Costa de Almeria 28 Dec 2023 – 3 Jan 2024 Issue 2008

Costa de Almeria • Issue No. 2008 • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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IN an act of kindness and Christmas spirit, Albox Council has donated 1,500 kilos of products to the local Food Bank for the festive period.

Christmas is a fantastic time, full of festivities, feasts and plenty of food!

However, for many who are struggling, even a simple meal is a struggle on December 25. This donation, that also includes many non-perishable products such as rice, noodles, cookies, soluble cocoa, tuna, as well as a complete pallet of milk, will make such a difference to those families who otherwise, may have spent the festive period hungry.

The mayor of Albox, Ma-

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Albox

KINDNESS AT CHRISTMAS

REAL MAGIC: Albox gives a lovely gift.

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ria del Mar Alfonso, stated that “the Food Bank, in collaboration with the Mercadona company, have been sensitive to the request that we have made from the Albox City Council to help the families of our town. Especially for families where there are minors,” Kindness and the act of giving, is the real magic behind the spirit of Christmas.

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A roaring visit

THE children of the Poniente Hospital in Almeria had an exciting visit this week, as the Poniente Fire Department surprised them with, not only a visit, but also some amazing gifts.

As has now become tradition, the local firefighters collaborated with the Poniente University Hospital, arranging this visit and bringing hope and joy at a time that is especially difficult for children to be away from home.

Jose Juan Rodriguez Guerrero, president of the Fire Department, explained that, “we wanted to surprise children and professionals with the donation of three remote-controlled fire engines for the enjoyment of pediatric patients.

“These small automatic vehicles, steerable by adults with a remote control, have a built-in music system, sirens, emergency lights and even shoot water, which will undoubtedly bring more than a smile

Credit: Shutterstock/2301121107

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Full of illusion!

and bring a little joy to families and hospitalised patients. Making these children smile and making them forget for a few moments that they are admitted is the best gift we can give.”

The firefighters also gave

out special t-shirts, helmets, and even let the little ones try on their actual work gear! The children were filled with illusion, as this magical visit undoubtedly made their unfortunate stay more bearable this Christmas.

Letter to the Kings IN Spain, the magical entities that bring forth those oh so awaited presents are actually the Three Magic Kings. Therefore, many Spanish children actually write their ‘letter of wishes’ to this royal trio, who come from the story in the Bible, rather than to Santa Claus. The town of Garrucha is holding a free workshop for any young ones, whatever their nationality, to come and write these special letters, where they can not only create and decorate, but also perhaps meet some new friends too! This cute opportunity for the children will take place at Plaza Pedro Gea in Garrucha at 5pm on December 29.

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NIBS EXTRA Big campaign

THE Council of Almeria has launched a major national tourism campaign to publicise ‘the beauty of the Almeria interior’, which is “full of history, nature and authenticity and will surprise any traveller who discovers it in winter”.

Flyin’ home

MORE than 220 flights have passed through Almeria Airport this Christmas, as many fly home for the festive period. Of these, 206 are national and 18 of them are international.

Sun squad

FOR the second time, Mojacar sees the presence of the Caja Rural- Seguros RGA cycling team, who are currently in the area for their winter training. The professional squad are taking advantage of the good Mojacar roads.

Grapes up!

THE Spanish tradition on New Year’s Eve may be a little tricky this year, as the price of grapes has skyrocketed, as they have become 227 per cent more expensive in the last two months!

Another fire

FOR the second time in two weeks, Almeria has suffered a wildfire, proving that not even the cold gives respite to the Levante Almeria Firefighters. The fire originated near the town of Mojacar on Thursday December 21.

Speedy Santa

ON the morning of Christmas Eve, around 100 motorbikes drove around Mojacar in full Santa costumes! Locals delighted in this festive show, taking videos and uploading them to social media.

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A New Year’s Message for Readers: 106 YOUR EWN HAS

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Dear reader

AS we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the dawn of 2024, it’s impossible to ignore the trials and tribulations that marked the past year. 2023 was a year of unrest, unhappiness, and pain for many around the world. In these challenging times, most of us living in adopted lands do not discriminate based on country or religion; we simply witness the pain and suffering that surrounds us.

Our collective hope for 2024 is that it brings the greatest gift humanity can offer one another: peace, free from conflict and war.

Another significant issue that has been amplified in recent times is loneliness. Many of us find ourselves in new countries, with language skills and cultural knowledge, but lacking extended family and deep friendships forged over a lifetime of occasions and happenings. In an era dominated by online interactions, from shopping to banking, cultivating meaningful friendships has become increasingly challenging, pushing loneliness to epidemic levels.

I, too, have experienced the depths of loneliness recently. My life partner, my best friend, my soul mate, Steven, fell ill, leaving me to navigate the holiday season alone.

Christmas Day, once filled with joy and celebration, became a sombre reminder of his absence. The world seemed colourless, the finest food tasted bland, and even the music I loved couldn’t lift my spirits or get my toes tapping. Loneliness enveloped me, and I gained a profound understanding of what many of my readers endure.

Yet, one of the reasons I cherish living in Spain is the strong sense of community that surrounds us all. There are numerous organisations and social groups filled with kind-hearted people who strive to combat loneliness. However we can all do more - we can can all play a part in this effort. We can visit a neighbour for a cup of tea, strike up conversations in unexpected places, and put down our phones to

A second chance

engage with others.

If you haven’t made a New Year’s resolution yet, let’s make one together: let’s step out of our front doors, smile at strangers - let’s make it at least five people every day, and start a conversation with one person we don’t know yet. Imagine if we all took a moment to slow down and connect - it would be marvellous.

Obviously we believe in the value of community newspapers, especially the Euro Weekly News but we respect every community newspaper that keeps us connected and informed about our surroundings, local charities, and social clubs. Even in this digital age, nothing beats the feeling of picking up your newspaper every Thursday. It’s ‘the people’s paper’ for a reason. So in this coming year let’s

transform this community into the ‘chattering, caring coast’.

A coast where people come to live as strangers within us but become friends with ease - let’s make this our mission to assist this integration with ease. Therefore in closing 2023 let’s unite in our prayers for world peace and an end to suffering. But more than that, let’s commit ourselves to eradicating the pandemic of loneliness, often exacerbated by our virtual world. Let’s become a community where caring and conversation reign, a place where we’d all love to live.

Here’s to a hopeful and joyous 2024, and a heartfelt wish for Mr E’s speedy recovery who i am missing dearly, but I now know the true value of the support given by our community during these trying times.

THANK YOU

e in the world.

we wish to se ge an ch e th be 's let d an r, ea Y ew N Happy

AN abandoned dog, that was found among rubbish and tied to a rope in Almeria, has been given a second chance at a happy life.

What is being hailed as a ‘Christmas miracle’ the poor hound was barely hanging on to life when it was found in an open field, surrounded by rubble and with a lead that did not even allow him to lie down.

It was actually the residents of the area who alerted the Almeria Local Police about the dog, which was tied with a small rope that barely allowed it to move.

After receiving the notice, the authorities immediately jumped into action, moving directly to the place where the animal was and performing their rescue.

After being transported to a veterinarian, where he was checked for a microchip, he was given appropriate treatment and a lovely warm bath!

The dog did not have any identification, and so he now waits to be adopted by a forever family, who will hopefully give him another chance at a happy life that is filled with love and kindness after the horrors that he has suffered.

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Great Garrucha THE Local Council of Garrucha put out this heartfelt festive message to it’s beloved residents this Christmas.

Dear neighbours of Garrucha, During this festive period, we want to express our deep gratitude for the trust you have given us in the last six months as your government team. Despite the economic challenges, we are working with dedication to carry out the projects and goals we set for ourselves. We know that the challenges are significant, but we want you to know that every step we take is guided by the commitment to the well-being of all the citizens of Garrucha.

We ask for understanding and patience, as this path is just beginning, and we face the economic challenges known to all.

We wish you a Christmas full of special moments and surrounded by your loved ones. May health, peace and joy fill your homes, and may the coming year bring you success and prosperity.

In these moments of reflection, we express our solidarity with those who face difficulties. We send you a warm hug and wish you the strength necessary to overcome any adversity.

We extend our good wishes to all the municipalities of Levante Almeria, as well as to all cultures and citizens of diverse origins.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!

With love, Pedro Zamora Segura, Mayor of Garrucha City Council and your Government team.

Super cute! Merry Christmas Mr Mayor!

A Disney Xmas

MANY residents of Almeria have now heard the story that the famous Walt Disney himself may have been born right here in Mojacar.

Since this information has surfaced, the town has dived head first into the magical world of Disney, painting murals, holding book readings, and even delegating an entire project by the local council to promote this Mojacar link to the famous mice.

This Christmas, in the early afternoon of December 24, Mickey and Minnie Mouse roamed through the streets, stopping children in their tracks as they ran to greet,

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mojacar

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hug and take pictures with the characters. They also made appearances in many plazas, setting up stations for excited fans to have their dreams come true.

Many local residents took to social media to express how much they enjoyed this enchanting visit, with one stating that “the lights, the music, and now Disney characters, could Mojacar be anymore magical this year?”

Santa Paws Mojacar’s favourite mice!

THE AA dog rescue charity shop Albox has taken this festive period as an opportunity to say “a big thank you to all our customers.”

In their message, which was published on social media, they said “a big thank you to all our customers and of course our donors for all your continued support. It is as always most appreciated. This charity does not just stop because it is Christmas, as they have many dogs who are in their care and still hoping to find that forever family, so that next year perhaps they will be sat by a fireplace of their own, waiting for the arrival of Santa Paws.

The dog rescue also reminded everyone of their Charity Shop’s opening times over the festive period: 24-26 Dec closed.

Open again Wednesday 27 Dec 10am-2pm Monday 1 Jan closed Saturday 6 Jan closed Open as normal all other days.

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Generous gift

JANURY EDITION: 1959

Charity wonders

JANUARY EDITION: 1957 CHRISTMAS came early for one organisation in Vera this year. Asprodalba were awarded an astonishing €111,709 by the Smurfitt Kappa Foundation which will fund a brand new residential unit providing comfortable accommodation for 11 young people with intellectual disabilities.

The grant was secured thanks to the dedication of the Asprodalba manager, Pedro, president, Paco Alonso and British couple Andy and Jo Pearson. The couple have been supporters of the association for the past four years and offered to put their expertise to good use by applying for the grants for the organisation’s vital work.

After putting in an application with the Smurfitt Kapp Foundation, the couple began an agonising wait before the foundation announced

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Almería

Photo credit: Asprodalba (Via email)

Asprodalba Association celebrates Smurfitt Kappa’s award of a huge grant to build a new residential facility for young disabled people.

their wholehearted support for Asprodalba’s work, with unanimous support among the foundation’s board.

Pedro, Asprodalba manager expressed his gratitude saying, “Never in my dreams did I think this application would come to fruition, but thanks to Andy and Jo, and the Smurfitt Kappa Foundation, the project is now tangible, we are overwhelmed with their generosity”.

The residential unit is set to be built on the former Guar-

día Civil barracks and will provide a home for vulnerable young disabled people, who do not have parent figures in their lives or have complex needs that their families cannot provide for at home.

Work on the project begins in January, with the goal of being up and running by November.

To find out more information about Asprodalba or to offer your support, please contact Andy or Jo at: andyjo. spain@gmail.com.

WALKFORLIFE: The charity group have held several fundraising walks through the past year.

WALKFORLIFE charity group in Arboleas is raring to go for another year of fundraising and supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The group recently thanked all supporters who purchased 2023 calendars. The calendars, which cost €5, contained images and postcards of the walks the group completed throughout last year. There are still several calendars on sale in Sol Supermercado, Gladrags Boutique, Harrison’s Supermarket, Indal Ocio and Coviran, all in Arboleas.

Walkforlife are set to hold their largest walk of 2023 on Saturday, April 29, with more details to be announced in due course.

The group also thanked supporters for their generosity in fundraising and giving donations over the festive period. Some incredible gestures included a hamper raffle

by Richard Clarke, FC Los Amigos walking football team’s fundraising efforts and Beth Underhill’s fundraising quiz. Other generous locals donated money instead of sending out Christmas cards.

The charity strive to offer compassionate care for patients with cancer and their family members.

You can contact the charity at ire newalk4life@icloud.com or by telephone at 643 638 177 if you or a loved one needs support.

Good Neighbour Kay is rewarded FEBRUARY EDITION: 1962 A LOCKDOWN initiative by a woman from Mojacar has earned her a 0 commendation in the Good Neighbour Award scheme, launched recently by Age in Spain.

The scheme is designed to acknowledge the often-unsung heroes who go beyond the call of duty to help in their community. The awards were judged by an international panel and endorsed by the UK Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott.

Kay Rowbottom, also known by her stage name, Kay Frances, was nominated by some of the many women she has helped at difficult stages in their lives. Inspired by a chance encounter with someone who had lost members of her family and was feeling very isolated, Kay, who was not sure how she could help directly, set up a Facebook page to attract support for the woman.

Not long after, Kay changed it to a closed group to give women a means of online su-

pport and information, a non-judgemental safe haven where they could provide mutual support to one another. It was welcomed by Spanish women and English speakers alike.

Since that small beginning in Mojacar, Kay Frances SturdygirlsRus has grown to include almost 1,500 members all over the world.

“Some of our original members were so lonely and isolated, that they only needed people who could say good morning or good night to them through the group. But others were self-employed and breadwinners for their families and during lockdown were not able to work. Hearing this, those in our group who could afford to help, provided food for around 24 families throughout lockdown.

Kay has worked to support the Lions and in return they have offered support to SturdygirlsRus. A professional singer, Kay has helped organised large scale concerts such as ‘Party in the Park’ to raise funds for the Lions and for Macs cancer support.

Kay receives a certificate from Age in Spain acknowledging the great contribution she has made to benefit women in her local community.

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Image: gnepphoto / Shutterstock. com

New Hollywood BRIGHT LIGHTS: A new series for Netflix was filmed in Almeria.

FEBRUARY EDITION: 1964 BRIGHT lights, big city, is Almeria set to become the new Hollywood?

The city council and ‘Vancouver Media’ signed a collaboration agreement for the filming of the series Berlin, which is set to be broadcasted on Netflix.

Shooting took place on February 13 and 14 in the

straight of the church of Las Salinas and in the Beach Bar Chiribus, in Cabo de Gata.

There was a film crew of about 70 people, part of which, such as extras, were hired in Almeria, as well as workers for other services, such as generators or catering, among others.

The production company will include Almeria City Council in the credits.

Almeria’s mayor, Maria del Mar Vazquez, said: “This

generates an important economic impact of direct and indirect employment in low season, with which we also contribute to fight against the deseasonalisation.

“Last year more than 20 productions of all kinds were filmed in our city and our objective, as a council is to continue facilitating filming so that production companies continue to have Almeria as a reference point.”

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Women’s Day warm-up Photo credit: Lonja de Almería OPP71 (via Facebook)

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Organisers launch Almeria’s International Women’s Day race against the backdrop of the course’s incredible scenery.

MARCH EDITION: 1965 ALMERIA is getting set for the 10th edition of a popular running event to mark International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 5.

This empowering event invites women, men and children of all ages and abilities to participate in a 2.5 kilometre, five kilometre or 7.5 kilometre race through the scenic streets of Alme-

ria. With a course designed to showcase the beauty of the city, runners will pass by some of Almeria’s most iconic landmarks and breathtaking views.

The race will start and finish at the stunning Parque de las Familias, where runners will be welcomed by a festive and supportive atmosphere.

Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and medal, and access to a post-race celebration with music, food, and activities

for the whole family.

But the Almeria Run for Women is not just about the race itself. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women from all walks of life.

A portion of funds raised will also go towards the Galatea Association which supports women working in the local fishing industry.

Entry costs €10 for adults and €3 for children.

Start your engines!

MARCH EDITION: 1967 SPAIN’S government has finally announced that UK licence holders in the country will be able to exchange their driving licence for a Spanish one without taking an exam from Thursday, March 16.

The period to allow Brits already living in Spain to do this will be six months. Anyone moving to the country after March 16 will also be given six months.

Announced by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, March 14, the news puts an end to travel misery for thousands of expats left in limbo after the Spanish government abruptly brought extensions allowing anyone who hadn’t exchanged their licence before December 31, 2020 to continue using their UK licence to an end last May. Brits will now be able to ‘canjear’ (exchange) their UK licence with the DGT for

Credit: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock.com

DRIVING LICENCE: UK holders can now exchange for a Spanish licence.

a Spanish one. Existing category permissions (for example, ability to drive heavy goods vehicles or motorbikes) will also be honoured.

Spanish living in the UK will similarly be able to exchange their licences under the agreement.

The government’s statement said: “The Council of Ministers has approved this Tuesday the agreement by which Spain and the United Kingdom will offer reciprocal recognition and exchange of driving licences as well as the exchange of information on traffic offences.”

The news means existing traffic offence information will also be exchanged between the two countries.

Those wishing to exchange their licence can now contact the DGT directly to arrange an appointment to do so.

They will first need to check they have their relevant paperwork in order, including proof of residency, and take a short ‘psycho-physical’ test. This includes basic health tests (including eyesight, blood pressure) a psychological test and a mobility test.

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APRIL EDITION: 1971 ONE of our lovely volunteers, Christine Logan, is becoming a legend at the PAWS-PATAS shelter for her fundraising antics! For the third year running, Christine raised money for the wonderful dogs at PAWS-PATAS, this year’s fundraising culminated in Christine spending a night in our kennels with one of our residents, Jamie!

With the final sum totalling €1,600, a huge thank you goes to Christine from the PAWS-PATAS team!

PAWS-PATAS mission is to help reduce the number of stray and abandoned animals in the area by sheltering them, and trying to find them permanent homes. Also to reduce dog and cat overpopulation through neutering.

Photo credit: Earth Day 2023 (via Facebook)

A Night in the kennels! Happy Earth Day APRIL EDITION: 1972

A LEGEND: Christine snuggles up.

We endeavour not to have to sacrifice any animal in our care that is medically and behaviourally sound.

PAWS-PATAS is run entirely by volunteers and we depend solely on donations from the public and our outlets in Mojacar, Turre and Las Bugan-

villas. We know we can’t remove the problem but with your support we can relieve a lot of unnecessary suffering.

For further information regarding volunteering, adopting, fostering, etc please visit our website: www.paws-patas. org.

AS we celebrate Earth Day 2023 on Saturday, April 22, we are reminded of the importance of our collective responsibility in safeguarding our planet.

Earth Day is a global event celebrated annually by more than one billion people to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect the planet.

The purpose of Earth Day is simple: to promote a greener, more sustainable future for the planet we call home.

This year, we rally behind the theme of ‘Invest in Our Planet’, which reminds us of the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving the climate crisis.

The EWN suggest four ways you can make a difference:

Millions of people take environmental action on Earth Day.

1.

Plant a tree.

2.

Reduce your plastic consumption. Try the plastic calculator at: www.earthday.org.

3.

Plan your own event. Organise a community cleanup, march,or workshop using the Earth

Day 2023 Action Toolkit and register your event on the official Earth Day Map. 4.

Donate. Support environmental campaigns.

Happy Earth Day to all our readers!

12 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 MAY EDITION: 1974 THIS first weekend in May will be full of royal celebrations as King Charles is set to be crowned alongside the Queen Consort at a grand ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

The long weekend will be filled with celebrations, from street parties to concerts, as King Charles becomes the oldest new monarch in history. Code-named Operation Golden Orb, plans for the much-anticipated event have been released over the past few months.

Starting on May 6 at 11am, the Coronation Ser-

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Inside the Coronation

King Charles set to be crowned.

vice will kick off a weekend full of events following their Majesties’ crowning in the Abbey in London, in a service that will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The King’s Coronation will include many of the ceremonies that were seen in the late Queen’s service, such as anointing with consecrated oil, the delivery of the orb,

the pledge to be “Defender of the Faith”, and the enthroning itself.

It is understood that the anointing will not be shown

on television and is set to be hidden from the public, as it was for the late Queen’s coronation in 1953.

During the ceremony, the King will be asked if he will govern the UK and the Commonwealth with law and justice, and if he will keep Christianity alive in the country.

He will sit in the Coronation Chair, also known as Edward’s Chair, holding the sovereign’s sceptre and rod to symbolise his power over the nation, as well as the sovereign’s orb to represent the Christian world.

After the Archbishop has anointed, blessed, and consecrated Charles, the crown of St Edward will be placed on his head, crowning him as King Charles III.

EPIC WALK MAY EDITION: 1976 MOJACAR Freemasons Graham, John and David set off on Monday, May 8, to walk the 1,400km Camino de Mozarabe from Almeria Cathedral to Santiago de Compostela to raise €10,000 to support the charity Age in Spain.

Age in Spain volunteers provide timely, caring support to over 2,500 vulnerable people and their carers every year and many thousands more through their free online information service at www.agein spain.org.

Keen Camino walker Graham Adkins explained: “Getting older, wherever we live,

brings change and challenge!

Keeping active and contributing to our communities helps us to give back and ensure maximum independence in later life. But sometimes, everyone needs a helping hand, this is where we and Age in Spain step in!”

Chief Executive of Age in Spain, Helen Weir, said “We are overwhelmed by the Freemasons’ generosity and the chance that these vital funds will give us to make a difference for older people in Almeria, Andalucia and beyond. We urge everyone to follow this journey and add their own donation to the Age in Spain Camino fundraising page at https:// www.gofundme.com/f/agein-spain.

Walkers: Graham, John and David.

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Raining cats and dogs JUNE EDITION: 1980 THE saying is raining cats and dogs, but PAWS-PATAS are offering more than a trickle at their forthcoming events.

Make a note in your diary to come along and see some of the puppies and kittens currently looking for their furever homes.

PAWS-PATAS will be at their outlet in Turre on Saturday, July 1, from 10.30am until 1.30pm and at their outlet in Las Buganvillas on Saturday, July 22, from 10.30am until 1.30pm.

Not only will there be some gorgeous fluffy bundles of love to see but also tea, coffee, cakes and home-made preserves. Enjoy the various stalls and Tombola plus an amazing choice of fabulous summer clothing and more on offer in the outlets.

PAWS-PATAS animal shelter is brimming with happy, healthy pets but they would

Image: PAWS-PATAS Facebook

ADOPT OR FOSTER: Dogs are also available.

be feeling ecstatic if they were adopted into a loving, secure home.

However, fostering is also another option. PAWS-PATAS relies heavily on the generosity of people who are prepared to offer a temporary home to one (or more) of the animals in their care.

If you are in a position whereby you are unable to adopt or foster, then just come along and talk to the volunteers about all the other areas you can get involved with such as walking

the dogs and socialising with both cats and dogs and helping with vet runs or in the outlets.

If you want to get involved with this marvellous animal shelter who have been saving lives and finding homes since 1989, they look forward to welcoming you!

For further information about the animals, email: dogs@paws-patas.org or cats@paws-patas.org or visit their website at www. paws-patas.org.

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Moors and Christians Festival Mojacar JUNE EDITION: 1981 FRIDAY, June 16 marked the start of the Moors and Christians Festival in Mojacar. Sporadic gun fire echoed around the pueblo from the old village on the hill down to the beach front. Tourists and residents of Mojacar were prepared for another three days of festive events to mark the start of the summer season.

People started to stir late afternoon on the Friday: either walking up to the old village or taking the bus for the family events and firework spectacular later that night.

Everyone was heading up to the old village on the hill… the festival had begun.

Saturday provided events along the beach front, accumulating on the beach near the Pueblo Indalo.

The intensity of cars along the beach road and the minimal parking did not deter the wondering crowds from witnessing the Moors and Christians in full colour of their uni-

forms: crossing swords.

As the intensity of the gun fire increased and the battle continued to the delight of the gathering crowds, the village on the hill were preparing for Sunday: the grand procession.

Saturday evening continued with Moors and Christians mingling with bewildered tourists and visitors alike. The gun fire continued to echo around the entire village.

The grand procession commenced around 6.30pm on the Sunday. Taking the bus was the sensible option from the beach front up the hill to the village. Cars parked in every conceivable space from the beach road to the Artisan centre in the village. People arrived and ventured into the growing crowds.

The village was alive with colour and anticipation. The Christians ventured down the hill merged with bands of traditional and carnival beats to march too. The abstract continuity of the procession was a delight to see and witness. The procession pausing

at times to the delight of the onlooking crowds. For the residents of Mojacar this is a family affair: where old and young participate. Tourists and visitors were welcomed with open arms.

The Christian’s King and Queen passed by on their grand thrones waving to the crowds. This year the Christian throne was an oversized bust of a knight in armour: staged behind the spectacular costumes of the Queen and King.

So now the Moors commenced their procession… you could not help but hear them approach. A solo Moor balancing on a large blue ball preceded the Moor King and Queen, cheering crowds waved him on.

The Moor King and Queen presented in front of an Arabic arch with all their refinery as their float completed the Moor’s procession. The crowd was beginning to disperse, while some tourists and visitors merged and celebrated the night with the Moors and Christians for a long night.

Fully equipped p open p p plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house.

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euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR JULY EDITION: 1982 LOS BANDIDOS celebrated their fifth anniversary on Sunday, June 18, with a beach picnic.

Founder member, Kevin Rowe, thanked all Bandidos for their contribution to the amazing growth of the group in just five years.

The group started with a small number of runners who met once a week to run the 5k Mojacar Paseo, This soon grew to encourage joggers and walkers, from permanent residents to regular visitors and holidaymakers and now meets twice a week (Saturdays and Wednesdays). All ages, nationalities and speeds are welcome!

This then expanded further to include a road cycling group, a triathlon group and a group of sea swimmers.

To celebrate the anniversary, awards were presented to group members who have excelled or shown true Bandido spirit during the year.

The main prize, the Golden Helmet was presented to Patricia Mulcahy for the most improvement, in running, swimming and cycling.

She also participated in two triathlons and won her first running trophy at Sorbas on June 17.

Three special Bandido awards were presented to Donna Brann for her dedi-

Fifth anniversary

Image: Los Bandidos

BEACH PICNIC: To celebrate their fifth anniversary.

FOUR police officers of the Local Police have now received recognition from Almeria City Council for their performance.

The police rescued and saved the life of a Belgian woman who was floating face down unconscious on the beach of San Miguel de El Zapillo at dawn on Wednesday, July 12, The mayor of the city, Maria del Mar Vazquez, has now personally congratulated the officers for their professionalism and dedication to service.

“The city council is proud that the Local Police were not only the first to respond but they

cation and improvement running, to John and Lesley Davidge for being great Bandido members and supporters and to Karen Ayers for her numerous roles, press secretary, administrator, social media manager, cycle route organiser etc!

Two further awards were presented, to Mark Naylor for his bike dismounts at the Vera Triathlon and to Guillermo Moscardo Cherel for being the youngest Bandido and wearing his blue and orange club shirt with pride.

If you would like more information, head to the Los Bandidos Facebook page.

Life savers JULY EDITION: 1985 also managed to save the woman’s life,” she confirmed.

“They set an example of professionalism and good training as police officers.”

The events occurred around 1am when the police officers who were carrying out surveillance work on the Paseo Maritimo received a tip-off from a concerned mem-

ber of the public.

Two of the policemen jumped into the sea, pulling the woman’s head out of the water and began to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres that quickly took effect.

Once she had recovered, the police covered her with a thermal blanket as she was beginning to show symptoms of hypothermia while waiting for the ambulance to arrive for a more thorough examination.

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28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

Credit Almeria Almanzora Tourism Board

‘Almeria to the Stars’ AUGUST EDITION: 1987 THE Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory has launched an exhibition commemorating its fiftieth anniversary.

The open-air exhibition commenced on Thursday, July 23, and will be on show until September 20. ‘From Almería to the stars’ boasts 30 panels on show on the on the Paseo de Almería, recognising the most important milestones of the observatory in the last 50 years.

Pérez de la Blanca, councilor of Tourism, Communications and Promotion of the City, has encouraged “all Almeria residents and visitors to visit this exhibition, because, without a doubt, it is worth it”.

The observatory, built in 1973, has been managed since 2019 by the Higher Council for Scientific

50TH ANNIVERSARY: Almeria Calar Alto Observatory.

Research and the Junta de Andalucía. It is home to the largest telescope in Europe, which was installed in 1984, and features a 3.5-meter-diameter mirror. The observatory carries out astrophysical

research, and carries out cutting-edge research in the international astronomical scene. Almeria is famed for its clear skies which is one of the reasons the observatory was constructed in the region.

Credit Wikipedia

TOILET TERROR AUGUST EDITION: 1988

A 2.5-METRE long snake was discovered on Thursday, August 3, in Almeria by a family in Pujaire in their toilet. Like the stuff of nightmares, a family spent 24 hours in panic after they discovered a snake in their bathroom, battling to remove the snake from the toilet.

Julia Callejón, who returned from a trip to Malaga went to the bathroom and upon lifting the toilet lid, discovered the reptile in the toilet bowl. “It wrapped around the bowl several times”, she explained, “I grew up in Cabo de Gata and have seen snakes, but brown ones, smaller than this one, I’ve never seen something like that”.

Callejón contacted her family and neighbours for help but no one was able to extract the snake. Luckily, an

SCARY MOMENT: AMontpellier snake.

environmental technician who was called to the situation was able to remove the snake from the home.

The family speculated that the snake had entered through the sewerage system as they live in the countryside.

The Montpellier snake is a common reptile in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natu-

ral Park. It is a venomous opisthoglyphous that is not dangerous to humans.

However, it is an aggressive and active snake that feeds on small mammals such as birds and rabbits. When threatened or cornered, it may raise its head like a cobra, hissing loudly before ultimately attacking and biting in self-defence.

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euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR SEPTEMBER EDITION: 1993 WHEN the students of Mojacar Bartolome Flores school returned they were greeted with a delightful surprise.

The school’s façade now boasts a brand-new mural featuring Walt Disney and the intriguing legend that links him to this charming municipality.

The idea for this mural was conceived by the Mojacar Council in collaboration with the ‘Walt Was Here Association’, an organisation dedicated to celebrating the legend surrounding Walt Disney’s connection to Mojacar.

Raul Moreno Lopez, aka Nauni, collaborated with the renowned graffiti artist Danklabara to create the outstanding mural.

Nauni’s journey as an artist started at a young age, but his mastery of spray paint became evident in 2006. Today, he stands as one of the most sought-after artists, boasting over 1,500 signature works across various styles.

The mural, now a local

OCTOBER EDITION: 1997 THE mayor of Mojacar, Francisco García Cerdá, was delighted to raise the flag which affirmed that the town has been a long term member of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain Association.

In this the 10th anniversary of the foundation of the Association, which now boasts no less than 111 members amongst its numbers, Mojacar continues to supports its aims and is proud to be part of such an important organisation.

The Association is all about the concept of heritage, tradition and history, so each member can demonstrate the role that it plays in this seal of quality which is recognised both in Spain and abroad.

Tourism is such an important part of the Spanish economy that this type of association can only attract visitors and new residents

Walt was here Image: Ayuntamiento de Mojácar

16 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

NEW MURAL: Featuring Walt Disney on school façade.

reference point for both residents and visitors, is just the beginning of Mojacar Council’s collaboration with Walt Was Here.

There are more exciting plans in motion.

The newly-formed Walt Was Here Association has been diligent in gathering evidence and clues spanning over the years, shedding light on the tantalising possibility of Mojacar being Walt

Disney’s place of birth.

Their exhaustive research encompasses documents from the town hall dating back 35 years, compilations from both Spanish and US press, private and official reports, as well as their own investigations.

They are tirelessly working towards uncovering the definitive and indisputable answer to Walt Disney’s place of birth.

Magical Mojacar

MOJACAR: Unveiling the flag.

to some of the most charming and forward looking municipalities in Spain.

Unveiling the flag once again, the mayor accompanied by Noemí Linares, councillor for Culture; María Gracia Alarcón, counci-

llor for Tourism, and the delegate of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Junta de Andalucía in Almería, José Vélez spoke about the quality of life in Mojacar and his vision of an even better future.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

18 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 NOVEMBER EDITION: 2000 IN the picturesque coastal towns of Spain, a momentous occasion is upon us as The Euro Weekly News marks its 2,000th edition.

This multiple award-winning publication, founded by a couple from the North of England has played a remarkable role as a promoter of Spain and an active supporter of local charities throughout its distinguished history.

The journey began back in July 11, 1985 with a vision by a Manchester couple, who, recognising the need for a publication to assist newcomers in their Spanish life, created ‘The Entertainer’. Priced at a mere one peseta per edition, it quickly became a beloved source of local news, views, and information, supported by local business advertisements.

Fast forward to 1996, and The Entertainer was at a crossroads. It was then that Michel and Steven Euesden entered the scene. With their energy and vision, they saw

euroweeklynews.com II BEST OF THE YEAR

“The Euro Weekly News: celebrating 2,000 editions of excellence and community” the publication’s future and took ownership. Their arrival marked a pivotal moment in the newspaper’s history, as they set out to transform it into more than just a newspaper; they aimed to make it a vital part of the community.

Under the ownership of the Euesdens, The Entertainer underwent a remarkable transformation. It was reborn as ‘The Euro Weekly News’, reflecting a broader vision and a commitment to serving the foreign population in Spain. This multiple award-winning publication became a trusted companion, with a tapas journalism style, it delivered positive news, connected communities, and uplifted spirits.

Over the years, The Euro Weekly News has been a strong promoter of Spain. It has showcased the beauty

Michel & Steven Euesden.

of its coastal towns, the rich culture, and the vibrant communities. Through its pages, readers have discovered the hidden gems of Spain, from its picturesque landscapes to its culinary delights.

Moreover, The Euro Weekly News has been an active supporter of local charities. It has used its platform to raise awareness about important social causes and to mobilise community support for tho-

se in need. The publication’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of its readers goes beyond journalism; it’s a testament to the Euesdens’ dedication to community service.

In 2023, The Euro Weekly News stands more relevant than ever. The landscape of the foreign population in Spain has seen significant changes. An influx of residents from Northern European countries has reshaped the community. While they may not speak Spanish fluently, the universal language of English binds them together, and The Euro Weekly News has become an indispensable resource, bridging language gaps and offering valuable information to this diverse readership.

This remarkable milestone wouldn’t have been possible

without the loyal support of advertisers and sponsors who have been partners for over a quarter of a century.

Their trust and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in the publication’s continued success, enabling it to deliver quality journalism and community support.

Last but certainly not least, the cherished readers deserve special recognition. Your interaction, your love for the paper, and your unwavering dedication have breathed life into its pages. Your continued support has made The Euro Weekly News more than just a newspaper; it’s a trusted companion that enriches your lives and connects you with your community.

As The Euro Weekly News celebrates its 2,000th edition, it’s an opportune moment to express gratitude to the entire Euro Weekly community - the team, advertisers, sponsors, and readers.

Your collective efforts and unwavering commitment have made The Euro Weekly News an indispensable part of life along the Spanish coastline.

20 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com

NEWSDESK

NEWS ACROSS THE REGIONS FROM THE PEOPLE'S PAPER LOCAL HERO

CASEY SHADDOCK stands as a local hero, dedicating the past eight years to fundraising for Spanish charities.

Her outstanding commit­ ment has resulted in substan­ tial contributions, with dona­ tions exceeding €250,000.

At her most recent fundraising event, Casey or­ chestrated the delivery of Christmas presents to APA­ NEE, the Association of Par­ ents of Students with Special Educational Needs in Torre­ vieja.

The delivery of 150 Christ­ mas bags, worth €4,500, filled with joy and toys delighted APANEE during their chil­ dren’s Christmas party.

As Casey expressed her de­ light in making a positive im­ pact, she acknowledged the unwavering support of her generous sponsors and the exceptional backing from the public.

Casey confirmed: “I would like to say a big thank you to the sponsors, a list that in­ cludes Seamus Maguire, Che Restaurants, Vanilla Hair & Beauty, FOX & WOLF, Tony Fordy, Vistacasas, and The Celtic Drop 2022 (Laura De­ laney), among others I may have omitted.”

COSTA DEL SOL

600 HOLIDAY HOMES

Photo: Shutterstock

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

HOLIDAY HOMES: The Costa del Sol remains popular with tourists.

THE municipality of Marbella re­ mains the fourth in Spain with the highest number of holiday homes, according to data published by the National Statistics Institute (INE). This increase brings it closer to Malaga, which took third place.

Marbella has 6,540 registered holiday homes, which represents 6.52 per cent of the total in the municipality. There are 37,184 va­ cancies in this type of accommo­ dation on offer. These are official data that have just been pub­

COSTA CALIDA

MURCIA’S MILLIONS

THE Christmas Lottery 2023 took place on December 22 in the Teatro Real in Murcia, bringing moments of unexpected for­ tune to several towns in the Region of Murcia. The Christmas lottery left millions in the Region of Murcia including the sec­ ond prize and the coveted El Gordo the main prize. Many of the coastal towns were lucky this year with many lottery of­ fices along the Costa Calida among the winners. San Pedro del Pinatar and Mazarron were among the beneficiaries of the fifth prize of €60,000 per series and €6,000 per ticket.

As the lottery continued, more towns in Murcia received a slice of luck sharing the third fifth­tier prize. Murcia, Cartagena, Aguilas, San Javier, Santomera, Alcantarilla, Archena, Molina de Segura, Mula, and Cehegin celebrated their fortune.

The anticipation grew further with the revelation of the sec­ ond prize, offering a substantial €1,250,000 per series and €125,000 per ticket. This coveted prize was sold at ‘El Perolo,’ the renowned lottery administration in San Pedro del Pinatar.

lished by INE and which were col­ lected last August.

The two Spanish cities with the highest number of holiday homes, which stand out above the rest, are Madrid (14,133) and Barcelona (7,531). The third position in this ranking, which was occupied by Marbella in August 2022, now goes to Malaga, where the increase con­ tinues to 6,550 (+298). Close be­ hind in fourth place is Marbella (6,540), followed by Valencia (5,892) and Sevilla (5,432).

These are the only six munici­ palities in Spain with more than 5,000 registered tourist proper­ ties. In eighth place nationally is Mijas (3,979), where registered holiday apartments account for 6.41 per cent of the total. Thus, the Costa del Sol and Malaga, with 39,041 tourist flats, is the leading Spanish province for tourist accommodation and An­ dalucia as a whole accounts for more than 20 per cent of the total in Spain.

AXARQUIA

LOTTERY MAGIC

ONE of the most anticipated days of the year in Spain is the Christmas Lottery, celebrated every December 22. On this day, millions of Andalucians eagerly hope for luck to smile on them from the Teatro Real in Madrid. The 2023 draw has once again spread its winnings across various lottery outlets in Andalucia. Nearly all eight provinces have secured a piece of the 13 prizes up for grabs.

The Christmas Lottery left its mark in Axarquia, as the num­ ber 86007, one of the fifth prizes was drawn in Torre del Mar and Torrox. Each ticket is valued at €6,000. The fortu­ nate outlets were Avenida del Faro, 3, in Torrox Costa, and Avenida Andalucía, 85, in Torre del Mar. The 1st prize ‘El Gordo’ number 88008 spread €4 mil­ lion for the series and €400,000 for each winning ticket in Andalucia. This wind­ fall has sparked joy in various Andalucian towns and cities in­ cluding Jaen, Ecija, Sevilla, Almeria, Malaga, Cadiz, Grana­ da, Huelva, and others.

The second prize (58303) of €1,250,000 also brought luck with winning tickets of €125,000 in Zahara de los Atunes, Ubeda, El Ejido, Car­ boneras, Malaga, and more.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

MALLORCA

THE tourism sector in Benidorm is gearing up for a year of records.

The main goal was to surpass rates achieved in 2019, which was considered the best year in its his­ tory before the pandemic.

Benidorm, in particular, has experienced high ear­ ly reservation rates for New Year’s Eve, with 90.2 per cent of reservations already confirmed.

Hotels in the area are expected to reach full ca­ pacity, and the hospitality industry is anticipated to face difficulties in accommodating unbooked guests.

The successful year underscores the resilience of tourism in Benidorm.

IN an outpouring of festive warmth, over 700 senior citizens across Mallorca have received personalised Christmas cards.

The Reina Sofia day centre’s residents were among the first to experience the joy of this thoughtful gesture, thanks to the ‘Cap padri sense Nadal’ campaign spearheaded by the CaixaBank Volunteer Association. The 25 residents at the centre were overwhelmed with excitement when they opened their letters, each containing a unique message of holiday cheer.

The campaign, a collaboration between the Mallorcan In­ stitute of Social Affairs (IMAS) and CaixaBank, aims to uplift older individuals during the holiday season.

Caterina Massuti, director of the IMAS Queen Sofia Home said, “The fact of receiving a postcard addressed exclusively to them in particular helps them feel special and loved dur­ ing such emotional holidays as Christmas.”

This initiative has grown from sending 222 postcards in 2020 to 800 this year.

YEAR OF RECORDS

PERSONALISED XMAS CARDS

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A BEARY MERRY CHRISTMAS DECEMBER EDITION: 2005 CHRISTMAS is a magical time, not only because of the twinkling lights and family fun, but also because this festive period often brings out the spirit of giving in many.

One such person, who decided to make a difference with her generosity this Christmas, is Annie Holley from Almeria. Back in October, she came up with the idea of making soft toys and donating them to children, who perhaps otherwise would not be waking up to any toys this Christmas.

Euro Weekly News spoke to Annie, who actually revealed that her inspiration first came from reading our article ‘Give a Gift in Albox this Christmas’, “it was meant to be!” she laughed.

Annie, who loves all sorts of crafting, then explained that after seeing this, she realised she had many toy patterns of bears and elephants, and so

Donating the gifts: Annie Holley and council worker Juan Domingo at Albox Town Hall.

came up with the idea of making toys for these children in need. However, her plan was to donate around 20 soft toys, so she understood she needed a little help.

Annie told Euro Weekly News that “that’s when I put the post up on Facebook, with not much expectation, but then all these incredible ladies got in touch.” The result was a total of 67 toys! An amount that far exceeded Annie’s initial goal.

“It would not have been possible without these wonderful people, many of whom have now become friends,” she explained, ad-

ding that she is “so proud” of them all and what they have achieved, “especially since many of them had never made soft toys before,” she exclaimed.

Together, Annie and the rest of her magical Christmas elves, Claire Barrett, Joe Coleshill, Lesley Gunning, Lisa Cruse, Loretto O’Brien, Lynda Warren, Pearl Butler, Sally Dickens, Sheena Hurley, Sheila Aldous, Susan Medlicott, Teresa Kozyra Hooker, Jenny Brear, Helen Sharp and Sue Brand, donated 50 of the toys made to the town hall in Albox and the rest will be donated to Caritas Food Bank. What an achievement for this generous group. They have big plans for next year also, with many more wanting to get involved and ideas already being discussed on their Whatsapp group chat!

What lovely ladies, and what a difference their hard work has made to many children in Albox, who thanks to their loving hearts, will surely wake up with a smile this Christmas morning.

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

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22 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

NORWAY I spy JOSE ASSIS GIAMMARIA from Brazil, who obtained a post as a guest researcher at Norway’s Arctic University in Tromso, finally admitted after a year in custody that he is a Russian named Mikhail Valerijevitsj Mikusjin. He is still refusing to answer questions from Norway’s PST police intelligence service.

Exams first THE Norwegian government said that the Russ celebrations, held between April 20 and May 17 when teenagers celebrate the end of secondary education, should instead start once exams are over. The government also wants to keep in check the celebrations which can result in social exclusion and bullying.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS IRELAND Solstice magic HUNDREDS gathered in Newgrange (Co Meath) to witness the Winter Solstice at the Stone Age passage tomb built there in 3200BC. Eight people who had won the twice-yearly lottery draw were allowed inside to see the first rays of the rising sun through a small opening above the entrance.

BELGIUM Lost and found A MISLAID ring, which had belonged to Roger Drieghe who died 10 years ago, has resurfaced in a second-hand shop in Hamm. Thanks to an inscription inside it, the shop-owner traced his daughter who believes she must have inadvertently included the ring when taking in his belongings before moving house.

Long wait

NEWGRANGE: Stone Age tumulus older than the Pyramids.

Photo credit: CC/Jean Housen

GERMANY

FRANCE

OWING to a vast backlog in Belgium’s courts, lawyer Pierre-Philippe Hendrickx learnt that one of his cases concerning a tax dispute could not be heard before April 2040, Flemish broadcaster Bruzz revealed.

“This incredible backlog is the result of years of looking the other way,” Hendrickx told an interviewer.

DENMARK

Speak up

Little cheer

Tax dodger

Rain, rain

A GOVERNMENT enquiry will review Swedish as a second language in schools and analyse the needs of pupils who do not speak it or cannot speak it well. The study will also examine current teaching methods to ensure they do not impact negatively on pupils’ integration or their ability to learn Swedish.

SMALL-BUSINESS owners and retailers in Germany failed to receive the pre-Christmas boost they had hoped for, they told a survey published on December 21. They were also gloomy regarding their sales prospects in coming months and felt less optimistic than they did in November, the Munich-based Ifo Institute found.

AWARD-WINNING actress Isabelle Adjani was fined €250,000 and received a twoyear suspended sentence after a Paris court found her guilty of tax fraud. She falsely claimed to have lived in Portugal for two years, declared a €2 million gift was a loan and transferred €120,000 to an undeclared US bank account.

DENMARK experienced 907 millimetres of rain this year, overtaking the previous record of 905 millimetres registered in 1999 and 2019. Meteorologists from Denmark’s DMI meteorological institute warned that further increases in rain and snowfall could be expected in future years owing to climate change.

Cross purposes

Top woman

Wind power

A TOP German court ruled that crosses may remain prominently displayed in public buildings in Bavaria. Despite a legal challenge from a lobby group defending the separation of state and religion, the court commented that religious symbolism aside, the crosses did not violate the plaintiff’s rights.

HIGH-RANKING police chief Celine Berton was named the new head of the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) whose 5,000 counter-espionage officers fight terrorism and cybercrime. Berthon, who is 47, takes over from Nicolas Lerner and will be the first woman ever to head the DGSI.

ORSTED, Denmark’s renewable energy firm, has made “a final investment decision” to go ahead with the mammoth Hornsea 3 windfarm off the UK’s East Coast. The 75 billion Danish krone (€10.2 billion) offshore installation should be completed by 2027 and construction will create up to 5,000 jobs.

Life of crime AROUND 10,000 people are active members of criminal organisations, according to Swedish criminologists, while the number of women belonging to gangs is steadily increasing. Close to 500 women are involved, a quarter of whom occupy principal roles as they generally find it easier to avoid police scrutiny.

ITALY

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

Our brand

Detour ahead

Same again

FORTY artisan chocolate-makers, plus Italy’s Ferrero, Venchi and Domori brands, hope to obtain Protected Status for their gianduiotti chocolates, but are meeting opposition. This comes from the Swiss manufacturer Lindt who in 1997 bought into the Italian firm Caffarel, which claims to have invented the gianduiotto.

PASSENGERS on an Amsterdam-Detroit flight had to spend the night in a military barracks in Goose Bay (Labrador) after their aircraft developed a mechanical failure. “It honestly felt like a hotel,” one passenger said, although another complained there was little communication from the airline as to what was happening.

WHAM’S classic Last Christmas again topped commercial radio charts over the holiday season in 2022 and was played 735 times according to figures compiled and recently released by Finland’s copyright organisation, Gramex. Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You was a close runner-up with 646 plays.

Back home

No snow

Needlecord rug

IN August 2014, a 700-year-old statue disappeared from a Pastena church and was sold on by an Italian antique dealer. When its Dutch buyer, unaware of its provenance, later sought to sell it, photos posted online were spotted by the Pastena priest who contacted the authorities, leading to its recent return.

PRE-CHRISTMAS weather forecasts had already advised the Dutch to prepare for rain and not snow. In fact, the country has had a White Christmas on only eight occasions since records began in 1901, meteorologists explained, and snow in December will be increasingly uncommon as global temperatures rise.

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI researcher, Juho Aalto, found that a European spruce growing beneath the canopy of a Finnish forest has roughly 200,000 needles.

In contrast, the cultivated trees sold at Christmas have thicker stems and around 400,000 needles, “enough to carpet the floor of an average bedroom.”

PORTUGAL

Old habits

SALTED cod sales by Portugal’s largest supermarket chains fell 20 per cent in 2023, although it is still a traditional option over the holiday season despite higher prices.

According to the Cod Industry Association (AID), half of the 55,000 tons consumed annually are sold in the last four months of the year.

Still selling ENDING golden visas and the non-habitual resident programme barely affected the housing market, especially in Lisbon where prices top European averages, said finance specialists Bloomberg. House prices there rose 5.8 per cent in November, reaching €5,426 per square metre, Europe’s second-highest after Athens.

www.vosshomesspain.com

FINANCE €1.6 billion A nice surprise 26

euroweeklynews.com • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

STAT OF WEEK

investment in Valencia port approved by Spain’s central government will enlarge the country’s biggest container port and allow supersized cargo ships to dock there.

THE High Pay Centre calculated that the ratio of an FTSE 350 chief executive’s pay to that of their employees was 57-to-1 in 2022, slightly up on the previous year’s 56-to-1.

The ratio for FTSE 100 chief executives and their employees was 80-to-1 last year, down from 83-to-one in 2021.

Dancausa move

BANKINTER announced on December 20 that Maria Dolores Dancausa, its chief executive since 2010, would become the group’s non-executive president in March next year.

Her role as chief executive will be taken over by Gloria Ortiz, until now director general of Bankinter’s Commercial Banking division.

Sky high

A FORMER air base on Unst (population 650) in the Shetlands is the UK’s first licensed spaceport for launching and putting satellites into orbit.

Developing the SaxaVord site’s three launch pads and a hangar for rocket assembly has so far cost £30 million (€34.6 million) with plans for a hotel and visitor centre.

Cashing in

A BANK OF SPAIN survey found that 65 per cent of respondents used cash in most of their daily transactions, while 60 per cent said it was their principal method for shopping. Despite these figures, 88 per cent of the population used bank cards while 25 per cent made payments with their mobile.

Write off

FINANCIAL TIMES journalists in the US are asking for a minimum starting salary of $80,000 (€73,112), claiming their current wages were “nowhere close” to liveable.

The newspaper is offering a minimum wage of $60,000 (€54,860,) which the union representing the writers is contesting with the management.

BRITAIN’S annual inflation rate dipped in November to 3.9 per cent, down from 4.6 per cent in October.

Based on the consumer prices index (CPI), November continued the downward trend with the lowest rate in two years.

Cheaper fuel was the main reason for the fall, although last month’s food prices also rose more slowly than they did in November 2022, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) explained.

The pronounced drop did not mean prices were going down, but that they had risen more slowly, chief ONS economist Grant Fitzner

CHEAPER FUEL: Assisted better-than-expected inflation figures.

said. “Prices remain substantially above what they were before the Ukraine invasion,” he added.

Food prices increased by 0.3 per cent last month, down from 1.1 per cent in November 2022, with food price inflation now at 9.2

per cent compared with 10.1 per cent in October.

Although inflation has descended from its 11.1 per cent October 2022 peak, the Bank of England insisted the inflation rate was still too high for an interest rate reduction.

Nevertheless, City analysts predicted the steeper-than-expected fall in inflation encouraged conjecture the Bank of England could begin cutting interest rates next year, probably in May, following successive increases between December 2021 and August 2023.

Although the November figures are almost double the government’s 2 per cent inflation target, Jeremy Hunt said Rishi Sunak had “more than delivered” on his pledge to halve inflation this year. The Chancellor said lower inflation “raised the prospect of improved living standards.”

Spanish government’s Telefonica stake

SPAIN’S government will acquire a 10 per cent holding in Telefonica, the country’s principal telecommunications company.

The multinational’s privatisation process was completed 26 years ago but Spain’s State-Owned Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) will now sit on the board as its principal shareholder, accompanied by the BBVA bank, Caixabank, Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and US investment company BlackRock.

Costing around €2 billion at current market prices, the operation is the Spanish government’s response to STC’s 9.9 per cent Telefonica stake announced in September. This was split into 4.9 per

Photo credit: CC/M Peinado

Hard times

Photo credit: Pixabay/Engin_Akyurt

BUSINESS EXTRA

TELEFONICA HEADQUARTERS: Spanish government will have a seat on its board.

cent of Telefonica shares with financial instruments providing economic exposure over a further 5 per cent of the company’s share capital.

Strategically important Telefonica is a Defence service provider and Economy minister Nadia Calvino said the government’s majority shareholding would reinforce the company’s “ownership stability.”

Following the government announcement, Telefonica shares rose 4 per cent to €3.70, their highest price since December 13.

Without revealing a specific timetable, SEPI announced it would buy the shares in a way which minimised the impact on the market price, although insiders told Reuters it would buy “small quantities of shares over a two-month period.”

Future plans Theme park plan ROLLS-ROYCE is discussing the viability of small nuclear power reactors (SMRs) with Ukraine’s biggest private power company.

The Telegraph revealed that DTEK, part of billionaire businessman Rinat Akhmetov’s industrial group, has held early talks with Rolls-Royce to sound out substituting coal-fired power stations with the SMRs. DTEK’s chief executive Maxim Timchenko said that he expected nuclear power to play an important part in the group’s future portfolio once Ukraine is rebuilt and his country can shift away from fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy.

A FORMER brickworks in Bedfordshire could one day become a theme park.

Films and theme parks company Universal confirmed that its Parks division had bought 480 acres of land in Stewartby, a model village originally built for employees of the London Brick Company. The site has planning permission for 1,000 homes.

The company, which already owns theme parks in Hollywood, Orlando, Japan, Singapore and Beijing, is known to be exploring new locations worldwide, suggesting that it is looking at the possibility of choosing the UK for its next major installation.

Stewartby, which is located halfway between Bedford and Milton Keynes, is close to Luton airport and is within easy reach of London by road.

Meanwhile, a company spokesman emphasised that Universal was “in the early stages of exploring its feasibility.”

Flying out SPAIN’S Ferrovial is said to be contemplating the sale of its 50 per cent stake in AGS, the holding company for Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports.

The remaining 50 per cent is held by the Australian financial services group, Macquarie.

At present AGS is engaged in refinancing its €930 million debt, prior to going ahead with the sale, according to Spanish media reports.

The same sources put a value of less than £1.05 billion (€1.1 billion) for 100 per cent of AGS’s capital. Together with Macquarie, Ferrovial acquired Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports, which originally belonged to BAA, in 2006.

Another acquisition DAYS after buying Amazon’s biggest logistics installation in Ireland, Amancio Ortega has bought a $113 million (€103 million) warehouse in Florida.

The Zara founder and its principal shareholder continues to invest in property via his investment company, Pontegadea, which is entirely separate from the Inditex fashion empire. It now possesses $20.08 bn (approximately €18.33 bn) in property assets.

Ortega, who has a personal fortune of €89.5 billion, initially acquired luxury tower blocks and office buildings, but has recently diversified into logistics assets in Europe and the US. The latest addition to his property portfolio is a 266,600-square metre cold storage warehouse in Hialeah (Miami-Dade county).

Deal abandoned ADOBE said the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) competition authority had behaved ‘irrationally’ by scuppering a $20 billion (€18.2 billion) takeover.

Best-known for apps like Photoshop and Acrobat, Adobe cancelled plans to acquire its rival, the website design tool Figma, in a move opposed by the European Union as well as the CMA. The deal announced a year ago was subject to an in-depth investigation in the UK and Brussels, with the CMA deciding that it would eliminate competition.

The EU also concluded that it would have “terminated all current, and prevented all future competition between Adobe and Figma.”

Matches sold FRASERS GROUP, owned by Mike Ashley, paid £52 million (€60 million) for luxury online retailer Matches (formerly Matchesfashion).

Matches was founded in 1987

by Tom and Ruth Chapman, who launched it as a boutique in Wimbledon Village.

Ashley is buying the company from the British private equity firm Apax Partners, which is divesting itself of a business that has been affected by a slowdown in the luxury sector.

Apax acquired Matches in 2017 for a rumoured £600 million, although by 2022 it was posting losses of £33.5 million (€38.7 million).

28 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 26 December

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.421,00..............+4,00............ +0,17%......... 703,35K

InterContinental..........................7.106,0................+6,0............. +0,09%......... 222,40K

Abrdn.......................................... 182,60................+0,90............ +0,50%...........2,37M

Intermediate Capital...................1.692,50..............+0,50............ +0,03%......... 200,17K

Admiral Group.............................2.685,0...............+12,0............ +0,45%......... 479,00K

Intertek........................................4.188,0............... -47,0.............-1,11%........... 75,59K

Anglo American...........................1.931,8................+7,8............. +0,41%...........1,05M

ITV............................................... 63,36................. -0,60.............-0,94%............4,11M

Antofagasta................................1.701,50.............. -4,00.............-0,24%.......... 371,00K

J Sainsbury................................. 299,60................+1,00............ +0,34%...........3,03M

Ashtead Group............................5.374,0............... -66,0.............-1,21%............1,26M

Johnson Matthey........................1.690,0................ -3,0..............-0,18%.......... 165,31K

Associated British Foods.............2.366,0................ -9,0..............-0,38%.......... 378,76K

Land Securities........................... 719,00................ -1,00.............-0,14%.......... 321,52K

AstraZeneca...............................10.436,0.............. -44,0.............-0,42%.......... 611,82K

Legal & General.......................... 250,10................+1,50............ +0,60%...........3,61M

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 722,20................+4,80............ +0,67%......... 749,31K Aviva........................................... 431,10................+2,30............ +0,54%...........1,54M B&M European Value Retail SA... 569,60................ -6,40.............-1,11%.......... 731,01K BAE Systems..............................1.090,00.............. -3,50.............-0,32%............1,33M Barclays...................................... 151,78................+0,36............ +0,24%..........13,07M Barratt Developments................. 565,80................+2,80............ +0,50%......... 623,58K Berkeley......................................4.774,0................+5,0............. +0,11%.......... 51,53K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.659,50.............. -5,50.............-0,21%.......... 263,82K BP............................................... 467,20................+0,95............ +0,20%..........13,03M British American Tobacco...........2.290,0................+5,5............. +0,24%...........1,39M British Land Company................. 406,00................+0,70............ +0,17%...........4,25M BT Group.................................... 127,30................+1,00............ +0,79%...........5,72M Bunzl...........................................3.201,0................ -5,0..............-0,16%.......... 214,76K Burberry Group...........................1.420,5................ -8,5..............-0,60%............1,77M Carnival.......................................1.366,5............... -10,5.............-0,76%.......... 899,38K Centrica....................................... 141,90................ -0,60.............-0,42%...........17,65M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.289,0................+2,0............. +0,09%......... 105,63K Compass....................................2.120,00..............+5,00............ +0,24%......... 704,15K CRH............................................5.326,0............... -46,0.............-0,86%.......... 307,14K Croda Intl....................................5.054,0.................0,0............... 0,00%........... 60,69K DCC.............................................5.682,0............... -84,0.............-1,46%.......... 135,97K Diageo.........................................2.841,5................ -7,5..............-0,26%............1,30M DS Smith.................................... 311,70................+1,40............ +0,45%......... 866,12K EasyJet........................................ 518,00................+0,80............ +0,16%...........1,02M Experian......................................3.185,0................ -6,0..............-0,19%.......... 241,89K Ferguson....................................14.930,0...............+5,0............. +0,03%.......... 21,45K

Lloyds Banking............................ 48,05.................+0,86............ +1,81%..........84,43M London Stock Exchange..............9.284,0...............+28,0............ +0,30%......... 159,04K Melrose Industries...................... 566,60.................0,00.............. 0,00%............1,21M Mondi.........................................1.528,00.............. -7,00.............-0,46%.......... 611,54K National Grid..............................1.061,00.............. -0,50.............-0,05%............2,10M NatWest Group........................... 216,70................ -0,40.............-0,18%...........15,80M Next............................................8.210,0...............+12,0............ +0,15%......... 123,67K Ocado.......................................... 725,00............... -32,20............-4,25%.......... 706,97K Persimmon.................................1.388,5...............+16,0............ +1,17%......... 448,49K Phoenix....................................... 522,40................ -2,60.............-0,50%............1,39M Prudential.................................... 862,00............... -11,80............-1,35%............2,63M Reckitt Benckiser........................5.442,0...............+16,0............ +0,30%......... 744,69K Relx............................................3.075,00.............. -2,00.............-0,07%............1,04M Rentokil....................................... 433,30................ -6,70.............-1,52%............2,40M Rightmove.................................. 571,60................+5,40............ +0,95%......... 861,12K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.839,0...............+27,0............ +0,47%...........1,12M Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 302,40................+2,60............ +0,87%...........7,84M Sage...........................................1.179,50.............. -0,50.............-0,04%.......... 749,57K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.453,00.............+13,00........... +0,90%........... 4,98K Schroders.................................... 438,1.................. -0,9..............-0,21%.......... 305,43K Scottish Mortgage....................... 786,00................ -5,20.............-0,66%.......... 508,63K Segro.......................................... 885,40................ -9,20.............-1,03%.......... 707,31K Severn Trent...............................2.619,0............... -10,0.............-0,38%.......... 570,70K Shell............................................2.566,5................+9,5............. +0,37%...........2,72M Smith & Nephew........................1.074,00..............+3,00............ +0,28%...........1,09M Smiths Group.............................1.766,50..............+6,00............ +0,34%......... 154,62K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.365,0............. -130,0............-1,24%........... 25,03K

Flutter Entertainment..................14.065,0.............. -65,0.............-0,46%.......... 158,21K

SSE............................................1.852,00..............+2,00............ +0,11%...........2,10M

Fresnillo...................................... 585,40................+4,00............ +0,69%......... 173,41K

St. James’s Place........................ 681,00................+2,20............ +0,32%......... 368,85K

Glencore...................................... 466,35................ -3,85.............-0,82%...........12,11M

Standard Chartered..................... 652,00................ -3,00.............-0,46%............1,29M

GSK plc......................................1.449,60.............. -0,40.............-0,03%............1,85M

Taylor Wimpey............................ 145,20................+1,25............ +0,87%...........7,33M

Halma..........................................2.290,0............... -26,0.............-1,12%.......... 266,24K

Tesco.......................................... 286,70................ -0,60.............-0,21%............5,95M

Hargreaves Lansdown................. 715,00................ -5,20.............-0,72%.......... 469,50K

Tui............................................... 616,50................ -3,50.............-0,57%.......... 491,57K

Hikma Pharma...........................1.773,00............. -16,00............-0,89%.......... 168,42K

Unilever.......................................3.787,0................+8,0............. +0,21%......... 729,26K

HSBC.......................................... 627,80................+5,30............ +0,85%..........10,40M

United Utilities............................1.070,50..............+2,50............ +0,23%......... 775,44K

IAG.............................................. 157,75................ -1,70.............-1,07%............8,55M

Vodafone Group PLC.................. 69,160...............+0,160........... +0,23%..........45,33M

Imperial Brands..........................1.819,00..............+8,50............ +0,47%......... 636,73K

Whitbread...................................3.634,0................+1,0............. +0,03%......... 379,26K

Informa....................................... 773,80................+2,60............ +0,34%......... 800,14K

WPP............................................ 751,40................ -1,60.............-0,21%............1,50M

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86814

1.15155

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.1024 Japan yen (JPY)...................................156.94 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9439 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4542 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.233 currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 26 December 3M.............................................. 106,33................+0,77............ +0,73%...........2,27M American Express....................... 185,57................+0,78............ +0,42%...........2,71M Amgen........................................ 284,16................+4,83............ +1,73%...........1,81M Apple........................................... 193,60................ -1,08.............-0,55%...........37,15M Boeing......................................... 260,44................ -1,58.............-0,60%............4,39M Caterpillar.................................... 290,36................+0,29............ +0,10%...........1,67M Chevron...................................... 151,05................+0,34............ +0,23%...........6,38M Cisco............................................ 50,09.................+0,39............ +0,78%..........12,90M Coca-Cola..................................... 58,32.................+0,33............ +0,57%...........9,01M Dow............................................. 55,12.................+0,15............ +0,27%...........2,32M Goldman Sachs........................... 380,65................+0,08............ +0,02%...........1,45M Home Depot................................ 348,59................ -0,38.............-0,11%............2,02M Honeywell................................... 205,64................+0,59............ +0,29%...........1,89M IBM............................................. 162,14................+1,36............ +0,85%...........2,43M Intel.............................................. 48,00.................+0,92............ +1,95%..........30,10M J&J............................................. 155,46................+0,62............ +0,40%...........3,78M JPMorgan................................... 167,40................ -0,10.............-0,06%............6,16M McDonald’s................................. 291,70................+0,31............ +0,11%...........1,70M Merck&Co................................... 107,70................+1,31............ +1,23%...........5,99M Microsoft.................................... 374,58................+1,04............ +0,28%..........17,11M Nike............................................. 108,04............... -14,49...........-11,83%..........46,28M Procter&Gamble......................... 145,28................+1,02............ +0,71%...........4,38M Salesforce Inc............................. 266,34................ -0,91.............-0,34%............2,82M The Travelers.............................. 185,80................+0,23............ +0,12%...........1,08M UnitedHealth............................... 520,31................+0,43............ +0,08%...........1,75M Verizon......................................... 37,49.................+0,06............ +0,16%..........13,06M Visa A.......................................... 258,43................ -1,11.............-0,43%............5,09M Walgreens Boots.......................... 26,22.................+0,16............ +0,61%...........9,78M Walmart...................................... 156,65................+1,85............ +1,20%...........6,45M Walt Disney.................................. 91,02................. -1,00.............-1,09%............9,35M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 26 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.................................+47.71%.........................6.981M Neumora Therapeutics, Inc..............................+25.09%........................ 959,003 Rocket Lab USA, Inc........................................+22.80%........................51.905M ANSYS, Inc......................................................+18.08%.........................5.243M Altair Engineering Inc.......................................+11.48%.........................1.339M TFI International Inc..........................................+8.08%......................... 949,555 Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc..........................+7.79%........................118.602M Green Thumb Industries Inc.............................+7.51%......................... 450,611 Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc...............................+7.46%..........................1.485M Immunocore Holdings plc.................................+7.33%......................... 280,239 M - Million Dollars

Most Declined NetEase, Inc..................................................... -16.07%........................21.218M Prosus N.V....................................................... -12.58%........................ 491,299 Naspers Limited............................................... -12.28%........................ 225,041 NIKE, Inc.......................................................... -11.83%........................46.666M Prosus N.V....................................................... -11.42%.........................4.163M AAR Corp......................................................... -10.20%........................ 967,644 NEXON Co., Ltd................................................ -10.09%......................... 99,827 Tencent Holdings Limited................................. -9.84%.........................16.676M Shenzhou International Group Holdings Limited.-8.99%........................ 272,132 Tencent Holdings Limited................................. -7.27%.......................... 75,892 Zalando SE........................................................ -7.25%.......................... 32,518

M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

Star role

SPAIN’S State-Owned Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) will nominate Pedro Duque to take over from Jordi Hereu as president of Hispasat, although this will first need the approval of the Spanish communications satellite board. Pedro Duque, a former aeronautics engineer and an astronaut, was minister of Science and Innovation between June 2018 and July 2021.

Nepo babies

SWISS bank UBS told the international media that it had noticed an escalation this year in the number of new billionaires who have inherited their riches rather than earn them. As a result, the bank has predicted “an enormous increase” in legal battles between siblings squabbling over immense legacies bequeathed by their megarich parents.

No unity between unions

UNION bickering is endangering talks to save thousands of jobs in Port Talbot (South Wales).

The UK’s largest steel plant faces huge job losses after owners Tata announced plans to substitute both blast furnaces with an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) over the next three years.

This is cleaner and greener but also less labour-intensive and between 2,500 and 3,000 workers would find themselves out of work.

Photo credit: CC/Steve Hill

BUSINESS EXTRA

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

PORT TALBOT: The UK’s largest steel-making plant

Changes at Mango FASHION chain Mango unveiled modifications to its corporate and shareholder structure.

In March next year, the board of the Barcelona-based company founded in 1984 by Isak Andic will have nine members instead of the present four, an official statement announced.

Mango’s chief executive Toni Ruiz becomes a shareholder with a 5 per cent stake

in the company’s capital, which at present is 100 per cent controlled by Andic.

Company sources told the Spanish media that these changes would give additional stability to long-term plans and rejected rumours that they heralded a corporate shakeup or plans to float the company.

Mango also revealed that it expects to finish 2023 with record sales topping €3 billion.

Union sources quoted by the BBC revealed a “deep rift” with Community and GMB on one side and Unite on the other.

The three unions originally suggested closing the oldest blast furnace but keeping the younger one active until 2032 while the small EAF was built, preserving 2,300 jobs and requiring fewer enforced redundancies.

Unite withdrew its support for the plan and now insists on no redundancies at all. “We will make no apology for acting like a trade union,” a spokesperson said.

Sources close to Tata indicated that they might delay closing at least one blast furnace for four or five years.

Apparently the unions have suggested that this could be acceptable if Tata were to install a new and modern steel-making works on one of its other sites in the UK.

EWN 29

Record price AN un-named bidder at a Hollywood auction paid $1.15 million (€1.05 million) for a ballerina-length evening dress worn

by Diana, Princess of Wales for a dinner at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence during a royal tour with her then-husband Prince Charles in 1985. The velvet dress, designed by the Moroccan-British designer Jacques Azagury fetched 11 times more than expected.

Divvied up COMPANIES listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange paid investors a total of €27.4 billion in dividends between January and November, an increase of 18.8 per cent on the previous year. Once buy-backs are added to payments in cash or further shares, this increased to more than €40 billion, revealed the latest report from Spanish Stock Exchanges and Markets.

30 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Happy New Year everyone €2 Million ‘charity’ cake LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT AH well, there it goes; another one bites the bank balance. In fact this past Christmas was almost unbelievably my 84th! - the mind truly does boggle. Memories of previous yuletides do of course abound. My first were of the latter war years, when money, and just about everything else was either rationed or short.

With Dad abroad fighting for his country, it was left to Mum to fill the stocking. I still recall the large male sock, probably Grandad’s, at the foot of my bed, totally stuffed and out of shape with surprises. Vividly I remember my excitement as I delved in and discovered a wonderful Dinky toy, a number of boiled sweets, lead soldiers, a rare orange, an apple and finally a penny, which Mum would then take to the shops for a few more rationed sweet treats (and probably some help toward a packet o’ fags!). One of the best presents I do remember was a wooden truck, fas-

hioned by a German prisoner of war in a camp situated close to where we had been evacuated; no whiff of any possible danger as to their actual location did of course ever unsettle my three or four year old innocence.

In later years I always tried my utmost to be at home with the family at Christmas. Circumstances of course sometimes made this impossible.

One year, during the success of my recording career, I was booked to appear in Scotland on Boxing Day. This of course meant travelling over Christmas. Heading north on some 60s motorway or another, I decided to stop at a fairly respectable looking roadside cafeteria. Christmas dinner was actually advertised outside. On entering I discovered I was in fact the only customer (natch). I soon realised that the young male and female working behind the food counter were indeed well sozzled and the tray on which my special repast was served up left a great deal to be desired.

I was reminded of this a few years later when I found my self incarcerated for an offence I didn’t actually commit. The Christmas of ’71 found

me in the dark confines of Oxford prison. Christmas Eve all the inmates had been presented with a ‘menu’ of what we could expect the following day. It did indeed make very impressive reading. Turkey, gravy, cabbage, roasted potatoes followed by Christmas pudding and custard. I could hardly believe it. The prison fare was normally just about inedible. I needn’t have worried.

The meal, all delivered on a stamped out tin tray, was totally disgusting. The turkey was sliced so thinly that when held up it developed creases like a transparent curtain. The ‘greens’ were sodden with water, the gravy grease spilled over into the lumpy custard and it was all cold. I didn’t eat much. I also refused the boiled sweets the prison guvnor gratuitously handed out as we left the canteen. Memories memories.

Ah well. Happy New Year everyone. Let’s hope the memories infused by ‘24 contain more peace and love than ‘23. Somehow I doubt it.

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.

CHIARA FERRAGNI, well-known Italian influencer has been accused of ‘unfair commercial practices’ after it emerged that the proceeds from the ‘charity’ pandoro she promoted had never reached their destination.

Last year, Ferragni and confectionery brand Balocco launched a pandoro (a traditional Italian Christmas cake), whose packaging and marketing featured the logos of the celebrity. The cake was sold for €9 - double what they usually cost and part of the proceeds were supposed to go to a hospital.

However, according to the Italian press, no funds were ever donated. AGCM (Italy’s anti-trust authority) said Balocco and Ferragni earned almost €2 million, thanks to the fraud. As a result, the Italian courts fined the

companies Fenice and TBS, owned by Chiara Ferragni, more than €1 million, and demanded another €420,000 from Balocco for “unfair commercial practices”.

Last week Ferragni told her almost 30 million followers, “I have always been convinced that the most fortunate have the responsibility to do good. Those are the values that have always driven me and my family and that’s what we teach our children”, she said.

“I am here today to own my mistake. I apologise and announce an important gesture: I will donate €1 million to the Regina Margherita hospital, in order to support the care of sick children. I commit myself to separate my charitable activities from my commercial activities as misunderstandings can arise,” she explained.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

Photo: Krakow Town Hall

Best foodie destinations

KRAKOW: Best for cultural experiences.

THE city was awarded sixth place in the prestigious and competitive culinary race as voted for by global travellers on Booking.com. Barcelona was first on the list as the most attractive foodie destination in Europe.

Kraków has also been named among the most popular European destinations for travellers primarily interested in cultural experiences. The city is among the Top 10 History and Culture Destinations, again, according to Booking.com and last year, the Christmas fair in Kraków was praised by the British newspaper The Times, which included it among the 24 best Christmas markets in Europe Today, Kraków is highly appreciated by foodies enthralled by its European culinary heritage, with the cherry on the cake being the honorable title of the European Capital of Gastronomic Culture, which Kraków was awarded in 2019. In 2023, the city can be proud of its

vast presence in the Michelin Guide, with as many as 18 restaurants in Kraków featured in the latest edition of the famous guide, and Bottiglieria 1881 being the first in the country to receive two Michelin stars.

The hospitality of residents, friendly atmosphere, attractive surroundings and modern infrastructure attract visitors from all over the world. The city has over 180 hotels, including 20 five-star hotels and numerous increasingly-popular boutique hotels, with charming interiors. All this and much more make Kraków a tourist destination that can exceed the expectations of even the most demanding guests.

Anyone who visits Kraków will certainly want to come back.

EWN 31

32 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

NY fireworks fizzle Photo credit: Pixabay/PublicDomainPictures

XX

SOME local authorities in the Netherlands would welcome a national ban on the consumer fireworks sold to the general public.

Thirty of 150 councils polled by the Netherlands News Agency (ANP) said in mid-December that they would support a national ban although only 16 out of 342 local authorities went ahead and vetoed them, ANP said at the end of the month.

The remainder said they preferred to leave the decision to the national government.

In big cities like Amsterdam only the very smallest consumer fireworks are permitted, and the councils backing a national ban maintained that this would give them similar options to prevent people from letting them off.

“Local bans just cannot be policed,” explained those in favour of a national ban. They also told the ANP that a ban in one municipality would merely encourage people to go to another where fireworks were allowed.

“As long as consumer fireworks can be sold and possession is not an offence then it will be impossible to police a local ban,” a spokesman for Terneuzen (Zeeland) council said.

Unions representing the police unions also want to see a national ban owing to the hazards the emergency services face each New Year during frenzied celebrations involving fireworks.

It would be impossible to police a national patchwork of differing regulations in diffe-

FIRECRACKERS: Banned since 2020.

rent areas, they added.

“This is a particular problem, given the current shortage of capacity within the police,” the four police unions said in a joint statement.

Firecrackers and rockets have been banned nationwide since 2020 when the government restricted the availability of fireworks likely to cause damage and injury. Those which are allowed should, in theory, be let off only between 6pm on December 31 and 2am on January 1.

Existing bans were largely ignored last New Year with very few fines handed out. In Amsterdam, where the traditional fireworks mayhem continued as usual, none who ignored the ban were sanctioned.

Meanwhile, approximately 40 local authorities, including The Hague, have created firework-free zones in areas adjoining shopping centres, petting zoos and nursing homes.

FINLAND has collaborated on research into the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) during the last Ice Age, about 120,000 years ago.

A groundbreaking discovery using the DNA of the Turquet’s octopus found parallels with current global temperatures. It also supports the theory that the WAIS tipping point could be reached, even under the Paris Agreement’s target to limit warming to between 1.5 and 2C. Published in Science magazine, the study has involved universities and research institutes in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Ireland and Germany as well as Finland.

Their research is based a previous genetic study used to test various theories regarding links between octopus popula-

Photo credit: CC/Tiia Monto

Octopus gives answers

JYVASKYLA UNIVERSITY: Collaborating on research into West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

tions in Antarctica.

“Only the disappearance of the WAIS can explain the continuous genetic similarities between the current Turquet octopus populations in the Weddell Sea, Ross Sea, and Amundsen Sea,” said Professor Philip Watts from the University of Jyvaskyla. The disintegration of the ice sheet opened a marine passage, connecting these otherwise distant regions.”

This same study provi-

des an answer to the enduring debate as to whether the WAIS collapsed during the last Ice Age. “The study is significant for predicting the impacts of climate change,” Professor Watts continued.

“During the last Ice Age, the average global surface temperature was about 1.5C warmer than in the pre-industrial era, and sea levels were between five and 10 metres higher than they are today,” states Watts.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Seasonal allergies AS the festive season approaches, many of us eagerly bring Christmas trees into our homes, unaware that they might be the source of sudden allergic reactions.

Recent findings suggest your Christmas tree could be more than just a festive centrepiece; it might be causing your seasonal sniffles.

A study highlighted in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology revealed that Christmas trees could carry various types of mould, many of which are known to trigger hay fever symptoms.

Approximately 10 per cent of the population is allergic to mould, and unfortunately, Christmas trees provide an ideal environment for these spores to thrive.

Dr Jane Smith, an allergy expert, explains, “The warm indoor conditions of most homes during winter are perfect for mould spores from the tree to multiply, leading to increased allergy symptoms like runny nose,

SEASONAL SNIFFLES: Trees can trigger hay fever symptoms.

watery eyes, and sneezing.”

Interestingly, it’s not just natural trees that pose a risk.

Artificial trees, often stored in dusty areas like lofts or sheds, can accumulate dust mites, exacerbating similar allergic reactions.

To combat these unwanted holiday guests, Dr Smith recommends several preventive measures. Ventilating rooms by opening windows, regular dusting, and cleaning, especially around the tree area, can be effective.

Additionally, taking antihistamines and using nasal steroid sprays before and during the tree’s indoor stay can alleviate symptoms.

For those with asthma, it’s particularly important to be cautious, as mould spores can trigger severe asthma attacks.

So, this holiday season, while you deck the halls, be mindful of these hidden allergens. A few simple steps can ensure your festive spirit isn’t dampened by seasonal allergies.

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

EWN 33

34 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Prosecco is protected.

The drink has a geographical denomination (DOC) label, which means that the wine must be produced in one of two Italian regions, Veneto or Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Previous to 2009, any sparkling wine made from prosecco grapes could claim the name.

In the consortium’s annual statement, attention was drawn to the legal victory against Australian producers at the Singapore Court of Appeal to allow the name Prosecco to be used only for wines of Italian origin.

As recently reported, Australian producers have been making sparkling wine from the glera, the prosecco grape, since 2001, and disagreements over the term have proved a sticking point in free trade agreements with the EU. In 2020, the Australian government funded a project to examine the validity of the protected geographical indication. Stefano Zanette, of the Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC, said, “It is a tradition for us to carry out an international communication campaign at the end of the year, to emphasise the consolidated role of Prosecco DOC in the celebrations.”

Diego Tomasi, of the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, also emphasised the need to protect the designation ‘prosecco’ from abuse.

“Any attempt to imitate or evoke the name must be firmly opposed,” said Tomasi. However, according to analysis by IWSR the global benchmark for alcohol beverage data, in the last five years, British drinkers have turned away from prosecco and towards other sparkling wines.

Perhaps now is the moment for Spanish Cava to shine in the spotlight.

Credit: Casablanca Stock/Shutterstock.com

PROSECCO has a geographical destination label, meaning it must be produced in one of only two Italian regions to be truly given that name. Especially with New Year’s Eve just around the corner it’s worth noting that anything else is just sparkling wine.

The Italian DOC Consortium has even launched an advertising campaign in London aimed at drinkers: “This is not prosecco. Don’t call it prosecco if it is an ordinary sparkling wine,” say the posters displayed on London’s underground.

The message can be found in more than 80 locations throughout the English capital: more than 15 million people will see it during the two-week campaign, which began on December 18.

The campaign is by the Prosecco DOC Consortium, which represents Italy’s prosecco producers, a favourite tipple which has been protected by EU legislation since 2009.

Photo: pixexid CC / Gratis Graphics

It’s not Prosecco!

90-DAY RULE: Spanish - British cooperation.

Relaxation of 90-day stay IS Spain set to follow France’s decision and relax its strict 90-day stay rule for UK nationals?

Recent developments indicate a shift in policy following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, particularly affecting British homeowners in Spain.

Recently, it has emerged that the Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Hector Gomez, hinted at potential changes.

He referred to a discussion with Jennifer Anderson, Director of Consular Affairs and Crisis at the Foreign Office, focusing on the stays of British visitors to Spain.

After Brexit, UK citizens became subject to a 90-day limit within a 180-day period for stays in the EU, which particularly impacted those with second homes on the continent.

Violating this limit could lead to fines, immediate departure orders, or deportation. Spain’s consideration of lifting this cap follows a similar move by France, where the Senate has approved a bill amendment granting long-stay visas to

British second-home owners.

This proposed change, advocated by Senatrice Martine Berthet, aims to facilitate longer stays for British homeowners in France, subject to the 90-day rule only when visiting other Schengen countries.

The UK has reached a bilateral agreement with France, simplifying travel for French students on school trips to Britain. From December 28, EU nationals in French schools can enter the UK with just an ID card, and non-EU students in France won’t need a costly visa.

In Spain, there are between 800,000 and one million UK property owners, primarily in the south. Of these, only around 370,000 are registered residents with the freedom to travel without restrictions.

The French Senate’s decision has sparked hope among British expatriates.

Reportedly, Andrew Hesselden, Director of the ‘180 Days in Spain’ campaign remains optimistic about Spain following suit. He stated, ‘We hope that UK, Spanish and French politicians will engage with us now to understand the issues fully and work with us to find the best possible solutions.’

36 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

NEWS has emerged of a mass food poisoning incident at a festive dinner for Airbus employees in France.

Over 700 employees at Airbus Atlantic in Montoir-de-Bretagne, Loire-Atlantique, reported falling ill following a Christmas meal on December 14, as confirmed by the Regional Health Agency of Pays de la Loire on Friday, December 23.

Despite the exact cause still unknown, speculations about bacterial contamination or a highly infectious gastroenteritis virus are being explored.

The unsettling event occurred during a Christmas dinner organised for Airbus Atlantic employees.

Jean-Claude Iribarren, Secretary of the Airbus Atlantic Works Committee, shared with French media that the meal was prepared by the company’s canteen, involving nume-

Credit: Bradley Caslin/Shutterstock.com

Image of Air France Airbus A220.

rous local suppliers. The dinner, held annually, was attended by 2,600 individuals.

The symptoms, mainly vomiting and diarrhoea, predominantly surfaced on December 15 and 16. The Regional Health Agency, in collaboration with Public Health France and the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection, has launched an inquiry. Results are expected by next week.

As a precaution, a questionnaire was distribu-

ted to all attendees. The spokesperson stressed the importance of thoroughness in such investigations.

Nolwenn, an affected employee, described her ordeal to Ouest-France. “I had colic and headaches like I’d never had before. It was worse than giving birth,” she recounted. These symptoms suggest the severity of the outbreak, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed.

Iribarren emphasised the company’s complian-

ce with safety protocols.

“As we do every year, we organised a Christmas dinner for 2,600 people with a lot of local suppliers.”

He pointed out that the company maintains samples of every product served, which are now being analysed by the ARS (health authorities).

This procedure is part of the rigorous investigation process.

A representative from Airbus reassured that no one was ‘seriously ill.’ The case is now in the hands of the health authority, who is leading the investigation.

Airbus Atlantic, a subsidiary of the leading aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, employs 15,000 people across five countries. This incident has put a spotlight on the company’s health and safety standards.

In conclusion, the outbreak at Airbus Atlantic’s festive event raises concerns about food safety and health regulations.

The ongoing investigations are crucial in identifying the cause and preventing future occurrences.

The well-being of the employees remains a top priority for both the company and the health authorities.

Photo credit: Pixabay/AnnieSpratt

Food poisoning hits 700 staff

CHRISTMAS TREE: A German tradition for centuries.

Xmas tree debate BUYING a Christmas tree is a fundamental aspect of Germany’s Leitkultur mainstream culture.

This, at least, is the belief of Friedrich Merz who heads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) opposition party.

“When we talk about Leitkultur, about our way of life, then, for me, this includes buying a Christmas tree before Christmas,” the politician told the German media.

“It is part of our Western Christian-influenced identity,” he said, maintaining that this custom had existed for generations,

that it still influenced present-day children and would continue to do so well into the future.

The controversial politician went on to say that he was surprised that a statement like this, made on December 21, should have laid him open to accusations of religious intolerance.

“I’m slightly astonished that it is apparently a problem for many when we say something like that,” Merz continued.

Politicians more liberal than Merz are more circumspect about the Leitkultur concept, preferring that immigrants integrate as part of Germany’s multicultural society while critics have drawn parallels with the “Germanisation” propagated in the distant past.

Meanwhile, although Merz carefully avoided recommending that everybody should have a tree at Christmas, former Cabinet minister Ruprecht Polenz construed Merz’s comments as an implicit demand for people to buy Christmas trees.

“Respect and tolerance are crucial for the cultural climate in a pluralistic society,” Polenz declared.

“Indeed, both must be demanded. But that is something different from demanding certain practices from everyone.”

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EWN 37

INTERVIEW

Why Europeans move to Spain Antonio Olivares embarked on a journey that took him from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the eclectic energy of London in 1995.

LITTLE did he know that nostalgia and longing. what was initially “When I think of planned as a brief London,” he muses, stint would unfold “it’s not just the arinto a 24-year chitecture or the chapter of his diverse cityscape life. that I miss. It’s Yet, amid the the friendships hustle and bustthat blossomed le of the city, over the years, Antonio couldn’t the melting pot help but feel a yearof cultures, and Image: Antonio Olivares ning for the warmth the charm of areas of Spain, his family and like Pimlico and Golders Returned to his roots. friends, and the allure of the Green.” outdoor life culture he held dear.

Despite the allure of London’s In 2019, after years of fostering connec- international cuisine and the architectutions and establishing a life in the UK, An- ral marvels around every corner, Antonio tonio made a bold decision. couldn’t escape the frustrations. “Closing Armed with a property in Alicante he times of pubs! That was a constant source bid farewell to the iconic London skyline of irritation,” he laughs. and returned to his roots.

“Compared to the lively bars of Spain, it Choosing Alicante wasn’t just about the felt like the night ended too soon.” beaches; it was a strategic move, a geoHowever, his return to Spain hasn’t graphical sweet spot connecting him to been without its irritations. Antonio canthe heart of Spain and the rest of Europe. didly admits, “The bureaucracy and the Now, back in his homeland, Antonio re- lack of customer service can be exaspeflects on his time in London with a mix of rating.”

Huge bonus for O’Leary RYANAIR’S chief executive, O’Leary, is close to securing a staggering €100 million bonus, following the airline’s record share price surge.

On Friday, December 15, Ryanair’s shares reached €18.99, marking an impressive increase of over 50 per cent this year.

This surge not only underscores Ryanair’s dominance as Europe’s most valuable airline but also brings O’Leary a step closer to his lucrative bonus, agreed in 2019.

Under the terms set in 2019, O’Leary is eligible for share options of around €100 million if Ryanair’s shares maintain a minimum of €21 for 28 days, or if the airline reports more than €2.2 billion in annual profits after tax.

This potential payout is poised to become one of the most substantial in European corporate history, offering O’Leary the chance to purchase 10 million shares at €11.12 each.

Credit: NextNewMedia/Shutterstock.com

RECORD FIGURES: Ryanair shares soar.

Financial experts anticipate an average share price target of €24 in the next 12 months, as per Bloomberg.

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The airline aims to double its passenger numbers in the next decade and is currently the world’s second-most valuable airline by market capitalisation, trailing only Delta Air Lines in the US.

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40 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

FOLLOWING an announcement by the Prague Council in the Czech Republic that for the fourth year running they would not be hosting a firework show on New Year’s Eve and in fact were banning them in private hands in a large number of areas, we asked our readers what they thought.

It seems that the majority enjoy the sight of organised displays but can’t stand the noise as it causes so much distress to wild and domestic animals as well as some older people, so they would love to see the introduction of silent fireworks (in the same way that we can now buy crackers without the crack).

“

There are no fireworks in Siberia… there’s also a lot of empty space to stay for you people who want silence.

You are free to make your silent life out there.

Not banned but quiet ones instead.

Lynda Pawley

Yes! silent ones only, fireworks in the daytime just for the noise! Madness.

Lorraine Knott

Pirjo Korhonen

Yes everywhere.

Need to be louder so the hard of hearing can appreciate them.

Mal Stubbs

Maria van Boxtel

Yes should use silent ones.

Audrey Ryan

Never seen fireworks in Spain and I don’t wish to, they are far too dangerous.

Barbara Ball

Yes absolutely !

Please ban !!!

Stephanie Sedlmayr Pape

All fireworks should be silent ones.

Sharon Snowden

Yes definitely.

David Wardell

That be the day. I would love to see it because my cats are so scared that they run towards the toilet. I for one do not go out when it’s Las Fallas. So much noise and the worse are the adults who act like children.

Yes they are just loud bangs. Get silent ones for the animals and people can still enjoy if they want to.

Beth Sims

Izzy Paps

Silent ones only…. IN ANY COUNTRY! Yes. I say this also on behalf of all the animals who live here.

Karen Baker

Alex de Boer

No, they are stopping everything that involves fun!

Silent fireworks & only organised displays.

Maggi Taylor

Lois Bennett

Yes, I think so or if not at least silent ones....

Ban all the loud noisy fireworks, no need for them to make a noise!

Sian Foster

Carol-Anne Abbink

Yes!

Yessssss.

Anna Fulton

Thomas Kat Miauw

With out a doubt, silent ones would be better for sure !!!

Keep the fireworks but lose the bloody awful noise they make.

Jennifer Ancill

Sheilagh Armstrong-Jones

In Spain it’s all about the noise, unfortunately it will never change, our dog is petrified.

They are not fireworks in Spain they sound more like bombs.

Geoffrey Barrett

Patricia Green

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.

42 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

JENNY MONTIGNY: Her painting Woman in a Cattle Shed can be visited at the Ghent Museum of Fine Arts (MSK).

The same AI technology will soon be added to a second painting, ‘Seated Woman at the Window’ by Rik Wouters.

Madelein Descamps explained that the MSK has long been looking for new ways to reach its audience.

“We know that people like to learn in different ways other than merely reading texts in a museum. By letting people ask questions about a painting, we learn what visitors want to know about art,” she explained.

Jenny Montigny, who was born in Ghent in 1875 and died in Deurle in 1937, decided to become an artist when she was 17 and made her debut at the Ghent Salon, followed by shows in Paris.

RECENTLY, Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was the victim of a prank call from two Russian imposters.

The Russian embassy vehemently denies any Kremlin involvement in a deceptive act targeting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. In a statement, the Russian embassy in Dublin refuted claims of any official Russian participation in the incident, which took place earlier this year.

The event saw Mr Varadkar unwittingly partaking in a virtual meeting, believing he was conversing with African diplomats. However, the individuals on the other end were none other than pro-Kremlin ‘comedians’ Lexus and Vovan, as reported by Irish media Virtual Impersonation “We have learned of this ‘prank’ from the news reports,” said the Russian embassy. They emphasised the lack of evidence pointing to any Russian state invol-

Credit: Public Domain/Creative Commons.com

POSSIBLY no-one can know what the woman in the foreground of The Cattle Shed, a painting in the Ghent Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), is thinking.

But visitors to the museum can, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), hold a conversation with the painting by Jenny Montigny.

A small box with a button and microphone is positioned in front of the painting and members of the public can press the button and ask a question.

“An AI-generated voice will respond to your query,” said the MSK’s Madelein Descamps.

“No question is too crazy for the device.

You can ask questions about Jenny Montigny and the style of her work, but also about the number pi.”

The project has been developed by a local company, Lean Mean Learning Machine, which focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

“They have been working with AI for some time and wanted to introduce the technology to a museum,” Descamps added. “At around the same time, we also saw examples abroad, so the timing was perfect.

“The Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands is already working with artificial intelligence, but for Belgium this is a first.”

Photo credit: Ghent Museum of Fine Arts (MSK)

Talk to a painting Prank call denied Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

vement. This incident adds to a series of similar deceptive calls made by the duo, which have targeted global figures like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, as well as celebrities such as Elton John and Bernie Sanders.

The comedians gained access by posing as representatives of the African Union Commission. Mr Varadkar’s spokesperson revealed that the 13-minute clip circulating online, showing the Taoiseach discussing topics like the war in Ukraine and a United Ireland, was mani-

pulated.

Raising Security And AI Concerns Mr Varadkar himself noted his immediate suspicion during the call, giving ‘careful answers’ before terminating the conversation.

He pointed out the use of artificial intelligence in doctoring the video, which ‘is not as it appears’.

In response, the Taoiseach’s office has revised protocols for video conferencing to address these new security challenges.

“We have changed our procedures in relation to video calls,” Mr Varadkar stated.

He highlighted the ease with which AI can now create convincing fake images and voices, necessitating stricter security measures and a potential shift back to in-person interactions for critical matters.

The incident is a reminder of the evolving challenges in the digital age, where seeing might no longer be believing.

43

euroweeklynews.com • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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1st Public Pet Cemetery Credit: ayuntamientodemalaga.es

EARLY next year Malaga is set to unveil Spain’s first public pet cemetery, providing a dignified resting place for beloved animals, where the care and remembrance of pets are given due importance.

The Malaga pet cemetery is scheduled to open between January and February 2024 in the Malaga Cemetery Park, San Gabriel. This pioneering project represents a substantial investment of €1,011,980, according to a news source.

Eco-Friendly And Compassionate Constructed with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the cemetery will offer a range of facilities. These will include a citizen service building complete with a reception area, administrative offices, a veterinary office

Malaga’s new pet cemetery.

and toilets.

Additionally, a crematorium and a designated room for farewell ceremonies are included. The grounds feature a green space for ash scattering and a dedicated burial area.

Comprehensive Services For Pet Owners In response to the growing attachment to pets in Malaga, the cemetery will provide

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several services. This includes animal transfer post-mortem, the organisation of farewell ceremonies, the rental of niches and columbariums, and even the deregistration of pets. A basic individual cremation for animals up to 30 kilos is priced at €170.

Meeting The Needs Of A Pet-Loving Province

Malaga stands out in Andalucia for its high number of pet owners. According to the Official College of Veterinarians, over 350,000 pets are registered in the region, which accounts for 23 per cent of the pet population in Andalucia.

This pet cemetery comes as a response to the growing societal sensitivity towards animal care, filling a significant gap in a region that lacked such a facility.

Recognising animals as valuable family members, the facility will provide a dignified and respectful way to say goodbye, underscoring the emotional bond between pets and their owners.

Feline feasting outdoors CURIOSITY often leads our feline companions outdoors, where they embark on thrilling adventures and, inevitably, explore the diverse culinary offerings Mother Nature provides. Ever wondered what your cats munch on during their outdoor escapades?

In the wild, cats are natural hunters, and their outdoor excursions often involve stalking small prey. Birds, insects, and rodents are common items on their menu, satisfying their carnivorous instincts. Additionally, cats may nibble on grass to aid their digestion or even indulge in the occasional plant for added fiber.

Despite their independent foraging, it’s crucial to ensure your outdoor explorers maintain a balanced diet. Supplement their diet with high-quality cat food to meet their nutritional needs, ensuring they receive the essential vitamins and minerals required for optimal health.

Understanding the outdoor dining habits of your furry friends allows you to provide the best care possible. So, embrace their adventurous spirit, but remember to keep a watchful eye on their nutritional intake for happy and healthy feline companions.

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EWN 45

46 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

‘Better late than never’

like answering calls, checking WhatsApp messages, drinking, or speeding can tragically disrupt family reunions.

The campaign is brought to life through various mediums of 30, 20, and 10 seconds. The message was broadcast on television, cinemas, and social networks. Radio spots also feature, with two children, Alexandra and Pepe, advi-

sing Santa to avoid rushing.

Outdoor, digital, and print media further reinforce the message.

The DGT’s innovative approach this year, blending the magic of Santa Claus with a serious message, serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of road safety, especially during a period marked by numerous travels to reunite with loved ones.

New speed awareness signs in La Algaba.

happy emoticon greets drivers who maintain the appropriate speed, reinforcing positive driving habits.

The La Algaba City Council’s initiative extends beyond mere speed regulation. It’s an inclusive strategy designed to engage not only drivers but also younger passengers.

The idea is that by observing these emoticons, children will become more aware of the importance of adhering to traffic rules, thus cultivating a culture of safe and responsible driving within the community.

‘Maintaining road safety is a responsibility shared by all,’ remarked the mayor, emphasising the importance of this community-wide effort. This educational approach seeks to instill a deeper understanding and respect for traffic regulations among all residents, regardless of age.

Missing for one week THE ups and downs of motoring were highlighted this week by the experience of one driver who had to seek help from social media to find his ‘missing’ car.

Finding a parking spot in a busy city can be a challenge at the best of times, but what about trying to find it later in order to get home?

This dilemma recently befell a man from Vigo, Galicia.

On a busy day in Vigo, the story revolves around a man who found himself in a peculiar situation. In an effort to locate his misplaced Volkswagen Beetle, he turned to social media for assistance. The actual incident happened a week earlier, when the man parked his car in a rush which led him to completely forget where he had parked it.

Completely unaware of where his car was parked, the man’s frustration grew.

Despite his efforts to recall the car’s location and a desperate search in all the usual places, his memory

Credit: Google Maps.com

A scene from the DGT’s Christmas campaign.

COULD there be a better way to encourage safe driving? In a novel approach to speed management, the town of La Algaba in Sevilla has introduced traffic radars with a twist.

On a certain day in December 2023, La Algaba’s local council, under the leadership of the mayor, announced the installation of these unique speed radars. Located on Andres Molina Morales Avenue, Concepcion Rodriguez de Torres Clavijo Street, and the entrance via Rodriguez Borbolla Bridge, these devices are more than just speed monitors, according to Telecinco.

The new initiative was announced on Twitter/X: ‘La Algaba gives an innovative twist to road surveillance: Radars with emoticons replace fines!

‘Discover how this strategy seeks to raise awareness among drivers and passengers about the importance of respecting speed limits on our urban roads.’

The three newly installed radars in La Algaba are not your typical speed detectors.

Rather than issuing fines, these radars display emoticons (emotion icons) - a happy face for drivers adhering to the speed limit, and a sad face for those exceeding it. This innovative method aims to prompt immediate reflection on driving behaviour.

If a vehicle goes over the 30 kilometres per hour speed limit, the radar screen showcases a sad emoticon. Conversely, a

Credit: Ayto-algaba/X

Unique approach to speed control

Credit: DGT.es

THE Spanish traffic authority launched a new Christmas campaign with the slogan ‘Better late than never.’

This year’s campaign highlighted a crucial message using the iconic figure of Santa Claus. From his home in Lapland, Santa’s journey to the homes of eagerly waiting children becomes a symbol of careful travel.

The DGT’s campaign focused on an unprecedented turn of events, in which Santa’s arrival is significantly delayed, missing his traditional Christmas Eve visit.

This surprising occurrence makes headlines across media platforms and leaves many without answers.

Yet, in due course, Santa does arrive, despite being hours late, imparting the vital lesson that ‘Being late is better than not being there at all.’

The DGT, through this narrative, gently nudges us to remember the gravity of adhering to traffic regulations. Distractions

Car park on the streets of Vigo, Galicia.

failed him, which led him to return home by taxi.

The story grew when La Voz de Galicia highlighted the man’s problem. The driver recounted, ‘at the time of parking someone called me on the phone. The man went on to explain how he switched to ‘automatic pilot’ and eventually he didn’t know where the car had ended up.

The man’s extensive search involved inquiries with the police and local residents, yet his car remained elusive for seven days.

However, the widespread attention eventually led to

a breakthrough.

A staff member at the Arenal public car park recognised the vehicle from its description. The man’s week-long ordeal of anxiety finally ended with a sense of relief, despite a parking fee of €70 for the duration of the car’s stay.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by urban parking and the potential for forgetfulness in our busy lives.

This unusual tale from Vigo underscores the importance of mindful parking and the power of community support in times of need.

MOTORING II euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

KIA SPORTAGE TURNS 30 YEARS OLD

Kia’s best-selling car in the UK and Europe.

THE Sportage, Kia’s best-selling car in the UK, Europe and globally, is celebrating its 30th birthday having gone on-sale worldwide in 1993. The Sportage was introduced in the UK two years later, with sales commencing in 1995.

Over 30 years, the Sportage SUV has seen four generations come and go, and is now represented by the fifth generation.

Over its five generations,

EWN 47

The Sportage offers more choice than ever.

Kia has sold more than seven million examples of the Sportage worldwide, including over 384,000 in the UK alone.

Across the same timespan, the Sportage has transformed from a utilitarian, rugged SUV into a more luxurious and comfortable car aimed at young families and professionals.

The SUV market has grown dramatically over

the past 30 years, with a high seating position and ample space for all now very much in demand among customers in the UK and around the world.

Over its lifetime, the Sportage has proven to be an incredibly popular and important vehicle with fleets and businesses, thanks to its affordable pricing, low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates, and focus on economy and

practicality. The Sportage is frequently named as the number one compact SUV choice for business users, topping sales charts and winning numerous fleet awards. A plug-in hybrid model was introduced with the latest generation Sportage for the first time.

If every Sportage sold in the UK since its introduction to the market in 1995 was lined up bum-

per-to-bumper, the line of cars would stretch from Kia UK’s head offices in Walton-on-Thames, more than 1400km/870 miles to the plant where the Sportage has been manufactured since 2007 in Žilina, Slovakia - and back again.

Available with a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid or petrol mild hybrid powertrains, and a comprehensive array of trim levels, the

Sportage offers more choice than ever and has accumulated a well-stocked cabinet of awards over its 30-year lifespan.

Having first emerged into the public eyeline in endurance rallying, becoming the first car to ever complete the both the Paris-Dakar rally in 1993 and the Baja 1000 in 1995, the Sportage has clearly stood the test of time over the last 30 years.

48 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

E1: Electric Formula 1 IN June 2024, Puerto Banús will become one of only nine venues in the world to host the E1 competition, the electric Formula 1 of the sea.

Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, presented the Cívitas Puerto Banus Grand Prix at the Provincial Council of Malaga and explained the impact that the event will have on the city, highlighting, among other aspects, the more than 1.1 billion followers on social networks of the captains of the participating teams, including tennis player Rafa Nadal, Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez, footballer Didier Drogba, American football player Tom Brady, DJ Steve Aoki and artist Marc Anthony.

“This race is going to position us as a unique destination,” said the mayor who also expanded on the values of sustainability and equality implicit in this event. “It is an exclusively electric competition in which each team is made up of a man and a woman,” she said.

The Andalucian Minister of Tourism, Víctor González, said during the presentation that this is a, “pure 21st century” event, which is expected to reach 160 million people and have an enormous media and economic impact on the destination. The President of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, agreed that the Grand Prix, “will become another boost to the tourism-sport phenomena that we are so proud of on the Costa del Sol, we are expecting 20,000 visitors that weekend.

“Sharing the venue with destinations such as Monaco, Venice, Hong Kong, Geneva, Jeddah and Rotterdam, among others, gives us an idea of the magnitude of this sporting event which, thanks to collaboration between Marbella Town Hall, the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol and the Andalucian Regional Government, we guarantee that it will be a success,” said Salado.

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

BBC Sports Award

THE BBC Sports Personality of the Year award appears to have become a battleground for gender in sports.

Outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan has controversially spoken out after England goalkeeper Mary Earps became the latest winner. The award makes her the third consecutive female to win, after a 14 year dominance by male athletes.

Following a string of male victors from 2007 to 2020, the trend has shifted with three consecutive female winners. Earps’ triumph comes after the success of Lionesses forward Beth Mead in 2022 and tennis sensation Emma Raducanu in 2021.

However, broadcaster Piers Morgan voiced concerns over the selection process, highlighting the overlooked male nominees.

After Earps was announced the winner, Morgan posted on Twitter/X: ‘It looks to me that terrible scourge of virtue-signalling box-ticking has crept into this once great award.

‘Piers Morgan thinks Mary Earps winning Sports Personality Of The Year is “a celebration of mediocrity.”‘

He added: ‘Trying to get my head around two of England’s women footballers winning BBC SPOTY in successive years… while male sporting superstars with great personalities like Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori & Ronnie O’Sullivan have never won it.’

Morgan argued: ‘Last year, Beth Mead was deserved winner because the Lionesses won the Euros, but this year they lost the World Cup Final and failed to qualify for the Olympics.

Many men have been more de-

Super Bowl will go through Madrid THIS year’s 58th Super Bowl will be played at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 11, 2024 and, with the end of the NFL regular season in sight, the playoffs are just around the corner.

To become NFL champion and win a Super Bowl ring is the goal of every player at the beginning of the season. After a 17-game regular season, it’s time for the decisive moment in the playoffs. The best teams in the NFL face each other with one goal in mind: the Super Bowl Lombardi trophy.

There are a total of 32 teams in the NFL, 16 in each conference, AFC and NFC, made up of four divisions

SUPER BOWL: Playoffs are just around the corner.

of four teams each: North, South, East and West. In each conference, a total of seven teams qualify for the playoffs, with six playing in the Wildcard Round in both the AFC and NFC. Teams now look to finish as high as possible within their conference as the top-ranked team from each conference will skip a round and have a week’s rest before heading into the divisional round. The topranked teams will face the lowest-ranked teams in the first round with home-field

advantage.

As things stand the teams likely to clinch a playoff spot are: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens. Also in the running are: Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs (last year’s Superbowl winners).

Once the playoffs are finished the two conference champions meet in the Super Bowl.

In Spain there is growing interest in the sport with Madrid likely to host an NFL

game in 2025. “We’re going to look at the opportunities we have to host Madrid in the future; we’re excited to bring that to fruition,” Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president of the NFL told the NFL’s official website.

The possibility of Madrid hosting a regular-season NFL game for the first time is growing because the owners of the NFL’s 32 teams agreed that, starting in 2025, up to eight games a year could be played outside the United States.

The NFL has played regular-season games outside the United States since the 2005 season. Since that date, 50 regular season international games have been played; 36 in London, England; six in Toronto, Canada; five in Mexico City; two in Frankfurt and one in Munich, Germany.

According to the NFL website, in addition to Spain, France is another potential destination that has caught the league’s attention.

serving. . .’

He added: ‘No offence to Ms Earps, but shouldn’t it have been given to someone who actually won something in 2023?’

Many shared his views and voiced their thoughts on what they called the BBC’s woke agenda: However, many people disagreed and shared their opinions, one person pointed out: ‘It’s sports “personality” of the year. Maybe the general public prefer Mary’s personality!’

Despite the contention, the public overwhelmingly voted for Earps ahead of cricketer Stuart Broad, jockey Frankie Dettori, athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, tennis player Alfie Hewett and golfer Rory McIlroy.

Piers Morgan voiced concerns.

EU Court Rules IS the future of European football about to change?

In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) declared on Thursday, December 21 that UEFA’s dominion over European football violates EU competition law. The decision is expected to significantly strengthen the controversial Super League initiative.

The ruling, found that UEFA and FIFA’s practice of requiring approval for new football competitions, such as the Super League, contravenes European competition laws.

The verdict represents a substantial shift in the landscape of European football governance.

The Super League, backed by A22 Sports, argued that UEFA’s ban on the proposed competition and the penalties threatened against participating clubs contradicted Europe’s competition freedoms.

The ECJ agreed, stating, ‘The FIFA and UEFA rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions, are unlawful.’

This stance challenges the long-standing authority of FIFA and UEFA in football’s commercial and competitive arenas. The court highlighted the lack of transparency, objectivity, and proportionality in the existing regulations.

It emphasised, ‘Similarly, the rules giving FIFA and UEFA exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.’

While the ruling doesn’t explicitly endorse the Super League, it undermines FIFA and UEFA’s ‘dominant position’ in organising football competitions.