ISSUE NO. 1621
28 July - 3 August 2016
COSTA DEL SOL
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Shelter from the storm By Matthew Elliott While the world watches in horror as a wave of senseless violence targets innocent civilians across Europe on a now almost daily frequency, Spain has positioned itself as one of the continent’s leading lights, proving time and time again to be on the ball when it comes to protecting its people. Enhanced security along the coast, on the Costa del Sol and other renowned hotspots, has helped contribute to a record breaking year for tourism and local business, as Brits, Germans, Scandinavians and Americans choose southern Spain as the safest destination for their families. The nation remains on high alert following the distressing episodes in France and Germany but, unlike those countries which have been torn apart by security failings, Spain has to its credit been proactive in deploying its considerable resources and experience. Strict laws, solid intelligence and generous police powers have seen Spain arrest far more suspects than the UK or Germany, while the security apparatus has radically evolved to be prepared for any threat, building on substantial exper-
tise from the ETA years. On Wednesday July 27 Operation Minerva saw Spain lead a 13 country exercise designed to secure ports across the southern coast in one of the EU’s most highly developed anti-immigration strategies.
The interior minister has confidently stated that “we are more prepared than ever,” while a variety of false alarms, most notably in Nerja and Malaga, were met with the rapid readiness of fully equipped security forces at the
scene within seconds. Travel agents, embassies, authoritative websites and intelligence services agree Spain is one of the safest places in these troubled times, shielded by distance, a lack of military engagement, low refugee immigration,
and a smart, effective and experienced security strategy. It’s a chaotic and confusing world out there but it’s heartening to know that there’s still one bastion of calmness, courage and community, the very same place we call home.