Euro Weekly News - Costa Blanca South 15 - 21 April 2021 Issue 1867

News

The people’s paper ISSUE NO. 1867

15 - 21 April 2021

No thanks ONLY 5 per cent of students, lecturers and employees at Elche’s Miguel Hernandez University took up an offer for training in Artificial Intelligence. Only 775 out of a total of 16,200 people showed any interest in the course.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH • WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

NOT LONG NOW!

Better roads PROVINCIAL council, the Diputacion, will spend €2.733 million on improving 10 roads in Alicante Province between 2021 and 2022. A total of €1.032 million will be allocated to three-much used Vega Baja roads in Albatera, Catral and Bigastro.

Clean river THE Confederation Hidrografica del Segura (CHS), which is responsible for southern Alicante’s waterways, intends to install barriers to prevent rubbish and litter in the Vega Baja’s network of irrigation channels and dams from reaching the River Segura.

Beached whale A SPERM WHALE washed up on the Els Vivers beach in Guardamar last Tuesday had clearly died some days prev i o u s l y. I t w a s b r o u g h t t o the shore by currents and the cause of death was not apparent sources said.

SLIGHT RELAXATION: Ximo Puig and Ana Barcelo announce an increase in existing anti-covid measures.

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FREE • GRATIS

Clean up our town

‘DISGUSTED’ residents are demanding ‘urgent action’ to clean up their Costa Blanca town and ‘save the summer season.’

Embarassed at the ‘deplorable’ state of parts of Orihuela Costa, residents have launched a petition demanding the council draw up an ‘urgent action plan’ to clean up the streets.

More than 240 people have already signed the petition calling for ‘nothing more than the services and facilities to which any citizen has the right.’ They claim “a street can go seven months without clean‐ ing or pruning,” and there are broken and obsolete streetlights, holes in all the roads, and old or non‐existent street signs.

“There are abandoned green areas, children’s playgrounds are in a deplorable and dangerous state, urbanisations are cut off from each other due to a lack of or impassable pavements,” residents complain. “Spending of public money in real botched jobs without supervision, landslides, important and necessary repairs that have not been done for years... 50,000 people (live here) on a regular basis and the population quintuples in high season, we have no library, cultural centre, a single health centre ‐ shameful ‐ an alarming lack of police, non‐existent citizen care, no employment plans, tourism, so‐ cial services...” they continue.

“Easter has passed, and Orihuela Costa has seen far from the min‐ imum cleaning and maintenance. That is why we demand the town hall make an urgent action plan to save the summer season.”

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15 - 21 April 2021

Fight for water rights THE Vega Baja has Generalitat support in the fight against plans to reduce its supply of Tajo-Segura water.

Regional president Ximo Puig rejected the latest cutback approved by the National Water Commission, announcing that although the Generalitat hoped for mutual agreement, it would

fight an unfavourable decision through the courts if necessary.

The Vega Baja’s agricultural growers depend on Tajo-Segura water for their crops and Puig declared that neither the Commission nor the central government should take unilateral decisions that affected the province’s future.

Amazon Flex Hiring AMAZON, the world’s largest online retail company, has announced exciting new opportunities for drivers in Alicante. Having confirmed on March 5 its intention to open a new logistics centre in the Polígono Llano del Espartal, in the vicinity of Mercalicante, the e‐ commerce giant is not only looking for staff to work in its new centre, but also needs several people to carry out deliveries throughout the province.

“You will never be able to work less than one hour and more than four hours a day,” Mr Harper said.

Amazon explained that new drivers can expect to earn up to €56 for a four hour block, or €14 per hour.

Working six days per week, a self‐employed delivery driver would be looking at earning approximately €1,334 per month, but this is before taking tax, au‐ tonomo payments and petrol into account.

As well a medium-term 80-cubic hectometre reduction in the amount of water reaching southern Alicante, the Commission - and Madrid - foresee another cut of 70-cubic hectometres for the Tajo’s environmental flow, required to sustain the quality of river water and its ecosystem.

Elche’s mayor Carlos Martinez has also joined the fray.

“I want to express the municipal government’s categorical and emphatic support for the Tajo-Segura water transfers to Alicante Province and the Campo de Elche,” Martinez declared.

“We also back growers’ proposals that the Spanish government should halt any modification to the regulations until the Tajo Basin’s Water Plan has been approved,” the mayor added.

“This water is essential for Campo de Elche agriculture and cannot be renounced or substituted.”

NEWS

Court martial for intruder Read all about it

A TRESPASSER who entered the Torre de los Americanos site in Guardamar faces a four‐year sen‐ tence from a military court.

He was spotted by CCTV cam‐ eras in April last year, climbing a wall to get inside the radio‐naval station before hiding amongst the pine trees that surround the instal‐ lation with its military communica‐ tions tower.

The intruder was immediately warned with loudspeaker mes‐ sages from the security guards in‐ side the station as well as the

Guardia Civil but was not intercept‐ ed and arrested until 90 minutes later.

The 380‐metre high communica‐ tions tower, which was built by the US Navy in 1962, is still the tallest structure in the European Union. It now belongs to Spain and is main‐ tained by Spanish Marines, but is undetectable on Google Maps and Google Earth.

Despite tremendous technologi‐ cal advances, military sources maintain that the tower is used to communicate with submarines.

Not exactly a waste THE presence of Covid‐19 in wastewater does not necessarily determine the pandemic’s situation at that particular moment.

This was one of the principal conclusions of a report that Miguel Hernan‐ dez University (UMH) researchers prepared at the request of Mireia Molla, who heads the regional government’s Environment department.

“There is still a long way to go before this tool can be used to evaluate ‐ even approximately ‐ the number of inhabitants who could be affected by the coronavirus,” maintained the team headed by Jose Navarro Pedreño.

“There are many variables that can affect the water, including seasonal fac‐ tors that could modify its temperature or alter samples owing to rainfall.”

In future, the report continued, it would be desirable to unify the meth‐ ods used, even when the wastewater’s characteristics are different, as a framework for a study inside the Valencian Community, the report suggest‐ ed.

SANT POLA’S public libraries received a €2,000 prize to spend on more books.

The cash came from the 20th edition of the Maria Moliner Reading Campaign, a competition that Santa Pola has entered on three occasions, winning an award each time with a project aimed at encourag‐ ing readers of all ages.

This year’s entry, Bib‐ liotecas de Santa Pola 2020: Travesia por la pandemia (Santa Pola Libraries: A voy‐ age through the pandemic), set out the strategies and juggling the libraries had to use to provide a service for readers, relying heavily on new technology and the so‐ cial media.

The €2,000 was spent in Santa Pola bookshops, ex‐ plained Culture councillor Trinidad Ortiz Gomez, con‐ sistent with the town hall’s policy of helping small local businesses.

NEWS

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NIBS EXTRA Covid queries THE regional government, the Generalitat, reminded Valencian Community residents that they can ring the 900 300 555 free phone number to clear up doubts regarding the anti-Covid vaccination. Trained staff will explain what to do in any situation arising from the vaccination process, the Health department said.

Drug surprise FIREFIGHTERS called to a fire in Torrevieja’s Calle Tajo found a marihuana plantation in one of the rooms. Fire brigade sources suggested that as so often happens in these circumstances, the blaze was possibly the result of a short-circuit caused by the electrical equipment used to bring on the plants.

All clear TEDAX bomb-disposal experts checked an Elche car after a resident contacted the National Police following threats from an irate acquaintance who hinted that he had planted an explosive device. Following standard procedures, the police contacted TEDAX who examined the vehicle with a sniffer dog before pronouncing it clean.

Freemasons support ‘Help at Home’ THE Worshipful Master of local Freemason’s Lodge, Las Salinas, Keith Carter presented a much needed hospital style bed to ‘Help at Home’ General Secretary Susie Brice on Wednesday March 31 at their premises in Cabo Roig. President Patricia Muirhead thanked the Freemasons most sincerely for their support, adding that the new bed would be put to good use right away.

‘Help at Home’ is a registered charity that offers short term support and assistance for peo-

AS well as the capital of the former kingdom of Valencia, Spain has seven more Valencias, albeit double-barrelled.

There are four Valencias in the US, three in the Philippines, one each in Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Ecuador and South Africa, not forgetting the Valencia neighbourhood in Lahore (Pakistan).

THE Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) is spending €1.93 million on 14 Vega Baja indus‐ trial estates.

On his recent visit to Orihuela, Rafa Climent, who heads the Gener‐ alitat’s Sustainable Economy de‐ partment, said that the regional government and public sector IVACE had launched a re‐industriali‐ sation scheme some time ago.

“We have backed productive sec‐ tors and industries in areas where they play a key role in generating quality, sustainable employment.”

The IVACE cash will be used to improve, modernise and provide in‐ frastructure and services for Vega Baja industrial estates and technolo‐ gy parks, Climent explained.

The €1.93 million windfall would ‘dignify and modernise’ these areas so that businesses could establish themselves and continue investing.

“Industrial estates have been sys‐ temically overlooked by the admin‐ istrations,” the Economy chief pointed out.

“This is why in 2017 we began providing direct aid to town halls to finance improvements and mod‐ ernisation, situating these estates in the position they deserve.”

Official help GUARDAMAR has begun allocating Parentesis grants to the self-employed and owners of small businesses. The 50 residents who are eligible for this assistance and have presented the necessary documents will receive a total of €88,771 between them this week, with another 50 applications processed next week.

ple of all ages in their own homes. Voluntary services include transport to medical cen-

ORIHUELA City Hall will soon be paying out €3.034 million via the regional govern‐ ment’s Plan Resistir.

The Generalitat will cover 62 per cent of this amount, the Diputacion provincial council is providing 22.5 per cent, with the remainder coming from Orihuela City Hall.

These funds will go to the self‐em‐ ployed and small firms that come under the Plan Resistir umbrella and whose earnings have been hit by the year‐long Covid‐19 pandemic.

Aid for industry

SAN FULGENCIO’S Local Police have two new patrol cars, leased by the town hall. Equipment includes defibrillators because, as the mayor, Jose Sampere said, they were usually the first to appear in an emergency and it was vital that officers had everything they needed to carry out their work.

MUCH NEEDED: Hospital bed was presented to the charity. tres, respite care, shopping, companionship, advice on social services and welfare benefits, le-

gal matters, and translation.

Housekeeping services can be arranged at a cost of €15-20 per hour, and can include assistance with personal needs and meal preparation if desired.

‘Help at Home’ has an office and furniture shop at Cabo Roig, and a charity shop at Playa Flamenca and Quesada.

Further details can be found at www.helpathomecb.com. Vol unteers can be contacted by email: helpathomequesada@ gmail.com or telephone: 711 039 558.

Plan Resistir reaches Orihuela

Naming names

New cars

15 - 21 April 2021

These include restaurants, hotels, tourist accommodation, catering compa‐ nies and campsites amongst others.

“We can allocate the Plan Resistir funds once this has been published in the Ali‐ cante Province Bulletin (BOP), after which applicants will have 20 working days to present their paperwork,” said Orihuela’s Industry and Commerce councillor Victor Bernabeu.

Deputy mayor Jose Aix declared that Orihuela City Hall had been “unfairly” ac‐

ELCHE City Hall has put out to tender a €240,000 contract to prune 8,000 palm trees.

This includes trees in the city centre, outly‐ ing districts and Elche’s industrial estate, ex‐ plained Parks and Gardens councillor Hector Diez.

Pruning needed to start in June, Diez said, both for the health of the trees and to remove the heavy branches of dates before the fruit ripened and fell to the pavements.

Not only did this cause problems for pedes‐ trians and street cleaners but it also attracted

cused of taking too long to make the Plan Resistir cash available.

“What is important is that we are doing this late so that we can correct what oth‐ ers have done less well or badly,” Aix said.

“We shall be able to help more people, something that the others have not done.

We are in favour of direct help, being able to fill the streets with people while com‐ plying with all health and safety measures, to activate the economy.”

Messy dates flies and insects, he pointed out.

Diez stressed that although the municipal Parks and Gardens brigade did “a grand job” it was occasionally necessary to bring in an out‐ side contractor, given the many palms inside the city as well as in residential areas.

“It is essential to ensure that the city’s palm trees are well‐maintained and in optimum condition at all times,” the councillor said.

Tapas route Late-night IN Torrevieja the Ruta de la Tapa will be held from April 15 to April 18, and from April 22 to April 25.

During the event, four tapas and two drinks will cost €10. Find out more from Torrevieja Gastronomica on Facebook. A map with the participating bars and restaurants will be added soon.

The aim is to promote local food and give a much‐needed boost to businesses in the area.

Organised by the Torrevieja Area Association of Catering and Hospitality Companies under the name ‘Nos vamos de Tapas’ (Let’s go for tapas) it is the sixth edition of the event which has become popular in the Vega Baja area.

To comply with health and safety regulations so there will not be passports to stamp but in‐ stead, clients will be given a ticket with each tapa which they can fill in with their personal data in order to enter the draw for four prizes.

activities A VILLENA prison guard checking CCTV screens late at night saw a prisoner walking along one of the cor‐ ridors.

Guards sent to investigate found three cells were empty in the wing reserved for prisoners aged be‐ tween 18 and 21.

Instead of the feared breakout, guards found the missing prisoners together in one cell, where some were playing cards and others Parchis, the Spanish board game similar to Ludo.

They had left their cells using picklocks they made from plastic cutlery, prompting the TAMPN associa‐ tion, which represents prison staff, to complain that the incident reflected conditions at Villena prison.

“Once exemplary and one of the safest in the coun‐ try, it has degenerated into a place without order or discipline,” TAMPN lamented.

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Rock-bottom

worries SANTA P O L A’ S fishing guild main‐ tained that direc‐ tives protecting bottom‐dwelling fish will ruin the Mediterranean fishing industry.

Angel Lucho, who heads the lo‐ cal guild, recently met Santa Pola’s mayor, Loreto Ser‐ rano to pass on members’ worries.

“This is under‐ cover restructuring against trawling that will seriously damage the earn‐ ings of many fami‐ lies,” Lucho warned.

Despite cutting back fishing fleets in recent years, Spain’s govern‐ ment continued to demand more and more reductions, he said.

The Santa Pola guild had com‐ plained on numer‐ ous occasions through the Na‐ tional Federation of Fishing Guilds and directly to the Ministry as well as the European Com‐ mission and Euro‐ pean Parliament, Lucho added.

“Spain’s fishing fleet is small com‐ pared with other countries, but the government goes on reducing activi‐ ty,” he told Serra‐ no, who promised to support the sec‐ tor.

“It would be dis‐ astrous for Santa Pola to lose so many direct and indirect jobs,” the mayor declared.

“Santa Pola fish covers not only the fishing sector, but also local culture and tourism as so many restaurants and bars offer this product.”

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Support for Spanish residency THE UK Government has extended support for vulnerable UK Nationals applying for residency in Spain.

• Additional £1 million of funding for charities and voluntary organisations across Europe to support vulnerable UK Nationals applying for residency, bringing the total to £4 million.

• Since March 2020, eight organisations have reached 350,000 vulnerable individuals using the UK Nationals Support Fund.

• Age in Spain, Babelia and IOM continue to support UK Nationals in Spain.

The UK Government is extending support for potentially at-risk groups including pensioners, disabled people and those with language difficulties who live in Europe by continuing the activity of the UK Nationals Support Fund

Hugh Elliott.

(UKNSF) and supplementing it with an additional £1 million.

The UKNSF provides funds to eight organisations to support UK Nationals who need assistance with their residency applications.

These organisations operate in 11 EU Member States and Norway, and since the launch of the Fund in March 2020, have provided

practical support for UK Nationals who need assistance with the process of applying/registering for residency in 12 European countries, following the end of the Transition Period.

This funding is in addition to £3 million announced by the Foreign Secretary in March 2020.

Figures just published by the Observatorio Permanente de la Inmigracion show that as of December 31, 2020 there were 381,448 UK Nationals holding a valid residency certificate or card in Spain.

The UKNSF will continue to operate in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Malta and Norway.

British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, said: “I am delighted that more

funding has been provided to Age in Spain, Babelia and IOM through the UK Nationals Support Fund. These organisations provide vital support to UK Nationals who need additional help with their residency application in Spain, so I urge any UK Nationals who are struggling with the process to contact them for help.”

The UKNSF will continue to be delivered by: • The AIRE Centre - Bulgaria, Greece and Norway • Age in Spain - Spain • Asociación Babelia - Spain • Cyprus Residency Planning Group (CRPG) - Cyprus • Franco British Network France • International Organisation for Migration - France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain • SSAFA - Cyprus, France and Germany • The Church of England Diocese in Europe - France This assistance builds on the ongoing outreach and guidance provided by the UK’s network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates across Europe.

UK Nationals should visit the Living in Spain Guide at: gov.uk/livinginspain to check what action they may need to take.

UK Nationals can contact the three organisations in the following ways: IOM - The International Organisation for Migration (Andalucia, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla León, Ceuta, Extremadura, Madrid, Melilla and Murcia) • IOM Spain website • email: UKnationalsSP@iom. int • helplines: Andaluca, Ceuta, Melilla: +34 650 339 754, Madrid, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla León, Extremadura : +34 699 581 855, Murcia: +34 648 642 543, all available Mon to Thurs, 3.30pm to 5pm Babelia (Alicante, Valencia and Castellon) • Babelia website • email: info@asociacionbabe lia.org • Babelia contact form • helpline: +34 865 820 229 available Mon to Fri, 9am to 2pm Age in Spain (Aragon, Asturias, Balearics, Basque Country (Pais Vasco), Canary Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, Galicia, La Rioja, Navarra) • Age in Spain website • email: residency@agein spain.org • Age in Spain contact form • helpline: +34 932 209 741 available Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm

NEWS

from Front page »

Let’s take it very easy THE Valencian Commu‐ nity is fully prepared for the end of the State of Alarm on May 9.

The regional govern‐ ment headed by Ximo Puig has spent months preparing for the sce‐ nario awaiting it once the six‐month period finishes, Generalitat sources assured the na‐ tional daily El Mundo.

This is a sore point in some regions which are complaining about the lack of legally‐defined anti‐Covid guidelines af‐ ter May 9.

“We shall arrive with a satisfactory Covid inci‐ dence, Spain’s lowest,” the same sources added. “We have been prudent and have an adequate legal frame‐ work.”

Meanwhile, Puig and the region’s Health chief, Ana Barcelo, an‐ nounced a slight relax‐ ation of the present measures, allowing two family units to meet in‐ doors, with groups of six in bars and restau‐ rants and for outdoor activities.

Barcelo stressed that eliminating restrictions after May 9 was not the same as returning to normality.

“Lifting restrictions is one thing but de‐escala‐ tion is another and should be very careful,” she said, not deviating from the cautious poli‐ cies that enabled the Valencian Community to emerge from the third wave with the best incidence rate in Spain.

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NEWS

New book entitled ‘The Lady of the House’ features Almeria-based DJ Emma Keen tial women are interviewed.

For four decades, Emma Keen who now lives near Albox has been involved in the music industry in one role or the other and has been a radio presenter,

bar and nightclub DJ, voice-over artist, events and roadshow host and record company tour manager, but her true love is playing music.

She broke into the house scene in a big way when she spent seven years in Mallorca before returning to the UK to work on a special project, but the thought of the Spanish lifestyle kept reoccurring and four years ago, she and her husband decided to return.

This time rather than Mallorca they chose a small village near Albox for the peace and serenity, but Emma was amazed at the amount of DJ work that she found and very quickly was kept busy not just at weekends.

When she first started there was the need to transport cases full of vinyl records and turntables so her repertoire had to be fairly narrow and this was when she really concentrated on dance and house music.

Now however, due to incredible advances in technology, she can cater for many different

Credit: Blue Iguana Entertainment

THE ‘House’ music scene unlike many others, is very democratic and has no real barriers for female participants and this is underscored in a new book in which a host of different, influen-

Almeria-based DJ Emma Keen. tastes and if a venue wants pop, rock, hits or Latin music, then that is no problem and rather than start playing from a set list, she judges the reaction of the audience and chooses each track to suit.

The lockdown hit her badly but she is now hosting two shows on the community based and expanding Almeria Radio which she can record at home but due to the ‘tech wizards’ who run the station, it is possible for direct interaction with listeners.

As the State of Alarm begins to unwind, she is looking forward to getting back on to the road and has a wide range of potential venues, from beach bars in Mojacar to clubs around the area and her favourite, a little bar in the middle of nowhere which she used to appear at weekly with an audience that ranged from 18 to 80.

Turning to the book, Emma is flattered and amazed that she will appear alongside such female giants as Candi Staton, Barbara Tucker, Kym Sims and Kym

Mazelle, but as one the earliest female house DJs, there is no doubt that her inclusion is only right.

‘The Lady of the House’ is authored by Ian Snowball and Laila McKenzie, both accomplished journalists in the music field in their own rights and has a foreword by international DJ Carl Cox (one of Emma’s all-time heroes).

The book will be a limited-edition, luxury hardback, coffeetable style book, only available through Kickstarter and available to pre-order up until May 6.

The authors of the book will donate £1 from the sale of every book to the Night Time Industries Association’s (NTIA) Savenightlife CIC and will be used to ensure that access to equal rights and protection for all women within the industry remains high on the agenda.

Emma told EWN “I can’t wait to get back to live shows. It’s not work, when you love what you are doing and can feel the positive reaction of your audience.”

NEWS

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Food Prices Soaring FOOD prices are going up around the world and for many this could not come at a worse time as jobs for many people have been affected by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Many people have had to turn to food banks in order to survive.

Expats and Spaniards alike in Spain have seen costs rise recently and it was reported in January

that Spain’s core inflation rate had risen by 0.6 per cent in comparison to the previous year, as price rises in food, gas and electricity had a knock-on effect.

Companies all over Europe have come under increasing pressure as the global pandemic has disrupted supply chains, and transport and packaging costs have increased. According to re-

Covid ‘Wealth Tax’ THE IMF has proposed a temporary Covid ‘wealth tax’ as a means of stimulating economic recovery.

In a move that could have a serious impact on Spanish and ex‐ pat business owners, not to mention entrepreneurs across the globe, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that it is considering imposing a surcharge on companies and in‐ dividuals in the higher income bracket as a means of generating the tax income needed to address increased public spending dur‐ ing the coronavirus pandemic. The temporary levy would also see an increase in taxes on wealth and inheritance.

The IMF has suggested that taxing those businesses which have prospered during the pandemic, such as pharmaceutical companies, would greatly contribute to economic recovery with‐ out negatively impacting on those who are struggling the most fi‐ nancially. The deputy director of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Depart‐ ment, Paulo Mauro, highlighted the need for additional funds to cover spending in health and education, but added that each country would need to take its own approach.

ports suppliers are running out of ways to absorb cost increases, and these could be passed onto consumers more in the future.

Some price increases may not be immediately apparent to consumers though, as it is predicted that supermarkets will reduce the number of special deals and multi-buy offers available to customers according to Bloomberg.

As the number of Coronavirus cases starts to increase after the Easter break, one factor that could dramatically affect food prices is the potential for local border closures. One concerned expat told EWN how during the pandemic and local border closures they had been forced to spend more as their local town did not have a large supermarket.

They said, “Because of changing restrictions, we have changed the way we shop as we don’t have access to a supermarket if perimeters are closed. However I think overall we are getting less for our money.”

In February it was reported that during the pandemic supermarkets had seen their takings increase by an extra € 3.1 billion.

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NEWS

How Foreign Holidays Traffic Light System Will Work THE British Government’s Global Travel Taskforce hopes to resume international travel from May 17 at the earliest, and they have suggested using a traffic light system that will categorise countries based on their Covid-19 risk levels.

It may be a few weeks yet before we know the exact date when trips abroad can take place, and which countries will be subject to the most relaxed measures.

Here is how the foreign holidays traffic light system will reportedly operate: Green countries • People arriving in the UK from ‘green list’ countries will need to take a pre-departure test in that country • On or before the second day after arriving in the UK, they will need to take a PCR test • They will not need to quarantine on their return unless they receive a positive test • Test packages must be booked and paid for before travelling from a list of government-approved providers Amber countries • People arriving from ‘amber list’ countries will have to quarantine for 10 days at home • They will have to take a pre-departure test, then a PCR test on days two and eight • There will be an option for ‘test to release’ in which they can end self-isolation early if they test negative on day five by purchasing an extra PCR test • Test packages must be booked and paid for before travelling from a list of government-approved providers Red countries • Arrivals from ‘red list’ countries will have to quarantine for 10 days in a specific quarantine hotel • They will have to take a pre-departure test, then PCR tests on day two and day eight • Passengers must book and agree to pay for a quarantine package before departing for the UK Green watchlist • This will identify countries most at risk of moving from green to amber so travellers have some warning • However, the government ‘will not hesitate to act immediately should the data show that

countries risk ratings have changed’ How the list will be decided • Countries in each category will be kept under review and the government will respond to data, focusing on variants of concern • Vaccination and infection rates, the prevalence of variants, a country’s genomic sequencing capacity and access to reliable scientific evidence will be considered • The restrictions will be formally reviewed on June 28 to see whether the measures could be relaxed, followed by reviews ‘no later than July 31 and October 1’ Passenger locator forms • The form - where arrivals must fill in their travel details, UK address, passport details, Covid test booking reference numbers and quarantine hotel invoice (if needed) - will be digitised ‘by autumn 2021’ Stricter rules for airlines breaching consumer rights • The Civil Aviation Authority

will be given additional enforcement power to act on airlines that have breached consumer rights • A Covid-19 charter will be introduced from May 17, setting out what is required of passengers and what their rights will be What the government is still looking into • Ministers will work with the travel industry and private test providers to see how costs can be reduced ‘while ensuring travel is as safe as possible’ • This could include cheaper tests when returning home and they are looking into whether pre-departure tests can be provided • A digital travel certification system is still being looked at and the Department for Transport is considering how Covid passports could help for countries using them • Work also continues to develop a system to facilitate travel certification for inbound travellers

Travelling with Pets PET PASSPORTS: Documentation needs updated.

BRITS in Spain have been reporting confusion over which pet passports they now need to use to travel with their dogs and cats between the UK and Spain.

Expats have been reporting that they are confused over which passports are now needed to allow pets to travel with their owners between the UK and Spain.

After the British Embassy in Madrid issued advice on its Facebook page over UK and EU pet passports, and which were now valid, a number of users still reported confusion over the issue.

The embassy said: “Pet passports issued in Spain or another EU member state continue to be valid for travel to Great Britain and the EU. “If you have a UK pet passport you will need to update your documentation.”

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NEWS

Reach Out Charity REACH OUT Extienda La Mano celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and due to the retire‐ ment of their current Treasurer they are need of a replacement in the near future.

This voluntary post involves normal Treasurer procedures, accounting for donations and shop income and paying bills etc, and in conjunction with the Accountant producing tax re‐ turns, Annual Financial Reports

etc. The current Treasurer will of course complete an in‐depth handover including use of the Accounting software currently in use. Hours of operation in the centre in Calle Bella Antonia are from 9.00 until 2.00pm any weekday.

Interested parties should en‐ quire by email to presi dent@reachouttorrevieja.eu with a basic experience back‐ ground.

Ladies Day LAST week the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool was unable to allow visitors due to the coronavirus restrictions.

This didn’t stop David and Rita, owners of the Marina Bar in Torreta II, from celebrating Ladies Day with an afternoon tea and Champagne. The couple originate from the famous city so could not let this day pass without organising an event to mark the tra‐ ditional gathering of ladies, dressed to the nines and sporting fan‐ cy hats.

There was a great turnout, even though it was perhaps more subdued than previous years due to the restrictions in place. The ladies had made a big effort and agreed that it was a great ex‐ cuse to dress up in all their finery and enjoy the food, drink, and party atmosphere.

Thanks to Rita, Dave and their staff for all their hard work.

Sports app THE local authority's Department of Sports has created a free mo‐ bile application available in 11 languages including English, which is fully accessible on all iOS and Android devices.

“The main objective of this ap‐ plication is to make it easier for the user to manage reservations for facilities such as the swimming pool or the municipal gym, through a private space where they can view their reservations and receive notifications,” said Torrevieja Council.

Users will also receive the latest council news, be able to access the Accessible Guide, and get weather conditions in real‐time.

The development of the mobile app has been carried out by the company CIE Informática, a con‐ tract worth €2,904, which includes the development, creation, and publication on the official down‐ load platforms, the training of the council team, as well as two physi‐ cal QRcode devices for the daily management of user reservations.

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Flights Cancelled again BRITONS in Spain are voicing concerns after budget airline Jet2 announced it was cancelling flights and holidays until June 23.

The airline said it was suspending flights until the end of June following Boris Johnson’s announcement over international travel plans, leaving some Britons in Spain voicing concern over trips being cancelled.

According to the news, Jet2’s chief executive, Steve Heapy, says his company wants to offer holidays but it needs “more clarity” from the government to achieve this.

He explained that those who have already got trips booked will be given a refund.

He said: “Where customers yet to travel are affected by any programme changes, we will automatically cancel their booking with a full refund, and our team of travel experts will be in touch to help them to book their summer getaway for later in the year.”

Speaking to the Euro Weekly News, owners of the Cuevas de Helena hotel in Benamaurel, Granada, said: “It is sad news but it does at least give clarity. We really

feel for customers who had booked and had to cancel last year as well.

“We have had one family cancel this morning after the Jet 2 announcement they were due to come in 2020 then rebooked for June 2021.

“We are now wondering whether other airlines will do the same.”

The owners added: “People want to see their families too, it’s not just about tourism.

“We would love for people to be able to fly from the UK so when Jet2 announced that it was sad news.”

Jet2’s chief executive explained why the airline was cancelling flights until June 23. He said: “After several weeks exploring how to restart international travel, with substantial assistance and input from the industry, the framework lacks any rigorous detail about how to get international travel going again. In fact, the framework is virtually the same as six months ago.

“Following the publication of the framework today, we still do not know when we can start to fly,

where we can fly to and the availability and cost of testing. Rather than answering questions, the framework leaves everyone asking more.

“We know how much our customers want to get away to enjoy their well-deserved holidays. We have seen buoyant confidence levels from UK holidaymakers, as well as strong demand for our ATOL protected package holidays and leisure flights.

“We are trying to run a business so that we can take customers away, but we need the government to provide us with clarity to achieve this.”

The budget airline offers flights from the UK to destinations across Spain, including Malaga, Alicante, Mallorca, Almeria and Barcelona, leaving some Britons in Spain concerned that trips booked by family, friends and tourists will be delayed.

Reacting to Jet2’s announcement, one Facebook user said: “Let’s hope the last half of the year is all go.”

Customers with holidays booked to Spain also took to Jet2’s Facebook page to react to the news.

JET2: The airline wants to have more clarity from the government.

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Fun of the fair ONE of Torrevieja leisure sec‐ tor’s biggest attractions is back, ‘with all safety and hy‐ giene measures in place,’ al‐ beit briefly.

Torrevieja Fun Fair in the port area, in front of the Paseo de La Liberty, is once again open to the public until Sunday, April 18.

Likewise, La Mata fair in the Encarnación Puchol square has also reopened until Sun‐ day.

Torrevejense Industrial Fair Association (ATIF) has stressed that, due to the 10pm curfew established in the Valencian Community,

the fair attractions will have to close to the public at 9.30pm.

“This important leisure sec‐ tor was the last to be able to reopen after the State of Alarm decreed in March 2020, and it will do so again now with all the necessary safety and hygiene measures,” said Torrevieja Council.

Metre‐high hydroalcoholic gel stand‐up dispensers have been placed at all entrances to the fairgrounds, the use of masks is mandatory whether or not the safety distance is kept, and the attractions will be disinfected after each trip.

Russian ‘Lidl’

DUBBED the ‘Russian Lidl,’ Mere is set to open a new store in Dy‐ namia de Petrer Shopping Centre in June, creating 60 direct and 150 indirect jobs.

The move is part of the company’s strategy to open dozens of large stores across Spain.

The Alicante supermarket will occupy an area of 1,400 square metres on the ground floor, one of the largest in the country.

According to the Russian chain, MERE stores are “distinguished by a diverse range of high‐quality products and an optimal price‐ quality ratio.”

NEWS

School security ASPE has stepped up se‐ curity in schools follow‐ ing a spate of vandalism.

Schools and education‐ al facilities in Aspe have been targeted by vandals in recent weeks, with windows and doors smashed and courtyards trashed.

Security and surveil‐ lance has now been in‐ creased “to avoid the damage being caused and also to intercept the people who are carrying out the acts of vandal‐ ism,” said the council.

Councillor for Educa‐ tion, Yolanda Moreno, said: “Educational cen‐ tres have suffered dam‐ age to windows and forced doors, and repairs have amounted to more than €3,000,” adding that there is also the inconve‐ nience of having to clean and disinfect all the class‐ rooms again.

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Dangerous Dog Breeds EXPAT animal-lovers have welcomed the news that the Spanish government intends to do away with its list of potentially dangerous dog breeds and the restrictions that come with having a pet on the list, as well as imposing rules to ensure harsher

sanctions against people that abuse dogs.

The General Director of Animal Rights of the Government, Sergio Garcia Torres, announced his intention to present a draft bill in May to modify the current 50/99 law on potentially danger-

ous animals so that the individual behaviour of each dog will be looked at rather than judging them by “the specific breed with which they were born,” and thus avoid “unfair prejudices.”

A National Registry of Companion Animals (SRPA) will be developed to coordinate the existing regional registries, so that data on all the country’s animals is available in real time. Owners of dogs deemed to require ‘particular handling’ will be obligated to seek training and support so that their pets don’t pose a risk to the general public. Not everyone is happy with the proposed changes, however. An Irish expat who lives on a small urbanisation with his wife told Euro Weekly News that he believes the law doesn’t go far enough to control the responsible ownership of pets.

He told EWN that a neighbour owns five large dogs that rush at the gate, barking and snarling, whenever anyone walks past.

“It’s gotten to the point where I won’t let the grandkids pass the house when they’re visiting,” he said. “It’s just not right, having big dogs cooped up in a tiny garden.”

NEWS

90-day rule IT sounds simple enough, how‐ ever, there still seems to be some confusion around how long non‐residents can stay in Spain and what type of visa you will need to have to reside in Spain for more than 90 days.

The government website states: “To stay longer than 90 days in any 180‐day period, to work or study, or for business travel, you must meet the entry requirements set out by the country you are travelling to.

This could mean applying for a visa or work permit.”

However, the issue is still causing confusion for some Brits.

British National, David, asked: “I would like to rent a property in Spain next winter for six months. Please could you tell me what do I have to do to be in a position not to have to be subject to the 90 days out of 180 rule?"

It was reported at the begin‐ ning of March that there would be no extension to the 90‐day

You must leave the Schengen area. rule, once you have been in Spain for 90 days, you will need to leave the Schengen area.

You will then have to wait for 180 days to come around be‐ fore you are permitted to re‐en‐ ter again.

An EWN reader, who would prefer to remain anonymous, told us “I arrived in Spain be‐ fore January 1, 2021, but didn’t apply for my residency until February 2021 due to various circumstances.”

“The process was quite diffi‐ cult, I had to get private health‐ care, get my NIE number, get my Padron in the town I live in, print out my bank statements for the past six months and prove I was in Spain before Jan‐ uary 2021, and also give details of my work contract and earn‐ ings.”

The anonymous reader is still awaiting an answer on whether their application has been ac‐ cepted or rejected.

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE announced on Satur‐ day April 10 that the Duke of Edinburgh’s cere‐ monial royal funeral will take place at 3pm, on Saturday, April 17, at Windsor Castle, in St George’s Chapel, with a minute’s national si‐ lence being observed as it begins.

This final farewell to Prince Philip, who passed away on Friday April 9, aged 99, is guaranteed to be like no other royal funeral the country has ev‐ er seen, as the Queen and other members of the royal family attend all wearing face masks, and having to social distance, while following the

Duke Of Edinburgh’s Funeral coronavirus guidelines.

The funeral will be televised, and will take place entirely within the grounds of Windsor Castle, but all public elements have been can‐ celled, said a Palace spokesman, with it also said that Prince Philip had asked for a low‐key funer‐ al.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave his recom‐ mendation regarding national mourning, to the

Queen, which was accepted, with a period of mourning to run from Friday April 9, up to and including the day of Prince Philip’s funeral, but, true to form, according to a senior royal official, the Queen said engagements will continue ap‐ propriate to the circumstances.

A senior Palace official said that a specially modified Land Rover that the Duke helped to de‐ sign will transport the coffin from Windsor Castle

NEWS

to the chapel, with the Prince of Wales and se‐ nior royals following behind it, on foot, but with‐ in the coronavirus restrictions.

Only 30 mourners are allowed to attend, which gives the Palace another headache, over who will be invited, but it is expected to be Philip’s children, grandchildren, and close family, with a Palace spokesman saying that the Duchess of Sussex has been advised by her doc‐ tor not to travel, after Meghan had apparently tried to travel, but did not receive the medical clearance to board a plane.

Covid sniffer dog AFTER months of training, the German S hepherd ‘ R oco’ responds by sitting down when he smells Covid-19 on samples used in training.

Trained by the Spanish Army’s canine unit, R oco has been sniffing out the killer virus for the past month with a 90 per cent efficiency in negative samples and 75 per cent in positive samples.

Thanks to him, a project which was going to be shelved has been reactivated.

Colonel María Isabel de Martín, head

of the Defence Military Canine Centre, said Roco “detects the positives and discriminates the negatives perfectly,” and, as a result of Roco’s success, revealed she had put her own working dog in the programme seven months ago - though with no results so far.

She explained that viruses themselves do not smell, but according to several studies the disease produces a molecule that could be the one that is detected by the dogs.

Cheap Flights AC CO R D I N G to the press, flight website Skyscanner has announced that prices are up to 51 per cent cheaper than last year, which is good news for Brits in Spain who are missing their families.

S kyscanner also announced its top 10 most searched destinations, which included L ondon, Manchester, Dubai, Edin-

burgh, and Portugal. While Spain did not make the top 10, Skyscanner Consumer Rights Expert said the lack of clarity “is keeping prices low for short-haul travel as capacity is not yet filled.”

He added: “As the rules around travel from the UK become clearer, and airlines react by allocating planes to routes to serve demand, we expect to see attractive

pricing being used by providers to compete for bookings. “ C ompetition between airlines and travel providers almost always benefits the traveller with better pricing and more choice.”

O ne B rit told the E uro Weekly News: “It has been so hard for people like myself whose families live in the UK.”

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Tax liabilities AS reported in London Loves Business this week, the British Government is planning on allowing more British expats the right to vote in UK elections, how‐ ever, leading tax advisory Blick Rothenberg warns that this could come with a ‘sting in the tail.’

The government confirmed in March’s budget that British expats living abroad and who are not resi‐ dents in the UK for tax purposes would be entitled to vote on an ‘indefinite basis’ in future UK elec‐ tions.

This is in contrast to the rule in 2002 when only non‐residents who had lived overseas for 15 years or less still had the right to vote.

A tax director at the firm, Robert Salter, said: “British expats overseas should consider carefully whether they wish to take advantage of this extend‐ ed franchise because it could cause problems in the future and mean that they are liable for UK taxes and in particular inheritance tax.

ORIHUELA Council-owned firm ILDO has been given a 12-month contract, at a cost of €99,364, to ‘control security measures required because of Covid-19 at markets in Orihuela.’

Councillor for Markets, Victor Bernabéu, said “ILDO staff will perform different functions in markets throughout

Covid market monitors the municipality” and added: “We are convinced that they will do an extraordinary job as they have been doing since the beginning of the pandemic disinfecting, they are very professional and we need them to ensure compliance

with safety measures.”

Among their tasks will be the assembly and disassembly of security circuit and access control points to the markets; the cleaning and management of chemical toilets; supplying materials such as information

Breakthrough in Crohn’s THE Spanish have now had a breakthrough in Crohn’s disease treatment. Crohn’s is a disease which affects both expats and Spanish alike and it is thought that in Spain some 300,000 people are currently suffering with the inflammatory bowel disease.

The breakthrough in the treatment of Crohn’s disease

A milestone discovery.

Vaccination Schedule

JUST a day after Spanish President Pedro Sanchez an‐ nounced his ambitious vaccination schedule to the country, the European Commission threw cold water on his plans on Thursday, April 8, claiming that at this moment in time, they are not sure how many doses of the jab will be available in the third quarter. Mr Sanchez told the nation that they could expect some 87 million vaccines to arrive in Spain be‐ tween April and September, but EU bosses have revealed that this is by no means guaranteed.

Mr Sánchez pointed out: “This means receiving 3.5 times more doses than in the first trimester.” When the 87 million doses arrive, Mr Sánchez promised that “any compatriot who wishes can be vaccinated in this period.”

In his public address, Mr Sanchez boasted that Spain “has vaccination coverage of one dose in over 80s of 70.1 per cent,” while the average in the rest of Europe is 60 per cent.

However, other data refutes the Prime Minister’s claim, with countries such as Serbia, Hungary and Chile having al‐ ready surpassed Spain’s vaccination rate for the first dose.

has been labelled as a milestone discovery. Crohn’s along with ulcerative colitis which is another inflammatory bowel disease can be disabling to people who are affected.

The disease is now being diagnosed in increasingly younger people, but it can appear at any stage of life.

The breakthrough treatment is said to involve a minimally invasive surgical procedure and it is hoped that the treatment will help many people in the future.

According to Dr Antonio De Lacy, head of the General and Digestive Surgery Department at Hospital Quironsalud Barcelona “Digestive symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea and tiredness, as well as weight loss, although aphthae or oral ulcers, skin alterations, eye inflammation and anal problems such as fistulas or abscesses can also occur.”

“The cause of this disease is not known, but everything suggests that there are multiple factors involved in its origin: genetic, immune system and environmental.”

NEWS

leaflets, disinfectant gel, beacon tape, etc; access and capacity control, and control of the use of masks and disinfectant gel by users.

The council has also set up a one-way communication channel via WhatsApp to send quick and direct information to stallholder of news or changes that may occur.

Petrol price rise EXPATS in Spain are feeling the pinch after it emerged the price of petrol has risen by more than €10 for an average tank since last April.

According to new figures, while the price of petrol has stayed steady over the past week, costs have risen by nearly 20 per cent in Spain since the same week last year, leaving the average tank of petrol costing more than €10 more.

The figures also showed that in the last month, the price of petrol has gone up by 1.86 per cent, compared to the 0.94 per cent that the price of diesel has in‐ creased.

The price hike has hit expats, business owners and tourists alike.

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€550,000 invested in hospital

V A L E N C I A’ S M inistry of Universal and Public Health has invested more than €550,000 in expanding the emergency room, creating a new Hemato-Oncology Day Hospital and a terrace for psychiatric patients at Sagunto Hospital.

H ead of health, A na Barceló, visited the hospital last week.

VISITING: Delighted with improvements.

Future of family firms MORE than 500 family businesses have closed for good in Valencia due to the pandemic.

One business a day has disappeared in the city since the beginning of the pandemic, with family-run shops reportedly suffering the most during the crisis due to a lack of aid.

Every time Nuria closes the doors of her family’s hardware store at the end of each day, she fears that ‘it could be the last time,’ she and her sister told Las Provincial.

Nuria hopes that the family’s business for the last 70 years will not be one of the 513 that have lowered their shutters permanently, according to figures from Valencia City Council.

Those who are still hanging on are reportedly forced to dip into savings, ask for help from their families or take out bank loans to be able to continue.

Traders organisation Confecomerç estimates 15 per cent of small businesses will close as a result of the pandemic.

“For this reason, small commerce needs, more than ever, the government aid to arrive on time as at the moment it is their only lifeline.”

She said she is delighted with the improvements made, from “the expansion of the emergency room, which has allowed the incorporation of new cubicles and a larger space for patients with different pneumological pathologies, to the new Oncology Day Hospital for treatments, with a greater number of armchairs and beds in a more intimate environment with more light.”

The new terrace for psychiatry patients has been adapted so that patients can have an attractive outdoor space.

In the emergency section, an adjoining area of more than 200sqm next to the access to the waiting room, has been adapted to an area that connects with the observation area.

A s a result, a separate waiting room for respiratory diseases, a triage consultation, two cubicles and an observation area for four beds and toilets have been created.

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NEWS

Footwear exports tariff ELCHE Council plans to promote, together with other shoemaker municipalities, an institutional agreement to avoid the US tariff on footwear exports.

Mayor, Carlos González, has expressed his “great” concern at the threat of the United States imposing an addi-

tional tariff of 25 per cent on footwear exports.

And he plans to hold a meeting with fellow mayors from Petrer, Elda, Villena, Monóvar, Pinoso and Aspe to urge central government to negotiate with the EU and draw up a common action strategy to prevent the appli-

€5.5M road safety works A TOTAL of €5.5 million is being spent replacing asphalt sur‐ faces across Elche in response to public demands to im‐ prove road safety and to try to ‘help economic reactivation and job creation.’

And work has already begun on the old Alicante road which is used by 8,000 cars a day.

Mayor of Elche, Carlos González, and the councillor for Maintenance, Héctor Díez, visited the site of the asphalt works, just one of the contracts to improve the roads of Camp d’Elx and streets of the urban area, as well as dis‐ tricts with urban areas.

“We are carrying out the most important and relevant asphalt plan from the economic point of view that has been implemented over the last 15 years in Elche,” said the mayor.

He said action has already been taken to improve the paving of districts such as Torrellano, El Altet and La Baia.

“This road improvement plan has already allowed action in 14 districts, it is 40 per cent complete and the council will act on at least one road in each of the districts.”

cation of this new tax burden “If this measure were carried out, it would cause irreparable damage to a relevant sector of the industrial fabric of our town, which is currently trying to recover from the series of economic consequences generated by the pandemic,” González stressed.

In January, the Office of the United States Trade Representative concluded that taxes on digital services in various countries, such as Spain and Italy, hurt US digital companies.

As a countermeasure, on March 26, they announced that they are considering the imposition of tariffs on a series of products from both countries.

Given this measure, the mayors of shoemaker municipalities plan to put on the table an Institutional Declaration to once again ask the government of Spain to include the sector within Royal Decree 5/2021 on aid to business solvency.

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Cheaper Mortgages THE experts say mortgage rates this year will drop, making them cheaper.

According to the experts, fixed rate mortgages will gain ground on variable ones and will fall to 1 per cent on average in the mid-

dle of the year.

The news comes after a ruling by the European Union to require Spain to include the value of ‘bad bank’ liabilities still outstanding from the previous f i n a n c i a l c r i s i s h a s i n-

New Salary Measures FROM Wednesday, April 14 all companies in Spain will be legally required to keep comprehensive records of the salaries of their workers, a measure which the gov‐ ernment hopes will help to close the large pay gap that exists between men and women in this country, which currently stands at 22 per cent, according to Spanish daily Levante. According to the Central Business Direc‐ tory (DIRCE), the new regulations will impact some 1.5 million companies throughout Spain, although the lat‐ est data available from the National Statistics Institute shows that roughly 900,000 of these businesses have only one or two employees on their books.

According to the UGT deputy secretary general, Cristi‐ na Cristina Antoñanzas, has acknowledged that the dif‐ ference in salaries between women and men is current‐ ly “very high” and she is confident that the new systems “are going to put on the table that in many companies, there is inequality.”

Furthermore, workers will now have the right to ac‐ cess these records and can take up any issues with their union representatives. Any unjustified inequalities can lead to fines of up to €187,000 for the companies.

creased Spain’s debt position.

M uch of the reason for this huge debt is the fact that the Spanish Government, like so many others, has had to increase spending by way of assistance to individuals and businesses d u e t o t h e o n g o i n g p a ndemic as well as the significant drop in revenue caused by lockdown and lack of tourists.

As so many building companies and lending banks had become b a n k r u p t f r o m 2 0 0 8 o nw a r d s , t h e S p a n i s h G o vernment in association with major banks created SAREB (known as the ‘bad bank’) to take control of properties and debts.

Whilst it has reduced the €50 billion of negative assets it took over since being created, it still holds huge amounts of debt and as such, the EU believed it appropriate to consider it an organisation owned by the government.

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FEATURE

Advertising Feature

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UK DRIVING LICENCE If you have lived in Spain for at least six months, your UK driving licence must be exchanged for a Spanish driving licence before June 30, 2021. You need to book an appointment at your nearest DGT (Departamento General de Trafico) by calling 060 or via their website. You will need your NIE document to do this. If your licence has not yet been verified, you will be allowed to drive in Spain for six months from January 1, 2021.

BIKE INSURANCE All motorcyclists must legally take out insurance before using or parking their bike on Spanish roads. Bike insurance from Línea Directa comes with a wide range of covers designed to provide peace-of-mind and all manageable online from the comfort of your home.

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BEST PRICE. BETTER COVER In these uncertain times, it’s good to know that your motorbike is in safe hands. You can request a free no obligation quote by calling local area number 952 147 834. Línea Directa will provide the most competitive price, backed by the most comprehensive service.

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Wearing masks in cars MASKS: Do not have to be worn in a private vehicle.

Climate Change Law THE Congress of Deputies has approved for the first time in Spain a new Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition on Thursday, April 8 as a means of reiterating its commitment to combating global warming. One of the major assurances Spain has given internationally with this new regulation is to achieve climatic neutrality by 2050, thus almost eliminating its use of fossil fuels. In order to meet this ambitious target, the Spanish government has set various goals along the way, such as ensuring that by 2030, 74 per cent of the electricity used in this country will come from renewable sources. In addition, by 2030 Spain has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23 per cent compared with 1990.

This will be periodically reviewed, with the government hopeful that the targets can even be increased; the first review is scheduled for 2023, according to Spanish press. The law, which has remained in the pipeline for almost a decade much to the consternation of environmentalists, was finally passed with the vast majority of political parties in support of the measures. Only Vox opposed it. The regulations will now be out to the Senate, and if approved, which they are widely expected to be, could be implemented by May.

THE DGT has come forward to clarify the rules on wearing masks in cars, after rumours circulating that not doing so could result in a fine.

We have previously reported on this subject, but the General Directorate of Traffic has now come forward to clarify that these rumours are incorrect and that not wearing a mask in a vehicle is not a punishable act.

The D G T has shared a statement on their social networks explaining that ‘the use of the mask is a matter of public health’ and a sanitary measure, which the DGT does not have any rights to enforce. For this reason, its nonuse ‘is not a traffic offence’ so it is not punishable by a fine or losing points on your driver’s licence.

It is, however, mandatory to wear a mask on public transport and when taking a taxi and will incur a €100 fine for not complying, as outlined on the website of the Presidency of the Government.

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NEWS

In favour of digital passports Cybersecurity N I N E out of 10 Spaniards said in a survey that they would use digital health passports to travel, while seven in 10 said that they would store their health data digitally if it meant less interaction with people and quicker passage

through airports.

The survey was commissioned by the travel booking group Amadeus and highlighted Spanish participants’ willingness to use digital health technology following the Covid pandemic, as well as

collecting information on their concerns about how, when and with whom the personal information will be shared.

More than 35 per cent of participants were concerned about their health informa-

tion being hacked and lack of transparency or control over where the information would be shared.

As the travel industry looks for ways to get flights running again and with the upcoming summer dependent on tourism in many places, there is an increasing call for sharing traveller health data and making mobility more flexible.

The European Union hopes to have its own ‘Digital Green Pass’ ready in time for summer and IATA, a global airline body, hopes to roll out a similar Covid-19 pass this coming spring.

Warning

PET NAMES: Popular for log-in passwords.

CYBERSECURITY experts are urging people to create harder‐ to‐crack passwords after new re‐ search found 15 per cent of British people use their pet’s name as a log‐in. Tech sites in

Blood Clot Expert UNIVERSITY of Reading blood clot expert, Professor Si‐ mon Clarke, has claimed that having the AstraZeneca jab is no riskier than pregnancy, the contraceptive pill, or going on a long‐haul flight, saying that in his estima‐ tion, it was not rational to refuse the vaccine, as there was a ‘vanishingly rare risk’ of a blood clot occurring.

Mr Clarke told the press, “I don’t think it would be a rational decision because the risk of thrombosis is van‐ ishingly small. Also, I’m not quite sure you can even de‐ termine yet from the vaccine what the risk is when the sample sizes are so far very small.”

A spokesperson for the MHRA says that up to March 31, out of around 20 million first doses of the Astra Zeneca jab given across the UK, it had received 79 re‐ ports of blood clots, accompanied by low blood platelet count, and a total of 19 people have died out of those 79, although it has not been established what the cause was in every case.

Of the 19 who died, three were under the age of 30, and the figures suggest that the risk of a rare blood clot in people after receiving the vaccine, is the equivalent to four out of every million.

Spain have also warned resi‐ dents NOT to use town, city and region names like Marbella, Malaga and Mijas, as an exam‐ ple, because hackers are well aware of their usage and it makes it much easier to crack someone’s password.

The top of the list of common‐ ly used passwords was 123456, appearing more than 23 million times. The second‐most popular string, 123456789, was not much harder to crack, while oth‐ ers in the top five included ‘qw‐ erty’, ‘password’ and 1111111.

The most common name to be used in passwords was Ash‐ ley, followed by Michael, Daniel, Jessica and Charlie. When it comes to Premier League foot‐ ball teams in guessable pass‐ words, Liverpool are ‘champi‐ ons’ with Chelsea second.

It is important to remember that the same cybersecurity warning applies to family names and birthdays, all of which can also often be gleaned from so‐ cial media. Make a list of your passwords and keep them safe.

Also change your passwords as often as you can.

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EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPEAN NIBS DENMARK

FRANCE

Organic leader

Euthanasia bill

THE Danish food minister Rasmus Prehn has announced that the government will invest Kr40 million (€5.38 million) to establish the Innovation Centre for Organic Agriculture which will focus on research and collecting data to allow the country to double organic production by 2030.

THE French parliament is deeply divided over a new proposal to legalise euthanasia with the government allowing a free vote and the right wing vowing to oppose with amendments to try to ‘talk it out.’ If passed, France will join Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Spain.

NETHERLANDS

NORWAY

Deportation notice

Wildlife threatened

A PETITION to stop the deportation of a 13-year-old Syrian boy to Armenia has received 150,000 signatures.

His mother legally obtained an Armenian passport for him so he could leave Syria, but Dutch authorities have decided he could live with distant relations in Armenia.

EVERY six years, the Species Data Bank reviews possible additions for the Norwegian Red List of Species. It is now believed that due to either infection or intensive fish farming the status of wild salmon and wild reindeer should be upgraded to ‘near threatened.’

BELGIUM

FINLAND

Swan song

Mask ruling

NOTHING to do with Covid-19 as 88 swans spent 142 days in quarantine after being plucked from the canals in Bruges, where they were a popular sight. This was because of an outbreak of bird flu, but now they have been returned to their normal habitat.

IN 2020 a Finnish Agency ordered face masks from a local company and made an advance payment of €2.6 million, but the initial batch when tested was discovered to be inappropriate for medical use and a court has ruled that the money should be refunded.

GERMANY

SWEDEN

Volunteer militia

Green storage

SOON after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the German Government announced the creation of a voluntary militia which would see young people trained over one year to help cope with any disaster. Now the first 325 volunteers including 52 women have been enrolled.

STEEL company SSAB and Swedish state-owned LKAB are building an underground facility to store hydrogen near Luleå, in northern Sweden. Costing in excess of €25 million, the 100-cubic-metre cavern will be built approximately 30 metres below ground and should be open by 2022.

FINANCE BUSINESS EXTRA Angola support DURING his recent visit to Angola, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez gave a pledge to give financial support worth €250 million to help Angola’s business sector to increase exports in the agricultural and industrial areas to try to reduce the country’s dependence on oil.

Covid loans A REPORT in the Daily Mail revealed that British banks are writing to business customers advising that they expect repayment of Covid-19 loans made during 2020. There is fear that many will be unable to repay the loans which could lead to more bankruptcy.

Lower forecast BASED on the fact that the fresh pandemic regulations affected the Spanish economy negatively in the first quarter of 2021, the Minister for the Economy, Nadia Calvino has announced that the 2021 forecast of growth has been reduced from 7.2 per cent to 6.5 per cent.

Vauxhall decision AFTER the British Government announced that it was banning the sale of cars with internal combustion engines by 2030, Stellantis, owner of Vauxhall decided not to invest in production of a new model and is looking to the government to support the production of an electric version.

Wooing Middle East AFTER President Sánchez spent some days in Africa to discuss migrants, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha Gonzalez Laya has been touring the Baltic States and then the Middle East.

Spain needs investment and business and the still oil rich Arab States, especially Saudi Arabia, have been good customers for many years so this is an important undertaking by the Minister.

Her itinerary has included a formal visit to Kuwait, where no senior minister has been for many years as well as Iraq.

28

STAT OF WEEK

www.euroweeklynews.com • 15 - 21 April 2021

€10 billion

is the amount that Spanish construction giant ACS is prepared to pay Atlantia for its Italian subsidiary, toll road manager Autostrade.

Boost to the environment MORRISONS has pledged to be the first supermarket to be completely supplied by ‘net zero’ carbon British farms by 2030, five years ahead of the market.

Over the next nine years, the supermarket chain has said that it will work with its 3,000 farmers and grow‐ ers to produce affordable net zero carbon meat, fruit and vegetables.

Morrisons expects that the first products to reach net zero carbon status will

be eggs as early as 2022, followed by lamb, fruit, vegetables, pork and beef in the years to follow.

UK agriculture currently accounts for 10 per cent of all UK greenhouse gas emis‐ sions, with new research revealing that two‐thirds of people consider the envi‐ ronmental impact of the food they eat.

The National Farmers Union has asked farmers to work towards a 2040 net zero goal, and other super‐

LEGALLY SPEAKING

markets are working to‐ wards 2035.

As it is British farming’s biggest supermarket cus‐ tomer, Morrisons is unique‐ ly placed to reach this goal five years ahead of indus‐ try.

In addition, it has con‐ firmed that it will remove all plastic carrier bags from its stores over the next year and will switch from offer‐ ing plastic ‘bags for life’ to a paper alternative, saying the move will make it the

first UK supermarket to stop using plastic carrier bags completely.

It will take around a year to implement this particular change, so once movement between provinces here in Spain is again allowed, British visitors to its very successful store in Gibraltar can expect to see a number of changes to help the envi‐ ronment, but remember, there is currently a ban on taking dairy and meat prod‐ ucts back into Spain.

Funerals in the Covid era

Who is responsible?

We purchased a two‐bedroom ground floor apartment in Spain in 2005. We asked our solicitor to check that everything was in order and were told everything was okay. Soon afterwards the owners of the property above us informed us that one bedroom and the kitchen of our apartment were built in part of their garden.

Our solicitor said that everything would be okay and no action was required. Our neigh‐ bours have gone to court to demolish the kitchen and bedroom, which were built by the previous owner. The solicitor does not seem interested in contacting the previous owner so all the expense is coming to us. We would be most grateful if you could advise us on the law as to who is responsi‐ ble for this sorry mess.

P L (Costa Blanca) First, the previous owner and builder YOU AND THE LAW of the illegal IN SPAIN kitchen and bed‐ room, is responsible. Then, the Community is responsi‐ ble for not blocking the original work, done with no per‐ mit. Then, your solicitor has not served you well if he did not observe a difference in the seller’s title deed, show‐ ing one bedroom only, and your purchase contract, showing two bedrooms.

DAVID SEARL

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana and Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.

BRITISH online fashion re‐ tailer Asos has announced its intention to raise £500 million (€550 million) via the placing of unsecured guaranteed convertible bonds.

The cash injection which will be raised through its wholly owned subsidiary Cornwall Jersey will be

Arrangements have to be different.

FUNERALS during the Covid‐ 19 pandemic have had to be arranged differently and this has been a concern for ex‐ pats in Spain and throughout the world.

The number of people al‐ lowed at funerals and memorial services has been limited and social distancing should be observed among those who attend. It is advis‐ able to check in your area for the latest guidelines.

It is important that anyone attending funerals remem‐ ber that the use of masks is mandatory and to keep their

hands clean with gel provid‐ ed on the premises.

Do not remain in commu‐ nal areas for too long.

A popular option used dur‐ ing the coronavirus pandem‐ ic has been virtual funerals, allowing loved ones to be present with no danger.

If the deceased had a fu‐ neral plan in place, then the funeral directors will ensure that all of the correct mea‐ sures are observed, both re‐ garding attendance and the procedures which need to be in place to prepare the body for burial or cremation.

www.goldenleavesinternational.com enquiries@goldenleaves.com Facebook: goldenleavesspain

Business booms for ASOS used to fund Asos’ global expansion strategy, as well as refinancing its ac‐ quisition of Topshop in February 2021.

Issued at par, the bonds due 2026 are set to be convertible into prefer‐

ence shares, which will then be exchanged for or‐ dinary shares in the com‐ pany.

The move follows the announcement on Thurs‐ day April 8 that Asos’ pre‐ tax profits had surged 253

per cent to £106.4 million (€117 million) in the half‐ y e a r e n d e d Fe b r u a r y 2 8 2021.

Speaking on the finan‐ cial results, Nick Beighton, CEO at the company, said that the group is “delight‐

New vehicle subsidies A REPORT by Reuters says that the Spanish Govern‐ ment has approved a plan to make available a total of €800 million through to 2023 to encourage electric car sales.

Private purchasers would be able to claim subsidies of up to €7,000 to allow them to purchase an electric vehi‐ cle, whilst councils in what are recognised as small towns as well as companies equipping new fleets of taxis, may be able to claim even larger amounts.

This extra encouragement follows an earlier announce‐ ment that the government intends to promote nation‐ wide production of electric cars as well as car batteries.

Plus Ultra controversy THE decision to ‘bail out’ Venezuelan airline Plus Ul‐ tra with a €53 million life‐ line by the Spanish Govern‐ ment continues to make shockwaves in parliament.

With just four aircraft and routes to Spain, Venezuela, Ecuador and Pe‐ ru, the airline represents less than one half of 1 per cent of flights to and from Madrid.

It was always known that junior partner in the Span‐ ish Government Podemos had links with the govern‐ ment of Venezuela and af‐ ter the Vox Party de‐ nounced the decision, now the heavier hitting Partido Popular (PP) has demanded an enquiry. ed with our exceptional” performance during the period.

Aimed primarily at young adults, the compa‐ ny does offer the possibili‐ ty to order online in En‐ glish via its Spanish website (in English and Spanish) with the ability to pay in euros.

30 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 April 2021

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US

LONDON - FTSE 100

See our advert on previous page

C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 12

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) 3I Group 1.238,00 1.247,00 Admiral Group 3.197,9 3.197,9 Anglo American 3.042,9 3.060,9 Antofagasta 1.714,50 1.721,50 Ashtead Group 4.550,0 4.558,0 Associated British Foods 2.438,8 2.472,2 AstraZeneca 7.299,7 7.304,0 Auto Trader Group Plc 568,20 571,60 Avast 462,55 471,40 Aveva 3.758,0 3.779,0 Aviva 403,85 405,49 B&M European Value Retail SA538,80 546,80 BAE Systems 506,40 515,20 Bank VTB DRC 1,100 1,112 Barclays 186,82 187,56 Barratt Developments 789,47 795,00 Berkeley 4.602,0 4.643,0 BHP Group 2.138,00 2.152,50 BP 294,33 296,75 British American Tobacco 2.783,0 2.790,5 British Land Company 509,80 512,80 BT Group 152,13 153,00 Bunzl 2.430,0 2.445,0 Burberry Group 2.038,0 2.050,0 Carnival 1.738,1 1.771,5 Centrica 58,30 58,46 Coca Cola HBC AG 2.422,5 2.425,2 Compass 1.566,00 1.567,56 CRH 3.547,0 3.560,0 Croda Intl 6.611,3 6.635,8 DCC 6.268,0 6.290,0 Diageo 3.167,2 3.172,3 DS Smith 409,20 415,10 EasyJet 955,60 964,40 Experian 2.648,4 2.659,0 Ferguson 9.352,0 9.364,0 Flutter Entertainment 15.100,0 15.275,0 Fresnillo 895,60 896,40 GlaxoSmithKline 1.300,37 1.315,93 Glencore 286,99 287,20 Halma 2.567,5 2.590,3 Hargreaves Lansdown 1.667,00 1.670,49 Hikma Pharma 2.426,00 2.436,00 HSBC 431,18 432,38 IAG 208,49 214,34 Imperial Brands 1.550,93 1.555,00 Informa 577,00 585,20 InterContinental 5.124,0 5.200,0 Intermediate Capital 1.980,00 1.982,00 Intertek 6.004,0 6.088,0 ITV 120,45 122,89

% CHG. 1.230,50 3.145,0 2.998,2 1.687,50 4.524,0 2.411,9 7.249,0 564,40 459,93 3.728,0 401,00 536,00 504,00 1,078 184,06 785,04 4.582,0 2.099,00 291,59 2.764,0 502,60 150,70 2.385,0 2.028,0 1.731,6 57,24 2.396,6 1.548,50 3.530,0 6.554,9 6.204,0 3.149,2 406,80 934,80 2.635,0 9.250,0 15.086,3 879,00 1.296,54 283,22 2.556,3 1.655,06 2.408,00 428,19 206,68 1.538,36 570,20 5.092,0 1.952,50 5.982,0 119,79

NET VOL 122,71K 12,24K 45,35K 239,64K 16,51K 33,92K 37,69K 273,03K 64,64K 54,68K 560,83K 237,44K 1,49M 194,13K 2,07M 48,23K 27,98K 661,59K 2,77M 484,40K 302,79K 4,67M 234,41K 73,38K 98,35K 2,50M 3,66K 16,99K 107,04K 9,95K 23,36K 64,71K 410,54K 1,09M 19,36K 67,78K 1,72K 157,76K 323,79K 1,66M 15,40K 48,24K 50,76K 454,14K 2,65M 59,10K 302,50K 44,92K 56,88K 36,41K 609,93K

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

J Sainsbury Johnson Matthey Land Securities Legal & General Lloyds Banking London Stock Exchange Meggitt Melrose Industries Mondi National Grid NatWest Group Next Norilskiy Nikel ADR Ocado Persimmon Phoenix Prudential Reckitt Benckiser Relx Rentokil Rightmove Rio Tinto PLC Rolls-Royce Holdings Rosneft DRC Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B RSA Insurance Sage Samsung Electronics DRC Sberbank Schroders Scottish Mortgage Segro Severn Trent Smith & Nephew Smiths Group Spirax-Sarco Engineering SSE St. James’s Place Standard Chartered Standard Life Aberdeen Taylor Wimpey Tesco Tui Unilever United Utilities Vodafone Group PLC Whitbread WPP

245,20 3.166,3 712,63 297,70 43,33 7.448,0 480,22 174,21 1.880,73 897,29 196,98 8.094,0 32,64 2.104,59 3.180,8 746,40 1.549,50 6.613,0 1.915,22 511,82 600,16 5.699,0 110,66 6,90 1.397,75 1.397,6 1.335,5 683,40 648,71 1.851,00 14,69 3.642,5 1.199,00 970,98 2.423,6 1.394,70 1.602,87 12.260,0 1.538,00 1.341,00 492,70 299,20 188,15 233,64 381,00 4.122,8 961,60 134,07 3.461,4 938,20

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

246,40 3.173,9 715,70 298,76 43,59 7.480,0 483,67 174,30 1.903,50 903,00 197,80 8.362,0 32,64 2.141,59 3.215,7 747,80 1.554,00 6.636,0 1.923,87 514,00 616,57 5.703,0 112,78 6,95 1.401,11 1.401,4 1.339,5 683,40 652,23 1.853,00 14,73 3.643,0 1.211,01 972,20 2.437,6 1.398,12 1.625,66 12.335,0 1.556,00 1.345,50 496,00 304,30 189,98 235,02 397,58 4.139,0 969,18 135,16 3.510,0 941,12

243,84 3.126,0 706,00 294,80 43,06 7.382,0 475,86 170,78 1.871,50 893,60 194,85 8.028,0 31,17 2.090,59 3.179,0 736,80 1.533,50 6.580,0 1.903,50 510,44 596,00 5.617,0 109,36 6,81 1.381,25 1.381,6 1.320,8 682,60 644,20 1.844,50 14,32 3.615,0 1.188,28 961,00 2.415,6 1.389,46 1.597,00 12.190,0 1.531,00 1.327,50 487,00 297,30 186,89 232,95 374,90 4.113,1 956,17 133,55 3.427,9 932,20

89,30K 20,04K 35,70K 1,74M 15,38M 65,65K 10,79K 288,49K 9,55K 1,12M 2,96M 96,41K 623,89K 26,63K 81,66K 334,72K 142,10K 141,19K 20,62K 76,28K 74,24K 700,79K 3,86M 380,02K 808,32K 855,25K 274,26K 242,27K 54,73K 4,05K 531,68K 3,68K 724,26K 31,17K 13,59K 53,63K 15,76K 17,44K 115,90K 185,39K 624,62K 810,17K 757,00K 1,15M 796,42K 54,97K 56,25K 1,19M 34,85K 84,46K

1.15404

0.86631

Units per €

US dollar (USD) ......................................1.19069 Japan yen (JPY)......................................130.171 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................1.1001 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4370 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................10.115

currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 12

COMPANY 3M Alphabet C Amazon.com Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Facebook Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce.com Tesla UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walmart Walt Disney

PRICE 198,00 2.285,88 3.372,20 248,95 133,00 252,36 230,75 102,92 52,09 53,18 312,46 330,81 319,23 226,98 135,73 68,26 161,25 156,28 231,48 76,31 255,85 135,45 136,37 231,28 677,02 376,30 57,49 222,52 139,78 187,89

CHANGE 198,96 2.289,04 3.372,20 249,10 133,04 252,84 232,20 103,68 52,15 53,28 314,74 334,90 319,32 227,63 135,74 68,40 162,93 157,04 231,61 76,38 255,99 135,50 137,27 231,31 680,97 376,61 57,80 222,60 140,09 188,22

CHANGE% VOLUME(M) 196,06 2,16M 2.253,71 1,04M 3.288,90 4,34M 245,81 1,37M 129,47 106,69M 249,44 12,26M 227,54 2,48M 102,10 7,16M 51,68 13,14M 52,81 10,83M 310,33 15,99M 328,79 2,35M 314,75 4,61M 223,31 3,86M 134,71 3,02M 66,63 27,18M 159,78 8,42M 154,97 12,12M 228,87 2,73M 75,43 7,80M 252,44 24,33M 133,50 6,06M 135,56 5,86M 223,63 7,32M 669,43 21,44M 367,00 2,48M 57,25 13,87M 219,51 5,72M 138,71 6,89M 186,15 6,09M M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 12

COMPANY

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+2.21% +0.91% +3.03% +0.90% +0.90% +2.92% +1.83% +1.49% +1.14% +3.49% +14.86%

4.34M 239,783 344,677 1.04M 1.31M 951,355 355,327 168,179 67,202 175,503 1.51M

-9.51% -14.07% -17.33% -16.55% -2.61% -11.65% -3.13% -7.05% -0.99% -6.80% -2.02%

996,227 308,429 760,767 943,221 3.22M 199,984 7.44M 425,818 21.44M 514,533 158,084

Most Advanced Amazon.com Inc. Booking Holdings Inc. MicroStrategy Inc. Alphabet Inc. Cl C Alphabet Inc. Cl A Align Technology Inc. Intuitive Surgical Inc. CoStar Group Inc. First Citizens Bancshares Inc. Cl A Amedisys Inc. Lovesac Co.

Most Declined WD-40 Co. IGM Biosciences Inc. Applied Molecular Transport Inc. Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd. ADR Zoom Video Communications Inc. ALX Oncology Holdings Inc. Baidu Inc. ADR PriceSmart Inc. Tesla Inc. Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc. Cl A BeiGene Ltd. ADR

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

Exhibition visitors are highly qualified workers

Some of the keynote speakers.

THE Spanish Ministry of the Interior has agreed that all registered participants at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona may enter Spain despite current health restrictions.

This means that ex‐ hibitors, attendees or spon‐ sors from outside of the Eu‐ ropean Union will be able to fly to Barcelona from such countries as China, the UK and USA without fear of be‐ ing turned away at the air‐ port.

Currently, regulations prevent entry to Spain for anyone from a country out‐ side the EU due to the pan‐ demic, except in the case of highly qualified workers.

Therefore, in accordance with this rule, international organisers GSMA (Global System for Mobile Commu‐ nications) and the Ministry

of the Interior have come to an agreement that identi‐ fies all those attending the MWC within this category so that they can attend the congress.

Clearly the Spanish Gov‐ ernment is well aware of the international prestige that this exhibition brings to the country and is anxious to ensure that after last year’s cancellation, the Congress goes ahead be‐ tween June 28 and July 1 this year.

To some extent, they may be fighting a losing battle as a number of the tech giants such as Google and Intel have decided to cancel, joining Ericsson, Facebook, Google, Intel, Nokia, Oracle and Sony have already an‐ nounced that they have withdrawn.

To try to combat this, the

Co-op profits up THE Co-op Group in the UK has announced that it will repay £15.5 million (€17 million) of the Covid relief it received from the government’s furlough scheme.

It has had a good 2020 with a rise in turnover to £11.5 billion (€12.7 billion) and profits after tax and provisions also up at £77 million (€85 million) although that is only a tiny percentage against turnover.

The Co-op will not however return business rates support as it considered that this was given in “good faith” to help support its services including funerals and did not ever expect to have to pay it back.

show has now gone hybrid with the option of a virtual visit with direct contact with industry leaders which many may consider safer and more attractive this year.

BUSINESS EXTRA Debt resolved THE Villar Mir group has repaid almost all of the €68 million it owed to Santander with a series of different payments and according to Expansion.com, in order to raise the funds, the Villar Mir family had to sell some of the works of art they owned.

Sterling worries REPORTEDLY due to fears about the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the sale of which is generating a large amount of income for Britain, the value of the pound has taken a knock against both the dollar and the euro on international currency markets.

Another victim AN upmarket victim of the pandemic is the Barcelona based El Barri hospitality group which was a joint venture between chef Albert Adrià and the Iglesias brothers who have now placed the group which owned five restaurants into voluntary bankruptcy.

15 - 21 April 2021

EWN 31

32 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 April 2021

FEATURE

Hope of course springs eternal

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT MILLIONS of words have of course been written about the Duke of Edinburgh and his sad passing, but as an unashamed and staunch royalist I feel it perfectly reasonable to put in my own three penneth.

Of all the Royals the Duke has always been a favourite of mine. He was obviously a man of integrity with very strong principles, but although I think this sometimes made him something of a feared disciplinarian, particularly among his male offsprings, he always appeared to be fair minded and caring.

Despite the almost treasonably incorrect, Crown series, the vast majority of us have no idea what goes on behind ‘Buck House’ doors, but in the reports we actually have been a party to over the years, I concede he may have erred a bit when a young man’s fantasy succumbs to philandering!

However in public he never brought the Royal family into disrepute, he certainly didn’t ‘rebel’ against the tradition and heritage he married into (unlike others I could mention!).

PRINCE PHILIP: A favourite of mine.

Despite protocol asserting he always stand a pace or two behind the Queen, which I’m sure he hated, he was always there in support ‐ reiterating the old, slightly amended adage that behind every successful Queen stands a strong man! He was obviously the backbone of the whole family and hopefully his strength, dedication and leadership, will have been passed on to his decedents (hope of course springs eternal!).

Not suffering fools or sycophants gladly he often came out with remarks that could be somewhat scathing! I particularly like the one where he was asked after arriving at an airport how his flight had been? ‘Have you ever flown?’ he asked the irritating toady.

‘Why yyes’ replied the man. ‘’Well it was like that’ snapped the Duke.

Bit hurtful, but pretty typical I would have thought. My absolute favourite of course was the well‐chronicled reply he gave when asked a question about his daughter Princess Anne. ‘If it doesn’t fart and eat hay, she’s not interested’ he retorted.

Prince Philip was a complex and truly

exceptional man, who will be sadly missed by millions, but most of all by his dear wife of 73 years. Let our thoughts be with the Queen in these sad times of great loss.

Couldn’t let this piece go by without a mention of the despicable duo Winge and Minge. I don’t think you have to study rocket science to realise who sanctioned the cold and arrogant ‘tribute’ to the Duke they posted on social media. I’m sure by the time you read this it will have been announced that megalomaniac Megan’s doctors have recommended she doesn’t travel at this time. The fact that even later into her last pregnancy, she actually travelled over 11,000 miles to attend her LA baby shower will not of course go unnoticed by the general public.

Just how stupid does this arrogant woman think we all actually are? As for Harry ‐ well he’s just about as far removed from his Grandfather’s legacy as a Grandson could possibly be. Thank the Lord he’s only sixth in line!

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

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FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

I don’t understand Bitcoin MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION Views of a Grumpy Old Man I’V E never really understood Bitcoin.

How can something you can’t see, feel or know where it comes from be worth so much real money now? And, to be honest, I’m quite happy with my ignorance. I know one Bitcoin is now ‘worth’ about €50k. I t seems to me that the people earning the most are the cybercriminals.

There’s only 21 million Bitcoin in circulation and some of those have been lost forever because people have forgotten or lost their passwords which makes theirs worthless. But here’s the scenario that makes them the most dangerous.

Imagine going to your car, and finding that you are unable to unlock the doors or start the engine. Then you notice a message on your ‘phone. It’s a ransom note indicating that your car has been locked down and taken hostage. You are required to send Bitcoin to an unknown address if you want to release your car.

Sound crazy? It shouldn’t. According to security experts this scenario is not an

impossible situation.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are fuelling a wave of ransomware attacks to the tune of $1.4 billion in the U S .

Hackers encrypt the victim’s data and then require the victim to pay a fee in Bitcoin or certain other cryptocurrencies to obtain the decryption key needed to release the data.

M ost ransomware attacks start as phishing emails. Hackers bombard hospitals, big corporations, universities and even cities. The University of California San Francisco paid hackers $1.14 million in Bitcoin after a ransomware attack.

T hat’s a shed load of dosh and the thieves got away with it and it’s only going to get worse.

I read that one hospital client received ransom notes from two distinct ransom crews that had infiltrated the hospital’s computer systems. The hackers had auctioned off access to the hospital twice! The criminals were in-fighting over who would get paid first! Guess what - most of it is coming from Russia and China, there’s a surprise!

I’d love to know if anyone ‘real’ has earned fortunes out of cryptocurrencies.

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

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

15 - 21 April 2021

EWN 33

THURSDAY 15/04 FRIDAY 16/04 SATURDAY 17/04

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Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News Party Election Broadcast The One Show EastEnders Dragons' Den This Is My House BBC News at Ten Regional News and Weather

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The Repair Shop Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show A Question of Sport Would I Lie to You? EastEnders Have I Got News for You Mrs. Brown's Boys BBC News at Ten

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BBC News BBC London News Weather Final Score Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup I Can See Your Voice Casualty Keeping Faith BBC News Weather Match of the Day

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Seven Worlds, One Planet BBC News BBC London News Weather Countryfile Antiques Roadshow Call the Midwife Line of Duty BBC News BBC London News Weather

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Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News Party Election Broadcast The One Show Is the Church Racist? Panorama EastEnders Fawlty Towers Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World

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The Repair Shop Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News Party Election Broadcast The One Show EastEnders Holby City Island Medics The Syndicate BBC News at Ten

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Eggheads Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Saved and Remade Remarkable Places to Eat Great British Menu Pandemic 2020 Mock the Week Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands Newsnight

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Eggheads Flog It! Richard Osman's House of Games Saved and Remade MOTDx Grand Tours of Scotland's Lochs Great British Menu Gardeners' World I'll Get This - Extra Helping Newsnight

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Live Snooker: The World Championship Flog It! All That Glitters: Britain's Next Jewellery Star Florida: America's Animal Paradise Top of the Pops: The Story of 1977 Elizabeth Taylor: A Life in Ten Pictures Burton and Taylor

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The Great British Sewing Bee Live Snooker: The World Championship Steve Backshall's Extreme River Challenge This Farming Life Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline Australia: Earth's Magical Kingdom FilmI, Tonya

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Richard Osman's House of Games Saved and Remade The Hairy Bikers' Mediterranean Adventure Mastermind Mastermind Different League - The Derry City Story Have I Got a Bit More News for You Newsnight

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Live Snooker: The World Championship Richard Osman's House of Games Saved and Remade The Hairy Bikers' Mediterranean Adventure All That Glitters: Britain's Next Jewellery Star NewMakeup: A Glamorous History Live at the Apollo

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Live Snooker: The World Championship Richard Osman's House of Games Saved and Remade The Hairy Bikers' Mediterranean Adventure Great British Menu Bent Coppers: Crossing the Line of Duty QI XL Newsnight

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Glacier Mountain Goats Walk the Line The Joy of Painting All Creatures Great and Small Topkapi Peter Ustinov: The Parkinson Interviews The Sky at Night Around the World in 80 Treasures

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Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Summer Holidays: What's the Truth? Tonight Emmerdale Britain's Brightest Celebrity Family?

The Queen and Her Cousins with Alexander Armstrong

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Countdown A Place in the Sun A New Life in the Sun Four in a Bed The Simpsons The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Dog House Taskmaster Frank of Ireland Naked Attraction

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Exotic Pop at the BBC Sounds of the 70s - New Wave Top of the Pops: 1990 Top of the Pops: 1990 Duran Duran: There's Something You Should Know Duran Duran: A Night In he 80's Pop Map of Britain and Ireland Exotic Pop at the BBC

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ITV News London Judge Rinder Tenable ITV London Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street A Touch of Frost ITV News

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A New Life in the Sun Four in a Bed The Simpsons The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Food Unwrapped Rosie Jones Gogglebox 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Frank of Ireland

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Live Snooker: The World Championship The Young Montalbano Italy's Invisible Cities Top of the Pops: 1990 Top of the Pops: 1990 Sinatra: All or Nothing at All Italy's Invisible Cities

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Tipping Point The Chase ITV News and Weather ITV News London In for a Penny Game of Talents Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow The Jonathan Ross Show ITV News and Weather ITV London Weather Jaws

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Four in a Bed Four in a Bed Four in a Bed Four in a Bed Channel 4 News Grand Designs The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights First Man

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ITV London Weather Game of Talents In for a Penny Babe Midsomer Murders The Chase: Celebrity Special ITV News and Weather ITV News London Tipping Point: Lucky Stars Casino Royale ITV News and Weather

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Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List it Channel 4 News Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Highlights NewGuy Martin's Battle of Britain Gogglebox Walter Presents: The Hunter Sexy Beast

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The Chase ITV News London Party Election Broadcast ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Alan Titchmarsh: Spring into Summer Coronation Street Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip ITV News at Ten

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Four in a Bed The Simpsons Ackley Bridge Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Britain‘s Most Famous Family for Hire Jamie: Keep Cooking Family Favourites NewLucy, the Human Chimp 24 Hours in A&E

5:00pm

ITV News London Party Election Broadcast ITV Evening News Emmerdale Ainsley's Mediterranean Cookbook Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip ITV News at Ten and Weather

5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

A New Life in the Sun Four in a Bed The Simpsons Ackley Bridge Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer Snackmasters: Shreddies Naked Attraction

5:00pm

The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs Coronation Street Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip ITV News at Ten and Weather

4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

A Place in the Sun A New Life in the Sun Four in a Bed The Simpsons Ackley Bridge Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Location, Location, Location First Dates Hotel Second Hand for 50 Grand

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Live Snooker: The World Championship Call the Midwife: The Casebook Between the Lines Between the Lines Roman Britain: A Timewatch Guide This Green and Pleasant Land: The Story of British Landscape Painting

1:09pm 1:10pm 2:15pm 2:50pm 4:30pm 6:30pm

Live Snooker: The World Championship Mark Kermode's Oscar Winners: A Secrets of Cinema Special Stephen: The Murder That Changed a Nation Horizon: How Big Is the Universe?

Undercover OAP: The Mole Agent - Storyville

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Live Snooker: The World Championship A303: Highway to the Sun Stephen: The Murder That Changed a Nation Lights Up: Adam Colour: The Spectrum of Science David Stratton's Stories of Australian Cinema A303: Highway to the Sun

7:00pm 7:25pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm

Live Snooker: The World Championship Watergate Stephen: The Murder That Changed a Nation Lights Up: Orpheus in the Record Shop Collective: Unravelling a Scandal - Storyville How to Make: Headphones

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Rich House, Poor House 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight The Highland Vet Escape to the Farm with Kate Humble 10 Years Younger in 10 Days What Happened to Your Face

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5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight ShowNewThe Gadget Show World's Most Scenic River Journeys Churchill: Path to Victory Britain's Favourite 80s Songs That’s so 1990

11:00am 12:45pm 1:00pm 1:30pm

5 News Weekend Susan Calman's Grand Day Out in the Highlands Barcelona with Jane McDonald Our Yorkshire Farm The Savoy: World's Most Expensive Hotels NewZara and Mike Britain's Favourite 80s TV Comedy

9:15am 9:25am 11:25am 11:30am 1:00pm 3:30pm 6:30pm

Celebrity River Cruising in France Caravan Holidays with Shane Richie Happy Campers: Brits on Holiday Rich House, Poor House Changed My Life Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun Britain's Favourite 80s Songs

8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am

Rich House, Poor House 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Premiership Rugby Highlights Traffic Cops Hoarder Homes: No Room to Move Casualty 24/7

10:00am

Rich House, Poor House 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight GPs: Behind Closed Doors The Yorkshire Vet Our Yorkshire Farm NewDoctors of War: Saving Lives

11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm

Friends Who Kill Rich House, Poor House 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Building Britain's Canals Police Interceptors Here Come the Gypsies!

No Ticket No Travel: Fare Dodging Wars Police Suspect #1

9:00am

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The Football Show The Football Show Sky Sports News Live European Tour Golf Live Indian Premier League Live Betfred Super League Live PGA Tour Golf The F1 Show NFL: Total Access Live Formula 1 My Icon: Keegan Hirst Sky Sports News Live European Tour Golf Live Indian Premier League Live EFL Live FNF Premier League Hall Of Fame Sky Sports News Super League Gold Live NRL Super League Gold Soccer A.M. Live Premier League Live Premier League Live Indian Premier League Sky Sports News Live EFL Live PGA Tour Golf Sky Sports News Goals on Sunday Goals on Sunday Goals on Sunday Super Sunday Matchday Live Indian Premier League Live Renault Super Sunday Live Renault Super Sunday Live PGA Tour Golf Good Morning Sports Fans The Football Show The Football Show Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Live Indian Premier League Live MNF Sky Sports News NFL: Total Access The Football Show The Football Show Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Sky Sports News Live Indian Premier League Live EFL Live Premier League Soccer Special PostMatch Sky Sports News Good Morning Sports Fans Good Morning Sports Fans The Football Show Live Indian Premier League Live Indian Premier League Live Premier League Live Premier League Sky Sports News

The schedules for the television programme pages are provided by an external company: we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of Euro Weekly News.

FEATURE

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 April 2021

EWN 35

WELL, DID YOU FALL FOR ANY OF THEM TOO? at midnight. Some rather bizarre require‐ ments were listed as desirable, including an ability to write ‘in mumbo‐jumbo.’

Those past decades must have been the last days of innocence. What was stated in the papers was generally taken to be gospel.

Nobody was looking for the spoof article.

Truth, after all, was sacred. In subsequent years, readers have become too canny to be taken in easily, and front‐page spoofs are of‐ ten all too blindingly obvious. Although this year’s had the advantage that recent political news is almost too bizarre to accept as gen‐ uine.

Take, for instance, all the fake news stories during Donald Trump’s term in office which read more like April Fool’s jokes. Or ‘alterna‐ tive facts’ as his spin doctors spun them. I mean, stories like he’s still refusing to accept the election result. No, hang on, that is true!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson

HOW did you spend Thursday April 1st this year? Did you have another think about a few things? For starters, what about that trip to Cornwall this summer in view of the compulsory Cornish language tests you’ll face in booths on the Tamar Bridge and the A30?

Or that ‘exclusive’ picture of Prince Harry and Meghan apparently saying their vows in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury ‐ dressed as Elvis?

Or HM the Queen appearing to address Oprah Winfrey on a computer screen for the ‘unbelievable moment’ when Her Majesty promised to “tell one’s truth”?

For decades, April Fool’s Day has given ev‐ eryone a great excuse to have a bit of fun. Or, I should say, for centuries ‐ one of the first references to springtime hoaxes is in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, when a vain cock is tricked by a fox in the Nun’s Tale.

APRIL FOOL’S DAY: How did you spend the time this year?

In more modern times, perhaps most memorable is the BBC’s classic 1957 Swiss ‘Spaghetti Harvest’ story. The three‐minute report resulted in masses of calls from view‐

ers wanting to buy spaghetti bushes.

Then in 1986 there were some fake job ad‐ vertisements connected to the abolition of the GLC, which had disappeared on March 31

Nora Johnson’s psychological crime thrillers ‘The Sentinel’, ‘No Safe Place’, ‘Betrayal’, ‘The Girl in the Woods’, ‘The Girl in the Red Dress’, ‘No Way Back’, ‘Landscape of Lies’, ‘Retribu‐ tion’, ‘Soul Stealer’, ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora‐johnson.net) available on‐ line as eBook (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, pa‐ perback and audiobook. All profits to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

36 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 April 2021

FEATURE

GO LOCAL

THE EUROWEEKLY NEWS is urging its readers to support local businesses in the com‐ munity by going local through the lockdown and for your all your shopping this year, instead of feeding online giants and super‐ stores.

During this lockdown, we challenge you to rediscover

your local high streets, mar‐ kets, butchers, greengrocers and all of the wonderfully quirky independent busi‐ nesses in your area.

Due to the Covid‐19 pan‐ demic, you may have to sup‐ port many local businesses by ordering online and mak‐ ing use of any click and col‐ lect services they can oper‐

ate if you are unable to get out due to health reasons or lockdown restrictions.

The joy of shopping local means that independent businesses can help support the local community.

Although it may be a euro or two cheaper elsewhere or online, consider where your money is actually going. By shopping at an independent store you’re putting food on a local family’s table, and there is no better time than now to give back to your community by making a small gesture and shopping in this way.

Many local stores sup‐ port local charities, support and sponsor local sports teams and in many cases the small independent stores are actually much more than just a small high street shop, they’re a fami‐ ly’s legacy, often passed down through numerous generations and support not just the current owner but the generation before.

For those stores which are new, that extra couple of euros spent there are sup‐ porting someone’s dream and ambition, and also the courage it took them to step out alone, which is no easy task. It takes quite a large chunk of money to set up an independent store and com‐ pete with the multinational and chains.

So be sure to pre‐order your meat from a local butcher and get your spuds from a local greengrocer, let us revive that community

BUY LOCAL: By shopping locally, independent businesses can help support the local community.

spirit and get to know our neighbours again.

You could also consider purchasing gift vouchers from local businesses to help them over the coming

weeks, thinking outside the box can often lead to some fantastic ideas.

Why not buy a meal for two, an hour’s tattoo time at a local studio, a hair cut at a local salon or an online

To advertise here contact us on:

951 386 161

study course for someone looking to change their ca‐ reer path.

FEATURE

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As people are struggling with finances thinking about what friends and family may actually need is important too.

Whilst it’s nice to give a glamourous gift perhaps pre‐ paying a family member’s phone bill for the month would actually be a better gift. Helping people alleviate stress and worry , give the gift of peace of mind through these difficult times.

Choosing to spend your money locally will really make a difference in the re‐ covery of the local economy.

When we buy local, our money stays local, and it strengthens the local econo‐ my in two ways. First, buying local keeps money circulat‐ ing within the local econo‐ my.

Studies have shown that local businesses recirculate a greater share of every euro as they create locally owned supply chains and invest in their employees.

Data shows that local re‐ tailers return 52 per cent of their revenue back into the local economy, compared to just 14 per cent for national

15 - 21 April 2021

SPENDING LOCALLY:Will make a difference to the local economy. chain retailers.

Money circulating through the local economy benefits everyone who is a part of each transaction. For exam‐ ple, let’s look at a local farmer growing produce.

First, they sell to a local restaurant, which in turn prepares the fresh produce and sells it to local cus‐ tomers. The farmer pays its local employees and the restaurant uses revenue

from sales to buy supplies from a neighbourhood hard‐ ware store. This example il‐ lustrates how the recircula‐ tion of money in the local economy leads to a stronger financial foundation for our neighbours and communi‐ ties.

Buying local also fuels new employment and job oppor‐ tunities for people within our community. Studies show, locally owned busi‐

nesses employ more people per unit of sales and retain more employees over time.

A fantastic example of how to support your local community is with a Charity Gift certificate, why not do‐ nate to your loved one’s favourite cause.

Just remember to follow the latest government ad‐ vice and any guidance busi‐ nesses have to keep every‐ one safe.

EWN 37

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FEATURE

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15 - 21 April 2021

EWN 43

Advertising Feature AS of April 1, the green card ‐ which verifies the va‐ lidity of Compulsory Liability Insurance for vehicles ‐ will no be longer green and will now be sent by email to policy holders by their insurance provider. In a move that will see more of the sec‐ tor enter the era of digital transformation, drivers will be able to print their own green cards, with black and white prints on standard A4 paper.

This change has been driven within the decision of the Council of Bureaux, the organisation acting for the protection of cross‐border road traffic and coordinating the activities of the different EU mem‐ bers of the Green Card system, to check the validity of Third Party Liability Motor Insurance through a new centralised single platform.

Now, using advanced security measures, its cen‐ tralised web platform will allow insurers of its mem‐ ber countries to generate ‘QR‐coded’ Green Cards, which will then be sent to policy holders as down‐ loadable PDFs. So, these documents no longer need to be printed on the traditional, green‐ coloured paper and as such, the traditional Green Card may simply become black and white.

These changes mean that when you are driving in a Bureaux member country, the authorities will be able to check automatically, through this plat‐ form, if a vehicle is duly insured.

But, despite these changes, Liberty Seguros re‐ minds that when you are visiting countries that are not part of the European Economic Area (such as the UK and Gibraltar), the green card docu‐ ment, although now a printed version, will be

LIBERTY SEGUROS explains the new changes with respect to the so-called Green Card

DRIVING ABROAD: You still need to be insured. mandatory as it always has been.

In the same manner, insured vehicles from coun‐ tries outside the Council of Bureaux and those not part of the European Economic Area (including, UK and Gibraltar‐registered vehicles) will also be re‐ quired to carry the document whilst driving in Spain.

For Liberty Seguros, no longer having to print and post Green Cards in a specified colour and for‐ mat will be a welcome change. For policy holders, Liberty Seguros assures drivers that the new pro‐ cess is as easy as printing an airline boarding pass.

With the changes that surround Brexit, Liberty Seguros understands that there’s a real need for

clear and transparent information regarding changes to driving in Spain, and it remains on‐hand to keep you informed with regard to your obliga‐ tions as a driver.

The expat’s preferred insurer, Liberty Seguros of‐ fers a wide range of covers for car insurance that can be tailored to your individual needs, with ad‐ vantages that stand out against competitors.

For example, with Liberty Seguros, there’s no need to declare vehicle accessories if they have been fitted by the manufacturer; and, in the case of a claim, any luggage or personal belongings are covered up to €500.

Liberty Seguros also offers extended cover in case of Total Loss or Total Theft at 100 per cent of the value ‘as new’ if the vehicle is less than two years old, or at 80 per cent of the value ‘as new’ if the vehicle is between two and three years old. A courtesy car is included as standard for up to 45 days (35 days for vehicle breakdown) and policy holders are free to choose a garage of their choice in the event of a claim.

What’s more, Liberty Seguros has specific cover for electric vehicles too.

There are other benefits as well. With Liberty Se‐ guros there’s no maximum age for drivers ‐ provid‐ ed they have a valid driving licence ‐ and Roadside Assistance is available from Km.0.

Furthermore, with Liberty Seguros you can also take out car insurance for UK‐plated vehicles (except for vehicles registered in Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Gibraltar), as well as cover for classic vehicles and Spanish and UK‐registered motorhomes!

With an extensive network of more than 300 ex‐ patriate brokers and agents that speak YOUR lan‐ guage and who are at YOUR disposal for friendly and expert advice that’s tailored to you, it’s easy to see why Liberty Seguros has become expat insur‐ ance provider of choice in Spain with over 175,000 expat clients.

To find the location of your nearest broker/agent, simply visit: www.libertyexpatriates.es. or call 913 422 549.

44 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 April 2021

Toxic cocktail awaits retirement

RETIREMENT: Rather than being a fun and frivolous time, can actually be just as stressful as working.

WE are all living longer, but the quality of that life is not as good, as unhealthy lifestyles now mean today’s youth can expect to spend their retirement in poor health.

Obesity, lack of exercise and smoking are cited as the main problems leading to what experts are calling a ‘toxic cocktail’ of back pain, diabetes and dementia.

With women expected to live to an average age of 83 and men until 79, people can expect to spend those last two decades suffering from poor health.

Public Health England said a report found only 57 per cent of English adults carry out the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise and 29 per cent do less than

half an hour. Two in every three adults are now also overweight or obese.

A report has also shown that retirement, rather than being a fun and frivolous time, can actually be just as stressful as working, particularly for those leaving lowerpaid positions as they struggle with the pressure of making ends meet on their pension.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sing your way to happiness HOBBIES have always been known to boost your mood; partaking in some time out of work and responsibilities to do something you enjoy, and joining a choir now seems to be the latest mood booster.

A new study in Australia has found that joining a choir can help fight against sadness and boost emotions.

The Australian scientists asked volunteers suffering from mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety to t a k e part in their study and try dif-

ferent social arts-based activities.

Singing was found to boost the immune system with just one hour of singing increasing levels of the immune proteins that help the body to battle illness significantly.

Each activity was undertaken once a week over nearly three months and volunteers were asked to describe how they felt at different points of the

day to measure the effects of the activity with singing shown to boost emotions.

They found that writing poems in a group also made people happier and the scientists believe their findings could pave the way for more participation in arts-based groups to beat the blues.

SINGING: The latest mood booster.

HEALTH & BEAUTY MS BIPOLAR UP AND DOWN WITH BALANCE UNEDITED

THE ‘hurricane’ of emotions - high , low or both - and the after effects can be very daunting to consider.

However, I would have to say the ‘storms’ in your mind can be weathered and the sun does shine many days.

What I’ve learned so far… Know the storms are coming. This is the reality, you can’t avoid them, its going to happen… so make preparations for it. Have safety plans and people who can help you in your time of need. Remember that storms will pass. They can be scary and ugly and cause some damage. But they do end. Try to find the eye of the storm while you’re in it. Use your friends or loved ones to help you find that place. It’s the place you can sit and recognise what is happening to you.

Some people find it

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Weathering the Storm - It’s worth it! with the help of others, some can find it in their own minds.Give yourself time in the

‘cleanup phase’ to get back on your feet.

Think about the cleanup after a storm… houses need repairs… your body and mind also need TLC after things settle.Enjoy the sunshine. When it comes, take it in and appreciate your stability. Get things done or rest, or both, whatever works for you.

Be proud of your strength!

Make the most of the lessons. I believe each storm holds a lesson to be learned about yourself, your illness, your supports. Store those lessons to help you be even more prepared for the next storm.

I’ve just come out of the eye of a mixedmood storm. It’s whipped around me, sucked me in and spat me back out. But I am in ONE piece.

I might have bipolar, but I won’t let it have me.

Love Ms Bipolar msbipolar@euroweeklynews.com x

15 - 21 April 2021

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46 EWN

15 - 21 April 2021

www.euroweeklynews.com THE Torrevieja Symphony Or‐ chestra will perform its fifth con‐ cert of the season at the Torrevie‐ ja Auditorium on May 8, at 7pm.

During the concert ‘8 Seasons’ the ‘Vivaldi stations’ and the ‘Porteñas de Piazzolla stations’ will be performed directed by José Francisco Sánchez with soloist Sora Han. Tickets are available from the auditorium ticket office in Calle Vicente Blasco Ibáñez on Mon‐ days from 10 am to 1 pm and at the Centro Cultural Virgen del

‘8 Seasons’

Carmen on Wednesdays from 11am to 2pm.

They can also be purchased from the auditorium two hours before the concert.

In its 13 year history the Torre‐ vieja Symphony Orchestra has performed on the stages of nu‐ merous theatres and auditori‐ ums in the towns of the provinces of Alicante and Murcia.

Blow your mind MENTALIST Anthony Blake promises to blow your mind.

The magician who wows with his ‘extraordinary mental powers’ has been performing live since 1983 with great public and

SOCIAL SCENE

critical success.

And now the mentalist, writer and lecturer is bringing his show ‘Anthony Blake: Si! Tiene Sentido’ (Anthony Blake: Yes! It Makes Sense) to Torrevieja.

“After more than 25 years convincing us that mentalism was something impossible and that everything was the product of our imagination, now Blake is going to show us that we all have a mentalist inside us,” said organisers.

You can catch Anthony Blake at Torrevieja Auditorium on Saturday, April 24 at 7.30pm.

Visit allevents.in to find out more.

It began its journey in 2008 and the repertoire covers all mu‐ sical periods and styles, from Baroque to contemporary music.

Current director Maestro José Francisco Sánchez is accompa‐ nied by his current concertmas‐ ter, Stanislav Tkach.

To find out more, visit: www.orquestasinfonicadetorre vieja.com.

King of Salsa SALSA king Marc Anthony is to showcase his long‐awaited stu‐ dio album in Murcia.

Jennifer Lopez’s ex‐husband will unveil ‘Opus’ (Sony Music) on stage at La FICA Fairground, his first studio album in six years and his eighth since ‘Otra nota’ thrust him into the limelight in 1993.

Recorded in Miami, the album is composed of 10 songs that make up an ‘avant‐garde salsa masterpiece.’

The concert on June 11, promises to be ‘a magnificent oc‐ casion.’

To buy tickets and find out more, visit www.eventbrite.com.

15 - 21April 2021 • www.euroweeklynews.com

SPONSORED BY

Planning a long absence from home?

PLANNING a long trip away from home?

How about that staycation? Are you tenta‐ tively planning to get away later this year?

Even if you are planning a short trip you’ll know you simply can’t travel with some pets they need to stay behind. So, plan ahead.

Take a moment to plan ahead for pet and house‐sitters, if you have trips planned later this year. Now is the time to get ready. We will help you as much as we can. Our philoso‐ phy is that we are all in this together. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on House SitMatch.com 2. Choose a Premium account (89 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house 4. Post a housesit advert stating your plans for your holiday, Covid permitting.

Do you need a pet sitter in 2021? Then get started right now.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going

GOING AWAY?: Keep the garden looking well managed and your property and pets well-cared for. on holiday. House‐sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ‐ 4.8 / 5 Excellent rating (New Trustpilot rating scale) Here’s what members have said about us ‐ HouseSitMatch found us a perfect house‐ sitter…

HouseSitMatch found us a perfect house‐ sitter while we were away in Canada and we were delighted with the care and attention

that HouseSitMatch took in helping us find the right person.

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Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com ‐ Choose a membership plan ‐ Please note prices go up soon so sign up now on subscription to secure these prices: • Standard (DIY option) = £69 pa • Premium (with support at each step) = £89 pa

Do you need a house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20 per cent discount using coupon code P2020 - an exclusive offer for readers. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com.

Active days out with your dog DOGS give so much love to their owners and most are regarded as a family mem‐ ber, adopting the same lifestyle.

Most owners take their dogs out on their usual walk‐ ing routine, but once in a while it would be interesting for them to try other out‐ door activities. Dogs do have memories and giving them a different experience out‐ doors would keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

There are a few interest‐ ing and challenging options, which include hiking trails or dog‐friendly parks.

Swimming is another good form of exercise for dogs and the chlorine in pools is not a problem for them ei‐ ther.

The sea is possibly more challenging, as it’s unpre‐ dictable and the dog might not be as safe. Playing fetch on the beach with all that fresh air is invigorating for dog and owner.

If you’re a fitness junkie that goes jogging every day,

you could take the dog with you, so get a hands‐free run‐ ning leash to have round your waist.

Including the dog on fami‐ ly camping trips can be fun, especially if the dog gets their own tent to sleep in.

The important thing to re‐

member is to take a basic first‐aid kit and a plentiful supply of water, when out and about in the great out‐ doors. It’s also important to be aware of your dog’s level of fitness and not to give them too much of a chal‐ lenge.

47

PETS

Advertising Feature

Springtime diseases a danger for dogs EACH season has its own pitfalls and hazards.

These are some spring‐ time diseases and dan‐ gers for dogs: Wasp and bee stings are frequent in spring and can sometimes cause significant allergic reactions.

Adders come out of hibernation and their bites can cause important injuries.

Fertilizers and insecticides are used more at this time and it is necessary to avoid the contact of these products with pets.

Some plants and flowers such as daffodils, tulips, amaryllis, azaleas and rhododendrons can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, even death if ingested by your dog.

Encounters with other animals may be more frequent and problematic this time of year as many dogs tend to be more excitable and restless during the spring months, and this can lead to fights when interacting with other dogs.

Inciting factors can lead some dogs to escape the confines of their homes which can lead to accidents.

The activity of the sand flies that transmit Leishmaniosis be‐ gins and repellents must be used Many of these dangers will require veterinary care to cor‐ rect.

In Costablanca Sur: Centro Veterinario de Diagnóstico por Imagen de Levante

www.resonanciaveterinaria.es

48 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 April 2021

AIR CONDITIONING

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15 - 21 April 2021

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EWN 49

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

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POOLS

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Tel. : 965 709 846 608 686 283 Lawrence 691 919 306 Chris costablancapainting@gmail.com

50 EWN

www.euroweeklynews.com

15 - 21 April 2021

SERVICES

REMOVALS & STORAGE

REMOVALS & STORAGE

POOL MAINTENANCE

SERVICES

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ENERGY

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

TV & SATELLITE

15 - 21 April 2021

EWN 51

CLASSIFIEDS ARCHITECT

CARE /NURSING HOME. COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL CARE. REASONABLE RATES. CALL 697 834 934 (291981)

CHARITY

BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside - outside - clean - fast low cost. Torrevieja Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (287797)

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

CARE HOME

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life – damaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca. org (93323) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer.

Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone.

Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@hotmail. com (95475)

52

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information.

(95459)

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(1000 6)

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463)

FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact Harry Palmer Membership Committee. Tel: 966 712 326 or email: 2palmers.quesada@gmail. com (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja.com.

We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and nonmembers on 966 723 733 (95456)

www.euroweeklynews.com

CARS WANTED

CHARITY

15 - 21 April 2021 • www.euroweeklynews.com SPONSORED BY

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Sevices at 10am and 11:30am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273.

For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorrevie ja.org (95476) LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English speaking church. For more information see our website w w w. l a s i e s t a e v a n g e l i calchurch.org (10005)

ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH 1359. The association supports the welfare needs of ex-members of the RAF and their dependents. Due to ongoing covid-19 restrictions we cannot hold General Meetings at the moment. In normal times we provide a social hub for members and hold lunches every month. To fund Welfare we raise money through the Wings Appeal. To find out more contact Chairman Tony at tony.elaine.cuenta@gma il.com. For Welfare contact Andy on 0034 711 00 86 84.

For general information on RAFA visit www.rafa.org.uk. .

(238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Why not make this year the year you volunteer?

See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital.

If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com . If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find

your nearest one at, http://branches.britishle gion.org.uk/branches/ori huela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co. uk. (95457) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant.secretary@rbl. community ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details Hon Sec 692 938 664.

(10004) ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Paul Edwards on 618 644 934, Vice Chairman Danny Kay on 966 716 274 or Secretary Margaret Forshaw on 966 921 996.

(95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers. With rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 654 801 260 or email strokesupportgroup@hotmail.com, website: torreviejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473) THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA BRANCH. Former & serving aircrews of the UK or Allied Armed Forces are welcome to join this convivial & friendly organisation, now in its 21st year. www.aca costablanca.org or call the Secretary on: 966 495 042 (95465)

1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458) THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information.

(253807) THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar will be closed for the immediate future due to Covid-19.

Identification Fiscal G54713789 (95454)

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434 (285091)

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

GARDENING SERVICES DAVID THE TREE GUY Cutting, trimming & removal of trees. Torrevieja, Alicante, Benidorm areas.

722 652 173 (291904)

GENERAL SERVICES Man & Van, small removals, shopping/collections. Painting, Cleaning / Window Services available.

Santa Pola, Gran Alacant, El Altet & La Marina areas.

No job too small. Affordable & reliable. Tel 711 073 074 (291407)

GOLD WANTED

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188.

(95461) THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo,

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CLASSIFIEDS HOME IMPROVEMENTS BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434.

(288012)

INSURANCE FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UPTO A €1000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686116297 (WHATS APP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsur anceinspain.com or email tracey@sosinsur anceinspain.com (291396) BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English.

BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes.

Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@beneficialinsurancein spain.com or visit www.beneficialinsurancein spain.com for online quote.

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www.euroweeklynews.com STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com (2887610)

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

FOR SALE WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)

MOBILITY MUSIC TUITION FOR SALE: TGA Vita Lite Mobility Scooter colour dark blue front basket included. 119cm x 62cm, good condition. Quick Sale €550, Contact: 606 406 159 (291464)

MOTORING

PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (290217)

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, deflead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708)

NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. RYA VHF and Radar Courses. 626 245 098 (291576)

PERGOLAS

QUALITY LHD & RHD Vehicles bought & sold. All paperwork undertaken quickly & professionally. Immediate payment for all purchases.

Mobile / WhatsApp +34 600 726 221 Office +34 965 687 946 www.fwreu rocars.com info@fwreuro cars.com (291571)

15 - 21 April 2021

TAILOR MADE, durable canvas, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. Mazarron based, and serving the Costa Blanca too.

Mail Order and Ordering online 667 879 399 kruger canopies@yahoo.co.uk (288951)

PET CHARITY EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare.net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

EuroWeekly News Contact us on:

951 386 161

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting re-homing. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spa ma.org and view our new blog at www.spamasafor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

POOL MAINTENANCE POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (283443)

XXX RELAXATION Please note that in Spain there is NO legislation banning adverts in this section. Neither regional nor national governments are able to pass such a law due to rules governing freedom of publication and printing.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FED UP PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE CALLS? THEN CONTACT TELITEC TODAY. CALLS TO SPAIN 7C PER MINUTE INCLUDING MOBILES. CALLS TO UK 5.3C PER MINUTE. NO MONTHLY FEES, NO CONTRACT. WWW.TELITEC.COM TEL: 902 889 070 (2001)

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XXX FEMALE SOPHIE naughty, slim, elegant, sexy French lady. 3 languages spoken. Visit all areas, also private apartment in Villamartin. 693 357 526 (290265) EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (289482)

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EWN 53

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15 - 21 April 2021

IN the 28th edition of the Best Cars award, readers have vot‐ ed the CUPRA Formentor as their SUV of choice due to its ‘attractive aesthetics; its excel‐ lent dynamic behaviour; its val‐ ue for money, with full stan‐ dard equipment; its cutting‐edge technology in terms of active and passive safety, as well as connectivity; and a range of high‐perfor‐

Best compact SUV mance and highly efficient en‐ gines.’

The award was granted by the Motorpress Ibérica pub‐ lishing group, following votes from readers of its main ti‐ tles: Highway, Automobile, Current Car, MQC, Classic

Motor and Business Car. Collecting the award, Víctor Sarasola, Commercial Director of CUPRA Spain, said: “We are very proud that the CUPRA Formentor has been chosen ‘Best compact SUV’ by the readers.

“The award has gone to a model designed, developed and manufactured in our country, and with with which we have made a qualitative leap at brand level.

“The CUPRA Formentor is a vehicle that helps to understand CUPRA’s future strategy, and which we expect to represent 50 per cent of the brand’s global sales this year.”

The CUPRA Formentor is the first vehicle designed and devel‐ oped specifically for the CUPRA brand, and is manufactured at the company’s plant in Mar‐ torell, Barcelona.

“Undoubtedly, this model opens the door to new cus‐ tomers looking for exclusivity, design, innovation and a dynam‐ ic and captivating driving experi‐ ence,” said the manufacturer in a statement.

“In addition, it also highlights the fully connected user experi‐ ence it offers. On the one hand, it implements the most ad‐ vanced safety systems, with on‐ line functions; and on the other, a high level of connectivity inside and outside the vehicle, thanks to the CUPRA Connect app, which allows to control and manage certain functions even with remote access from the smartphone.”

The CUPRA Formentor is cur‐ rently available with two trim levels ‐ Formentor and Formen‐ tor VZ ‐ in gasoline, plug‐in hy‐ brid and diesel.

As for the former, the 1.5 TSI 150 hp engines are offered, both with manual and automatic DSG, 2.0 TSI 190 hp DSG 4Drive, 2.0 TSI 245 hp DSG and 2.0 TSI 310 hp DSG 4Drive.

It is available with two plug‐in hybrid versions and Zero label with the 1.4 e‐Hybrid engine, 204 and 245 hp.

There is also a diesel option 2.0 TDI 150 hp, with manual transmission and front‐wheel drive, or automatic DSG and 4Drive traction.

MOTORING

Climate neutral electricity VOLVO CARS’ manufacturing plant in Daqing, China is now powered by 100 per cent climate neutral electricity following in the footsteps of the company’s other large Chinese manufacturing plant in Chengdu, which reached the same milestone last year.

With the addition of Daqing, Volvo Cars’ global manufacturing network is now powered by close to 90 per cent climate neutral electricity, an important step to‐ wards the company’s goal of making its manufacturing opera‐ tions climate neutral by 2025.

Going forward, the Daqing plant in Heilongjiang province will be powered by electricity gener‐ ated from biomass (83 per cent) and wind power (17 per cent), which is estimated to bring down the plant’s annual CO2 emissions by around 34,000 tonnes.

More specifically, the biomass power plants that supply the Daqing site are using locally and sustainably‐sourced agricultural and forestry residues.

“For us at Volvo Cars, sustain‐ ability is as important as safety,” said Javier Varela, Senior Vice‐ President for Industrial Opera‐ tions and Quality.

“To achieve our ambitious cli‐

mate targets, tackling emissions from our manufacturing network is crucial and I am very pleased that Daqing is now powered by 100 per cent climate neutral elec‐ tricity.”

Apart from the Daqing mile‐ stone, Volvo Cars has also made further progress in emission re‐ duction around its China plants.

It has been in close contact with its local suppliers in recent months, encouraging them to fol‐ low suit and switch to 100 per cent climate neutral power. The response thus far has been ‘very positive.’

For Volvo Cars to achieve its target of climate neutral manu‐ facturing operations by 2025, it needs access to climate neutral electricity and heating.

Achieving this target requires Volvo Cars to find local partners in government and business that support development of sustain‐ able alternatives.

“We can only achieve our cli‐ mate action targets by working together with our suppliers,” said Varela. “We are encouraged by the support we have received so far in China and aim to be a benchmark of sustainability for its manufacturing industry.”

MOTORING

www.euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack IT’S one of those cars that many will know but few con‐ sider and it’s one of those cars that has reliability at its core.

Well it’s a Toyota! The Camry is a very stylish looking car and during my time several people stopped to express surprise that it was a Toyota. Most thought it looked too upmar‐ ket and expensive!

While not selling in anything like high numbers here, unlike in the US where it is hugely popular, the Camry is a car that deserves greater appreci‐ ation. It may not carry a premi‐ um badge but it looks and

A smooth performer.

15 - 21 April 2021

EWN 55

Toyota Camry causes surprise! feels very premium and there’s a solidity that almost wouldn’t be amiss in a Ger‐ man badged saloon, plus there’s that enviable reputa‐ tion for reliability.

Priced from €37,991 (£32,260) there are two ver‐ sions and both utilise the same 2.5‐litre four‐cylinder petrol electric hybrid with CVT auto‐ matic transmission. Standard fare is good with leather up‐ holstery, adaptive cruise con‐ trol, electrically adjustable and heated seats, dual zone air conditioning, auto lights with high beam assist, auto wipers,

powered and heated door mir‐ rors, Bluetooth and navigation all included on the lead‐in model.

On the road the 2.5‐litre en‐ gine is a smooth performer and although as with every CVT there’s a rise in revs under hard acceleration, the Camry does things with little fuss or audible intrusion. It doesn’t handle as well as a premium sporting saloon, but then you wouldn’t expect it to, nonetheless it acquits itself re‐ markably well. Decent mpg, hybrid tech to charge the bat‐ tery and a comfortable interior all go to make the Camry a sensible choice and a nice place to be on any journey.

The Camry costs roughly the

same as an entry level BMW 3‐ Series saloon and you get bet‐ ter kit, more space and ar‐ guably more exclusivity given how few Camrys are likely to be sold. One of the downsides is you’ll have higher depreciation, and the Camry won’t impress

those who value badge above all else. What this means in practice is that the Camry does‐ n’t have the premium pedigree we Brits love in our cars.

However, those who dis‐ miss the Camry as a posh Uber are missing the point, not least

Mercedes Benz are taxis all over the world and still pro‐ duce high end premium cars.

The Camry has a style that be‐ lies its lack of premium badg‐ ing and I would happily have one in the garage as my daily driver.

SPORT

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15 - 21 April 2021

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Real Madrid Edge Barcelona Medal Gained LAST Saturday April 10, saw one of the most important ‘El Clasico’ clashes in many years, as Barcelona, who are lying second in La Liga, travelled to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid, to take on third‐placed Real Madrid, with a win for either team taking them to the top of the table, for tonight at least, with Diego S i m e o n e ’ s At l e t i c o M a d r i d side travelling to Betis on Sunday.

Six months ago it looked as though the La Liga title was already going to At l e t i c o , b u t s l o w l y a n d surely, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have reeled them in, making this a very exciting cli‐ max to the season, and a 2‐1 victory for Zinedine Zidane’s men sees them now topping the table.

Two first‐half goals from Karim Benzema after 13 minutes, and then Toni Kroos on 28 minutes, put ZINEDINE ZIDANE: Real Madrid manager.

Madrid in control at the

break, but, in a rain‐lashed, storm‐hit stadium, and with Ronald Koeman at the helm of the opposition, Real could not afford to relax, and, sure enough, in the 60th minute, it was defender Os‐ car Mingueza scuffing home on the hour mark, to set up a thrilling final stage of the match.

Casemiro picked up two quick bookings and was red‐carded, but Zidane’s hosts dug deep and survived a late scare as substitute Ilaix Moriba volleyed a shot in the final moments, that hit the cross‐ bar, with goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen beaten.

The framework of the Real Madrid goal was still shaking when the final whistle went, and so too were some play‐ ers, freezing cold, and forced to change their shirts during a clásico that unfolded amidst thunder, lightning and driving rain, with the wind whipping through the deserted stadi‐ um.

A SPANISH Olympic athlete has finally gained her rightful bronze medal after doping allegations from the London Olympics were upheld. As many expats and Spaniards alike may remember, the Olympic Games were over‐ shadowed for Russia, with dop‐ ing allegations.

Spain’s Ruth Beitia, from Cantabria, has now been named as the only Spanish athlete ever to have won two Olympic medals. She has now gained her rightful second Olympic medal after Russia’s Svetlana Shkoli‐ na’s suspension was upheld.

The Spanish athlete had origi‐ nally finished fourth behind Shkolina at the Olympics in Lon‐ don, but the Russian athlete was suspended for suspected dop‐ ing. In total 11 Russian athletes who appeared at the London Olympics were suspended due to doping suspicions.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has now upheld the Russian athlete’s suspension and the Spanish athlete has

RUTH BEITIA: Has now won 2 Olympic medals. been confirmed as bronze medallist. The Olympic high jump champion must be delight‐ ed after having waited so long for the final decision.

The Russian athlete saw her disqualification period altered to cover dates between July 16, 2012 up until December 31 2014. This means that her Olympic bronze medal that she obtained in London in 2012 has been annulled.

The Spanish high jumper, has since retired from the sport, but is now considered the only Spanish athlete to hold multiple Olympic medals.