Costa Blanca North 23 – 29 November 2023 Issue 2003

Costa Blanca • Issue No. 2003 • 23 - 29 November 2023

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GRATIS

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm

FANCY DRESS SUCCESS

WHAT started as a quaint idea 33 years ago has blos­ somed into a cultural phe­ nomenon that attracts thou­ sands of British tourists, eagerly marking their calen­ dars for the unmissable Fan­ cy Dress Party in Benidorm.

This annual extravaganza has transcended its initial roots to become a power­ house, not just for fun­seek­ ers but for the local economy and hospitality industry.

On Thursday November 16 Benidorm transformed into a vibrant hub of colour, creativ­ ity, and exuberance.

The economic impact is nothing short of remarkable, with venues experiencing a fourfold increase in their dai­ ly turnover.

A cultural phenomenon.

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Unabashed fun The brainchild of local en­ trepreneur Manuel Nieto, the Fancy Dress Party emerged as a postlude to the Major Patronal Festivals of Benidorm.

What started as a modest gathering with floats has evolved into a spectacle of grand proportions, drawing travellers who now plan their trips specifically to partake.

Yet, the Fancy Dress Party is no longer confined to a sin­ gle day of revelry. It has metamorphosed into a week­long celebration of cre­ ativity and unabashed fun.

LOCAL NEWS

Campello clean-up Artichokes

George Cunningham ON November 18, a dedicated group of vol­ unteers spanning various age groups joined forces for a day of environmental steward­ ship, undertaking the task of cleaning the ravine and Amerador beach.

The collective effort resulted in the re­ moval of hundreds of kilos of diverse waste, showcasing the tangible impact that com­ munity engagement can have on preserving natural areas.

The objectives of the day were twofold: to clean the targeted area and to raise aware­ ness among the population about the impor­ tance of caring for natural landscapes.

The motto for the day, ‘Together, reducing is acting’, encapsulated the spirit of the event, emphasising the collective responsi­

IN an effort to promote responsible driving, Busot has introduced new traffic light signs utilising LED technol­ ogy powered by solar panels.

These signs, strategically placed at the main entrances of urban areas, serve as a reminder for both residents and visitors that the speed limit is 30 kilometres per hour.

The signs are located at Calle San Jose in the urban town, Avenida Vale Comunidad Valenciana en el Carril,

Image: Ayuntamiento de El Campello

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm / Facebook

ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL: This lively event drew the crowds.

WASTE: Hundreds of kilos were removed.

bility to take action for a healthier environ­ ment.

Volunteers encountered first­hand the consequences of uncivil behaviour that de­ grades natural landscapes.

Busot drivers Camí Vell d’Alacant en Pisnella, Aveni­ da de los Patos, Calle Señera en Bonal­ ba and on Calle Tramontana at the en­ trances to Pla Lloma and Valle Dorado.

These innovative signs, equipped with LED technology and powered by

solar panels, not only contribute to road safety but also align with envi­ ronmentally conscious practices. By reminding motorists of the speed lim­ it, Busot aims to create a safer and more responsible driving environ­ ment.

Bob Marquess BENIDORM came alive on November 18 as the city embraced one of its most cherished traditions, the Festival of the Artichoke.

Held annually on the third Saturday of Novem­ ber in the historic Plaza de la Constitucion, this lively event drew locals and visi­ tors alike into a whirlwind of music and gastronomic delights.

Following a mass, the aroma of sardines wafted through the air in the Plaza de la Constitucion, enticing attendees to indulge in this seaside delicacy.

As the afternoon sun

shone, the action shifted to Calle Trinidad, where en­ thusiasts engaged in a spir­ ited game of raspall. A thrilling variant of Valen­ cian pilota, raspall echoed through the streets.

As evening descended, a DJ took centre stage and the lively atmosphere reached its crescendo with the highly anticipated beer­ drinking contest, a raucous affair that brought cheers and laughter to the Plaza.

The revelry continued well into the night, with en­ tertainment and music echoing through the streets until the break of dawn.

YOUR EWN HAS

129 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

NIBS EXTRA Pitch prowess ON November 18, the Span­ ish rugby team suffered a de­ feat in the La Vila Interna­ tional Cup final at El Pantano de Villajoyosa. The team played against a dominant US squad. The superior American team compelled Spain to defend, showcasing their prowess on the pitch.

Caught out EL CAMPELLO’S surveil­ lance cameras have aided in the arrest of a car thief, re­ covering the stolen vehicle from El Albir de l’Alfas del Pi. The Guardia Civil apprehend­ ed the suspect with the assis­ tance of video footage, and this led to another investiga­ tion into a theft in Torrevieja.

Parking fines ALICANTE City Council dis­ closed 169 vehicle violations of the parking ordinance in the initial nine months of 2023, averaging 0.6 fines per day. The ordinance restricts the parking of motorcycles, mopeds, cycles, and bicycles in regulated areas.

Bad Brit IN a recent operation, Na­ tional Police officers in Benidorm apprehended a British individual for engag­ ing in the illegal sale of televi­ sion rights to sporting events and pay television channels without authorisation.

EnEnWomen FROM November 16 to 20, Altea participated in the sec­ ond meeting of the Euro­ pean project EnEnWomen in Paris. Altea's Equality Coun­ cillor, Anna Lanuza, said: “We focused on analysing the effects caused by Covid­ 19 on the exercise of rights by women.”

euroweeklynews.com VILLAJOYOSA has recently undergone a transforma­ tive project, breathing new life into the La Malladeta area through agroforestry adaptation works.

This substantial under­ taking represents a note­ worthy investment, to­ talling over €750,000.

The primary focus of the project was the recovery and agroforestry adapta­ tion of nearly four hectares of La Malladeta’s land­ scape.

The completed tasks were diverse, ranging from the meticulous reconstruc­ tion of margins and ter­ races with dry masonry to the clearing of the land.

The project also included

23 - 29 November 2023

Paradise park Image: Ayuntamiento de Viliajoyosa

LOCAL NEWS

NEW LIFE: The La Malladeta area has been transformed.

the revitalisation of vegetal mass through the thought­ ful planting of native species such as almond trees, olive trees, carob

Mega cruise ON November 19, Alicante witnessed the grand arrival of the Aida Cosma, a colossal Italian mega cruise ship, proudly carrying over 5,000 passengers.

As the ship docked in the port, the weather soared be­ yond 20 degrees, creating the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration.

The Aida Cosma, having journeyed from Palma, extend­ ed its visit until 8.00pm.

This generous timeline provided the cruise­goers ample opportunity to weave their own tales through the streets of Alicante.

A popular first port of call for many was the iconic Santa Bárbara Castle, perched majestically atop the city.

Such was the eagerness to scale its historic heights that queues snaked through the streets, prompting the Local Police to step in, orchestrating traffic on Calle Virgen del So­ corro.

For others, the allure of the Esplanade proved irresistible and some opted to head to the Town Hall Square while others meandered through the main thoroughfares, savouring the unique charm of the city.

trees, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, and aro­ matic plants like rosemary and thyme.

The project didn’t stop at

Christmas collection IN the spirit of generosity, the Food Bank has initiat­ ed a significant Christmas collection campaign in ma­ jor supermarkets across El Campello.

The primary objective is to stock the pantries of families facing economic hardships in the munici­ pality.

The beneficiaries of this charitable effort will be two non­governmental or­ ganisations, Caritas and the Milo Evangelical Church, both actively in­ volved in distributing food to families in need.

The campaign, operat­ ing under the inspiring motto ‘Feed a better life’,

Coastal living costs FOR many, the dream of living in the pic­ turesque coastal points of the Marina Alta is tempered by a harsh reality: renting a home in these idyllic locales has become a Her­ culean task.

This is particularly true for those seeking accommodation for year­round living and working, be it in the bustling hospitality sec­ tor or any other profession.

The latest statistics from the Idealista por­ tal serve as a stark confirmation of this housing dilemma. An analysis of rental prices conducted in the past month of Octo­ ber, when the transient demands of

revitalising the greenery.

It also involved upgrad­ ing existing roads and paths, constructing new structures, creating two scenic viewpoints, and in­ stalling urban furniture and solar lighting in designated areas.

These additions aim to fa­ cilitate limited night access, allowing residents and visi­ tors to enjoy the park even after the sun sets.

In essence, Villajoyosa’s La Malladeta area has been transformed into a Park Paradise.

tourism subside, reveals the true challenges faced by those seeking more permanent residence options.

Calpe, often synonymous with coastal splendour, emerges as the second most ex­ pensive town in the Alicante region, de­ manding a hefty €11.2 per square metre.

To put this in perspective, renting an av­ erage apartment of 80 square metres comes with a price tag of almost €900 per month.

Surpassing all other regions in Alicante, only the city of Valencia outpaces Calpe, commanding €12.9 per square metre.

aims to rally the commu­ nity in support of those facing economic chal­ lenges.

The message is under­ scored by the endorse­ ment of well­known per­ sonalities, amplifying the call to action: “Make your donation and let’s feed a life without poverty.”

To facilitate the logistics of this heartwarming ini­ tiative, the town council has pledged its collabora­ tion.

Civil Protection vehicles will be provided to trans­ port the collected food from the major supermar­ kets to the Cáritas head­ quarters.

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U3A Halloween quiz IN a quest for Hal­ loween knowledge, U3A members gath­ ered at a festively adorned Pepe’s restau­ rant for a Halloween quiz and bingo evening.

The costume­filled evening featured a spir­ ited competition, won

by Marian White, and a meal before diving into Halloween trivia.

Surprising revelations included Halloween originating in Ireland and witches’ appear­ ances inspired by The Wizard of Oz, not Sleep­ ing Beauty.

The themed table questions centered on Horror Films and the night concluded with a lively Bingo, offering great prizes.

Thanks were extend­ ed to Liz Miller and Pepe’s for a fun evening that raised €186 for the GOODWILL Team’s charity fund.

For more Association details, visit the U3A website u3avalldel pop.com, with upcom­ ing events including a Christmas Shopping Trip to La Zenia on Wednesdsay Novem­ ber 29.

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LOCAL NEWS

THE UGLY MC Club roared into action with their highly successful Ugly Day charity event, in Teulada Moraira over the weekend of November 18 and 19.

Starting on Saturday at 11am, the day unfolded with an array of gastronom­ ic delights and stands cater­ ing to the diverse interests of the biking community.

The air buzzed with musi­ cal performances and thrilling biking displays.

The event continued to captivate attendees during Sunday with the eagerly an­ ticipated Ugly Bike Show, where visitors had the chance to cast their votes for their favourite bikes.

The festivities extended beyond biking, featuring ad­ ditional attractions such as a mechanical bull, a bouncy castle, and the chance to embark on trips in classic and sports cars provided by Club 55.

All of these offerings were exchanged for dona­ tions, with the proceeds contributing to the club’s charitable endeavours.

Under the banner of ‘Help us Help’, UGLY MC leveraged the occasion to call for solidarity and com­ munity support.

The event became a plat­ form for fostering aware­ ness about the needs closer to home.

Anna Ellis MAKE A SMILE is a dedicated Christmas initiative which fo­ cuses on uplifting 130 children in care who have faced adver­ sity in their family homes.

Throughout the year, educa­ tion takes precedence, but the organisation ensures that Christmas becomes a special season for these children.

To contribute, individuals are urged to make secure on­ line donations via PayPal or bank transfers.

Donors can also purchase suggested items such as pyja­ mas, school supplies, slippers, dressing gowns, underwear, and chocolate.

The Christmas Bag Appeal runs until January 4 finishing just before the traditional Three Kings Day on January 6.

Every donation, regardless of size, profoundly impacts these children, creating cher­ ished moments and lasting memories during the festive

Image: Make A Smile

Ugly Day Make a Smile Festive wave Christmas initiative.

season.

Make A Smile welcomes ev­ eryone to participate, ensuring a brighter and more joyful Christmas for these deserving children.

To contribute, make a se­ cure PayPal donation at in fo@makeasmile.es or a bank transfer to Make A Smile, Caix­ altea, Av. Madrid, 12, 03710 Calpe, ES28 3045 2664 3127 2000 4924, CCRIES2A045.

Visit Charity Shop Amigos de Make A Smile in Teulada, run by volunteers, to donate un­ wanted items.

George Cunningham A F ES T I V E wave has swept over the city of Alicante and it arrived fashionably early this year.

Setting the holiday spirit ablaze in the heart of November, a week ahead of the bustling Black Friday, the ceremonial ignition of ornamental lights took place on Friday November 17.

The cityscape is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a total of 114 streets decked in holiday finery, boasting 1,927 Christmas motifs on street lamps, posters, and trees.

Alicante’s festive fervour has stolen a march on other cities like Vigo or Madrid, which are poised to illuminate their streets a week later.

W hile it may not be the first S panish city to twinkle with festive lights, Estepa (Sevilla) claimed that honour on N ovember 3, A licante stands proudly among the early heralds of the holiday season.

Alicante’s Christmas tree has embarked on a journey of its own, changing locations for the fourth consecutive year.

F rom the T own H all P laza in 2022 to the E xplanada promenade in 2021 and the Rambla de Méndez Núñez in 2020, the tree has found a new home on Avenida de la Constitución this year, standing tall at an impressive 18 metres.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

This proverb, that encourages a positive attitude in the face of adversity, is a paraphrase of a 1909 quote by the Christian anarchist writer, Elbert Hubbard: “A genius is a man who takes the lemons that Fate hands him and starts a lemonade-stand with them.”

1 in 400 trill.

The chance of being born, considering the combination of factors that lead to a unique individual.

Beniarbeig’s soul Bob Marquess IN a bold move, Beniar­ beig is stepping into the spotlight with a tourism campaign that promises to redefine your travel ex­ perience.

Forget the mundane and embrace the extraor­ dinary as we dive into the four captivating episodes that make up this three­ minute cinematic master­ piece.

Ana Gallart and Blanca Dicroce, the councillors behind this tourism cam­ paign confirmed: “Beniar­ beig is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a co­ hesive community that cherishes its environment and holds its ancient tradi­ tions close to its heart."”

At the core of this cam­ paign is a three­minute main video that serves as your golden ticket to Be­ niarbeig’s soul.

But that’s not all, four shorter videos tailored for social media, each focus­ ing on a unique facet of the town’s charm.

José Mut, the creative genius behind the lens, is the maestro responsible for capturing and editing the magic that is Beniar­ beig. His lens paints a vivid picture of a town that doesn’t just welcome visi­ tors; it envelops them in authenticity and richness.

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Chocolate anniversary Anna Ellis THE Chocolates Valor Muse­ um marked its 25th anniver­ sary with a special event that brought together key figures from the Valor family, local dignitaries, and community members.

The occasion was a mo­ mentous opportunity to re­ flect on the museum’s jour­ ney and its contribution to preserving the rich chocolate­ making heritage of La Villa­ joyosa.

Pedro López, the executive president and CEO of Choco­ lates Valor, expressed deep pride on behalf of the Valor family for the success of the chocolate museum project, initiated by the third and fourth generations.

Image: Ayuntamiento de La Vila Joiosa

LOCAL NEWS

SPECIAL EVENT: Held to mark the 25th anniversary.

He underscored the signifi­ cance of paying homage to the town’s memory and tradi­ tions, as well as the choco­ latiers who have played a piv­ otal role in establishing La Villajoyosa as the birthplace of some of the world’s finest

chocolates.

Mayor Marcos Zaragoza congratulated Chocolates Valor on its 25th anniver­ sary, recognising the compa­ ny’s role as an integral part of the city’s international success.

Spectacular rescue Nora Shephard IN a heart­pounding incident that unfolded on Saturday afternoon, November 18, the mountainous terrain of the Marina Alta be­ came the stage for a spectacular rescue op­ eration.

The setting was the Serra de Toix, nestled in the stunning Castell de Calp, a haven for climbers seeking the thrill of conquering na­ ture’s vertical challenges.

The alarm was raised at 12.51pm when reports came in that a 30­year­old climber, seemingly of Norwegian nationality, had found herself in a precarious situation.

The climber was stuck, unable to secure her rope and consequently unable to com­ plete the ascent.

The urgency of the situation prompted the intervention of the Provincial Fire Con­ sortium, dispatching an Alpha 01 helicopter along with the skilled personnel of the Mountain Rescue Group to the picturesque Calpine area.

The climber, miraculously unharmed but stranded in a perilous predicament, awaited the arrival of her rescuers.

The rescue operation, however, proved to be a meticulous endeavour, taking four hours to reach its conclusion.

Firefighters diligently worked against the clock to ensure the safety of the stranded athlete.

The rescue reached its triumphant finale at 4.52pm.

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AI takes root Nora Shephard THE era of Artificial Intelli­ gence (AI) has firmly taken root, and its presence is not just a passing trend; it’s a transformative force reshap­ ing industries across the

board.

In the realm of tourism, AI emerges as a potent ally, par­ ticularly for smaller destina­ tions aiming to maximise their resources.

The Costa Blanca, recognis­

ing the potential, is set to champion the use of AI tech­ nology, envisioning it as a cat­ alyst to enhance destination promotion and bolster com­ petitiveness.

At the forefront of this strategic initiative are three pillars ­ innovation, accessibili­ ty, and sustainability ­ that the Alicante Provincial Council and the Costa Blanca Tourist Board will proudly showcase at the upcoming Madrid Tourism Fair (Fitur).

In the context of promo­ tion, innovation finds its part­ ner in AI. It’s the bridge that connects the inherent ‘natural intelli­ gence’ possessed by people and local talents with the technological prowess that AI brings to the table.

George Cunningham BENIDORM is set to inject a burst of warmth into the lives of its elderly and those with specific needs by allo­ cating a generous sum of €500,000 for the Home Assis­ tance Service.

The councillor for Social Welfare, Angela Zaragozí emphasised the city coun­ cil’s unwavering commit­ ment to alleviate the chal­ lenges faced by families and individuals, helping them navigate the intricate web of needs within the confines of their homes.

“By doing so,” she de­ clared, “we stand united in our pledge to make life more bearable for those encoun­ tering difficulties, offering support where it is needed most.”

Zaragozí shed light on the purpose of the aid pro­ gramme, designed to cover

Payment options ALTEA Council has now intro­ duced a new payment option, allowing users to pay proce­ dures, fees, and public prices through POS. In other words, visitors can now conveniently pay by card using a dataphone if they pre­ fer.

The introduction of POS payments at the OAC Office, situated on the ground floor of the town hall, is expected to significantly reduce the time residents spend on fee pay­ ments and other transactions.

Joaquim Devesa who over­ sees the OAC Office empha­ sised that this improvement is geared towards enhancing the efficiency and user­friendliness of administrative processes, making self­assessments and payments more convenient for residents.

In addition to the benefits for visitors, the local adminis­ tration anticipates a reduc­ tion in commissions for the town council with the imple­ mentation of this payment system.

LOCAL NEWS

Elderly help

Image: Pressmaster / Shutterstock.com

COUNCIL PLEDGE: Making life more bearable.

the costs of assistance for se­ niors or individuals with spe­ cific needs, enabling them to retain their independence and remain in their familiar surroundings.

“This initiative not only en­ hances their autonomy but also enriches their quality of life through the provision of personal or domestic help,”

the councillor explained.

To qualify for these invalu­ able subsidies, applicants must have legal residence in Spain and a minimum one­ year residency in Benidorm.

Furthermore, they should face challenges in performing basic daily activities without being officially recognised as dependent individuals.

Ladies only ATTENTION women campers!

Busot is excited to extend an invitation for its first ladies­only camping event taking place on December 1, 2 and 3.

This promises to be a fan­ tastic weekend filled with new experiences, outdoor ac­ tivities, great music, and a wonderful atmosphere.

For more details, visit Bu­ sot Town Hall at Plaza del Ayuntamiento 1, Busot, or

contact them on (+34) 965 699 092.

To secure your spot and join in the fun, a reservation fee of €5 is required. You can make the reservation by ei­ ther Bank Transfer to IBAN ES04 3081 0846 1150 0028 8845 (Eurocaja Rural Cooper­ ative Society) or by Bizum to Virginia on (+34) 687 437 743.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to con­ nect with fellow campers and enjoy the great outdoors.

LOCAL NEWS

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INTERVIEW

Interview with panto favourite

By John Smith

NEWLY arrived in Costa Blan­ ca to start rehearsals for his role as PC Crackers in Aladdin, Fraser Hines spared some time to chat with Euro Weekly News.

The very personable Frazer explained “I have just got back from America, Australia and the Solomon Islands thanks to regular invitations to appear at Dr Who fan con­ ventions, although the Solomon Islands was a ‘bucket list’ trip as I had seen so many films about Guadalcanal in the Second World War.” Frazer was aston­ ished and quite proud to discover that he is list­ ed in the Guin­ ness Book of Records as the longest­running companion of The Doc­ tor and said “I think I ap­ peared in 127 episodes be­ tween 1966 and 1969 and then have appeared in a num­ ber of Anniversary shows and even this year popped up again in an episode of Tales of the Tardis.

“I’m very fond of Dr Who and it’s renewed popularity has allowed me to travel

around the world attending different conventions.”

Many actors find that even­ tually they grow tired of play­ ing the same role and Frazer decided to leave Dr Who but just a few years later he was cast as Joe Sugden in Em­ merdale Farm and he played that character from 1972 to 1994.

“When my contract came up for renewal, I had recently

Credit: Costa Pantomimes

Frazer as PC Crackers.

got married and the hard work of being in a soap was simply too much and I found myself going home in the dark, having a TV dinner, learning lines and then going back to work in the dark so I had to choose between work

and marriage.”

The decision allowed him to return to the theatre and have great fun with pan­ tomime and he has now ap­ peared in no less than 38 which he believes makes him the second longest serving panto actor around.

He has fought cancer and whilst only claiming that is in remission, he is happy to sup­ port various cancer charities and also has spent 40 years as a member of the cricket play­ ing Lord’s Taverners sports charity and is a proud member of the showbiz charity, the Grand Order of Water Rats.

Prior to the pan­ demic, he had been a regular visitor to Spain and believed that there was a great potential market for panto in the Costa Blan­ ca, but this concept has to be put on hold because of lockdown.

Now he is to appear in Al­ addin alongside former Em­ merdale co­star Peter Amory and a number of other popu­ lar performers at the Auditori Teulada Moraira from November 30 to December 15 (except Sundays).

Blessed with an eidetic memory, this means he can not only learn lines very quick­ ly, but can remember lines from other pantos which al­ lows him to ab lib when need­

ed, Frazer is in his element and loves seeing young chil­ dren in the audience in partic­ ular as they come to laugh and have fun.

As the interview finished,

Frazer’s parting words were “Come and see the show, it will be fun, we want to make you laugh and your laughter will help us ensure a top­class performance.”

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Anna Ellis THE Port of Alicante is chart­ ing an impressive course, strengthening its growth in cruise stopovers in 2023 with a remarkable surge of 64 per cent in passenger numbers.

Surpassing pre­pandemic figures, the port has not only rebounded from the chal­ lenges posed by the Covid­19

Sailing success health crisis but is also experi­ encing exponential growth in cruise traffic, marking a trans­ formative period over the past two years.

In 2019, there was a notice­ able decline with 43 stopovers and 63,000 passen­

gers compared to the previ­ ous year. However, 2022 wit­ nessed a resounding recov­ ery, surpassing figures not seen in over a decade, 59 stopovers and more than 117,000 cruise passengers.

The forecast for the closure

of 2023 is an impressive 84 stopovers, expecting over 192,000 tourists to visit the city, a staggering 64 per cent increase from the previous year.

The outlook for 2024 is even more promising, with expectations of over 100 ships arriving, carrying nearly 220,000 people.

This strategic significance is underscored by the steadfast commitment of leading cruise companies, such as MSC, to the Port of Alicante.

Despite temporary opera­ tional decisions influenced by the ever­evolving geopolitical situation in the countries of the Mediterranean arc, MSC Cruises sees Alicante as a key port.

LOCAL NEWS

Staying open Nora Shephard FANTASTIC news for Benidorm and the Costa Blanca!

The hotel association, Hosbec, has revealed that a remarkable 87.6 per cent of beds in the tourist capital and 88 per cent in the province of Alicante will remain occupied dur­ ing the autumn­winter season, as nine out of 10 hotels choose to keep their doors open.

This robust level of ho­ tel activity paints a posi­ tive picture for visitors seeking a getaway even beyond the traditional

Image: CKTravels.com / Shutterstock.com

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Hotels are staying open.

peak season.

Zooming out to the broader picture in the Va­ lencian Community, the entity predicts that 85 per cent of accommodations will stay open to the pub­ lic from October to March 2024.

While January is antici­ pated to witness the high­ est number of closed places during these months, the overall out­ look is optimistic.

This encouraging statis­ tic is attributed in part to the initiation of the Im­ serso programme and the continued support of the Bono Viatge initiative by the Department of Tourism for the 2024 sea­ son.

The proactive mea­ sures, such as the Imserso and Bono Viatge pro­ grammes, have played a crucial role in preserving jobs, averting the initially predicted risk of more than 3,000 direct posi­ tions and over 10,000 in­ direct jobs in the Valen­ cian tourism sector.

FEATURE

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As we say goodbye to one UK pension allowance, two new ones replace it The pensions Lifetime Allowance and resulting tax charges was abolished under the UK’s 2023 spring budget. But life is never simple with UK pensions and new tax-free limits are set to replace it.

2) The Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance (LSDBA) will apply to lump sums paid on death and is £1,073,100 (the same as the old lifetime allowance).

The budget only reduced the Lifetime Allowance charge to nil from 6 April 2023. HM Revenue & Customs has now published the draft legislation to fully abolish it, and this legislation also sets out how lump sums will be treated from April 2024. The details may change before the legislation is finalised but, given the short time frame before implementation, it is worth seeking clarification on how the proposed rules could impact your planning, in case you wish to take action.

With effect from 6th April 2024, two new allowances will test lump sums and lump sum death benefits against a limit.

Under current rules, if you die before age 75, subject to meeting the designated to drawdown rules, your beneficiaries do not pay tax on the death benefits they receive. From April 2024, the age of death is no longer relevant. In all cases, lump sum death benefits paid from uncrystallised or crystallised benefits will only be tax-free if below the deceased’s remaining LSDBA. When a lump sum is paid above these limits, the excess is taxed at the recipient’s marginal rate of income tax.

1) The Lump Sum Allowance (LSA) will apply to payments made during your lifetime and be set at £268,275 (25% of the old lifetime al-

By Brett Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

lowance). This covers pension commencement lump sums (PCLS), uncrystallised pensions and trivial commutation lump sums, and winding-up lump sums (but not transfers to QROPS).

Currently, you can take 25% of your pension (the PCLS) tax free. Under the new rules, you will need to have sufficient LSA for it all to be tax free.

No planned inflation increases The draft legislation contains no mechanism for increasing these allowances. It is therefore likely that, over time, the spending value of the tax-free proportion of your pension fund will be eroded by inflation and investment

growth.

Lifetime allowance protection The above limits apply to those without Lifetime Allowance protection. If you have taken out protection, this is carried over. Your new Lump Sum Allowance and Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance will be based on your protected Lifetime Allowance.

Looking ahead The new rules could be changed or be overturned by a future government.

When the Lifetime Allowance was abolished in March, the Labour Party were quick to pledge to reinstate it.

With the polls looking encouraging for the Labour Party and the elections having to be held by January 2025, it may not be long before the UK has a new government. There may be limited opportunity to transfer your pension out of the UK and avoid any future lifetime allowance charges.

This is a good time to consider how you may use your pension benefits in future and how any balance will be

passed onto your family. Can you take steps now to protect or improve your pensions?

Pensions are personal. Your decisions should be based on your circumstances, objectives, risk tolerance and tax implications in the UK and Spain. Taking the wrong approach could have unwelcome consequences, so take specialist cross-border advice covering pensions and taxation.

This is a brief summary of complex draft legislation. Seek clarification on how the rules would affect your pensions. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

10 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com DENIA with its rich culinary heritage, took centre stage at last week’s Food and Wine Tourism Conference in Valladolid, making an impactful statement on the pivotal role of local products in shaping the gastronomy of premier tourist desti­ nations.

Mayor Vicent Grimalt passionately delved in­ to the Bancalet project, portraying it as a vision­ ary commitment to the conscientious manage­ ment of the region.

The Bancalet project isn’t merely about show­ casing a local product; it encapsulates a holistic approach to responsible territorial stewardship.

The mayor emphasised the prevailing truth that local products now reign supreme in the realm of gastronomy and gastronomic tourism.

In his words, “If we fortify the components integral to the agri­food system, we position ourselves favourably to craft authentic gastro­ nomic tourism products that resonate with our JALON VALLEY ARC is an an­ imal charity that was found­ ed in 2014 to care for ani­ mals in need.

The ARC Annual Christmas Fayre is not to be missed.

This is the ninth year of the fayre and each year it gets better. Always well attended and very popular, there will be a great selection of stalls selling crafts, cards, Christ­ mas fayre, toys, jams and pickles, jewellery plus nu­ merous other items. Also, a great Tombola and lovely

LOCAL NEWS

Food and wine Image: Ayuntamiento de Denia

TOURISM: Local products reign supreme.

visitors.”

The mayor’s sentiments echo a broader phi­ losophy, an acknowledgement that by nurturing and empowering elements intrinsic to the local culinary tapestry, Denia can carve out a niche for itself in the world of gastronomic tourism.

ARC CHRISTMAS FAYRE Raffle prizes.

The refreshment stall is al­ ways a big hit, with scrump­ tious home­made cakes and savouries plus tea, coffee and soft drinks. Entertain­ ment by the one and only Matt Mason plus the Jukes with popular songs and Christmas carols.

SANTA will of course be there for the children with gifts and a photo opportu­

nity.

So go and pay them a visit, get your Christmas gifts, cards and lots of goodies.

All monies raised at the Fayre go to support the ani­ mals in ARC’s care to pay for veterinary fees, food and es­ sentials.

For more information, contact Sally Mason jalonva lleyarc2020@gmail.com Mob: 625 985 689.

LOCAL NEWS

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23 - 29 November 2023

Campello triumph Nora Shephard THE Tourism Department of the El Campello Town Coun­ cil notched up a remarkable achievement by securing two prestigious certifications from the Institute of Tourism Quality of Spain (ICTE).

In a commendable feat, the Tourism Office has, for the 14th consecutive year, revalidated the coveted ‘Q’ certification for tourism qual­ ity.

In addition to this enduring recognition, they have now added another feather to their cap by attaining the ‘S’ certification for tourism sus­ tainability, a recent introduc­ tion by the ICTE. Remarkably, only three municipalities in the Valen­ cian Community, namely Banyeres de Mariola, Benidorm, and El Campello, have achieved this sustain­ ability certification.

Senior sports

IN a stride towards fostering local sports excellence, Benidorm Council is set to allocate a substantial sum of €60,000 to bolster the efforts of sports clubs engaged in official national competi­ tions in the senior category.

This financial infusion is poised to breathe new life into the veins of local sports entities, injecting vitality into their pursuits.

To qualify for this sports­centric lifeline, clubs must be regis­ tered in both the Registry of Sports Entities of the Valencian Community and the Benidorm City Council, boasting a com­ mendable two­year track record.

An essential criterion is their active participation in official competitions and/or leagues of non­professional teams in the senior category during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

El Campello embarked on the tourist Q certification journey in 1999 and has con­ tinued to uphold it with un­ wavering dedication.

This certification, widely recognised as the highest mark of quality worldwide, serves as a seal of approval for the exemplary manage­ ment, services, and infras­ tructure of tourism organisa­ tions.

The Tourism Office’s rich history is punctuated by a myriad of initiatives that have significantly enhanced the competitiveness of its products and services.

Through the application of stringent criteria focused on excellence and sustainability, El Campello has carved a dis­ tinct niche in the realm of tourism development.

€2.67 trillion The estimated annual cost of worldwide corruption.

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12 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

BENIDORM is actively engaged in a project focusing on accessi­ bility in tourist transport within the city.

To ensure the success of this endeavour, a participatory working group was convened at the Torrejó building, bring­ ing together companies and entities providing transport services in Benidorm.

The primary goal of these meetings is to establish diverse workgroups that can identify the specific needs of users with accessibility requirements in transportation, catering to both tourists and residents.

The discussions also aim to explore potential opportuni­ ties and devise solutions to ad­ dress any identified shortcom­ ings.

The commitment of Benidorm to comply with the Universal Accessibility Law and exceed these standards by adapting tourism products demonstrates the city’s dedica­ tion to becoming a top­quality destination in terms of accessi­ bility.

Summer of safety Bob Marquess AS the sun sets on the 2023 summer season, Pepe Doménech, the councillor for Beaches of Denia, took stock of the successful lifeguard operations that kept the municipality’s beaches safe and sound.

In an upbeat assess­ ment, the councillor re­ ported that despite a higher number of inter­ ventions compared to the previous summer, the standout achieve­ ment was the absence of drownings or fatali­ ties along the pristine shores of Denia.

Highlighting the de­ mographic trends among those assisted, the majority of beach­ goers requiring aid fell within the age bracket of 50 to 69 years old.

The lifeguards, true

Image: Ines Porada / Shutterstock.com

Tourist transport

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LOCAL NEWS

Pet-friendly run Nora Shephard AS the year comes to a close, Javea embraces a new goal by hosting its inaugural San Sil­ vestre run on December 31.

Adding a unique twist to the traditional New Year’s Eve run, Javea will be welcoming pets to join in the festive and athlet­ ic celebration.

Although the specific route and timing details are still un­ der wraps, one thing is certain, participants are encouraged to embrace the tradition of the event by donning festive cos­ tumes.

Stay tuned for further details

and the opening of registra­ tions on Somesport.

Once the route and other event specifics are confirmed, interested participants can sign up and be part of this unique and historic occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply looking for a fun way to close out the year, the San Silvestre Perrestre in Javea offers a novel and inclu­ sive twist to the traditional New Year’s Eve run.

Get ready to hit the streets with your furry friends, dressed in your most creative costumes to welcome 2024.

LIFEGUARD SERVICES: Keeping beaches safe and sound.

guardians of the coastal haven, executed a total of 1,178 health actions between June and September.

Unsurprisingly, the most frequent call to action was for jellyfish stings, accounting for 628 interventions.

Close behind were 336 instances of minor injuries, and 72 cases of

spiderfish bites, show­ casing the diligence and expertise of the life­ guard team.

Las Rotas beach emerged as the focal point for interventions, claiming 33.36 per cent of the total, while Molins beach, with its serene atmosphere, re­ quired the least assis­ tance at 4.41 per cent.

Significant strides ALTEA is making significant strides in completing the 2023 campaign for forest tracts, aligning with the objectives in the Local Forest Fire Preven­ tion Plan.

These zones, located close to inhabited areas, pose a sig­ nificant risk in the event of a fire, as the rapid spread of the outbreak could jeopardise hu­

man lives, property, and natu­ ral environments.

The ongoing tasks involve a range of activities, including the clearing and pruning of pine forests, selective clearing, maintenance of high­quality and non­flammable vegeta­ tion, and the removal of gar­ den debris and rubble from these areas.

14 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023 AS we reiterate whenever we have the opportunity, when buying or selling real estate in Spain it is essential to be proper­ ly advised. Preferably, by an in­ dependent lawyer. In this week’s article we warn you about one of the most common mistakes when buying and sell­ ing a property in Spain. The false belief that the initial purchase and sales agreements or docu­

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

The importance of expert legal advice when signing documents and initial purchase and sales agreements. Conveyancing. Reservation, deposit, private contract, etc. ments are meaningless.

Reservation contract, ‘arras’, deposit contract, etc One of the most confusing is­ sues for buyers and sellers (both foreign and Spanish nationals) is the different names given to the

private documents in which a sale and purchase can be for­ malised. Reservation contract.

Deposit contract. Private sale or purchase contract. Etc. It is worth noting that, al­ though given different names, in the majority of cases the initial document signed constitutes a fully consolidated pact. That is to say, from all these documents rights, obligations and legal con­ sequences arise for the parties.

Is there such a thing as an ‘ar­ ras contract’?

The answer to this question may come as a surprise to many of our readers. No. The so­called ‘arras contract’ does not actually exist as such. The ‘arras’ is not a type of contract, but an agree­ ment that can be included in a purchase/sale contract. The con­ cept of ‘arras’ has its origins in classical Roman Law. As proof of entering into a contract (and as a guarantee of its fulfilment) the buyer used to give to the seller a valuable object, a ring, etc, in a symbolic way.

What types of ‘arras’ are there? Confirmatory, penal, and

penitential Confirmatory ‘arras’ are those in which the amounts paid by the buyer constitute an advance on the total price. This type of de­ posit does not allow the contract to be terminated unilaterally.

And in the event of non­compli­ ance by one of the parties, the other party could enforce the contract.

Penalty deposits or ‘Arras pen­ itenciales’ are also the amounts paid to the vendor as a guaran­ tee for the fulfilment of the con­ tract. With an important nuance.

If the buyer defaults, he will lose the amounts paid. If it is the seller who defaults, he/she will have to return the amounts received in duplicate. However (as in the case of confirmatory deposits) it

will be possible for either party to enforce the agreement from the defaulting party.

Finally, penitential deposits or ‘Arras penitenciales’ allow the unilateral withdrawal from the contract by paying a previously agreed amount, without the oth­ er party being able to enforce the agreement.

The importance of a solid agreement and a clear wording from the get­go Many clients come to our of­ fice after having signed a reserva­ tion contract prepared by the re­ al estate agency; under the belief that “The reservation is a docu­ ment that is signed simply to take the property off the market.

There is nothing wrong with sign­ ing it. The important contract is the contract of sale.” These state­ ments are completely wrong.

If, after the reservation docu­ ment has been signed, the par­ ties do not agree on the terms of the private contract (problems in

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) - White&Baos - Tel: +34 966 426 185 info@white-baos.com White & Baos 2023 All Rights Reserved.

the Land Registry, Cadastre, Sep­ tic Tank, Occupation License, etc.) buyers and sellers will be bound by the initially signed doc­ ument. And this document be very deficient, not clear about the type of deposit or ‘arras’ agreed, etc. Creating a conflict between the parties which, de­ pending on the wording of the initial agreement, can lead to los­ ing the amounts paid, having to return double what was re­ ceived, being forced to fulfil what was agreed, etc.

Conclusion At White Baos Abogados we are experts in real estate law and conveyancing, and we have been advising our clients for more than 20 years in the pur­ chase and sale of real estate in Spain, with all the guarantees. Do not hesitate to contact us. We will study your case and offer you expert legal advice on the initial purchase and sales agreements.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal is­ sues.

euroweeklynews.com Bob Marquess IN a bustling gathering of over 1,800 representatives from in­ stitutions and companies na­ tionwide, the Port of Alicante took centre stage at the re­ cent business summit hosted by the Valencian Association of Entrepreneurs (AVE).

Their concern? ‘We are risk­ ing the future’.

NEWS

Port linchpin

The spotlight of the event?

The urgent completion of the Mediterranean Corridor, a cause championed by the AVE. Luis Rodríguez, the Presi­ dent of the Port Authority of Alicante, was a notable pres­ ence at the summit.

He emphasised that the ful­ filment of the Mediterranean Corridor’s construction is not just a necessity for the port but a linchpin for the entire province’s journey towards sustainability.

According to him, the rail­ way infrastructure is the back­

CENTRE STAGE: The Port of Alicante at the summit.

bone that will propel this tran­ sition.

The president wants a fu­ ture where rail transport is not just a mode of moving goods but a dynamic force that injects agility and com­ petitiveness into the logistics

Smart zebras Anna Ellis CALPE’S initiative aimed at enhancing road safety is set to commence this week with the introduc­ tion of smart zebra cross­ ings.

These cutting­edge crossings aren’t just your typical pedestrian path­ ways; they’re equipped with luminescent technol­ ogy that detects ap­ proaching pedestrians, casting a glow on the hori­ zontal road markings and adjacent vertical signs.

This illumination serves as a dual alert system, catching the attention of both drivers and pedestri­ ans.

Image: Puerto de Alicante

16 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

The ambitious project will be rolled out over the next few weeks, with a grand total of 18 smart ze­ bra crossings gracing prominent avenues like Ejercitos Españoles, País Valencià, Juan Carlos I, Eu­ ropa, Diputación, Masnou, Casa Nova, Gabriel Miró, and Plaza Constitución.

With approximately 15 per cent of serious or fatal accidents occurring at pedestrian crossings, these smart installations act as a crucial interven­ tion, addressing the issues of excessive speed and distractions that often contribute to such inci­ dents.

hub of the port.

The completion of the Mediterranean Corridor is the key that unlocks this poten­ tial, promising a seamless in­ termodality that will redefine how goods are transported from the Port of Alicante.

Respect plan GANDIA is undergoing a sig­ nificant transformation with the implementation of the Respect Plan, focusing on re­ placement of over 450 light­ ing fixtures.

This initiative marks the third phase of a larger project aimed at progressively up­ grading more than 5,008 light points across the city.

The primary goals of this extensive intervention are to enhance efficiency, improve lighting conditions, and achieve a commendable 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption.

The installation of these new lighting fixtures repre­ sents a commitment to sus­ tainability and energy conser­ vation.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

23 - 29 November 2023

IS it ever too early to em­ brace the festive spirit of Christmas? Dublin Airport certainly doesn’t think so.

The managers at Dublin Airport have recently faced criticism after they an­ nounced they were putting up Yuletide decorations, in the middle of November.

Dublin Airport responded to comments it was far too early for Christmas lights and decorations, as evi­ denced by their humorous comeback to criticism on the social media platform X/Twitter.

At 10pm on Thursday, November 15, the airport re­ vealed on social media that their terminals were already getting a holiday makeover, which was followed by cries of ‘too early’, from some members of the public In response their tweet read, ‘Crikey. All we said was that the Christmas dec­ orations have started going up in the terminals…,’ which

Credit: Dublin Airport/X/Twitter.com

Too early for Xmas?

DUBLIN AIRPORT: Recently faced criticism.

was accompanied by a screenshot of an unrelated Instagram comment from Selena Gomez stating, ‘I’m taking a break and deleting my Instagram. I’m done.’

The light­hearted com­ ments continued with pas­ sengers sharing their views on the appropriate time for Christmas decorations. ‘Hit us full blast with Christmas decorations, songs and cele­ brations from December 1,’ wrote one person with a clearly defined Christmas schedule.

Another person com­ mented, ‘I might have to agree, it’s only acceptable to start celebrating after November 20,’ to which Dublin Airport humorously replied, ‘Oh… you might want to avoid The Loop so!’

One man humorously posted: ‘Premature Decora­ tion is a common problem, your doctor will be able to help you’, which was fol­ lowed by an equally naughty reply: ‘We’re an airport Adri­ an. Ensuring things go up in the air is what we do best.’

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18 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

Paws & relax Image: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) / Facebook.

Anna Ellis IN the bustling halls of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in Germany, an unconven­ tional trio ­ Benny the dachshund, Emi the black Labrador, and Pepper the terrier ­ embarks on a daily mission to bring solace to anxious travellers, especially during the hustle and bustle of holiday departures.

These canine ambas­ sadors, with their wagging tails and affectionate de­ meanour, have become a heart­warming fixture at BER, offering a welcome dis­ traction for passengers navi­ gating the stresses of travel.

Their presence is particu­ larly soothing during peak holiday seasons when the terminals are brimming with eager travellers.

Since the launch of this in­ novative pilot programme coinciding with the autumn holidays in Germany, Ben­ ny, Emi, and Pepper have played a pivotal role in transforming the airport ex­ perience.

This initiative, though un­

euroweeklynews.com

BERLIN AIRPORT: Bringing solace to anxious travellers.

conventional, marks a de­ lightful departure from the norm, showcasing BER’s commitment to fostering a traveller­friendly environ­ ment.

For an airport that has weathered its fair share of challenges, being dubbed a ‘cursed’ airport by German media, this innovative ap­ proach provides a hearten­ ing counterpoint.

BER, which faced a nine­ year delay in its opening due to technical difficulties and

corruption suspicions, and exceeded its expected cost by three times, is turning a new leaf with the introduc­ tion of these canine comfort ambassadors.

In the midst of BER’s evolving narrative, Benny, Emi, and Pepper symbolise not just a charming diver­ sion for travellers, but also a testament to the airport’s dedication to creating a more welcoming and re­ laxed atmosphere, one wagging tail at a time.

IN a clash of tradition versus environmental consciousness, French cheesemakers are leading a charge against a pro­ posed EU recycling law that they argue jeopardises one of France’s culinary gems.

The contentious draft law aims to eliminate single­use packaging in favour of recy­ cled materials, a move that has ignited concerns among cheese producers, particularly those using iconic packaging like Camembert’s distinctive wooden box.

The French media has ea­ gerly embraced the cheese­ mongers’ cause, accusing the EU of endangering France’s ‘gastronomic treasures’.

NEWS

Cheese wars Adding her voice to the out­ cry, French Secretary of State for European Affairs Laurence Boone cautioned Brussels about the potential for a pub­ lic relations catastrophe mere months before the European elections.

“If we want to caricature Eu­ rope before the elections, let’s bother Camembert producers and their wooden packaging,” Boone remarked, emphasising the public’s emotional connec­ tion to culinary traditions.

In response to the mounting criticism, a European Commis­ sion spokesperson reassured

that the law doesn’t outright ban wooden packaging, but may necessitate improve­ ments in recycling or reusing these materials. This state­ ment, however, hasn’t as­ suaged the fears of cheese pro­ ducers, who argue that implementing a recycling sys­ tem for wood would be pro­ hibitively expensive.

This battle over cheese packaging echoes past PR challenges for Brussels, harkening back to the notori­ ous ‘bendy banana’ saga that haunted the EU in the lead­up to the Brexit referendum.

Growing old disgracefully Michael Cano COMING within a few days of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, one not so young lady who herself personifies girl power celebrates her 70th birth­ day on December 19.

Minnie the Minx is the third oldest character in children’s comic The Beano and she was in­ troduced to show that not just boys could be naughty but girls could as well.

For many children, their weekly dose of the somewhat anarchic and mainly working­class characters of the Beano and Dandy was how they first learnt to read.

The French loved Asterix, Babar the Elephant and Cool Hand Luke, whilst Belgium exported the somewhat racist at times Tin Tin, Finland was more laid back with the Moomims whilst children in The Netherlands enjoyed The Smurfs.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

23 - 29 November 2023

DOWNING STREET has re­ cently faced criticism for mistakenly using the Irish flag in a post about North­ ern Ireland.

On Monday, November 21, the UK government, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in attendance, held an event at 10 Downing Street to showcase North­ ern Ireland, with pho­ tographs of the evening lat­ er shared on Instagram.

The message, posted to­ day, read: ‘Yesterday we celebrated the culture of Northern Ireland with a re­ ception in Downing Street.

Businesses from across Northern Ireland arrived to showcase some of the best produce the country has to offer’.

However, the original post mistakenly featured an emoticon of the Irish tri­ colour flag, a glaring mis­ take that had to be swiftly rectified once the error was pointed out.

The public was quick off

Credit: 10downingstreet/Instagram.com

Downing Street lambasted

Reception for Northern Ireland at No 10.

the mark to point out the error, ‘Wrong flag. How embarrassing…’ wrote one, while another said, ‘Out of touch ­ soon to be out of government’.

Other comments includ­ ed: ‘Literally the govern­ ment of the country, not knowing the flag of the country. You couldn’t make it up’. One messaged some­

thing that must have crossed everyone’s minds, ‘The social media intern needs firing’.

Doug Beattie, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party,

expressed his concerns over this incident. He believes this is yet another indica­ tion of Westminster’s lack of understanding towards Northern Ireland.

Beattie went on to un­ derscore the disconnect, stating, ‘There are people out there who want to hand all of the devolved power we have back to Westminster, and here is what Westminster is doing ­ they got rid of our Levelling Up funding, they brought us the Northern Ireland Proto­ col, they brought us the Windsor Framework, and now they’re firing out things on Instagram where they are using the wrong flag’.

‘These people don’t un­ derstand us, they don’t know us. We are better served with devolved gov­ ernment’. His comments highlight a growing frustra­ tion and sense of misrepre­ sentation within Northern Ireland.

EWN 19

Ancient tomb IN a groundbreaking discovery near the coast of southwest­ ern Norway in Seljesanden lies a stone­lined tomb dating back 4,000 years, offering a glimpse into the lives of the region’s earliest farmers. Unearthed by researchers from the Universi­ ty Museum of Bergen during a pre­construction excavation, this tomb spans 10 feet in length and five feet in width, featuring two chambers.

Within its ancient confines, archaeologists identified the re­ mains of an elderly man, a tod­ dler, and a young woman. Ad­ ditional bones suggest the possibility of two more individu­ als interred at an earlier period.

Beyond human remains, the site revealed remnants of dwellings, discarded animal bones, shell beads, and a stone blade sickle ­ potentially used for harvesting grain.

This monumental discovery provides a window into ancient agricultural practices and prompts further exploration in­ to the lifestyles and lineage of Norway’s early inhabitants.

Such revelations pave the way for a deeper understanding of the region’s rich diverse history.

20 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

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NEWS

THE strict 90­day rule that has affected British people who own second homes in Schengen Area countries could soon be relaxed in France.

Since Brexit, stays by British passport holders have been restricted to 90 days in any 180­day period. Any­ body wishing to extend their stay must apply for a tempo­ rary long­stay visa of up to six months.

Visa processing centres have reportedly suffered a huge increase in waiting times due to the large num­ ber of applications made by British citizens.

Credit: KaiKemmann/Shutterstock.com

France vote on 90-day rule

A holiday home in Seignosse Océan, Les Landes, France.

After receiving numerous complaints from Brits who own second homes in the Savoie region that she repre­ sents in the southern Au­ vergne­Rhône­Alpes, Mar­ tine Berthet, a French senator, decided to take ac­ tion.

She tabled a motion re­ questing a change to the law, Linda Hall A GERMAN eco­activist from the Wild Carpathians Initia­ tive group had to be airlifted to hospital after he was bad­ ly mauled by a bear. He had travelled with another member of the group to the Carpathian Mountains in Poland to check on a lair which they were convinced had been abandoned owing to logging operations.

Instead, the bear was still in residence and, once dis­ turbed, pursued the activists

which was subsequently vot­ ed through by the Senate. It must still go in front of the country’s lower house later this year for debate.

The politician said: “The Britons I have spoken to say that the current system is long­winded, difficult and full of pitfalls.”

Berthet highlighted the

growing number of proper­ ties that have become vacant in popular tourist regions of France.

There is no guarantee that France’s National Assembly will vote in favour of the change, but: “This is at the very least an important first step,” the senator said.

Speaking last week, Philippe Bas, a senator and departmental councillor of Manche, claimed that the UK’s decision to quit the UK had ‘punished’ second homeowners who maybe never even voted to leave in the first place.

President Emmanuel Macron has already made it clear that his government will not support any change to the law. However, his par­ ty does not have a majority in the French parliament.

The bear facts through the woods. One stumbled and was mauled after falling to the ground.

Footage of the emerging bear was caught on a cam­ era set up to monitor the lair and shared online by Michał Gzowski from Poland’s Forestry Service, who de­ scribed the episode as ironic.

“Pseudo­ecologists attack foresters, mountain rescue and policemen, now these

people are saving their lives,” he said later. Although a forester had been attacked by a bear in the same place last year, the forestry service had failed to prevent further deforestation.

Marek Jozefiak, an envi­ ronmental policy officer from Greenpeace, agreed officials were doing too little to halt the destruction of the forest.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

POLICE in The Netherlands have unbelievably raided the wrong house, leaving the family living at the home in shock.

Imagine sitting down to eat tea on a peaceful Sat­ urday night, only to have a swarm of armed police suddenly break down the door and run into the house. Well, this is exactly

23 - 29 November 2023

Wrong house raid! what happened to one un­ suspecting family in the Netherlands recently.

On the evening of Satur­ day November 11, the po­ lice in Schijndel performed a raid on the wrong house in search of a suspect. A

family with three young children were present in their home at the time of the raid. As a result, they were understandably all very shocked.

According to the Nether­ lands police, due to the

A COLLECTION put on display at the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon includes 40 restored pieces and are part of the col­ lection of the Holy Land Mu­ seum.

They include a silver church lamp which was gifted to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem by King Pedro II of Portugal in the 17th centu­ ry.

The exhibition entitled ‘Treasury of the Kings ­ Mas­ terpieces of the Terra Sancta Museum’, will be on view un­ til February 26, 2024.

André Afonso, the execu­ tive commissioner of the exhi­ bition informed the Lusa agency that the Portuguese lamp was one of those select­ ed for restoration because it had been found ‘blackened and oxidised by humidity due to its use inside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre’.

He detailed: “When the museum began developing this project, around two years ago, the Museu da Terra San­ ta had already drawn our at­

Credit: André Afonso on Facebook

Holy restoration

RESTORED PIECES: Part of the display on show at Lisbon’s Gulbenkian Museum.

tention to the need for inter­ vention in the conservation and restoration of some pieces from origins such as Portugal, Spain, and Naples, among others.”

After traveling twice to Jerusalem to observe the an­ cient works in detail, those re­ sponsible decided to: “create synergies with other institu­ tions to develop a more quali­ fied project,” Afonso contin­ ued.

“We asked for the valuable collaboration of the José de Figueiredo laboratory, from

the Portuguese State, which was responsible for the scien­ tific supervision of this entire project. We hired a team of eight restorers and conserva­ tors who were permanently in the Gulbenkian Museum’s workshops working on these pieces,” he elaborated.

A Catholic Franciscan insti­ tution responsible for looking after Christian places in the Holy Land, the Custody of the Holy Land has been the guardian of this archaeologi­ cal, artistic and liturgical her­ itage since 1342.

fact that the search was aimed at a person whose arrest would entail poten­ tial safety risks, it was car­ ried out by the armed po­ lice unit. They broke down the front door at around 8.30pm, “however, it soon

turned out that we had made a mistake,” stated the police force.

A formal statement re­ leased stated that the armed unit ‘deeply regret the incident’, adding that they ‘of course’ apolo­ gised. The authorities have further said that “we are also in close contact with them about how to

EWN 21

proceed. How it was possi­ ble that the wrong home was entered is of course being investigated fur­ ther.”

Further information about the intended arrest suspect has not yet been released, however it has been reported that they are not in police custody at this time.

22 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

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NEWS

THE flavours and tastes of Christmas are best experi­ enced in the Christmas mar­ kets. CNN describes the Christmas fair in Kraków, Poland, as one of the most interesting in the world and one of the largest in Europe.

Beginning on November 24, it will enchant you with its unique atmosphere.

The Christmas fair in Kraków was praised, among other things, for its festive at­ mosphere. The unique archi­ tecture of the city, regional traditions and performances by folk groups with live music make the greatest impres­ sion on visitors.

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Silar

Kraków Christmas market Environmental scandal CHRISTMAS FAIR: One of the largest in Europe.

Stalls of local and foreign merchants and artisans pro­ mote Christmas shopping and the discovery of new fla­ vors. Vendors offer a wide range of products, including hand­painted baubles, Christ­ mas tree decorations, deco­ rative items and Christmas ornaments, ceramics, wood­

en products, textiles, artistic glassware, jewellery, sou­ venirs, postcards and calen­ dars.

Also merchants from Lithuania, Ukraine, Slovakia and Hungary are present, selling, among other things, cold cuts, cheese and sausages, bread, jewellery

made of fabric and wood, linen and wool craft items, souvenirs, ceramics, etc. Last year, the Christmas fair in Kraków was praised by a British newspaper, which in­ cluded it among the 24 best Christmas markets in Europe.

This year’s edition will be held from November 24 to January 1.

Also on the CNN list is the Christmas market in Barcelona. Dating back to 1786, Fira de Santa Llucia has grown from a one­day event to commemorate the feast day of Santa Llucia, which falls on December 13, to a three­week fair.

AROUND 10 years ago, high levels of the health­ hazardous chemicals PFAS were measured in the blood of thousands of resi­ dents of Kallinge in Blekinge, Sweden.

Subsequent tests re­ vealed that in December 2013 there were sky­high levels of PFAS in the drink­ ing water of the small min­ ing town located in Ronne­

by Municipality.

Residents of Kallinge sued the municipal water company Ronneby Miljöteknik after the haz­ ardous chemicals were found.

A verdict by the District Court ruled that the resi­

dents had the right to claim for damages but the Court of Appeal subse­ quently overturned that verdict.

Now, the Supreme Court verdict should finally de­ termine whether the con­ taminated water drank by the victims entitles them to receive compensation or not.

“We know that the resi­ dents of Kallinge have been exposed to the sub­ stance, and we know that it poses a health risk. But what proof requirements do you have the right to place on people who have been exposed to such dan­ gerous substances for such a long time?”, said Mattias Öberg, a toxicologist at Karolinska Institutet.

Mattias Öberg suggested this was Sweden’s biggest environmental scandal of all time: “The permitted content of PFAS in drinking water is 90 nanograms per litre, but from 2023, the new and significantly lower limit value of four nanograms began to apply.

When PFAS was discovered in Kallinge, it was 10,380 nanograms per litre,” he concluded.

8 The number of minutes a day an average person spends laughing.

24 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

NEWS

Finland closes border crossings ings between Vaalimaa, Nuija­ maa, Imatra and Niirala were closed on the night between Friday November 17 and Sat­ urday 18 for a period of at least three months.

No kind of border crossing will be possible at any of the

stations that were closed con­ firmed Mari Rantanen, the In­ terior Minister.

He stated: “This decision was made because, based on the findings and information received by the Border Guard and other authorities, there

are clear indications that the authorities of a foreign state or other actors have played a role in facilitating the arrival of per­ sons who crossed the border il­ legally.”

Finland is sending a message to the intruders, in various lan­

guages, and through various channels, that Finnish territory is off­limits, he stressed.

According to Rantanen: “The point here is that we have indications and informa­ tion that people are being traf­ ficked into Finland.”

Credit: Fanni Uusitalo, Prime Minister's Office

FINLAND has decided to close four border crossing points on the eastern border as a pre­ caution.

Speaking at a press confer­ ence, the Finnish Prime Minis­ ter Petteri Orpo insisted that his government had acted quickly and decisively to avoid any escalation in the situation on the eastern border.

As a result, the border cross­

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Finnish PM Petteri Orpo.

Swede scammed A SWEDISH woman fell foul of a scam after she was fooled into believing she was having an online rela­ tionship with the Hollywood actor, Keanu Reeves.

As a result, the Oskar­ shamn resident lost around SEK 200,000 (approx €17,500).

Initially, she received sev­ eral friend requests from ‘Keanu’ on social media. The pair subsequently started chatting and the ‘actor’

agreed to travel to Oskar­ shamn to meet his intended victim.

However, he informed the woman ­ thought to be in her 60s ­ that his bank ac­ count had been frozen so she agreed to fund his trip to Kalmar County and also paid for his Covid certificate.

‘Keanu’ then got ‘kid­ napped’ when he went to the airport and asked the woman if she could pay the ransom to get him released.

Unwittingly, the woman transferred the aforemen­ tioned sum of money only to eventually realise that she had been duped.

Police spokesperson Robert Loeffel said: “Our ad­ vice is to never accept friend requests on social media from people you don’t know, whether they are celebrities or not. They are extremely skilful and manip­ ulative. It is a great offence to the person affected.”

Immigrant tests A NEW proposal could result in new ar­ rivals and asylum seekers having to un­ dergo mandatory tests in Sweden.

According to Johan Pehrson, the Inte­ gration Minister, tests about Swedish society and Swedish values will be nec­ essary in order to receive government grants and compensation.

“This is not just an offer, it should be a requirement. It ends with an exam

and you must pass it,” he said.

The minister explained that an inde­ pendent assessment will soon be car­ ried out to establish exactly how this new system should be designed.

It is believed that issues including children’s rights, freedom of expres­ sion, the principles of the rule of law, and gender equality will be among those included.

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Xmas fayre George Cunningham STEP into the holiday spirit with a visit to the Jalon Valley ARC Animal Charity’s Christmas Charity Fayre on Sun­ day, December 3, host­ ed at Los Chopos in Xa­ lo.

The festivities kick off at 10.00am and contin­ ue until 2.00pm, promising to be fun for all who attend.

As you step into this winter wonderland, you’ll find yourself sur­ rounded by stalls adorned with Christmas gifts, glistening jew­ ellery, and festive drinks. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover unique presents for your loved ones.

Are you feeling lucky?

Test your holiday for­ tunes at the tombola, where prizes await those with a sprinkle of holiday luck.

Look forward to being

entertained throughout the day with the tunes of Matt Mason and the Jukes.

To ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the holiday fun, reach out to Sally Ma­ son at jalonvalley arc2020@gmail.com or give her a call on (+34) 625 985 689.

Jalon Valley Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) is a charity in Jalon in the Alicante region.

These hardworking people work tirelessly to rescue and care for abandoned cats and dogs, a 24­hour, seven­ day­a­week task.

ARC aims to rehome wherever possible but sometimes due to the age, health condition or past experiences of the animal this is not possi­ ble, many animals will be with ARC for the rest of their days enjoying love and care.

Nora Shephard DIVE into a winter wonderland of en­ chantment as ‘Frozen on Ice’ glides in­ to Alicante on Saturday, December 23, at 3pm.

Brace yourself for a mesmerising musical journey with Elsa, Anna, and friends, unfolding on a stage that seamlessly blends ice dancing and cir­ cus art.

This spectacular ice show transforms the beloved fairy tale into a visual feast, immersing the audience in magi­ cal dreamscapes of snow­covered forests. Elsa, with her iconic ‘Let it Go’, turns the stage into a sea of ice and crystals, enhanced by an LED screen.

The show features more than 300 stunning costumes, a symphony of award­winning music, and captivating choreography that transports families Bob Marquess TEULADA will burst into festive cheer from November 24 to 26, celebrating Santa Catalina Martir.

The festivities commence on Novem­ ber 24 with a mass and conference fol­ lowed by entertainment by the lively Shadow orchestra at 11.30pm.

November 25 brings an 8.30am wake­ up call, a music parade at 10am and chil­ dren’s games at 11.00am in Plaza de la Constitucion and Avenida Santa Catalina.

A giant paella will follow at 2pm, a

23 - 29 November 2023

EWN 25

Frozen on Ice Image: Disney on Ice / Facebook

SOCIAL SCENE

A mesmerising musical journey.

to a world of limitless imagination.

Capturing the essence of love, friendship, and bravery, ‘Frozen on Ice’ is a celebration of the iconic songs from Frozen 1 and Frozen 2.

The performance showcases the tal­

ents of world­renowned artists, recog­ nised for their prowess at international circus festivals.

The venue, VB Spaces on Avenida de Elche, promises an evening filled with grace, beauty, and the magic of a live ice show.

For an unforgettable experience, se­ cure your tickets at www.alphamus ic.es.

For more details, visit VB Spaces’ website, contact info@vbspaces.com, or call (+34) 965 779 732 or (+34) 610 141 486.

Get ready to be transported to a world where fairy tales come to life on ice!

Festive cheer Monaco orchestra at 4.30pm, and a mo­ bile disco by DJ Álex Femenia cap off the day.

On Sunday, November 26, the proces­ sion from Town Hall Square to the Church of Santa Catalina Mártir at 11am features various musical groups, leading to a mass at midday and a procession honouring the patron saint.

Additionally, on November 25, from 8pm to 11pm the Teulada Town Council’s Equality Department will set up a help point for potential victims of aggression.

Santa Catalina Martir, revered as the most holy and illustrious among the vir­ gins of Christ, assumed a sacred role as the protector of virgins in cloisters and young unmarried women in the world.

26 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

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SOCIAL SCENE

Anna Ellis ON Saturday, November 25, music enthusiasts are in for a treat as the renowned Spanish and Latin American hip­hop artist, NACH, takes the stage at the ‘Pedro Vael­ lo’ Auditorium in El Campello’s House of Culture.

This special event, titled ‘Piano and Voice, with Dani Catalá’, promises an extraordinary musi­ cal experience featuring NACH’s most iconic songs performed with the unique accompaniment of an acoustic piano.

NACH, also known as Ignacio Fornés Olmo, stands as an indis­ pensable figure in the hip­hop genre, not only in Spain but across Latin America.

This special performance is a journey through the most em­ blematic songs of his illustrious career, where the raw energy of hip­hop meets the elegance of an acoustic piano.

Collaborating with pianist Dani Catalá, NACH brings a new dimen­ sion to his music, stripping away the electronic beats to showcase

Image: Ignacio Fornés Olmo / Facebook

Piano & voice

HIP-HOP: Where raw energy meets the elegance of an acoustic piano.

the essence of his craft.

The event promises an evening filled with soulful renditions and a unique blend of rap, poetry, and spoken word.

NACH’s distinctive vocals, paired with Dani Catalá’s skilful piano accompaniment, create an intimate atmosphere that allows the audience to experience the depth and emotion behind the artist’s work.

Tickets at €10 can be purchased through www.instanticket.es or in person at the Concierge of the House of Culture.

The Concierge is open from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, Monday to Fri­ day, and from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays.

Additionally, tickets will be available up to an hour and a half before the performance.

SOCIAL SCENE

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23 - 29 November 2023

EWN 27

Advertising Feature

Excellent food in an exceptional location F I S H Y FISHY, a celebrated seafood restaurant on the Cos­ ta Blanca, marked its 12th an­ niversary on July 10. This British family­run gem in Moraira is famous for its au­ thentic fish and home­cooked, twice­fried chips. This dedica­ tion to quality has earned Fishy Fishy a place in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame. The diverse menu also features chicken, pies, sausages, burgers, and desserts.

Owners Craig and Nicola attribute their success to a simple philoso­ phy: “Provide excellent food, served by out­ standing people in an exceptional location.” They’re grateful to their loyal

customers, especially for the support during the pandemic which led to record patronage recently.

Fishy Fishy sources the fresh­ est fish from the North At­ lantic. They offer varied set menus for lunch and dinner, in­ cluding kid­friendly options, and takeaway boxes perfect for beach picnics. Their ‘catch of the day’ fish, prepared in a

FISHY FISHY: Has revamped its cosy indoor restaurant.

unique beer batter and served with home­made tartar sauce,

caters to a broad range of di­ etary preferences, including

vegetarian and gluten­free op­ tions.

With winter and Christmas on the horizon, Fishy Fishy has revamped its cosy indoor restaurant, ideal for large groups and private gatherings.

A significant update to their schedule is that they are now open from 4.30pm every day.

The updated opening hours are: Monday from 4.30pm to 9pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 12.30pm to 3pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm, Friday from 12pm to 3pm and 4.30pm to 9pm, and Saturday from 12.30pm to 3pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Sundays remain a day of rest.

Continuing its tradition of serving a variety of exceptional dishes, Fishy Fishy is a culinary staple for expats in Spain, leav­ ing guests satisfied and eager for their next visit.

For more information, visit their website at www.fishyfishy.es or call on 966 491 867.

The address is Kristalmar 30F Ctra Moraira-Calpe, Moraira.

VILLAJOYOSA is preparing for a day of festive sol­ idarity at La Barbera dels Aragones on Novem­ ber 25! The festivities kick off at 11.00am with the lively beats of the batucada by the music group, Agrupació Musica Medterráneo.

Following this, the Danses Centener group will take the stage, adding a cultural touch to the cel­ ebration. At noon, the fun continues with a mag­ ical performance by the magician Montiel, fol­ lowed by a ball workshop. The music band takes over from midday, filling the air with tunes that will last well into the night. At 5.00pm, indulge in

Festive fun

a delightful chocolate experience with hot chocolate for all. At 7.00pm, the Virtuos Mediter­ rani chamber orchestra will delight the audience with a musical concert. At 8.00p,, the mayor Marcos Zaragoza will illuminate the park and the entire city with dazzling holiday lights.

The merriment continues into the night, with festivities carrying on until 10.00pm, accompa­ nied by a DJ and a lively atmosphere.

30 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

Jazz trio

Mediterranean roots of bassist Manel Fortià with the modern jazz sounds of New York, resulting in an album that takes the audience on a journey through life, dreams, and vibrant cultural

influences.

Manel Fortià, the talented bassist, seamlessly blends his Mediterranean heritage with the contemporary jazz vibes of New York in his lat­ est trio album, ‘Despertar’

(Awakening).

Meticulously composed and produced by Fortià him­ self, ‘Despertar’ serves as a musical self­portrait, featur­ ing a selection of energetic originals inspired by his ex­ periences while living in New York from 2016 to 2020.

The composer weaves a tapestry of soft and personal music, revealing influences from a diverse range of artists such as Charlie Haden, Keith Jarrett, Mau­ rice Ravel, and Paco de Lucía, among others. The al­ bum’s title, ‘Despertar’, al­ ludes to the final track, a stark contrast to the opening piece titled ‘Dormir’ (Sleep).

Tickets at €5 can be pur­ chased through www.in stanticket.es or in person at the Concierge of the House of Culture.

The Concierge is open from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Sat­ urdays.

Additionally, tickets will be available up to an hour and a half before the perfor­ mance.

SOCIAL SCENE

Art diversity Image: El Campello Cultura / Facebook

Bob Marquess PREPARE to be captivated by the spellbinding melodies of the Manel Fortià Trío as they present ‘Despertar’ at the Teatro­Auditorio ‘Pedro Vaello’ in the Casa de Cul­ tura in El Campello on Fri­ day, November 24.

This unique musical expe­ rience combines the

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Artistic brilliance.

EMBRACE the rich tapestry of artistic expression as El Campello proudly presents the ‘Diversity’ art exhibition.

Hosted in the vestibule of the Auditorium at Casa de Cultura El Campello, this cap­ tivating display of creativity invites art enthusiasts and the community at large to immerse themselves in a world of diverse perspec­ tives and forms of artistic brilliance.

The exhibition runs until December 1 with free entry from Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 2.00pm and then from 5.00pm until 9.00pm.

For more information, email: conserje.casacultu ra@ajuntament.org or call

(+34) 965 639 491.

‘Diversity’ unfolds as a cel­ ebration of varied artistic styles, techniques, and themes, bringing together the talents of the members of the Association of Plastic Artists El Campello.

From paintings that evoke emotions to sculptures that challenge perceptions, the exhibition promises a jour­ ney through the multi­ faceted world of contempo­ rary art.

Whether you are a sea­ soned art connoisseur or a casual appreciator, ‘Diversi­ ty’ offers something for ev­ ery palate, encouraging conversations and connec­ tions through the language of art.

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AMIDST the relentless march of inflation casting its shadow over consumer goods, a sur­ prising twist emerges in the world of beverages.

The CEO of Coca­Cola Eu­ ropacific Partners (CCEP) France, François Gay­Bellile, recently made waves by an­ nouncing a bold move, seek­ ing a 7 per cent price increase across a range of beloved products including Fanta, Sprite, and the iconic Coca­Co­ la itself.

As negotiations unfold be­ tween distributors and the beverage giant, it’s clear that Coca­Cola is flexing its muscles in this high­stakes game.

Fizz or fizzle The pivotal question re­ mains: Will this potential price hike render Coca­Cola a covet­ ed luxury item?

The answer lies in the hands of distributors, whose margin decisions can swing the pricing pendulum any­ where from 10 per cent to a staggering 50 per cent.

In this economic tussle, the beverage finds itself in a com­ manding position, making it difficult for supermarkets to resist the allure of this ever­ popular soda, even amid the tumultuous inflation crisis.

According to François Gay­ Bellile, Coca­Cola’s financial health appears robust, boast­ ing a commendable +12.5 per cent turnover.

The brand has not only se­ cured its market share but has also made unexpected in­ roads into new territories, in­ cluding the realm of alcoholic beverages. In the face of infla­ tion and unsettling news, ‘pleasure’ products, notably Coca­Cola, have emerged as resilient survivors of the crisis, attracting a wave of new, dis­ cerning consumers.

Ban on the bang IT has been made official that 16 Dutch munici­ palities will completely ban consumer fire­ works this New Year’s Eve, with an additional three who also plan to ban fireworks from 2024/25.

The municipalities of Tilburg, Arnhem, Amersfoort, and Eindhoven are banning fire­ works in the entire municipality for the first time this year whilst Ede, Zwolle, and Zupthen plan to do so next year. However, most places with firework bans are organising central fire­

works shows for all to watch and bring in the New Year.

Of the 342 municipalities that have decided not to ban fireworks on December 31, many of them explained that local bans were too diffi­ cult to enforce. Others said they don’t need a ban because fireworks either don’t cause prob­ lems at all in the municipality or the problems are mainly caused by illegal fireworks that are already banned. Some stated their local resi­ dents were firmly against a ban.

INTERVIEW

“Spain is a land of opportunity” AS part of our ongoing conversations with Europeans who have chosen to settle in Spain, it is the turn of Swedish national Niklas Söderström who moved to the Costa del Sol in 2014.

UP until then, he had run a building company in Sweden, but was effectively head hunted by a real estate company based on the Golden Mile in Marbella.

It took Niklas a full seven days to decide to accept the offer and having landed in Spain nine years ago, he literally hasn’t looked back.

“I love it here as compared to Sweden not only is the weather and lifestyle so much better, it really has been for me, a land of opportunity,” he explained.

Adding “Apart of course from family there is really very little that I miss about Sweden and I have made my life here and I am enjoying it.”

Now very competent in Spanish, Niklas revealed his secret, first he found out the Spanish name for everything in his apartment and stuck post-it notes on each item so that he would remember the words.

Next step (which wasn’t just to learn the language) was to find a Spanish girlfriend and his vocabulary expanded considerably.

“Once I had some idea of what I was saying, I decided that I would have to have the guts to just go out, speak my version of

Niklas Söderström loves it here.

Spanish and not be afraid to make a fool of myself and it worked, as because I tried, people helped me to get better.”

The only slight negative (which many people find) is bureaucracy but Niklas shrugged and said “you learn to live with it.”

Now living in La Cala having moved from Marbella, he finds it quieter but more real and has made a number of friends, mainly English and Spanish as well as some Swedes and would recommend any compatriot considering moving here from Sweden to do so.

23 - 29 November 2023

EWN 31

Artful deception Anna Ellis IN a tale that blends in­ trigue and remorse, a 30­ year­old man has narrow­ ly avoided a severe sentence, landing 21 months of suspended prison time from a Ger­ man court.

The twist? This former employee of the es­ teemed Deutsches Muse­ um in Munich orchestrat­ ed an audacious art heist, leaving the cultural institu­ tion and the art world in shock.

The daring escapade in­ volved the theft of several artworks, with the perpe­ trator going so far as to re­ place one masterpiece, Franz von Stuck’s ‘The Tale of the Frog Prince’, with a cunningly crafted fake.

The stolen painting was then surreptitiously sold at auction under false pre­ tences, with the man fab­

Image: Deutsches Museum in Munich / Facebook

NEWS/FEATURE

ART HEIST: Deutsches Museum in Munich.

ricating a tale of familial inheritance to disguise the illicit origins.

The ruse proved suc­ cessful, netting him a sub­ stantial sum of nearly €50,000.

But the audacity didn’t stop there. The daring thief also negotiated the theft of two additional paintings by Eduard von Grützner and Franz von Defregger directly from the museum’s warehouse.

The ill­gotten gains were used to fund a lavish

lifestyle, including the ac­ quisition of luxury watch­ es and even a Rolls­Royce.

Astonishingly, the auc­ tion house responsible for selling the pilfered paint­ ings claimed an inability to identify them as stolen property.

In addition to the sus­ pended prison sentence, the remorseful former employee faces a hefty fi­ nancial consequence, be­ ing obligated to reimburse the museum over €60,600.

32 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

DENMARK Royal silence CROWN PRINCE FREDERIK of Denmark, married since 2004 to Australian Mary Donaldson, with whom he has four children, was seen in Madrid recently with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova.

The royal household issued a statement maintaining that it “did not comment on rumours or insinuations” without referring to Casanova, who insisted the allegations were “malicious” and “false”.

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EURO PRESS NORWAY

Photo credit: Arctic World Archive

Park life

African presence DENMARK has reversed plans to close its embassy in Tanzania after announcing in 2021 that the government intended to phase out the mutual development plan between both countries.

Tanzania’s Foreign minister January Makamba revealed on November that the decision to remain was the outcome of “a very fruitful” meeting in Algiers with Danish officials last October.

SWEDEN

Independence and historic documents. Cold, dry and without natural light, the disasterproof Arctic World Archive was created to store physical and digital artifacts from all over the world for future generations.

NORWAY: Visitors to the Arctic World Archive.

Safe and sound A DISUSED mine 300 metres below ground on an island in the Svalbard archipelago has since 2017 housed the original Mexican flag, together with the 1821 Declaration of

GERMANY

AFTER 11 years of delays, political infighting and hostility from sheep farmers concerned about wolves, Oslo will have a national park in the Ostmarka area popular with skiers and hikers. The 53.9-square kilometre park, smaller than originally planned, would be “good for nature, good for people and good for public health,” Environment minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said.

FRANCE

EUROPEAN PRESS

IRELAND Bank glitch BANK OF IRELAND customers complained on November 15 of problems with the online service, with the bank recognising that there had been issues when logging into accounts. The technical hitch was one of several so far the bank has suffered this year, including last August when the bank’s chief executive Myles O’Grady apologised for a “significant technology outage.”

Surf’s up MULLAGHMORE HEAD (County Sligo) on the Atlantic coast attracts surfers from Hawaii and Australia in search of some of the heaviest waves found anywhere in the world. “People spend time in Ireland to brave the elements and hopefully get these waves once or twice a winter,” said Conor Maguire, renowned for catching Ireland’s biggest wave in 2020.

PORTUGAL

Going nuclear

Drunk in charge

Pedal power

Home sweet home

THE Swedish government announced on November 16 plans to construct two new conventional nuclear reactors by 2035 to meet the growing demands of industry and transport for clean power, while meeting some of the cost. By 2045 the government intends to have built 10 new reactors, some of which are likely to be small modular reactors (SMRs).

GERMANY’S maritime police revealed that the woman who was steering a freight barge which rammed and destroyed a lock on the Rhine near Iffezheim on November 11 was "very intoxicated" at the time. She is now under investigation, police said, for endangering shipping and causing damage costing €1.5 million in repairs that could take a year to complete.

NEXT year’s Tour de France commences in Florence (Italy) on June 19 although for the first time ever it will end in Nice, not Paris, due to the 2024 Olympic Games held in the French capital.

The organisers have now revealed that the 2025 race will set out from Lille in northern France as it did in 1960 as well as 1994, with the date to be announced on November 30.

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S future neighbours in Cascais are complaining about noise and disruption during construction of his mansion, which at $22 million (€20.6 million) will be one of Portugal’s most expensive properties. Due to be finished by June 2024, the player is not expected to occupy the four-storey luxury home until his Al Nassr contract ends in June 2025.

Ferry nice

Not for sale

Spike charge

Make a move

A SILENT electric ferry presented in Stockholm recently hovers one metre above the water and saves energy obtained by going airborne on foils, which give the speed and range needed for functioning on batteries. At 56 kilometres per hour it is faster than other passenger ferries as it leaves no wake, which exempts it from the usual 22 kilometre per hour speed limit.

OLAF SCHOLZ, Germany’s chancellor, called for further legal restrictions on sex work, adding that the sale of sex “was not acceptable” and should not be normalised. During a question-andanswer session in the German parliament, he maintained on November 15 that it was not right for men to purchase women. “It is something that has always morally angered me," he said.

FRENCH senator Joel Guerriau, aged 66, was charged on November 16 with spiking MP Sandrine Josso’s drink, intending to assault her while possessing and using substances classed as drugs, police said. Josso said that she began to feel unwell after accepting a drink on November 14 at the home of the senator, with whom she was not in an intimate relationship.

PORTUGAL’S government revealed that it plans to extend its Non-habitual Resident Scheme (RNH) providing tax advantages for foreign residents by a year. Insiders said this is clearly meant as an invitation to investors disenchanted with the re-election of Spain’s Pedro Sanchez who has already announced that the rich would now pay more tax than in the past.

FINLAND

BELGIUM

ITALY The real deal ITALY’S parliament voted in favour of banning the production, sale or importation of cultivated meat or animal feed, in a session preceded by rallies for and against the veto and scuffles between farmers and MPs. Infringing the law will bring a €60,000 fine, although to date only Singapore and the United States have approved lab-grown meat for human consumption.

Poverty grows CATHOLIC charity Caritas said in its annual report on poverty and social exclusion, published on November 17, that poverty was “deeply embedded in Italy”, with more than 5.6 million people living below the poverty line, compared with 357,000 in 2021. A further 14.3 million, 24.4 per cent of Italy’s population, were at risk from poverty and social exclusion, Caritas said.

THE NETHERLANDS

Stay-at-home dads

Drug restricted

A DUTCH trawler whose three crew members sent out a distress signal off the African coast on November 5 was located and towed to port by the Nigerian navy on November 17. The local authorities are in touch with the Dutch police but nothing is yet known about what happened or why it took 12 days to find the boat which had bought by a Congo church community.

FINLAND’S Family Reform recently gave the parents of newborns individual entitlements of 160 weekdays of leave, with the option of transferring up to 63 days to the other parent.

By late September, fathers were taking more time off than in 2022 although official figures showed that most were generally transferring their leave allocation to the mother.

BELGIUM’S Federal Medication and Health Products Agency (FAMHP) ordered doctors and pharmacists to prescribe Ozempic solely for patients who have Type 2 diabetes, after announcing a ban that continues until June next year. Owing to growing demand there is now a shortage of the drug, which is increasingly used to treat obesity and assist weight loss.

Slight increase

Hands tied

Horse loose

AT present prisoners in Finland cannot be handcuffed during transport unless there is a risk of violence or escape, although police hope for a change in the law which would permit the use of cuffs or cable ties. Problems often arose when groups of up to 10 prisoners were driven from jail to appear in court, said Kari Tolvanen, an MP with a police background.

A LIEGE-BOUND 747 cargo jet had to turn round in mid-flight and return to New York after its pilot informed air traffic control that a horse had escaped from its stall in the hold, 30 minutes after take-off. The aircraft was then given permission to make a U-turn off the Boston coast, after first dumping 20 tons of fuel to ensure it could make a safe landing in New York.

Boat mystery

NETHERLANDS unemployment rose from 3.5 to 3.6 per cent in 2023’s third quarter although it still has one of the EU’s lowest rates. Most of the 16,000 people now jobless worked in healthcare, business and trade, the National Statistics office said, while the 18-25 age group was the most affected, with the previous quarter’s 8.2 per cent unemployed rising to 8.7 per cent.

NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

Dirty toilets

WITH ‘World Toilet Day’ taking place on Sunday, November 19, the British bathroom specialist com­ pany Showers to You de­ cided to conduct a study to establish which destina­ tions had the cleanest and dirtiest public toilets.

Public toilets - which are They analysed more the cleanest or dirtiest. than 8,000 negative Google reviews related the list of cleanliness. to public toilets in each Valletta in Malta occu­ city, and noting how pied third position in the many times words syn­ list, with a cleanliness onymous with ‘dirty’ Credit: nito/Shutterstock.com score of just 4.47. As many were used they formed as one in nine reviewers a points­based scoring sys­ public toilet reviews in­ (11.32 per cent) insinuat­ tem. cluded words synony­ ed that Valletta’s public Their study was carried mous with ‘dirty’. toilets were ‘dirty’. out after a recent survey Madrid was second on Malta has a very dry cli­ suggested that more than the list, with the Spanish mate where water conser­ three quarters of people capital having a cleanli­ vation is high on the agen­ would only use public toi­ ness score of 4.23. One in da. As a result, many lets if it was absolutely eight reviews (12 per cent) toilets are equipped with necessary. contained words synony­ dual­flush systems to save According to the results mous with ‘dirty’. water. of the study, Riga in Latvia The city’s public conve­ At the other end of the was the European city niences also scored an av­ scale, public toilets in Ro­ with the worst public toi­ erage rating of just 3.09 mania’s Bucharest were lets. A cleanliness score of out of 5. It was outranked found to be those with 3.44 out of 10 was estab­ in the top 10 only by War­ the best overall cleanli­ lished. Almost one in five saw in Poland (3.08 out of ness, scoring 8.70 out of (18.75 per cent) of Riga’s 5), which also came fifth in 10.

23 - 29 November 2023

EWN 33

FINANCE THE Avon cosmetics company announced that it would open shops in the UK for the first time in 137 years. The compa­ ny had to change its selling strategy, Avon’s chief execu­ tive Angela Cretu said, now that there are fewer stay­at­ home wives and mothers, with most women working outside the home.

Going down FOR the first time in 18 months, Spain’s year­on­year food inflation dropped below 10 per cent in October to 9.5 per cent although olive oil rose by 74 per cent. Lower prices helped the Consumer Price In­ dex to remain at 3.5 per cent, unchanged from September’s figure, Spain’s National Statis­ tics Institute (INI) said.

Don’t do it PURCHASE scams are responsi­ ble for the majority of banking sector fraud cases, said online bank Monzo. “Unless you pick up the goods at the same time, don’t even think about it if a seller on Facebook Market­ place or a similar website in­ sists on a bank transfer, how­ ever plausible it sounds,” Monzo said.

Not so good BETWEEN April 1 and Septem­ ber 30, Vodafone España’s rev­ enue fell 1.8 per cent to €1.93 billion, owing to lower earn­ ings for service­providing which fell 2.8 per cent to €1.7 billion. Pre­tax profits for the company, which was recently acquired by Zegona, dropped 11.16 per cent to €394 million.

Cold comfort ICELAND FOODS paid an ‘un­ precedented’ £94 million (€107.6 million) increase in en­ ergy last year, as Russia’s inva­ sion of Ukraine affected prof­ its. As a result, the company’s adjusted earnings before inter­ est, taxes, depreciation and amortisation for the year end­ ing March fell by 17 per cent to £105.8 million (€121 million).

STAT OF WEEK

paid by Inditex founder Amancio Ortega’s investment company Pontegadea for the purchase of a 49 per cent stake in Repsol’s Spanish windfarms and solar power plants.

€490 million

UK inflation satisfaction Linda Hall THE UK’s annual inflation rate for October dropped from September’s 6.7 per cent to 4.6 per cent.

Cheaper gas and elec­ tricity were responsible for the biggest fall in more than three decades, sur­ passing the 4.8 per cent figure that had been pre­ dicted by a poll of economists carried out for Reuters.

The announcement of the October figures also prompted an immediate 1.1 per cent surge in the FTSE 100 stock index. Al­ though the encouraging inflation figures did not in­ dicate that prices fell in Oc­

Photo credit: Rishi Sunak

Ding-dong gone

euroweeklynews.com • 23 - 29 November 2023

RISHI SUNAK: Prime Minister delivered on inflation pledge.

tober, it meant they rose more slowly than forecast, boosting hopes that the Bank of England could cut the interest rate next year.

Core inflation, which ex­ cludes energy and food amongst other volatile el­ ements, also fell more

Linda Hall GERMANY’S government announced a €15 billion rescue package including €7.5 billion in state guarantees for wind­ farm manufacturer Siemens Energy.

The company employs around 26,000 people inside the country and al­ though the ailing company has €110 bil­ lion in orders it needs help to sustain them.

The move also affects Spain as Siemens Energy’s subsidiary, Siemens Gamesa, is one of the world’s leading wind turbine makers. Headquartered in Zamudia (Vizcaya), the company has nine factories that provide jobs for 4,600 people.

than analysts expected but still remained high at 5.7 per cent after slipping from 6.1 per cent, short of the 5.8 per cent predicted by the Bank of England and the City.

Food price inflation is now at its lowest since

2021 following last month’s fall to 10.1 per cent in the annual increase rate. This was down from 12.2 per cent in Septem­ ber and last March’s high of 19.2 per cent, the high­ est annual rate in more than 45 years, the Office for National Statistics re­ vealed.

“In January I made halv­ ing inflation this year my top priority,” Sunak said on November 15.

“I did that because it is, without a doubt, the best way to ease the cost of liv­ ing and give families finan­ cial security. Today, we have delivered on that pledge.”

The subsidiary, which has large oper­ ations in Denmark as well as Spain, has had major problems with some of the

turbines it supplies, involving failures in the enormous blades that have led to high repair costs.

Siemens Gamesa has also been ham­ pered by deals agreed in the past at prices that were subsequently affected by galloping inflation.

Siemens Energy took over Gamesa in December last year after acquiring the remaining third of the company’s shares which it did not already control.

Spain’s Industry, Commerce and Tourism ministry announced on November 14 that the government was also working on a possible series of guarantees for new international con­ tracts.

Pfizer loses its fizz

Of great interest

Down the drain

PFIZER intends to cut 500 jobs at its Sandwich (Kent) laboratories to reduce costs by £2.8 billion (€3.2 billion).

As demand falls for its Covid drugs, the US pharmaceutical gi­ ant plans to cease its Pharmaceuti­ cal Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM) operations where re­ searchers turn experimental molecules into medicines for clini­ cal trials.

Pfizer said the decision to halt PSSM work at Sandwich followed discouraging sales of Covid treat­ ments, with the company now ex­ pecting full­year revenues of be­ tween $58 billion (€53.47 billion) and $61 billion (€57.7 billion). It previously predicted of revenues of between $67 billion (€63.26 bil­ lion) and $70 billion (€65.5 billion).

WITH interest rates in the UK at their highest in 15 years, people are increas­ ingly anxious to learn about potential changes. Figures released by analysts at L&C Mortgages revealed that Google searches asking, “When will interest rates change?” have now reached a 58,000 monthly average.

“Ultimately, there is no way of know­ ing when interest rates will fall or change,” L&C Mortgages said.

“Usually, rates change every six weeks. However, the Bank of England has kept the rate at 5.25 per cent for a second month. This is done to tackle re­ cent high inflation figures, a significant problem in the UK. “Rates could increase by a further 0.25 per cent or 0.50 per cent, potentially peaking at 5.75 per cent and then falling over the next five years as inflation eas­ es.”

ROCA lost almost €120 million following the February 2022 Ukraine invasion.

Although Russia accounted for 7 per cent of Roca’s total revenues, with a 2021 turnover of €141 million and profits of €19.5 million, it was one of the first companies to leave, selling up to its four Russian sub­ sidiaries in June 2022 for €169.3 million.

In late 2022 these were val­ ued at €154.1 million, bringing €12.5 million in capital gains al­ though this was swallowed up by the depreciation of the rou­ ble against the euro, resulting in losses of €84.3 million which, added to a further €35.5 mil­ lion in impairments, finally cost Roca €119.9 million.

Rescue for Siemens Photo credit: Siemens-Gamesa

BUSINESS EXTRA

34

SIEMENS GAMESA: Manufactures wind turbine blades.

Royal Mail fail COMMUNICATIONS watchdog Ofcom has fined Royal Mail for not achieving first and second­ class delivery targets over the last financial year.

The UK’s postal service, now owned by International Distribu­ tion Services, must pay £5.6 mil­ lion (€6.4 million) for failing to meet goals.

Royal Mail should complete 99.9 per cent of daily delivery routes on the required day, but last year delivered only 73.7 per cent of first­class mail and 90.7 per cent of second­class mail on time.

Complaints of late and irregular deliveries continued to grow and Ofcom suggested that the service had not yet recovered from inter­ ruptions during the pandemic.

Shares rise TELEFONICA BRASIL accounts for 56 per cent of parent compa­ ny Telefonica’s capitalisation.

Shares are now worth 50.6 reales (€9.45), up 32 per cent since the beginning of the year, compared with Telefonica’s 10 per cent. That gives the sub­ sidiary a total worth of 84 billion reales (approximately €16 bil­ lion).

When added to Telefonica Deutschland’s €5 billion, this means that between them the two subsidiaries account for practically 80 per cent of Tele­ fonica’s capital. In contrast, Spain, the UK (Virgin Media 02) and Latin America’s Hispam contribute just 20 per cent.

Parents’ help HELPFUL over­50s in the UK have handed £98 billion (€112.4 billion) to their chil­ dren over the last five years.

A study carried out for the SunLife financial services company found that parents had spent £36.5 billion (€41.8 billion) on helping off­ spring to buy a property, while giving £2 billion (€2.3 billion towards paying basic household bills.

Other contributions were for school fees or to buy a car, although in some cases parents said that they gave money to their children “be­ cause they could afford to.”

FINANCE

36 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

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

CLOSING PRICES 20 NOVEMBER

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

NET VOL

COMPANY

PRICE(P)

CHANGE(P)

% CHG.

3I Group

2.158,00

-12,00

-0,55%

129,77K

Abrdn

171,65

-0,55

-0,32%

573,35K

Admiral Group

2.621,0

+22,0

+0,85%

Anglo American

2.237,5

+3,5

+0,16%

Antofagasta

1.394,00

+15,00

+1,09%

159,48K

Ashtead Group

4.615,0

-629,0

-11,99%

Associated British Foods

2.346,0

-34,0

AstraZeneca

10.096,0

-164,0

NET VOL

InterContinental

6.122,0

+26,0

+0,43%

31,16K

Intermediate Capital

1.516,00

+8,00

+0,53%

289,20K

53,35K

Intertek

3.827,0

+18,0

+0,47%

32,86K

271,41K

ITV

61,74

-0,18

-0,29%

764,79K

J Sainsbury

266,90

+0,70

+0,26%

414,48K

1,21M

Johnson Matthey

1.518,0

-6,0

-0,39%

128,86K

-1,43%

189,19K

Land Securities

654,40

+1,20

+0,18%

143,23K

-1,60%

225,58K

Legal & General

230,80

+1,00

+0,44%

1,75M

43,17

-0,20

-0,46%

13,32M

8.584,0

+34,0

+0,40%

80,89K

1.14245

0.87615

Units per €

US dollar (USD) ........................................1.0926 Japan yen (JPY)........................................162.05 Switzerland franc (CHF) ...........................0.9652 Denmark kroner (DKK) .............................7.4558 Norway kroner (NOK) ...............................11.737

Auto Trader Group Plc

710,60

+3,80

+0,54%

265,96K

Lloyds Banking

Aviva

421,90

-0,40

-0,10%

774,06K

London Stock Exchange

B&M European Value Retail SA538,20

+0,80

+0,15%

86,88K

Melrose Industries

522,92

+1,00

+0,19%

475,66K

currenciesdirect.com/moraira • Tel: +34 966 265 072

BAE Systems

1.064,00

+9,00

+0,85%

2,85M

Mondi

1.394,00

+3,00

+0,22%

189,07K

THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

Barclays

142,44

-0,36

-0,25%

4,85M

National Grid

1.024,50

+8,50

+0,84%

937,53K

Barratt Developments

486,10

+2,10

+0,43%

267,20K

NatWest Group

207,90

+0,10

+0,05%

2,03M

7.740,0

+26,0

+0,34%

28,59K

+30,40

+5,42%

749,46K

Berkeley

4.537,0

+16,0

+0,35%

9,21K

Next

BHP Group Ltd

2.462,50

+20,50

+0,84%

81,08K

Ocado

591,75

BP

479,85

+2,15

+0,45%

4,09M

Persimmon

1.241,0

-2,0

-0,16%

72,75K

278,36K

Phoenix

491,20

+0,70

+0,14%

245,64K

Prudential

937,06

-8,00

-0,85%

360,77K

British American Tobacco 2.533,5

+12,0

+0,48%

British Land Company

368,17

+1,00

+0,27%

514,57K

BT Group

119,44

+0,55

+0,46%

1,63M

Bunzl Burberry Group Carnival

2.934,0 1.600,5 1.044,5

-11,0 +36,0 -5,5

-0,37% +2,30% -0,52%

55,22K 169,03K 58,42K

Centrica

151,90

+0,20

+0,13%

1,78M

Coca Cola HBC AG

2.108,0

-9,0

-0,42%

42,22K

Compass

2.003,00

-89,00

-4,25%

1,25M

CRH

4.802,0

-18,0

-0,37%

107,00K

Croda Intl

4.590,0

-8,0

-0,17%

55,48K

DCC

5.284,0

-64,0

-1,20%

18,35K

Diageo

2.830,5

+21,0

+0,75%

338,11K

DS Smith

288,33

+0,30

+0,10%

289,47K

EasyJet

434,90

-0,80

-0,18%

430,61K

Experian

2.951,0

+18,0

+0,61%

163,90K

Ferguson

13.225,0

-145,0

-1,08%

13,76K

Flutter Entertainment

12.845,0

+150,0

+1,18%

43,85K

Fresnillo

548,40

+4,00

+0,73%

88,84K

Glencore

462,73

-5,00

-1,07%

5,57M

GSK plc

1.408,48

-2,40

-0,17%

467,83K

Halma

2.097,0

+44,0

+2,14%

117,22K

Reckitt Benckiser

5.402,8

+6,0

+0,11%

134,54K

Relx

2.989,00

+5,00

+0,17%

391,45K

Rentokil

469,00

+5,30

+1,14%

330,65K

Rightmove

502,80

-0,40

-0,08%

347,24K

Rio Tinto PLC

5.460,0

+14,0

+0,26%

306,61K

Rolls-Royce Holdings

246,11

+2,10

+0,86%

3,50M

Sage

984,20

-0,20

-0,02%

237,23K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.402,00

+16,00

+1,15%

2,16K

Schroders

404,4

-2,7

-0,66%

110,86K

Scottish Mortgage

718,60

+4,20

+0,59%

440,48K

Segro

827,15

+4,60

+0,56%

171,99K

Severn Trent

2.699,0

+2,0

+0,07%

36,97K

Shell

2.629,5

+21,0

+0,81%

881,12K

Smith & Nephew

1.023,50

-1,00

-0,10%

128,93K

Smiths Group

1.652,18

-0,50

-0,03%

29,62K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 9.166,0

+226,0

+2,53%

22,23K

SSE

1.802,87

+7,50

+0,42%

203,19K

St. James’s Place

682,00

-5,40

-0,79%

223,16K

Standard Chartered

664,80

+4,80

+0,73%

912,89K

Taylor Wimpey

126,17

+0,50

+0,40%

1,50M

Tesco

276,30

+0,30

+0,11%

982,26K

Tui

514,50

+13,40

+2,68%

227,64K

Unilever

3.820,5

+4,5

+0,12%

500,07K

1.089,00

+5,00

+0,46%

138,62K

Hargreaves Lansdown

720,40

-5,40

-0,74%

173,97K

Hikma Pharma

1.762,00

+2,50

+0,14%

43,18K

HSBC

614,95

-0,30

-0,05%

3,60M

United Utilities

IAG

163,55

+0,85

+0,52%

2,47M

Vodafone Group PLC

75,01

-0,04

-0,05%

5,84M

Imperial Brands

1.845,00

-7,00

-0,38%

200,23K

Whitbread

3.345,0

+3,0

+0,09%

29,59K

Informa

752,00

+3,00

+0,40%

240,02K

WPP

708,20

-4,80

-0,67%

184,43K

DOW JONES CLOSING PRICES 20 NOVEMBER

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE

CHANGE% VOLUME(M)

3M American Express Amgen Apple Boeing Caterpillar Chevron Cisco Coca-Cola Dow Goldman Sachs Home Depot Honeywell IBM Intel J&J JPMorgan McDonald’s Merck&Co Microsoft Nike Procter&Gamble Salesforce Inc The Travelers UnitedHealth Verizon Visa A Walgreens Boots Walmart Walt Disney

95,34 162,56 265,39 189,69 208,04 253,07 144,46 47,76 57,26 51,70 339,19 307,27 191,21 152,89 43,81 149,79 152,82 275,75 101,75 369,85 105,96 151,07 221,22 171,82 536,29 36,23 249,56 21,22 155,35 94,15

-0,37 +3,51 -3,61 -0,02 +1,44 +4,86 +2,69 -0,29 +0,11 +0,26 +2,52 +0,83 +0,50 -0,17 +0,46 -0,31 +1,37 -0,37 -0,24 -6,32 -1,65 -1,76 -0,23 +0,13 -3,53 +0,05 +0,99 +0,47 -0,69 -0,36

-0,39% 2,54M +2,21% 2,97M -1,34% 2,62M -0,01% 49,41M +0,70% 3,53M +1,96% 2,78M +1,90% 10,85M -0,59% 32,57M +0,19% 14,36M +0,51% 3,29M +0,75% 1,38M +0,27% 2,62M +0,26% 2,16M -0,11% 4,42M +1,06% 49,60M -0,21% 6,76M +0,90% 7,68M -0,13% 2,59M -0,24% 6,76M -1,68% 39,45M -1,53% 6,06M -1,15% 8,43M -0,10% 3,60M +0,08% 857,89K -0,65% 2,66M +0,14% 19,09M +0,40% 7,23M +2,27% 11,91M -0,44% 14,09M -0,38% 12,16M M - MILLION DOLLARS

NASDAQ CLOSING PRICES 20 NOVEMBER

COMPANY Most Advanced The Gap, Inc. CRISPR Therapeutics AG Structure Therapeutics Inc. Globant S.A. Sigma Lithium Corporation Beam Therapeutics Inc. Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. Fastly, Inc. Tenet Healthcare Corporation Venture Corporation Limited Qifu Technology, Inc.

CHANGE NET / %

VOLUME

+30.58% +14.64% +12.14% +11.85% +11.56% +10.81% +10.67% +10.58% +9.63% +9.03% +8.91%

69.085M 6.546M 1.06M 1.244M 2.107M 2.617M 8.646M 3.445M 4.097M 22,500 1.314M

-11.81% -7.06% -6.74% -6.20% -5.91% -5.78% -4.81% -4.67% -4.58% -4.02% -3.99%

3.211M 1.699M 774,753 9.197M 3.316M 5.564M 5.254M 40,739 828,100 18.92M 30,331

Most Declined Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Haemonetics Corporation ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. VinFast Auto Ltd. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. Vodacom Group Limited Banco do Brasil S.A. Applied Materials, Inc. Prosus N.V.

‘

euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Train gain THE value of Talgo shares shot up to €4.53 on November 16 after a Hun­ garian business group made a preliminary public offer to acquire all of the Spanish train manufactur­ er’s shares. The group, which Talgo declined to name, would pay €5 per share, a 28 per cent pre­ mium on the November 15 closing price.

On spec UK shoppers sent back more than £4.1 billion (€4.68 billion) of clothing bought online last year, said GlobalData, predict­ ing a 16.7 per cent in­ crease before 2027. Or­ dering several items and returning some after mak­ ing a choice has risen 46 per cent compared with 33 per cent in 2021, ac­ cording to returns logistics company ZigZag.

23 - 29 November 2023

More woes for Britishvolt Linda Hall RECHARGE INDUSTRIES, Britishvolt’s new owner, could face legal proceedings over an ex­employee’s unpaid wages.

According to the Financial Times (FT), the Australian com­ pany, which acquired British­ volt last January, was served with a statutory demand to pay the wages. If Recharge In­ dustries does not settle within three weeks, the former em­ ployee can take further legal action and launch bankruptcy proceedings against the com­ pany, the FT said.

Photo credit: British Volt

FINANCE

BRITISHVOLT: Taken over by Recharge Industries in February.

Making headway LOW­COST telecoms firm Digi out­ stripped its rivals during the first nine months of 2023.

Turnover for Telefonica, Orange, Vodafone and MasMovil grew slowly or languished, while the Romania­head­ quartered company reported a record €466 million.

This was 30.5 per cent more than dur­ ing the same period last year and in line with the €166 million recorded in this

year’s third quarter, 29.9 per cent up on 2022.

Uncomplicated cheap offers, no ‘small print’ and personalised attention for clients, a service that other opera­ tors generally outsource, are key to Di­ gi’s success, analysts said.

Meanwhile, the company is waiting to learn if it will be chosen to acquire assets sold off within the framework of the Orange­Masmovil merger.

Staff members had not been paid for months, another employee said.

Britishvolt, now headed by Australian businessman David Collard, was founded four years ago and planned a £3.8 billion (€4.35 billion) gigafacto­ ry in Blyth (Northumberland) to supply batteries for UK­built electric vehicles.

The company could have counted on £100 million (€114.5 million) in conditional funding from the UK govern­ ment but went into adminis­ tration after running out of cash. Most of its 300 staff were made redundant.

Recharge Industries bought Britishvolt for £8.6 (€9.8m) in February, making an initial payment of £6.1m (€6.98m).

In August, Britishvolt’s ad­ ministrators EY announced the final payment was ‘unpaid and overdue’, with Recharge In­ dustries in default of the busi­ ness sale agreement.

Scale Facilitation, the New York­based parent company of Recharge Industries, denied defaulting on the deal.

EWN 37

Sweet treat US­BASED confectionery com­ pany Mars is buying Hotel Chocolat in a £534 million (€609.5 million) agreement that will help the UK chocolati­ er expand internationally, both companies said. Mars, which paid 375p (€42.80) per share on November 16, 170 per cent more than the previous night’s 139p (€15.87) closing price, said the deal brought “a much­ loved brand into its portfolio.”

New era UNICAJA shareholders ratified a new board of directors and the appointment of Isidro Ru­ biales as new chief executive at an extraordinary general meeting in Malaga on November 14. Their approval completed the renovation of Unicaja’s board following the 2021 Liberbank merger and brought to an end former dis­ agreements on both sides that resulted in a wave of res­ ignations.

38 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

Being gaslighted LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT THIS week’s blurb has been partially drawn from the input provided by a member of my ever welcome band of faithful contributors to whom I shall be eternally grateful. It is for those of us consistently bamboozled by the pure guff put out by some of our main media outlets; those large numbers of reports that we know have almost no resem­ blance to actual events.

Have no fear, you are not going crazy ­ you are being ‘Gaslighted’! Gaslighting is a form of brainwashing, aimed at con­ trolling people by altering reality to a point where those targeted begin to doubt their own sanity. The term comes from a 1930s play, where the main char­ acter drives his wife insane by slowly dimming the gas powered lights. When she notices the lights are dimming, he not only denies it, but convinces her it is her imagination to a point where she questions her own sanity.

We are constantly being told by the media of situations which are at com­ plete odds with what we are seeing with our own eyes. We witness disruption and rioting and are told it is peaceful protesting, We see murderers running amok, chanting their beliefs while killing innocent people and are advised they are not terrorist related. We are in­ formed that integration and diversity is working, yet perceive whole areas being taken over by foreign cultures.

We observe neighbourhoods of our cities being terrorised by ethnic teenage gangs and are advised that it is the fault of the police. You spend your life trying to treat all individuals as equals and ab­ hor racism, but are accused of being a privileged racist purely because of the colour of your skin. You know you are not and that the accusation in itself is racist, but when you try to defend your­ self, it is declared that your defence is proof of your racism.

You are told you live in an environ­ ment of true freedom of speech, yet when you speak out you are accused of bigotry and discrimination. Worry not.

You are not losing your minds. Crazy

people don’t question their sanity.

These media perpetrators deal in lies and psychological coercion. What their ultimate aims are is utterly beyond my comprehension. What I do know how­ ever is that we have to believe the evi­ dence of our own eyes. Trust your own observations; believe what you perceive as the truth. You’re not crazy. You’re be­ ing Gaslighted.

Good luck everyone! Many thanks to the readers who have written to express their concerns over the onslaught of laws and regulations regarding the idiot­ ic introduction of electric cars. Facts show, that although the local woke brigade will be preening over the reduc­ tion of carbon monoxide being pro­ duced by the UK , the actual production of many electric vehicle components, particularly the batteries, will cause oth­ er countries carbon emissions to rise (and profit) dramatically.

I dunno, just what are this woke brigade actually up to? The gas lit mind truly does boggle.

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.

FEATURE

Lion escapes

By Kevin Fraser Park “HELP, a lion has escaped from the circus.” It sounded like a joke, one of those in bad taste that run on social media. But no, a lion had re­ ally escaped from the circus and was calmly strolling through the streets of Ladis­ poli near Rome. And for a whole day, he had the po­ lice, circus organisers, zoo guards, volunteers, the fire brigade, even a police heli­ copter involved in his recap­ ture.

The mayor warned: “Don’t leave home. Please pay the utmost attention and avoid going out until further notice.” The es­ capee was reported around 3pm on Saturday Novem­ ber 11 by the Rony Roller Circus.

Unsuccessful searches took place in the afternoon, before darkness fell. A heli­ copter, using infrared de­ vices, managed to locate the animal in a reed bed near the railway and

Photos: Facebook / Shutterstock

Lion strolled the streets.

around 8pm the lion was shot with a sedative from a rifle, but it seemed to not take effect and the animal once more fled. It was final­ ly tracked down at 10pm after seven hours on the loose.

Meanwhile, controversy broke out. “The episode,” wrote the International Or­ ganisation for the Protec­ tion of Animals, “highlights the danger of circuses with animals from the point of view of public safety and above all the discomfort of the animals.” The organisa­ tion added, “We hope to see the introduction of a law to ban the use of ani­ mals in circus shows.”

SOFAS - CHAIRS - CORNER SUITES - SOFA BEDS - OCCASIONAL PIECES - FIRESIDE CHAIRS - RECLINER CHAIRS - POWER RISER RECLINER CHAIRS

40 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

Writing the blues away NUMEROUS studies have demonstrated that reading books can increase life ex­ pectancy by alleviating stress, depression, and cognitive de­ cline, as well as promoting happiness and empathy.

Although less common, but equally beneficial to our men­ tal health and well­being, writing has also been shown to help individuals process and regulate emotions, ex­ press frustrations, and gain a better understanding of themselves.

In a landmark study con­ ducted by Dr James Pen­ nebaker of the University of Texas, healthy undergradu­ ates were divided into four groups and asked to write for 15 minutes on four consecu­ tive nights.

Three groups wrote about a traumatic life event, while the fourth wrote about a triv­ ial topic.

Over the next six months, the three groups who wrote about traumatic events had fewer visits to the health cen­ ter, indicating a connection between expressing emo­ tions and good health.

In recent years, there has been a focus on gratitude journaling, but expressive writing, as explored in Pen­ nebaker’s research, may be the next wave of writing ther­ apy.

Whether using therapist­ created journal prompts, books designed to help indi­ viduals work through emo­ tions, or freeform writing based on Pennebaker’s origi­ nal instructions, writing can provide a healthy outlet for processing life’s ups and downs.

WRITING: Has been shown to help individuals process and regulate emotions.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Eight keys to health

NEW STUDY: Highlights eight healthy habits that can boost your cardiovascular health.

A NEW study to be pre­ sented at the American Heart Association’s Sci­ entific Sessions 2023, highlights eight healthy habits that can boost your cardiovascular health and help reduce your rate of biological ageing.

Although the habits are perhaps unsurprising, the health gains for following them are quite remark­ able.

The habits include: ab­

staining from smoking, engaging in regular phys­ ical activity, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, having healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and keeping blood pressure in the normal range.

To gauge people’s car­ diovascular health, the team of researchers looked at how well peo­ ple followed the eight measures and a score was used to place people

in categories of high, moderate, or low cardio­ vascular health.

For the 6,500 adults who were involved in the study, the researchers found that people with high cardiovascular health were physiologi­ cally younger than their age, concluding that those with the highest score were, on average, six years younger in com­ parison to the people with the lowest scores.

By Karan Sud Dental

Specialised therapy

PHYSIOTHERAPY is an important topic that has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for individuals re­ covering from injuries or undergoing surgery.

With its numerous benefits this specialised form of therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilita­ tion and post­operative care. Physiotherapy en­ tails a range of tech­ niques and exercises de­ signed to help restore movement, alleviate pain, and enhance phys­ ical strength and mobili­ ty. Its effectiveness is widely acknowledged across medical disci­ plines making it an inte­ gral part of treatment plans.

Moreover physiother­ apy serves as a powerful

PHYSIOTHERAPY: Widely known to be effective.

tool in pain manage­ ment, reducing the re­ liance on medication.

It’s a treatment that’s not limited to a specific demographic. From pro­ fessional and amateur athletes to geriatric pa­ tients, expectant moth­ ers, office workers, to be honest most of the

general population. Nor­ mally for physiotherapy to be the most effective it’s best to have weekly appointments for a du­ ration of between four to six weeks.

We have our physio­ therapist Marte working weekly with us on Mon­ days and Thursdays.

www.ksuddental.com / ksuddental@gmail.com / 603 296 687

42 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023 AS winter brings its chilly embrace, your beauty rou­ tine may need a seasonal adjustment to combat the harsh effects of the cold.

Here are top tips for in­ dulging in beauty treat­ ments that will keep your skin radiant and healthy throughout the winter months.

1. Hydration is Key: Com­

euroweeklynews.com

Winter beauty bliss bat winter dryness by stay­ ing hydrated from the inside out. Increase your water in­ take and incorporate mois­ turising beauty products to maintain supple skin.

2. Gentle Exfoliation: In­ clude a gentle exfoliation

routine to slough off dry, dead skin cells. This helps your skin absorb moisturis­ ers more effectively, leaving you with a luminous com­ plexion.

3. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise: Invest in a rich, hydrating moisturiser to re­ plenish lost moisture. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as el­ bows, knees, and hands.

4. Protective Skincare: Shield your skin from the el­ ements with protective skin­ care. Use a broad­spectrum sunscreen to guard against harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days.

5. Hair Care TLC: Nourish your hair with deep­condi­ tioning treatments. Winter air can be harsh on your locks, so indulge in weekly treatments to maintain shine and prevent breakage.

Embrace these winter beauty tips, and let your ra­ diance shine through the frost. Your skin will thank you for the extra care during the colder months.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ask the Optician - Eyes on Diabetes WORLD DIABETES DAY took place on November 14 and this year’s theme is ‘Know your risk, Know your response’. Un­ derstanding diabetes and its side effects is the first step towards preventing it, manag­ ing it and reducing the risk of complications.

According to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF), around one in three peo­ ple with diabetes develop some form of eye health complication, so we’ve asked Chantelle Hayward from Specsavers Ópticas in Calpe to answer some of your questions on this important topic.

How many people have diabetes?

Unfortunately, diabetes is one of the fastest growing health conditions today ­ fu­ elled by record levels of obesity, excessive sugar consumption and sedentary lifestyles.

Spain has the second highest diabetes preva­ lence in Europe and over five million people are living with diabetes, with 30.3 per cent of people living with diabetes in Spain being un­ diagnosed and at risk of developing serious eye health complications and even sight loss.

What are the complications of diabetes?

People living with diabetes have an in­ creased risk of developing diabetes complica­ tions which can affect the heart, blood ves­ sels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, teeth and gums.

How can diabetes effect eye sight?

Understanding diabetes.

Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels and capillaries of the body if it is not properly controlled. Diabetic changes can occur in the blood vessels at the back of the eye, causing diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in working age adults, so it’s hugely important that dia­ betes is detected early and monitored cor­ rectly to minimise the risk of avoidable sight loss.

What can we do to prevent damage to the eye from diabetes?

In order to avoid problems with sight, it is important that blood sugar levels, blood pres­ sure and cholesterol levels are controlled. Not all diabetes causes sight loss, but it is impor­ tant to have regular screenings and eye tests so that any problems or changes can be mon­ itored.

Visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store and request an appointment.

Benefits of Yoga and Pilates I N our fast­paced lives, finding a balance be­ tween physical and men­ tal well­being is crucial.

Yoga and Pilates offer a holistic approach, pro­ moting flexibility, strength, and tranquility.

Yoga, rooted in ancient practices, focuses on mindful movements and breath control. It en­ hances flexibility, tones muscles, and reduces stress.

Pilates, a modern exer­ cise system, emphasises core strength and stabili­ ty. By targeting specific muscle groups, it im­ proves posture and over­ all body awareness.

Both disci­

plines contribute to stress reduction, fostering men­ tal clarity and emotional balance.

They are adaptable for all fitness levels, making them accessible to every­ one. Incorporating Yoga and Pilates into your rou­ tine can lead to improved physical health, in­ creased energy, and a more centered, peaceful mind.

Embrace the transformative benefits of these practices and embark on a journey t o ­

Promoting flexibility.

wards a healthier, bal­ anced lifestyle.

FEATURE/NEWS

euroweeklynews.com

23 - 29 November 2023

EWN 43

Napoleon’s hat Lower prices

A BICORNE hat that be­ longed to the French emper­ or and military commander Napoleon Bonaparte has been sold for a record price.

Designed in his trademark colour of black, with the French flag’s blue, white and red as insignia, the bicorne black beaver felt hat worn while he was emperor, sold on Sunday, November 19, for almost €2 million. The sale took place at the Osenat auction house located in Fontainebleau’s Hôtel d’albe.

A South Korean business­ man set the previous record for a Napoleonic hat back in 2014. He paid €1.884 million on that occasion ­ also at Os­ enat ­ but that was dwarfed by the €1.932 million paid on Sunday.

Osenat declined to reveal either the identity or the na­ tionality of the winning bid­ der. It had been estimated before the auction that the historic tricorne could go for between €600,000 and

Credit: X@OsenatSVV

Advertising Feature

RECORD PRICE: Napoleon Bonaparte’s bicorne hat.

€800,000, although its re­ serve price was set at nearly four times less than the final bid.

According to Osenat, Napoleon I wore this particu­ lar hat towards the middle of his time as emperor. He is be­ lieved to have owned a col­ lection of around 120 hats, most of which, their where­ abouts are not known.

After being crowned em­ peror in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was a key figure in the French Revolution. He

had a unique habit of wear­ ing his hat sideways, some­ thing which is said to have helped his men to distin­ guish his silhouette during battles.

He was famously defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by British and Prussian forces. In the Treaty of Fontainebleau signed on April 11, 1814, Napoleon was exiled to the Italian island of Elba by the Allies. He later died on the is­ land of Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean in 1821.

Nutty beginnings REVITALISE your morn­ ing routine by swapping your usual egg­centric breakfast for a nutrient­ packed alternative ­ nuts. While eggs are a breakfast staple, nuts bring a delightful crunch and a host of health benefits to the table.

Why Nuts? Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, are rich in heart­healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. They provide sustained energy throughout the morn­ ing, keeping you fuelled and focused.

Nutrient Powerhouse: Unlike eggs, nuts are a great source of antioxi­ dants, aiding in cell re­ pair and immune func­ tion.

They also contribute to better cholesterol levels and improved heart health.

9 O U T 10 C U S T O M E R S R E C O M MEND US In a recent survey of our customers after using Línea Directa’s Roadside Assistance and breakdown services, over 90 per cent said they would happily recommend our insurance services to a friend or colleague.

Línea Directa would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer the questions in our survey as it has given us valuable feedback on our services and enabled us to integrate positive changes and continue to provide expert solutions for overseas residents in Spain.

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IS IN ENGLISH Car, bike and home insurance, with absolutely everything in English. The emergency and claims hotline is fast and efficient, with quick no obligation quotes over the phone. The customer service team will help you decide on the best policy and there are easy payment options so you can spread the cost of your premiums.

DID YOU KNOW? All Línea Directa insurance policies offer additional features specifically designed for expatriates living in Spain.

Their home insurance includes Pet Assistance, I T Assistance, and Home Maintenance. All motorbike policies come with Replacement Motorbike, Technical Equipment cover and even Young Person’s Night-time Assis-

The wholesome goodness of nuts.

Versatility in Variety: From a handful of mixed nuts to a nutty granola parfait, the options are endless.

Create a satisfying breakfast bowl with yo­ ghurt, fruits, and a sprin­ kle of your favourite nuts for a tasty and ful­

filling start to your day.

Make a positive change to your morning routine by embracing the wholesome good­ ness of nuts, elevating your breakfast experi­ ence and promoting a balanced, nutritious lifestyle.

tance. And their car insurance includes helpful services such as Legal Assistance that can provide help when applying for or renewing your driving licence in Spain.

E X P AT2E X P AT REWARD PROGRAMME When an existing Línea Directa customer recommends a new customer, they both receive €30. Línea Directa’s Expat2Expat p r o gramme is free and open to all existing customers.

You can recommend up to 10 people and earn up to €300 in cash per year.

Simply ask your friend to call 917 002 006 and quote your full name. Then once their application for car, bike or home insurance has been approved, Línea Directa will pay the reward straight into the bank account following payment of next or first premium.

For more information, see terms and conditions at lineadirec ta.com LOW E R T H E P R I C E O F Y O U R I N SURANCE Change to Línea Directa and they will lower the price of your insurance.

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With over three million customers nationwide, Línea Directa makes sure you get the best possible price for the kind of insurance you really need.

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53

46 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

AS France debates the possibility of granting second home owners who hold non-EU passports the right to a special visa allowing them to spend 180 days continuously in France, second home owners in Spain are taking heart from a report that the Spanish caretaker Minister of Tourism favours something similar.

In an article on the Euro Weekly News website which has received 10s of thousands of views, the concept of what is being considered is explained and a condensed version also appeared in edition 2002 of the paper editions. https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/11/12/can-spain-changeVisit schengen-rules/ to view the full story and see below some of the many comments, which have been received.

“

Absolutely that or not charge us local taxes for the months we are not allowed to be there - can’t have it both ways!!!

Toni Eastwood Obe

Allowing second home owners to spend six months at a time would be a benefit to all. People would be more likely to buy property to winter in if they could do so unrestricted.

It’s not really a change in the amount of time they could spend here, just a movement of when. It would still be six months a year as it is now.

Stays over 90 days are outside the purview of the Schengen Agreement.

It is up to each Schengen member state to decide whom to allow to stay for over 90 days on the basis of their national law.

Nothing in the Schengen Agreement forbids France and Spain to allow British citizens to stay longer than 90 days.

Spain could, for example, create a simplified procedure for British citizens to get a Spanish national visa which would allow them to stay for over 90 days in Spain.

Jan Kowalski

Spain is in a right sad and sorry state. High unemployment, especially mega high youth unemployment of about 25 per cent and wages are notoriously low.

Cobblers to them, they are causing their own problems, it’s hilarious.

Second home owners have invested in the country and even while they are not in their second home using resources, they continue to pay - council tax, imputed tax (on imputed income should you rent your home even if you don’t), standing charges on utilities which are not being consumed, service charges on any urbanisation or resort the second home might happen to be located on. lt is outrageous to lump second home owners in with tourists and l hope the Spanish government/EU sees sense soon!!

Joe Ace

Margaret Atkins

Well , that’s Brexit . You voted out , but still want to be in ?

Unfortunately many people in the UK wanted to exit the EU. They were fed misleading information about many aspects of this. I agree with the idea to change to 180 days but at the same time it smacks of that ‘special treatment’ that the UK seemed to be constantly pushing for when they were members of the EU. One hundred and eighty days, yes, after that don’t try for anything more is my view. The UK left and it has to get over many things that will change over time.

Andy Solomons

I suggest it may be illegal to be charged for services you are not legally allowed to use.

Bryan Colling

Vera Nilsson

Ninety day rule is killing Brit tourism, people now going to other destinations as getting complicated here in Spain, I’ve been here 35 years in business, I couldn’t believe Brexit, the damage it’s done and doing, the vote was a disgrace as Brits were totally misinformed and now paying the price of freedom, a majority vote would have been more realistic for such an important decision. I would love to see a re-vote as out of interest all the tourists I’ve asked would definitely vote different.

Spanish economic dependence is hugely affected by tourism, someone get their act together.

Kevin Burns

Keith Lott

This is an ok idea for the retired … People who work don’t come anywhere near the 90 day rule … Who has 90 days holiday anyway ??

Liam

Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers.

No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

www.euroweeklynews.com • 23 - 29 November 2023

48

PETS

SPONSORED BY

Harmful ENSURING your dog’s health and well­being involves not only providing proper nutrition but also being aware of foods that can be harmful. Some hu­ man foods, no matter how tempting, should never be fed to your pet.

1. Chocolate: Containing theobromine, chocolate can be toxic to dogs, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea.

2. Grapes and Raisins: These seemingly harmless snacks can cause kidney failure in dogs.

3. Onions and Garlic: Mem­ bers of the allium family, these can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia and other health complications.

4. Xylitol: Found in sugar­ free gum and some peanut butter, xylitol can cause insulin release, resulting in liver failure.

5. Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause intoxica­ tion, leading to coordination is­ sues and respiratory failure.

Exercise caution and stick to a balanced canine diet to en­ sure your pet’s safety.

A dog-sitter playmate when you’re away RECENTLY one of our dog­sitters Robin moved in to care for Blair and Lean for five weeks in the owner’s home. The pets were re­ laxed and entertained in their own home, and all was well until the owners returned after their holiday.

We help to match pet­sitters with the pet owners for free safe pet care in the pet’s own home, for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 register now to find pet­sitters in time. Earlier is better than later.

Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

Meet Blair and Lean who love their HouseSit Match dog-

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sit­ ters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our net­ work for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­ sitters see your advert, they re­ spond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent Pure Joy ­ I have completed two house­sits so far, so early days.

Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog.

Thoroughly enjoyable experi­ ences with beautiful homes and well­rounded animals. I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, Pet­sitter from the UK How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com

Need a pet or 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% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

Spanish dog breeds SPAIN, a land of diverse land­ scapes and vibrant culture, has contributed several unique and remarkable dog breeds to the world. These breeds embody the rich histo­ ry and varied environments of the Iberian Peninsula.

1. Spanish Water Dog: Orig­ inally bred as a herding and water dog, this versatile breed boasts a curly or wavy coat, making it well­suited for vari­ ous terrains. Known for intelli­ gence and agility, the Spanish Water Dog thrives in both ru­ ral and urban settings.

2. Ibizan Hound: This ele­ gant and athletic hound is renowned for its striking ap­ pearance and exceptional

The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile breed.

hunting skills. With a slender build and large ears, the Ibizan Hound has been a favourite among Spanish hunters for cen­ turies.

3. Galgo Español: The Galgo Español, or Spanish Greyhound, is a sighthound known for its grace and speed. Histori­ cally used for hunting, it has a sleek, mus­ cular physique and a gentle temperament, making it an excellent companion.

4. Perro de Presa Canario: A

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robust and powerful breed, the Perro de Presa Canario was originally developed for working with livestock. This Molosser­type dog is known for its protective instincts and loyalty to its fam­ ily.

Celebrating the diversity of Spain, these dog breeds not only reflect the country’s rich history, but also showcase the unique qualities that make them cherished companions worldwide.

Playtime with your cat.

Pawsitively essential ENGAGING in playtime with your feline friend goes beyond the joy of watching them pounce and bat at toys ­ it’s a crucial aspect of their physical and mental well­being.

1. Physical Exercise: Reg­ ular play sessions provide essential physical activity, helping to keep your cat in optimal shape. Interactive toys and activities encour­ age movement, preventing obesity and promoting a healthy heart.

2. Mental Stimulation: Cats are natural hunters, and play mimics this in­ stinct, offering mental stim­ ulation. Puzzle toys and in­ teractive games engage their problem­solving skills, preventing boredom and reducing the risk of behav­ ioral issues.

3. Bonding and Socialisa­ tion: Playtime fosters a strong bond between you and your cat. It’s a shared experience that builds trust and deepens the connec­ tion, enhancing the overall quality of your relationship.

4. Stress Relief: Play serves as an excellent stress reliever for cats. It allows them to release pent­up energy and reduces anxi­ ety, creating a calm and contented feline compan­ ion.

5. Prevents Behavioural Problems: Regular play can curb destructive be­ haviours such as scratching furniture or excessive me­ owing. It provides an ap­ propriate outlet for your cat’s natural instincts, pro­ moting a harmonious living environment.

Investing time in interac­ tive play with your cat not only enhances their physi­ cal health but also nurtures a happy, well­adjusted, and loving companion.

49 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023 AIR CONDITIONING

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REMOVALS & STORAGE

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ARCHITECTS

52

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CAMPING

23 - 29 November 2023 • euroweeklynews.com HEARING AIDS PHONAK & SIGNIA from Hear Maika. English speaking professional established 23 years in Spain. 658 446 384.

(302960)

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Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (304147) MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.com

LOCKSMITHS/ELECTRICIANS ALBIR, ALTEA, MORAIRA, 24 HOUR EMERGENCY. 686 513 510 (294632)

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NURSING

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CLASSIFIEDS

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PROPERTY WANTED

SITUATIONS VACANT

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23 - 29 November 2023 EWN CONTACT

EWN 53

54 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023

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ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

IN a motoring world where all cars arguably look the same there are some stand­ out companies that man­ age to do things differently.

Of course the styling of the cars they pro­ duce can po­ larise opinion, effectively be­ coming mar­ mite cars.

Some people love them, some people hate them.

Hyundai has a good record of stand­out styling but also in affordable form, so if you want something different you don’t have to be rich and go bespoke. The Ioniq 6 is a good case in point. It has extraordinarily sleek lines with swoops and curves on every panel, and a very swept rear roof line.

Where styling seems to rule you often find the inte­ rior space is somewhat compromised. Well, the Ioniq 6 is surprisingly un­ compromised internally with limousine levels of

MOTORING

Hyundai Ioniq 6 - an automotive tour de force!

IONIQ 6: A comfortable, very refined and relaxed drive.

legroom, especially in the rear, and the swept roof line doesn’t really hinder entry and exit for rear seat occupants.

Prices for this most stylish of EVs start at a not unrea­ sonable, by today’s stan­ dards, £47,040, which al­ though not inexpensive is good value for this class of car and the equipment that is on offer as standard.

The lead­in Premium model includes matrix LED headlamps, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, wireless

charging, privacy glass, rain sensor, power boot lid, key­ less entry and start, pow­ ered heated and folding door mirrors and smart cruise control.

The extensive list in­ cludes technology such as a pump as standard that transfers heat from the out­ side air to the battery, which stores energy and helps power the car. The 77.4 kwh battery on all Ion­ iq 6 models allows a 338 mile range, or 322 in the dual motor all­wheel­drive model. This translates into

the benchmark 62 mph be­ ing passed in 7.4 seconds or just 5.1 seconds in the dual motor ver­ sion.

In the cabin the touchscreen technolo­ gy is a bit of a faff (aren’t they all) and the safety kit, that gets top marks from Euro NCAP, is a pain be­ cause of the incessant bings, bongs and dongs for everything in creation. All can be switched off but each time you start the car you have to switch them off again. To be fair this is the same on any new car, not just Hyundai.

On the road the Ioniq 6 is a comfortable, very refined and relaxed drive, an excel­ lent long distance cruiser with performance to match. Despite minor grumbles with touchscreen tech this is an automotive tour de force.

MOTORING

euroweeklynews.com

THE Spanish government has extended the aid programme for the pur­ chase of an electric car for another seven months.

As announced on Tues­ day, November 14, the scheme which was scheduled to expire on December 31 will now run until July 31, 2024.

This extension was ap­ proved at the request of

23 - 29 November 2023

Electric car aid

the Ministry of Ecological Transition in what was foreseeably the last Council of Ministers of the Government in office before the new investi­ ture of Pedro Sanchez.

The MOVES III Pro­ gramme was set up with resources from the EU’s

Next Generation recov­ ery fund after being allo­ cated €1.2 billion, of which €290 million are still available.

It was put in place with the objective of offering motorists an incentive to purchase electric vehi­ cles and charging points.

Reflective vest law A REFLECTIVE vest is an essential item that must always be carried in a vehicle when driving on the Spanish road network.

However, confusion could arise about the exact number of these reflective vests that must be carried in a vehicle as to whether they relate to the total number of passen­ gers or not. Article 11/8 of the General Driv­ ing Regulations specifies that: ‘Drivers of pas­ senger cars must wear a high­visibility reflective waistcoat, certified in accordance with Royal Decree 1407/1992, of November 20, which is one of the compulsory items of equipment required to be worn when they leave the vehicle and occupy the road or the hard shoulder of interurban roads’.

Therefore, based on the Regulation and the clarifications made by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) it appears to only be necessary for the driver to wear a vest.

In the case of passengers, it is advisable for them to also wear one if extra vests are available inside the vehicle.

The use of a vest is specified in a situation that results from a breakdown in which the driver has to get out of their vehicle on an in­ terurban road, which may be a motorway or a conventional road.

In such cases, it is mandatory to indicate the position of the car while stopped on the shoulder with the V­16 emergency light or with traditional emergency triangles.

So far, the Ministry has offered a positive assess­ ment of the plan’s accep­ tance, which has alleged­ ly exceeded all expectations.

It reported that the National Recovery and Resilience Plan had es­ tablished the objective of reaching 238,000 re­ quests for help in pur­ chasing electric vehicles and charging points in 2023.

In one of its milestones related to the electric ve­ hicle, it said: ‘the objec­ tive has been met’ be­ cause ‘there are more than 250,000 registered applications’.

With the money that is still available in the MOVES III Programme, the government hopes to replace the current fleet of combustion engine ve­ hicles and reach its planned target of 5.5 mil­ lion electric cars circulat­ ing on the roads of Spain by 2030.

EWN 55

56 EWN 23 - 29 November 2023 REAL MADRID golden boy, Jude Bellingham is literally that after he secured the pres­ tigious 2023 ‘Golden Boy Award’.

Jude Bellingham, the 20­ year­old English football sen­ sation, has been honoured with the 2023 Golden Boy award. This prestigious recog­ nition, granted by the Italian sports journal Tuttosport, cele­ brates the most exceptional young talent in European foot­ ball under the age of 21.

The Italian magazine en­ thused: “When an interna­ tional jury made up of 50 au­ thoritative journalists from the most prestigious European newspapers awards a 20­ year­old 485 points out of a maximum of 500, you just have to take your hat off.”

The accolade recognises Bellingham’s outstanding con­ tributions to England, Borussia

euroweeklynews.com

Madrid’s Golden Boy Credit: charnsitr/Shutterstock.com

REAL MADRID: Celebrating exceptional young talent.

Dortmund, and Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, acclaimed Belling­ ham’s influence, and stated that he was, “the player who’s making the difference.”

Tuttosport expanded on Bellingham’s remarkable achievement. The magazine explained that in 2017, when Mbappe was declared Golden Boy, he too grabbed 97 per cent of the votes, the identical percentage obtained by Bellingham.

At the time there were only 30 jurors, not the 50 that they have today. For this reason,

they said the English midfield­ er is the ‘king of kings’ of the Golden Boy trophy.

His remarkable form, high­ lighted by scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games for Los Blan­ cos has elevated him above his peers, including Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.

The Golden Boy title signi­ fies a bright future in football for Bellingham. It aligns him with past winners like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi, indicating his po­ tential to reach similar heights.

The Golden Boy award will be

presented at a gala in Turin on December 4.

His recent Kopa Trophy vic­ tory at the Ballon d’Or awards as the best under­21 player re­ inforces his emerging status in world football.

Despite facing challenges, including a shoulder injury that caused him to miss Madrid’s 5­1 triumph over Va­ lencia and withdrawal from the England squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers, Bellingham’s persistence and talent shine.

His ability to overcome these setbacks exemplifies the re­ solve and dedication charac­ teristic of elite athletes.

Bellingham’s achievements at such a young age are not just personal triumphs, but al­ so a source of inspiration. His journey, marked by resilience and exceptional skill, sets a benchmark for aspiring foot­ ballers worldwide.

His Golden Boy award not only highlights his current prowess but also points to­ wards a promising and im­ pactful career in the sport.

SPORT

Djokovic’s seventh ATP title SERBIAN tennis superstar Novak Djokovic claimed a sev­ enth ATP Finals title in Turin on Sunday, November 19.

In a dominant display of near­perfect tennis, he took one hour and 44 minutes to beat Italy’s Jannik Sinner in straight sets, 6­3 6­3.

The 22­year­old World­ranked No 7 was simply no match for the Serb, who is 14 years his senior. Sinner was the first Italian tennis player to ever reach the ATP Finals and had defeated Sunday’s opponent in their group match earlier in the week.

Speaking with Amazon Prime after his win, the champ described this year as: “One of the best seasons I’ve had in my life, no doubt. It’s very special. To crown it against a hometown hero in Jannik this week is phe­ nomenal. Tactically I played differently today than in the group stage against Jannik. Overall, a phenomenal week.”

As a result of Sunday’s victory, he broke his deadlock with Switzerland’s now­retired Roger Federer, who had won the title on six occasions previously.

Next up for him is the International Tennis Federation (ITF) 2023 Davis Cup Final. The tournament is being played at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in Malaga from Tuesday November 21 until Sunday, Thursday 26.

Serbia face England in their first match today, Thurs­ day November 23, with the winners advancing to play the victors of the match between Italy and the Nether­ lands. That could see Djokovic meeting Sinner again.