, the brain’s preferred energy source. “Skipping breakfast disrupts energy consumption in the brain,” says Dr Raymond Romano. Neurologist Dr Amit Sachdev adds, “The brain requires blood sugar - it has no other significant energy source.”

Queen Elizabeth I famously favouring crimson lips.

The 20th century transformed lipstick into a global phenomenon. Innovations like the swivel tube, introduced in 1923, made it portable and accessible. Hollywood’s golden age further popularised bold lip colours, turning stars like Marilyn Monroe into lipstick icons.

Today, lipstick represents individuality and self-expression, offering countless shades and formulas to suit every personality. From ancient royalty to modern runways, this timeless cosmetic continues to empower and inspire.

For optimal brain health, ex- perts recommend balanced diets like the DASH and Mediterranean diets, focusing on fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats while reducing red meat and processed foods. Simple changes, such as eating more fruit and nuts, can make a big difference. While more research is needed, starting the day with a healthy meal could be crucial for longterm cognitive function.

Hair raising history

HAIRSPRAY has a fascinating history, evolving from humble beginnings to a beauty staple. Before the advent of modern aerosol sprays, people relied on home-made solutions and natural ingredients to style and hold their hair.

Early methods included sugar water, liquid bandoline or diluted gum arabic, all of which provided a sticky hold but lacked the convenience and finesse of today’s products. These rudimentary solutions were often applied with combs or brushes, requiring precision and patience.

The concept of hairspray as we know it began to take shape in the 1940s when the first aerosol spray cans, originally developed for insecticides during the Second World War, were adapted for cosmetic use. In 1948, Chase Products launched the first aerosol hairspray, revolutionising hairstyling with its ease of application and long-lasting hold. By the 1950s and 60s, hairspray became a cultural icon, synonymous with voluminous hairstyles of the era. Over time, hairsprays evolved with improved formulas, offering stronger hold, flexibility, and even environmentally friendly options.

Shutterstock

/ Irina Bg

Shutterstock / Lia Koltyrina

Photo Credit : Shutterstock, JeniFoto

NO NO A big

MAKE-UP is a powerful tool to enhance your features, but certain mistakes can undermine your look. Here are five common make-up mistakes to avoid for a flawless finish.

First, neglecting skincare before applying make-up is a big misstep. Without a hydrated base, make-up can cling to dry patches, leaving your skin uneven and dull. Always cleanse, moisturise, and use a primer before applying foundation.

Second, overdoing foundation or using the wrong shade can ruin your look.

Too much product creates a cakey effect, while mismatched colours leave an unnatural finish. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and apply sparingly, blending well.

Third, skipping eyebrow grooming or overfilling your brows can distort your natural appearance.

Aim for a shape that flatters your face, using light strokes to avoid harsh lines.

Fourth, wearing heavy eyeliner on both upper and lower lids can close off your eyes. Balance is key - choose softer lines to enhance your eye shape.

Finally, forgetting to remove makeup before bed clogs pores, leading to breakouts and premature ageing. Proper removal ensures healthier, fresher skin.

Avoiding these mistakes will keep your make-up looking polished and your skin glowing.

EARLY risers are often regarded as more proactive, motivated, and productive compared to those who prefer to sleep in. Waking up early provides a quiet, distraction-free start to the day, allowing individuals to focus on tasks such as planning, exercise, or personal development before the usual daily demands begin.

Many successful people attribute their achievements to early rising, as it gives them extra time to set goals,

The 5am club

organise their thoughts, and establish a structured routine. This sense of accomplishment early in the day can lead to increased motivation and better time management. Morning hours also tend to align with societal expectations, allowing early risers to maximise their productivity during traditional work and business hours.

However, it is important to recognise that

not everyone functions best in the morning. Some individuals naturally perform better in the evening, and forcing an early schedule may lead to fatigue or decreased efficiency. Ultimately, the key to success lies in understanding personal energy patterns and developing a routine that aligns with them, whether that means rising early or making the most of later hours.

Costa del Sol Sport city • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

TORREMOLINOS will see a total of 982 foreign athletes pass through the sports facilities throughout the month of February, and it’s a big money bet that’s paying off for the town.

The presence of these athletes will generate a direct economic impact of €492,320 with 6,154 overnight stays in the town’s hotels. Specifically, a total of 42 groups, including 24 swimming teams with 562 swimmers and 18 football clubs with 420 players, are arriving in Torremolinos.

From the point of view of Torremolinos Council, it is a new sample of what we call ‘sports tourism’.

The vast majority of the swimming teams, who will train at the Virgen del Carmen III pool, come mostly from the UK, although there will also be groups from France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium and Romania. Among the football teams that will land in the town, most will come from Switzerland but there will also be teams from France, Germany, Denmark and Norway.

Axarquia Nerja’s strong economy

NERJA recently shared their unemployment figures for 2024. Nerja ended 2024 with a significant 14.9 per cent decrease in unemployment, leading the eastern Costa del Sol region. This means 237 fewer people are unemployed compared to 2023, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística) and the Argos Observatory of the Junta de Andalucia (Regional Government of Andalucia).

Mayor José Alberto Armijo called the numbers ‘very positive’, pointing out the healthy state of Nerja’s economy and the boost in job creation. He highlighted the town’s efforts to become more attractive for both residents and businesses, with a special mention to the tourism sector, which has expanded its services by hiring more staff. This growth is largely due to the high tourism occupancy in 2024.

Ángela Díaz, the councillor for Human Resources also expressed the town’s ongoing commitment to active employment policies.

Mallorca

Hidden gems

THE prestigious National Geographic has recently named four Mallorcan villages among Spain’s most charming places, recognising their rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance.

The selected four villages, Pollença, Valldemossa, Deià, and Fornalutx, offer travellers a truly Spanish experience.

Pollença, a town with Roman origins, takes visitors on a historical journey. Its charming old town, featuring cobbled streets, mixes medieval architecture with elegant mansions.

Valldemossa is known for its artistic legacy. In the 19th century, the village became famous for hosting George Sand and Polish composer, Frédéric Chopin. Deià is celebrated not only for its beautiful scenery but also its artistic ties.

Fornalutx is often called one of Mallorca’s most beautiful villages, and its narrow cobbled streets give it a fairytale feel, making it a perfect place to wander and explore.

Costa Blanca North A Nation decides

WITH the Eurovision excitement building, after an intense few weeks of rehearsals, press conferences, and televised performances, the time to celebrate has finally arrived. An equally combined judging panel and public vote have led to Melody being declared the winner of Benidorm Fest 2025. She will now perform her song, Esa Diva, as the Spanish entry for Eurovision 2025, which will take place in Basel in May. A total of 37 countries will battle it out at what can only be described as the ‘Olympics of pop music’.

Spain, together with France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and last year’s winner Switzerland, are automatically pre-qualified for the Grand Final. The remaining countries will first compete in two semi-finals with the top 10 from each going through to the Grand Final which takes place on May 17.

Benidorm Fest was held live at the Palau Municipal d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm and attracted a television audience of nearly two million viewers.

Almeria

Almeria takes centre stage

BETWEEN February 5 and 7, the city of Berlin will serve as a global hub for the fruit and vegetable industry. This marks the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Fruit Logistica, a German trade fair that provides an opportunity for professionals from across the globe to connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses within this crucial business sector. The event is taking place at the Messe Berlin Exhibition and Congress Centre, and more than 2,500 exhibitors from 86 countries are showcasing their products and innovations.

Additionally, around 66,000 professional visitors from 145 different countries are in attendance, highlighting the global significance of this gathering.

Spain is playing an important role in this year’s event, with Almeria being represented by a delegation of over 400 individuals, from approximately 100 companies from Almeria. However, this is not surprising given its status as the national leader in fruit and vegetable exports.

Costa Calida

Toasting Murcia’s success

TWENTY-FOUR wineries from Murcia are putting their best wines on display at Barcelona Wine Week, an international trade fair. The event gives local producers a chance to connect with buyers from around the world and expand into new markets.

The wineries, representing the three official wine regions of Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas, are not only presenting their wines but also hosting special tastings in luxury hotels. A highlight of the event is a food and wine pairing competition, with the winner set to be announced.

Murcia’s wine exports continue to grow, reaching over €144 million between January and November 2024. The United States remains the biggest buyer, followed by Germany, the UK, and Canada. Exports to France have also increased by 83 per cent, bringing in nearly €7 million.

Regional officials stress the importance of events like this in promoting Murcia’s wines.

PETS

Rio loves walking with the dog-sitter

RIO is a pretty adventurous dog, and a great woods walker. Dogsitters are asked to walk him twice a day because he has a lot of energy. Moreover he’s so accustomed to having dogsitters look after him that he happily poses for photos the sitter can then send to his owner Gillian when she travels away from home.

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!

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters 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 travelling in 2025 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a house.sitter or a home owner on HouseSitMatch.

2. Join for as little as £89 / €99

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 home owners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials -

4.9 / 5 Excellent

We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process.

Pat Creighton, Pet owner

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

Palentine’s treats

VALENTINE’S Day isn’t just for humans - our pets deserve a little extra love too! Treating your furry friend to something special is a great way to celebrate the occasion while ensuring they enjoy a delicious and healthy snack.

Home-made pet treats are a fun way to show you care. For dogs, heart-shaped peanut butter and oat biscuits are a wholesome choice, while cats might enjoy tuna-flavoured treats made with simple, natural ingredients. Always ensure ingredients are pet-safe by avoiding chocolate, xylitol, and excessive sugar.

Valentine’s treats are available in stores, from gourmet biscuits to themed chew toys. Some brands even offer pink or red treats made with natural colourings like beetroot.

Beyond food, spending quality time with your petwhether it’s an extra-long walk, a cosy cuddle session, or a new toy - can be the perfect way to make them feel special. After all, love knows no bounds, especially when it comes to our four-legged friends.

MINCE PIE

BLINDS

DRAINS

ENERGY

SOLAR ENERGY

STORAGE

BYD introduces compact ATTO 2 SUV

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

BYD is introducing the new ATTO 2 SUV, it has the raised ride height of an SUV but in a package that is tailored more to urban streets and parking arrangements and complements the larger ATTO 3.

The front of the vehicle features full-LED headlights and slim daytime-running lights, the sides have lower cladding, broken up by highlights, to help accentuate the height of the car. ATTO 2 comes in Climbing Grey paint as standard, with three shades - Hiking Green, Skiing White and Cosmos Black - available as options.

Inside the layout has the premium materials BYD had become known for in its interiors.

The cabin features padded surfaces in all key areas, and integrated handles in the front and rear doors, as well as in the lower centre console.

The centre console con tains a pair of cup-hol ders and an integrated arm rest, which opens up to reveal one of se veral storage areas.

The drive selector it self has a cut-diamond look, while the area su rrounding it incorpora tes hard keys for some key functions, such as the winds creen demister, along with a volume knob for the sound system and a switch that flicks between the car’s driving modes.

panoramic glass roof, which allows generous amounts of natural light for all occupants. Designed with EVs in mind,

main practical enough for fa mily use.

Beyond the passenger compartment, the ATTO 2’s

boot measures 400 litres and can be increased to 1,340 litres when the split folding rear seat is lowered. The Blade Battery technology is space efficient, with cells installed directly instead of being fitted in multiple modules. This allows more cells to be squeezed into the same area than with a conventional battery construction. In addition, the Blade Battery is also 100 per cent free of cobalt and

ATTO 2 will be offered with a choice of two battery sizes. At launch the standard range will have a rated capacity of 45.1 kWh, delivering a range of 195 miles. Its front-mounted motor produces 130 kW. In the coming months, a larger-battery version will arrive, and full specifications on this and details on the ATTO 2’s standard-equipment lists and range structure, will be announced.

FEATURE

The LEGAL way to scrap your vehicle ADVERTISING

WITH over 13 years in the automotive trade along Costa Blanca, Bradley Breakers have accumulated a wealth of stories, many of them cautionary tales that shed light on the intricacies of vehicle ownership and scrapping in Spain.

Picture this: you’ve bid farewell to your trusty old banger, convinced that it’s been consigned to the scrapyard, only to be blindsided by a hefty fine

months later. It’s a scenario that has played out more times than one might imagine, as long as your name remains tethered to the document of ownership, you bear legal responsibility for that vehicle.

Unlike the processes encountered in other countries, the Spanish system of scrapping a vehicle is full of regulations and requirements, made even more complex by the recent Environmental Badges.

Bradley Breakers are experts in navigating this bureaucratic minefield. With their expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, they offer a seamless solution to this daunting task. They’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that it’s as simple as you could wish for. They will ensure that you receive the official DGT Certificate (Baja), knowing that your car has been properly disposed of.

When it comes to selling or scrapping your car, peace of mind is paramount. That’s why it’s crucial to trust a reputable company like Bradley Breakers.

Contact Bradley Breakers 607 848 332 • bradleybreakerscatral1@outlook.com

Calle Aurora, Boreal 12, Poligono In, Pla de la Vallonga, Alicante. Or visit Facebook page and check our 5 star rating and reviews on www.facebook.com/desguacesalicante

Madrid’s ‘new signing’ for City clash Neymar signs for Santos!

NEYMAR has confirmed he will make a magical return to join his boyhood club Santos in Brazil, by signing a six month deal after his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal was terminated.

Neymar last featured for Santos nearly 12 years ago, beginning his career with the Brazilian giants. He was pivotal in the club’s domestic dominance during the period in which he represented the club professionally, helping Santos to win six titles, including the prestigious Copa Libertadores, from 2010 to 2013.

Neymar has taken a significant pay cut on the prior $104 million he was receiving at the Saudi club, and this simply shows his passion and adulation for the place he once called home for so many years.

“It is time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts,” Santos president Marcelo Teixeira preached, welcoming the 32-yearold star back with open arms to a club that helped to shape the player Neymar is today.

Neymar, not wishing to wait a moment longer took to social media to make the announcement, saying: “I couldn’t wait until tomorrow, my family and friends already know my decision. I will sign a contract with Santos. I want to thank the fans from all over the world who have wanted this moment so much.”

REAL MADRID are ready to unveil an unexpected ‘new signing’ when they face Manchester City in their upcoming Champions League knockout.

Madrid and City have turned into near-annual rivals in Europe’s biggest competition. They’ve faced off in the semi-finals twice and the quarterfinals just last season. Madrid famously triumphed in 2022, then City got their revenge a year later and lifted the trophy. In 2024, Ancelotti’s men sneaked past City on penalties in the quarterfinal before marching on to conquer Bayern in the semis and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, securing their record-extending 15th Champions League crown.

This time round, the first leg on Tuesday February 11 heads to the Etihad, with the decisive second clash at the Bernabeu just eight days later. Expect fireworks - and a possible new secret weapon in white.

Fans have been buzzing about Da-

vid Alaba’s long-awaited return. He’s been sidelined since suffering a devastating ACL rupture in December 2023. After more than a year out, Alaba finally made a brief cameo against Brest, enjoying eight precious minutes on the pitch.

Ancelotti is desperate to shore up a shaky defence that’s left him ‘breaking out in cold sweats’. With Eder Militao ruled out by a second ACL tear in as many seasons and President Florentino Perez keeping the chequebook firmly shut, Alaba might just be the tonic Real Madrid need at centre-back. The Austrian veteran brings 119 Champions League appearances and three final outings to the table.

Neymar’s magical Santos return.

Real Madrid’s ‘new signing’ for Man City clash - it’s not who you think!