Costa Blanca North 4 – 10 January 2024 Issue 2009

• Issue No. 2009 • 4 - 10 January 2024

FIRST BORN Costa Blanca

Little Olivia López Crespo, weighing a healthy 7.05lbs, made her entrance into the world at the medical centre, becoming Image: Hospital Dénia Marina Salud / Facebook

IN a heartwarming start to the year, Denia Hospital welcomed the first birth of 2024 at 6.36am on Monday January 1.

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PROUD PARENTS: Olivia is the couple’s first child.

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

the first newborn of the year in the Alta Marina region.

The proud parents are Regina Crespo Costa and Ángel Manuel López Zenon, both 25 years old and residents of Pedreguer.

Olivia is the couple’s first child.

GRATIS

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VRIJ

FREI

The first babies to arrive in Spain in 2024 were two beautiful baby girls born at exactly the same time but in different regions.

Carme and Vera were both born at 00.03am, Carme in Manacor, Mallorca, and Vera in Zaragoza.

GRATUITO

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

4 - 10 January 2024 Image: Ajuntament de la Vila Joiosa

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LOCAL BEACHES: The cleaning service will now be expanded.

Expanding services LA VILLAJOYOSA has approved a contract extension for the cleaning and maintenance of all the beaches and coves in the area.

The modification to the existing contract, costing around €39,000, includes additional beaches such as El Torres, Racó Conill, Varadero, Estudiantes, and Tío Roig, which were not part of the original concession signed in May 2023.

With this modification, the cleaning service will now cover all the beaches of La Vila, addressing the increase in visitors and ensuring the cleanliness of these important tourist attractions.

The cost of the concession increases by approximately 14 per cent, going from

€182,622.74 to €221,360.51 per season.

The decision to expand the service is seen as essential for maintaining cleanliness, especially considering the municipality’s efforts to obtain a Blue Flag for El Torres Beach.

The cleaning tasks include daily maintenance, street furniture, information panels, children’s or sports games, container emptying and cleaning, sweeping, repositioning of walkways and ramps, railing maintenance, and daily cleaning and disinfection of footbaths and taps.

The extension aims to enhance the overall cleanliness of all beaches in La Villajoyosa, acknowledging their importance as a key tourist attraction.

End of year fun

THE first San Silvestre Perrestre charity event brought fun and sports to the end of 2023 in Javea.

On December 31, dozens of runners gathered in the Placeta del Convente in the town to participate in the last race of the year in the Marina Alta region.

Shortly after 10.00am, Javea’s mayor, Rosa Cardona, initiated the countdown and signalled the

start of the inaugural San Silvestre, which wound its way through the historic centre.

Runners, accompanied by mascots and in various costumes, created a festive atmosphere as they traversed the 4.2-kilometre route for runners (two laps of the circuit) and the two-kilometre route for walkers (one lap of the designated circuit).

Following the event, the organisers awarded

ARE you a budding author? Then look no further than the Xabia Book Circle.

The Circle is a literature discussion group in the Costa Blanca and has just launched its latest short story writing contest.

The competition is open to everyone.

There is a €10 entry fee and the submission deadline is midnight on January 31.

The first prize is €100, and the second and third prizes are wine or cava.

Entries should not exceed 3,000 words, must be written in English, and should be previously unpublished.

prizes to the first three male and female runners with doggies, the top three in both categories without a furry friend, and the best individual and collective costumes.

The charity event successfully raised €493 through registrations and donations.

This amount was presented to a representative of APASA, the San Antonio de Xàbia Animal Protection Association.

Short story Submissions are accepted as attachments in Word or PDF format, double-spaced, and should be emailed to xabiabookcircle2021@gmail.com.

The competition will be judged by Book Circle Committee members Christopher North and J David Simons.

For further details, including competition rules and instructions on how to pay the entry fee, interested participants can request information from the website: xabiabookcircle.com.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Top position

SANTA Barbara Castle in Alicante received TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice award in 2023, revalidating its position among the top 10 per cent of places with the highest ratings and reviews from visitors. The castle has consistently secured a prominent position for two consecutive years

Moving away

WHILE plenty of foreigners move to Javea, there are Javea-born individuals who, for various reasons, move abroad. According to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), Spaniards over 18 years of age residing abroad and originating from Javea numbered 672 people, the highest in the last 12 years.

Denia growth

APPROVAL has been granted for the expansion project of Parc Bosc de Diana in Denia, funded by Next Generation EU Funds. Situated between Calle Dels Lladres and Avenida Joan Fuster, the park covers five hectares. The existing car park will be integrated, allowing for potential remodelling and expansion.

Hello 2024

THOUSANDS of people in La Villajoyosa enjoyed the New Year and the 2024 Welcome Party in the historic centre. The evening of December 31 featured entertainment and, at midnight, when the bells rang out and the lucky grapes were eaten. The celebrations extended into the early hours.

Tourist homes

MORE than 90,000 tourist accommodations appeared in the Turisme registry in the Valencian Community for the year 2023. However, the National Institute of Statistics (INE) confirmed a real active number of 58,337 homes for tourist use. This figure reflects a decline from the peak observed just before the pandemic.

ON December 29, around 1.000 people took part in the fifth Sant Silvestre Race held in the centre of Villajoyosa.

The race, a festive event as part of the Christmas programme organised by the Villajoyosa Council, featured participants of all ages dressed in Christmas costumes.

The route covered streets like Barranquet, Colom, Pizarro, Joan Carles I, Germans Aragonès, and Huit de Maig, with Barbera Park serving as both the starting and finishing point.

Before the race, Mayor Marcos Zaragoza and Sports Councillor Peyo Lloret presented bib number 0 to athletes Yassine Taloui and Bahaa Taloui in recognition of their sports achievements and world champion titles in taekwondo and kickboxing in 2023.

The event concluded with the distribution of hot chocolate to partici-

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La Vila run 84

YOUR EWN HAS

Image: Ajuntament de la Vila Joiosa / Facebook

NIBS EXTRA

4 - 10 January 2024

FESTIVE EVENT: Organised by Villajoyosa Council featured Christmas costumes.

pants, and awards were given for various categories, including the oldest runner, best individual costume, and

Monolith makeover

THE ‘So d’Arrel’ route in El Campello has undergone a rejuvenating transformation as all its monoliths have been recently replaced.

The upgraded monoliths have been designed with a keen focus on accessibility, ensuring optimal height, easy readability, and the inclusion of QR codes for enhanced engagement.

In a nod to inclusivity, videos accessible through the QR codes have been thoughtfully subtitled in multiple languages, supplementing the existing Spanish signage.

The new design also considers hygiene, featuring legs instead of a broad base to deter dogs from leaving their mark.

The ‘So d’Arrel’ route, an ethnological project in collaboration delves into the town’s sonic history.

This innovative project involves an in-depth study of El Campello’s soundscape based on iconographic sources, interviews, and existing literature.

Students engaged in recording, editing, and sound production practices, collaborating with both established artists and their teachers.

The outcome encompasses not only soundscapes but also illustrations derived from historical photographs, iconic locations, and an illustrated map that organises sound cartography.

best group costume.

Two hams were also raffled among all registered participants in the race.

NYE twist

IN Javea, a town that prides itself on its unique traditions, the New Year’s Eve celebrations took an unconventional turn.

While the rest of Spain eagerly waited for the stroke of midnight to indulge in the 12 grapes, Javea residents found a way to enjoy the moment at noon with a twist.

On December 31, the residents of Javea headed to the Plaza de la Iglesia for an early New Year extravaganza.

To the chimes of the midday bells, families enjoyed eating 12 segments of mandarin saving the usual grape-eating festivities for midnight.

These chimes at noon are a way for families to advance the New Year’s Eve celebration The party began on the last day of the year at 11.00am with dozens of families heading to the square to enjoy inflatables and music.

The Fogueres Xabia Commission had installed a bar and confirmed that the event exceeded all expectations.

Fascinating footbridge THE Relleu Pantano Footbridge, located at the Amadorio River reservoir dam in the Alicante Province, has become a significant tourist attraction.

The footbridge is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo, as it consists of wooden planks cantilevered on the gorge wall, with a length of 212 metres and a height of 60 metres.

Positioned along the hiking route known as ‘Camí de les Ripalmes y del Fasamais,’ it has become an iconic spot.

The councillor for Tourism, Nuria Montes, visited Relleu to explore the

new section of the Pantano Walkway.

The recent expansion was carried out with a budget of €60,000.

The mayor of Relleu highlighted the sustainability and deseasonalisation strategies for the tourism sector.

The walkway has contributed to increased visits to the inland area of the province of Alicante, turning it into a tourist attraction.

It has now been decided to further expand the route, with plans for a new section in 2024, supported by a €50,000 contribution from the Department of Tourism.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Solar approved ALICANTE Council has approved the construction of the first large photovoltaic plant in the capital.

The solar plant, FV Lo Bolini, will have a peak power capacity of 10 megawatts and will be situated between La Cañada and Fontnivel, near the Alcoy highway.

The plant received authorisation after several allegations and favourable reports.

The solar plant will operate for 30 years, after which the company will dismantle it and restore the land.

The installation will cover an area of 18.48 hectares, with 22,988 solar panels occupying 5.1 hectares. The energy generated will be evacuated through an underground medium voltage line to the San Vicente substation.

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4 - 10 January 2024 Image: Ajuntament de Xàbia

NO ACCESS: Anti-caravan gates have been installed at the beach car park.

CARAVANS and motorhomes will no longer be allowed to park in the First Montañar area of Javea.

Newly installed gates with a height limit prevent these vehicles from accessing the car park along the first line of the sea.

The installation of these ‘anti-caravan’ gates, along with the placement of kerbs at the road’s edge, began a few weeks ago.

No entry The gates have been set up in the two car parks located at both ends of the First Montañar, one at the river mouth and the other next to the Parador.

The Javea Town Council initiated this measure in response to complaints from residents.

For several months, both car parks had been utilised for parking and, at times, camping by recreational vehicles.

The town council’s Services Department has installed wooden structures with a height limit of 2.10 metres, allowing passenger cars to access the parking area but restricting entry to taller vehicles.

This aims to address the concerns of local residents who have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with caravans occupying the first line, despite regulations prohibiting the parking of such vehicles in the area.

Record-breaking ALICANTE-Elche airport was gearing up for the final holiday period of the year, with 4,061 flights scheduled between December 22 and January 7.

This figure represents an increase of 671 flights compared to the previous year’s Christmas season when 3,390 flights operated.

The airport aimed to surpass the record of 15 million passengers established in 2019, which was the highest in its history.

With 14.7 million passengers already recorded in November of this year, breaking the 15 million mark is anticipated.

Among the notable days during the Christmas holidays, December 25 (Christmas Day) was expected to have the least traffic with 110 scheduled flights, while January 6 was anticipated to be the busiest day with up to 280 flights, coinciding with the start of the return operation.

In addition to air travel, Renfe planned to increase seating capacity by 23,000 on trains operating in Alicante and the Valencian Community during the Christmas holidays.

This included 15,000 seats on AVE and Avlo trains linking

Image: ALC Alicante Airport / Facebook AIRPORT: Was aiming to surpass its previous numbers.

Madrid with Valencia and Alicante, and 8,000 seats for connections from Barcelona and

Tarragona to the Community on Long and medium-distance trains.

Project Benidorm THE council of Benidorm has been actively gathering a documentary collection of photographs and videos that capture the history and evolution of the city since the 1950s.

This collection includes images taken by tourists and visitors, providing a unique perspective that complements the residents’ view.

The project aims to document everyday scenes and events that may have gone unnoticed by the locals but were noteworthy to visitors.

The collection sheds light on the city’s transformation into a tourist destination.

Another contribution to Benidorm’s history comes from Dutch businessman Wim Kuipers, who donated a calendar featuring images captured by a British family in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

The council considers these images important in providing detailed information about the city’s fashion, architecture, and daily life over the decades.

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Additional €17m Image: European Union / Facebook

THE Valencian Community is set to receive an additional €17 million from European Next Generation Funds to enhance the digitalisation, energy efficiency, and social sustainability of the tourism sector.

The funds will support various initiatives, including a Digital Skills Training Plan for tourism professionals, allocating €5.7 million for training over 2,000 professionals in digital skills through a combination of face-to-face and online courses.

Additionally, €10 million will be allocated to formulate new energy efficiency

4 - 10 January 2024

EU FUNDS: Will support various initiatives.

projects, building on the previous call for projects.

Most visited THE Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante has achieved a new record with approximately 800,000 visitors this year, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Esatur, the concessionaire company for the tourist promotion of the fortress, reported the figures, confirming that the castle has become the most visited monument in the Valencian Community.

Alicante’s councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, considered this accomplishment as a success in the efforts to energise and publicise the city’s main tourist attraction.

The castle has surpassed initial expectations, doubling the visitor numbers from the first year of tourist revitalisation.

The Santa Barbara Castle offers daily guided tours and dramatised tours on weekends, along with a diverse program of concerts, exhibitions, and themed weekends.

It attracts a significant number of foreign visitors, with more than half of them coming from various nationalities, including British, German, French, Polish, and Nordic tourists.

The castle has also become a popular destination for cruise passengers.

Spanish tourists predominantly come from the Valencian Community, Madrid, Catalonia, and Murcia.

The energy efficiency initiatives will cover various aspects, including sensors for monitoring consumption, thermal insulation, waste management and recycling programs, and the installa-

tion of photovoltaic solar panels for electrical energy production in any type of tourist company.

The funds will also contribute to the implementation of a Social Sustainability Plan, with an investment of over €1 million until June 2025, focusing on communication, training, compilation of good practices, preparation of sustainability reports, certificates, ethical seals, and guides to support specific actions related to social sustainability in the tourism sector.

The initiatives aim to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism businesses in the region.

Polish expansion ALICANTE Elche Airport continues to be a popular destination for British travellers, maintaining its position as one of the most visited international airports.

However, the airport is also looking to diversify its markets, especially with the decline in Russian visitors.

To fill this gap, the Polish market has become increasingly prominent, both in terms of real estate investment and holiday travel.

Ryanair, recognising this shift, is expanding its offerings for 2024. The airline has added a new destination in Poland, Rzeszow, the largest city in the southeast of the country.

With this addition, Alicante-Elche Airport will now have connections to eight Polish destinations.

Ryanair has also introduced another Eastern European destination, Budapest (Hungary), to its list of connections with the Costa Blanca.

For the summer of 2024, the airline has announced new routes to Cardiff (Wales), Norwich (England), Münster (Germany), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Zagreb (Croatia).

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4 - 10 January 2024

WHILST figures are awaited, the Association of Tourist Housing of the Valencian Community, Aptur-CV, anticipated closing the year with a 6 per cent increase.

This figure is in overnight stays in tourist accommodations compared to 2022.

They also expected to

Tourism triumph surpass the 2.7 million tourists who stayed in these accommodations in the previous year.

The sector had shown positive recovery, reclaiming both the number of units and occupancy le-

vels experienced in 2019, pre-pandemic.

Aptur-CV considered this recovery beneficial for the community, contributing to a 64 per cent guarantee of the accommodation offer and supporting the overall growth in tourism for the year.

In terms of the number of tourists, Aptur-CV predicted exceeding the 2,693,929 tourists recorded in the previous year.

Of these, 68.2 per cent were international visitors, and 31.8 per cent were nationals.

The estimated spen-

ding by these tourists was €3,299,448,448, with €1,126M contributed in the province of Alicante.

This spending in the Valencian Community made up approximately 16.76 per cent of the total traveller spending on tourist accommodations in Spain.

The breakdown of destination spending indicated that 54 per cent was allocated to purchases and services, 19.4 per cent to culture-related expenses, 18.7 per cent to excursions, and 7 per cent to nightlife.

Aptur-CV emphasised that these activities directly benefited the local economy and retail commerce.

Image: El Castell de Guadalest / Facebook

SCENIC VIEWS: The area will receive special protection.

Iconic destination THE Guadalest reservoir, an iconic destination in the Marina Baixa, enjoyed by both tourists and residents for its scenic hiking trails and panoramic views from the Castell de Guadalest, is set to receive special protection.

The Benimantell Town Council is in the initial stages of developing a comprehensive plan dedicated to preserving the landscape and regulating land usage around the reservoir within its municipal area.

While the reservoir is commonly associated with Guadalest, a significant portion of the surrounding territory falls under the jurisdiction of Benimantell.

Despite its small population of just over 500 inhabitants, Benimantell spans both sides of the valley, including a substantial part of the northern region where

the reservoir is situated.

Recognising the immense landscape and visual significance of this area, the council has initiated steps to protect it through a specialised plan aimed at safeguarding the landscape and organising land use.

To kickstart this process, the town council has approved the suspension of land parcelling, building, and demolition licences in the designated area for a period of two years.

Mayor José Manuel Andrés emphasised the need for careful consideration in determining the future use of this region, given its sensitivity and popularity among thousands of visitors.

The suspension of licences applies to the land closest to the reservoir’s dam, facing the municipality of Castell de Guadalest on the opposite side of the water.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Image: Hadrian / Shutterstock.com

TAXI HIRE: The charges are set to increase.

TAXI rates in Alicante, Marina Baixa, and l’Alcoià-El Comtat are set to rise by an average of 2 per cent.

The price increase will not affect the lowering of the flag or the minimum collection amount, which in the case of Alicante is €1.95 for rate 1 and €2 for rate 2 in the first case; and the minimum payment for

Liquid gold

THE Altea Council’s initiative to allow residents and small non-professional producers to use the municipal oil mill has been successful.

Nearly 200 families in the Marina Baixa region have been able to make their own extra virgin olive oil, benefiting from the municipal oil mill.

The initiative has not only provided residents with affordable access to olive oil but has also contributed to the regeTHE municipal markets of Babel, Benalúa, Central, and Carolinas in Alicante are experiencing a remarkable transformation, marked by an upsurge in public interest and a flourishing array of gastronomic options.

This surge in popularity has paved the way for the emergence of seven new stalls,

neration of 150 hectares of olive trees, reclaiming part of the agricultural heritage.

Altea Council has become a benchmark for self-consumption of oil, promoting the recovery of small plots of olive groves and benefiting the local countryside.

In the last year, over 100,000 kilos of olives were processed, resulting in more than 20,000 litres of extra virgin olive oil.

The effort by the council to recover olive groves, coupled with a change in residents’ mentality towards environmental awareness, has led to the resurgence of olive tree planting in the region.

Over the past 20 years, there has been a gradual increase in the cultivation of olive groves, with a significant boost this year due to a substantial rise in oil prices.

Market marvel each adding its own unique flair to these iconic spaces.

Recent months have witnessed the opening of Panadería Hermanos Guardiola, Happy Vegetal, Yaö Dinsum Bar in the Central Market, Jd Gourmet and Baka in Bena-

lúa, and Las Soberanas and Barecito in Carolinas.

These additions have injected fresh life into these markets, making them more fashionable than ever.

Markets are experiencing one of their best moments.

4 - 10 January 2024

Taxi rate the service is €4.30 and €5.60.

In l’Alcoià-El Comtat it stays at €3.50 and €3.65 depending on the rate.

In the Marina Baixa it is established at €3.30 and

€3.90 on whether it is weekdays and day or night and weekends or holidays.

The price charged for the minimum service in both regions is also left the same. In l’Alcoià-El Comtat

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the price is €4.25 and €6 and in the Marina Baixa region, it is €3.75 and €5.90.

In the Marina Baixa, the service area is made up of taxis from Altea, Beniardá, Benifato, Benimantell, Bolulla, Callosa d’en Sarrià, Confrides, Finestrat, Castell de Guadalest, La Nucia, Orxeta, Polop, Relleu, Sella, Tàrbena and Villajoyosa.

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4 - 10 January 2024

IKEA is making strides in its omnichannel expansion plan, and the latest move involves relocating the planning space of the Gran Vía Shopping Centre in Alicante.

This new space, set to open at the end of February promises an enhanced shopping expe-

IKEA expansion rience and a revamped area of inspiration.

Visitors to the relocated planning space can expect 16 different environments to draw inspiration from, including kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and

bathrooms, 13 more spaces than the current planning area.

The interest in having an IKEA contact point nearby is evident, with over 5,800 orders placed and more than 49,300 people visiting the current planning space in the past year.

Additionally, IKEA already has a merchandise collection space in the same shopping centre’s underground car park, allowing customers to collect orders placed not only from the planning space but also from the Murcia store within 48 hours.

The planning point will be open from 10.00am to 10.00pm daily, with a slight adjustment in January, February, and March.

The collection point’s operating hours are Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11.00am until 1.00pm in the mornings and 4.00pm until 8.00pm in the afternoons, and Thursdays and Wednesdays from 4.00pm until 8.00pm.

Javea population

Image: Ajuntament de Xàbia / Facebook

JAVEA: Also attracts a significant number of tourists during the summer months.

AS of December 13, 2023, Javea or Xabia, known by its Valencian name, has a census population of 30,249 inhabitants, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

This marks an increase from the 2022 population of 28,731 inhabitants and the 2023 population of 29,497 inhabitants.

Despite its population significantly increasing during the summer season, Xabia typically maintains an average of 25,000

to 30,000 inhabitants.

Over the last year, from 2022 to 2023, Xabia has seen a growth of 752 people.

Comparatively, in the period from 2021 to 2022, the total number of registered individuals increased by 748 people.

Examining the population’s evolution over the last 25 years (since 1997), there has been a fluctuating pattern.

In terms of gender distribution, the total population in Xabia is nearly

equal between men and women.

As of December 2023, there are only 49 more women than men, with 14,724 men and 14,773 women.

Regarding age demographics, the majority of inhabitants fall within the 30 to 70 years age range.

Xabia attracts not only a significant number of tourists during the summer but also foreigners who choose to spend an extended period in the town during the winter.

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Strategic financial planning for the New Year Of course, you can review your financial planning any time to ensure it is on the right path, but the New Year is the perfect prompt to do so.

One key reason is to ensure it is up to date. Establish whether any tax rules or financial regulations have changed and consider if developments in your personal circumstances mean you should adjust previous arrangements.

But an effective review of your financial planning, to ensure it is suitable for your life in Spain and future plans, needs to go beyond that.

Many people only consider segments of their finances at a time. They may have bought shares in companies or funds they liked years ago. They may speak to a tax accountant about Spanish taxation, then to a lawyer about wills. At some point they look at their pensions.

For truly effective financial planning, however, you need to

start afresh in Spain. What was tax efficient in the UK is unlikely to be tax efficient here.

Explore the compliant arrangements available in Spain to establish what would work for your situation and how much tax you can save.

By Brett Hanson, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks

consider all these various aspects together. For example, how you hold your investments can make a difference to your Spanish tax liabilities. Estate planning in Spain is no simple matter and how you own assets can impact on what you can achieve.

Spanish residency and taxation The fact that you are resident in Spain, rather than the UK, has a significant impact on your financial and tax planning.

Regardless of how effective your tax planning in the UK was, you pretty much need to

Estate planning The way you own assets can impact on how you can distribute them on death and how much tax your beneficiaries pay, so take this into consideration early on. The Spanish succession tax rules differ greatly from the UK’s and you need to understand these to be able to plan around them.

Spanish succession law establishes forced heirship rules and protects children over your spouse, which can have unwelcome consequences for certain families unless you plan ahead.

UK nationals can use the EU succession regulation to distribute their estate under the appropriate UK law, but re-

search this first to confirm if it’s the right solution for you.

Financial structuring for life in Spain Perhaps the key rule for financial planning is that it must be specifically structured around your personal circumstances – your lifestyle today and plans for the future, family situation, income requirements, objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance.

If you don’t already have a strategic financial plan in place for Spain, you need to take a completely fresh look at your investments and consider if they remain suitable for you today.

Are they too risky? Do you have adequate diversification? Could you consolidate shares and funds so they are easier to manage?

At the same time, consider your tax liabilities on investment income and gains, as well as wealth tax, and whether you could use tax-efficient arrange-

ments to hold your investments as resident of Spain. And how will these savings be passed to your heirs? What inheritance taxes will they pay? Can the funds be passed on directly or through a lengthy probate process?

Every family is different.

Your strategic financial planning must be carefully designed for you. All the various aspects should work cohesively together to create an overall wealth management plan that provides long-term financial security for yourself and achieves your wishes for your heirs. For peace of mind take specialist advice.

All advice received from any Blevins Franks firm is personalised and provided in writing.

This document/article, however, should not be construed as providing any personalised taxation and/or investment advice.

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

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NEW YEAR SURPRISE: The Queen on her 70th birthday.

Queen’s shock abdication DENMARK’S Queen Margrethe II has given her country a New Year’s surprise by announcing live on television that she will abdicate on January 14 2024 after 52 years on the throne.

She made this shocking announcement during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech, explaining that she thought the time was right to pass on the baton, remarking that health issues was one of the factors, including having major back surgery this year.

She stated that having the surgery “naturally gave rise to thinking about the future, whether the time had come to leave responsibility to the next generation.”

The monarch, who stripped some of her relatives of their royal titles back in 2022 will will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik. “I will leave the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik,” the queen said during the speech. Prince Frederik has had quite a few scandals, and many are speculating as to how the public will take to their new King. Margrethe is well-known for her chain-smoking in addition to her fabulous and flamboyant sense of style, She is now 83 years old, and took to the throne in 1972, making her the longest serving monarch in Europe, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

Viral AI photo

ONE thing that exploded into everyday life during 2023 is Artificial Intelligence.

From university students hiring robots to write their dissertations, to the world going crazy over turning our favourite photos into flattering cartoons, slowly this new technology is becoming a part of our everyday lives.

One such AI tool, Gliff, works by placing hidden words inside an image. This mobile phone app is what Malaga journalist, Matias Zavia, used to create this photo that immediately went viral last September, 2023.

The creation gained more than four million hits online, with people from all over the world raving at the talent shown. Comments including

Credit: Matias Zavia/Gliff

Credit: Shutterstock/51132436

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

MALAGA BEACH: The viral photo that tricks the eye!

“the photographer is a genius”, and “absolutely incredible, tricked me!” were posted by people under the image.

However, as explained by the creator himself, it was mostly the work of the artificial intelligence available on the app. It is actually pretty simple to use, users just instruct the tool with what they want to write, in what font

size and within a stated context, and the image will be generated, artificially! This viral image was a result of Matias requesting the word ‘Malaga’ and asking that it be in a beach setting.

‘The Malaga photo’ as it became known, was downloaded so many times that the app surprisingly crashed on the first days of its launch.

British couple die in fire

IN a tragic incident, a British couple, aged 84 and 78 whose identities were known locally, lost their lives in a house fire near Benidorm.

The fatal fire occurred at their residence in the Denia area of Costa Blanca, close to Benidorm. The incident, which is believed to have taken place several days before the discovery, was reported by a neighbour on Friday, December 29, shortly before 11.00am.

Emergency services, including firefighters, rushed to the scene at the Urbanizacion Betlems residential estate which lies next to the iconic Montgo Mountain, after being alerted by the concerned neighbour.

Despite their prompt response, there was nothing they could do to save the couple.

Spain’s National Police are now spearheading

the investigation into the fire’s origins.

The neighbour who was instrumental in alerting the authorities, reported no visible flames but was alarmed by the blackened interior of the property’s windows.

The evidence suggests that the fire might have been smouldering undetected for an extended period.

Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the blaze. However, preliminary reports and local speculations hint at an accidental start, possibly due to a carelessly discarded cigarette butt. The exact duration of the fire before its discovery remains unclear, but speculations suggest it could have been days.

As the community reels from the shock, the investigation continues underway.

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CAPUCHIN MONKEY: At home in lush woodland.

and another monkey to a more distant island, Charlie made a run - or jump - for it and left the enclosure.

Over the next few days, attempts to catch Charlie were unsuccessful although he periodically came back for food.

Speaking on December 30, the Sanctuary manager explained to the Irish media that he had failed to return in recent days.

“Charlie is not a pet and is unused to human interaction,” Heffernan said. “The only time he sees other humans is if the vet has to pay a visit.” Anyone spotting the monkey, who is roughly the size of a cat or small dog, was warned not approach, feed or try to catch him.

Instead, they should call the Sanctuary who would use a tranquiliser dart to retrieve him.

ADDICTION experts in France said the government was not doing enough to publicise the risks attached to alcohol.

Instead, it should be supporting the Defi de Janvier - January Challenge - a campaign equivalent to the UK’s Dry January and promoted by the country’s health charities.

According to a poll carried out for Association Addictions France, 60 per cent of respondents were prepared to take up the challenge in the New Year but the state health service was not backing the initiative.

Forty-five academics and doctors specialising in addiction have now put their names to a letter calling on the government to promote the Defi de Janvier.

“It is more than a shame that the government continues to keep its distance from the French version of Dry January,” the letter lamented.

Only the US consumes more wine than France and the country’s politicians are aware of the importance of the sector, which provides work for half a million people.

President Emmanuel Macron happily admits to drinking wine each day at lunch and dinner, and has been quoted as saying that a meal without wine “is a bit sad.”

The influential wine lobby maintains that the French traditionally drink in

Photo credit: Flickr/Mustang Joe

THE Monkey Sanctuary Ireland in Rathdrum (County Wicklow) is searching for Charlie, a capuchin who disappeared in December.

Sanctuary manager Willie Heffernan explained that the 24-year-old monkey “a great tree-climber” - escaped while being moved away from female monkeys who, like him, live on one of the rescue centre’s islands located in a spring-fed lake.

Charlie did not have the best start in life as, like practically all of the Sanctuary’s primates, he came from a laboratory.

Arriving in Ireland from Edinburgh University in 2001 he was so young that he had not been neutered and, now a mature adult, he has discovered sex.

It was decided to move Charlie after he began harassing three elderly female monkeys living on an adjoining island who are in their mid-60s and did not welcome Charlie’s attentions.

Heffernan explained that while transferring Charlie

Photo credit: CC/steve b

Charlie looks for love January not dry in France

FRENCH VINEYARD: Wine industry employs 500,000 people.

moderation and an alcohol-free month would be at odds with France’s customs.

Going dry for a month was more appropriate for binge-drinking northern European countries, it has suggested.

Ninety per cent of the French population drank less than the weekly 10 glasses recommended by health experts, pointed out Krystel Lepresle, from Vin et Societe, which represents the French wine sector.

What was more, alcohol consumption had fallen by 60 per cent over the last 60 years she said.

“The French succeed in reconciling the pleasure of consumption with moderation,” Lepresle added.

Meanwhile, Addiction Professor Olivier Cottencin, who organised the letter, said it was “surprising” that France’s government was willing to back a tobacco-free November each year, but shied away from an alcohol-free month.

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euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

RESEARCHERS have raised the possibility that the secret to combating human baldness could lie in the manes of donkeys, Spanish ones in particular.

This intriguing possibility is at the heart of groundbreaking research currently being undertaken by Swedish scientists. On a recent visit to the Doñana Natural Area in Andalucia, veterinarians from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden, collected blood samples from donkeys. These donkeys, play a crucial role in creating natural firebreaks to combat wildfires.

Exploring Donkey Hair’s Strength Luis, president of the El Burrito Feliz Association, headquartered in Hinojos, Huelva, shared insights into the project. “They are the ones who create natural firewalls in the fight against fires,” he said.

The association, along with a team of volunteers, cares for these donkeys.

Luis expressed his delight in their selection for this unique study.

The collaboration between the university and the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) aims to uncover the secret behind the remarkable strength of donkey hair.

Credit: Asociacionelburritofeliz/Facebook.com

Baldness cure by donkeys

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH: Mortadelo the donkey.

The goal is to translate this resilience to human hair, offering a potential solution to baldness.

Unique Donkeys, Unique Possibilities The choice of specific donkeys for this research was not random. “They came at once,” said Luis, referring to the scientists’ immediate interest in these animals. The team was particularly fascinated by ‘Mortadelo’, a donkey with features closely resembling the original African breed.

Mortadelo, a small grey donkey, is distinguishable by a long horizontal

stripe running along the upper part of his body.

“Poor Mortadelo is also one-eyed,” Luis added, highlighting the diverse characteristics of these animals. The researchers sought healthy donkeys living a life akin to their wild counterparts, found in Doñana.

The El Burrito Feliz team is dedicated to preserving these animals as part of Mediterranean culture. They hope that these donkeys might soon contribute to human wellbeing in a novel way, potentially offering a solution to alopecia.

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euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

Spanish Wills. Why we must have one if we have assets in Spain BEING an owner of a property or any other asset; bank account, investments, car, etc in Spain, is reason enough to have a Spanish Will drafted irrespective of your nationality as there are many additional

advantages to having a Spanish Will.

At White Baos Abogados we can advise you in all matters related to making a Will in Spain. You can find more information on our website: in our service about

Wills, Probate and IHT. Some of these advantages are: 1.) The existence of a Spanish Will is a cost effective means of simplifying the handling of your affairs.

Many people rely upon their national Wills or even worse, on their national Intestacy rules where there is no Will at all to deal with their Spanish estate.

Unfortunately however, without a Spanish Will no action can be taken in Spain until the Grant of Probate of your English estate has been finalised (or the equivalent in another country). This can take a long time, will be more expenses in translation and implementing a foreign Will in Spain for your Spanish assets.

2.) As per the European Regulation 650/2012 you can choose your national law to apply to your succession. By making a Will you will be able to choose

your national law to apply for your inheritance in Spain, and that is good, as you can avoid Spanish Law to govern your Spanish inheritance, as the Spanish Law forces to leave the majority of the assets (2/3) to the descendants, not being able for example to leave them to your spouse.

3.) A closely related topic is Inheritance Tax. Having a Spanish Will will allow you to fulfil your tax obligation in the six months, that as per the Spanish law you have to pay the IHT in Spain.

Without a Spanish Will it is possible that it takes more than six months to get the Grant of Probate, so, making a Spanish Will will save you from paying delay interests on the taxes.

Also, with a proper Will explanation and tax strategy, you can minimise the future Inheritance Tax for your beneficiaries. As per our last articles, and bearing in mind the last court precedents of the Spanish Supreme Court, even after Brexit, a UK citizen will be able to enjoy the same inheritance tax benefits like the residents in Spain, so, bearing in mind the new courts interpretation, a Spanish Will could be done minimising the IHT, without the need of setting up companies or other IHT tax advice that long term are not tax efficient.

4.) Sometimes (due to the amount of the estate etc) when an English person passes away there is NO need to get a Probate as long as he has a valid Spanish Will BUT if this person does not have a Spanish Will then normally the Spanish authorities will need to see the Grant of Probate before dealing with

the Spanish estate.

5.) You can also use the Spanish Will to name a Spanish Albacea, equivalent to the executor, this could help your Will to be executed properly and to make sure that your wishes are fulfilled, and will simplify the whole process, as for example if your heirs are out of Spain, the executor could prepare all the documents, and get all the certificate ready for the inheritance to be signed by your beneficiaries, without the need to come to Spain several times to get the documents needed.

If you want a real expert advice about making Spanish Will and how to minimise IHT in Spain, as per the Spanish Law and the last court precedents, contact us and we will help you.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) White & Baos.

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

16 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

King Charles and Camilla to visit Spain early February 2024. However, King Charles and Camilla’s official visit to Spain is not just another entry in the royal itinerary, but a momentous occasion, especially for the Spanish royal family.

This visit holds particular significance as it coincides with Princess Leonor’s first public appearance in a long dress and tiara, marking a key milestone in her royal journey.

A Royal Rite Of Passage

Princess Leonor, who turned 18 last October, has been gradually stepping into the limelight at official events. The upcoming visit

by King Charles and Camilla is set to be a landmark event for her, as she will don her first formal royal attire publicly.

This traditional dress code is a requisite for the gala dinners hosted during such high-profile state visits.

Although Leonor has been seen in cadet gala

dress, the state visit offers her a debut in full royal regalia, symbolising her transition into a more prominent public role.

Ties Of Tradition And Transition This state visit is significant not just for Leonor but also for its reflection of the longstanding ties between the British and Spanish royal families.

The relationship between King Charles and King Felipe, who had a deep admiration Credit: CasaReal/X

THE British and Spanish royal families will be reunited early this year, marking a momentous occasion for a certain member of the Spanish Royal Household.

The visit is being scheduled for the end of January or

The Spanish Royal Family on Constitution Day,

for Queen Elizabeth, adds a personal touch to the visit.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia have made several visits to England. These have included the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and King Charles’ enthronement which have further solidified these bonds.

During this visit, it is anticipated that Leonor will wear one of the royal family’s historic tiaras, pieces that have adorned her mother and aunts, Infantas Cristina and Elena, on many notable occasions.

This event is a blend of tradition, familial connections, and the evolving role of Princess Leonor within the Spanish royal family.

It represents not only the deep ties between the British and Spanish monarchies but also a new chapter in the life of a young princess stepping into a more significant role on the world stage.

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MIJAS residents Alan and Jenny Boardman decided this Christmas that they would gift an El Corte Inglés hamper to Michel and Steven Euesden, the owners of Euro Weekly News.

This gesture was partly as a token of their friendship and partly because of the publicity their newspaper has consistently given to Mijas Walking Tours for Charity which has raised over €16,000 for Costa del Sol charities in the last three years.

Michel and Steven decided that, rather than keep the hamper for themselves or try to divide up the contents fairly (not an easy task) they would instead raffle it among the staff of Euro Weekly News in their Fuengirola head office and in return, the kind staff there raised a total of €100.

Alan raises funds for a different Costa del Sol charity every two months through his Walking Tours of Mijas and other events, so Michel and Steven promptly donated the €100 to his latest nominated charity, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group based in Calahonda.

The paying it forward didn’t stop there though. The winner of the hamper, Naz (pictured with Alan) went home, and knocked on the door of his neighbour Raquel who is a member of the Association ‘El Vuelo De Las Libélulas’ which collaborates with families covering their basic needs and donated the hamper to that charity.

Naz and Alan at the Euro Weekly News office.

This story really embodies the spirit of Christmas and shows what positive things can happen through the power of human kindness.

It also ties in nicely with Michel’s comments only last week in this newspaper about how we can all help anyone we know who is lonely and/or in need.

It doesn’t have to involve buying an El Corte Inglés hamper of course but as the saying goes, “it’s the thought that counts.”

SPANISH news media often has a fascination with the British press, about how its cities and culture are perceived in the UK. A recent article from a well-known Spanish newspaper reported on such an article that shed light on a Spanish city that has charmed English tourists with its understated beauty and historical richness.

On the 2022 tourist map, Spain attracted over 70 million visitors, predominantly from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. This surge in tourism underscores Spain’s allure, especially among British travellers who cherish the nation’s climate, cuisine, and culture.

Girona: An Overlooked Marvel Despite being overshadowed by more famous locales, Girona, a Catalan city at just 100 kilometres from Barcelona, has captured the hearts of many English

Banys Arabs, Girona.

tourists.

Once known primarily for its airport’s proximity to Barcelona, and described as ‘one of the most underrated cities in Spain,’ Girona is now recognised for its intrinsic value.

Girona serves as a gateway for many en route to Spain’s larger cities. But, the overwhelming opinion is that it deserves far greater recognition.

Girona possesses some of the best preserved medieval walls and cobblestone streets, rated among

Credit: Tim Adams/Creative Commons Attribution 3.0

Paying it forward A hidden Spanish gem the finest in Europe. Notably the TV fantasy series Game of Thrones chose the town for filming some of its scenes.

Architectural And Natural Splendour Not only does Girona boast symbolic structures like the symmetrical bell tower of the Monastery of San Pedro de Galligants and the Arab baths, but it also invites exploration of its scenic surroundings.

Framed by the Pyrenees and enveloped in forests, Girona’s charm extends beyond its architecture, in particular the grandeur of the Onar River that flows through the city.

Girona emerges not just as a stopover but as a destination worthy of admiration and exploration. Its blend of historical splendour, architectural beauty, and natural landscapes makes it a hidden gem, now rightfully earning the attention it deserves.

18 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

PIONEERING FACILITY: An ambitious venture.

necessity: rethinking food production amid an ever-growing population, climate change, and dwindling agricultural land. CEO Anders Riemann emphasises how vertical farming champions a sustainable food system, emphasising quality, taste, and local production while minimising resource consumption.

The staggering €8.5 million raised in investments underscores the faith in this sustainable agricultural model. Vertical farming ensures a smaller environmental footprint by using a fraction of land and water compared to traditional methods. Aligning with

Denmark’s renewable energy initiatives, this farm illustrates the fusion of sustainable agriculture with clean energy, contributing significantly to reducing CO2 emissions.

The farm’s multi-level shelves, reaching heights of 14 floors, will soon supply Copenhagen Markets with an array of locally grown produce. Nordic Harvest’s mission transcends mere sustenance; it strives for a paradigm shift towards healthier, tastier, locally sourced food. Moreover, this approach aims to free up agricultural land, bolster biodiversity, and create a blueprint for a truly sustainable future.

POLAND’S entry for the Oscars brings together the work of a Nobel Prize-winning author and the team behind the previously Oscar-nominated hand-painted animation ‘Loving Vincent’ to provide a modern telling of a classic Polish story reports ‘Notes from Poland’.

A quarter of a million hours of work, 80,000 handmade frames produced from 3,000 paintings made by 100 animators from Poland, Serbia, Lithuania and Ukraine. That was the effort that went into producing ‘The Peasants’, Poland’s entry for this year’s Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

The technique, which involves first shooting a traditional feature film with actors before the results are painted over by hand to resemble canvases, will be familiar to those who have seen ‘Loving Vincent’, the previous film by Polish-British couple DK Welchman (formerly known as Dorota Kobiela) and Hugh

The Peasants Photo: Gazeta Wyborcza.pl

Vertical farming

CLASSIC STORY: But a hand-painted animation.

Welchman.

‘The Peasants’ is proving a hit with both critics and audiences, who greeted its premiere at Toronto International Film Festival with a standing ovation.

The film is “a ravishingly beautiful visual triumph”, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “The result is near hallucinatory in its effect, as if walking through an art

museum filled with masterpieces that have lives of their own.”

We do not have long to wait to find out whether those at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are similarly enthused. Preliminary voting ended on December 18 and the official nominations for the 2024 Oscars will be announced on January 23.

KLP drops Saudi Aramco

KOMMUNAL LANDSPENSJONSKASSE (KLP), Norway’s largest pension fund, has dropped Saudi Aramco from its portfolio.

The fund was concerned about the oil group’s inaction on climate change and energy transition, announced KLP which manages over $70 billion (€62 billion).

The pension fund has also divested itself of 11 other Gulf companies owing to disquiet regarding their countries’ “unacceptably high human rights violations”, removing holdings worth a total of $15 billion (€13.5 billion).

“The overall rationale for these exclusions is that Gulf states are characterised by authoritarian government systems that restrict freedom of expression and political rights, including those of critics and human rights activists,” Kiran Aziz, head of Responsible Investment at KLP said.

Telecom companies Emirates Telecom, Saudi

Photo credit: KLP

EUROPE’s skyline now hosts a groundbreaking marvel: a colossal vertical farm. This pioneering facility, a brainchild of Danish company Nordic Harvest, emerges as one of the largest in the region, promising a sustainable agricultural revolution.

Diverging from conventional farming methods, this towering vertical farm doesn’t rely on sprawling fields. Instead, it harnesses stacked boxes within a warehouse, employing the ingenious technique of vertical farming.

This agricultural innovation uses stacked layers, incorporating soil-less methods like hydroponics and aeroponics, heralding a new era of resource-efficient food production.

One striking feature is its purple glow, emanating from meticulously controlled LED lighting. This hue isn’t just a visual spectacle; it symbolises technology and agriculture.

These tailored light spectrums optimise photosynthesis, fostering faster growth cycles and potentially higher yields, showcasing the farm’s commitment to innovation.

Nordic Harvest’s ambitious venture aligns with a global

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

KIRAN AZIZ: KLP’s head of Responsible Investment.

Telecom, Etihad Etisalat Ooredoo, Mobile Telecommunications Co Saudi Arabia and Kuwait’s Mobile Telecommunications Co were dropped because “the development of advanced technology, including AI, reinforces the ongoing risk of systematic surveillance and censorship,” Aziz added.

Neither had reforms gone far enough in the

building, construction and property sectors, KLP said, and migrant workers from Africa and Asia had to face discrimination and human rights violations.

This had led to the decision to exclude Emaar Properties, Aldar Properties, Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development, Mabanee Co and Barwa Real Estate, the pension fund said.

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

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Venice halts overtourism Photo credit: CC/JeanPol GRANDMONT

VENICE has a population of around 50,000 but is invaded each year by millions of tourists.

Overtourism there has reached the point where Unesco was expected to add the city to its World Heritage in Danger list last September. Instead, the World Heritage Committee stated that Venice faced “major challenges” and called on Italy to continue safeguarding Venice.

This was the second time that Venice’s status was at stake, averted in 2021 by restricting cruise ships with a certain size, weight or pollution levels from using the Giudecca Canal.

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

GUIDECCA CANAL: Large cruise ships may no longer use it.

New protection measures include a €5 tourist tax for day-trippers over the age of 14 who enter the Old City on 29 peak days, including weekends, between April and mid-July. City hall emphasised that this was “not a tool for making cash” but was directed at regulating crowds, encouraging longer visits and improving the quality of life for Venice residents.

Echoing the decision taken by Athens to cap the number of people visiting the Acropolis, Venice will also limit groups

in some areas in a move to ease the pressure of overtourism.

Coming into effect in June 2024, groups visiting the Old City will be limited to 25, approximately half the number of passengers on an average tourist bus. Loudspeakers “which can generate confusion and disturbances” used by tour guides will be banned, announced the Venice city hall’s Public Safety official Elisabetta Pesce.

This would improve the transit of groups through Venice’s historic centre as well as the much-visited islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, Pesce said.

Spain’s most majestic tree crowned In Andalucia HAVE you ever encountered a natural wonder that takes your breath away? In the heart of Coripe, Sevilla, stands a tree that has done just that, earning the title of Spain’s most beautiful tree.

This remarkable tree, known as ‘El Chaparro de la Vega’, was honoured as a Natural Monument on November 23, 2001, by the Junta de Andalucia.

Towering at 30 metres in height and spanning 13 metres in diameter, it’s not just its size that captivates onlookers. The tree has become an integral part of the local community, a symbol of endurance and beauty, having thrived for over 400 years.

A Symbol Of Community And Heritage ‘El Chaparro de la Vega’ isn’t just

a majestic sight; it’s a focal point for local festivities and environmental education. The tree’s shadow hosts numerous activities, including the notable Pilgrimage of Fatima in May. The tree’s uniqueness also lends itself to activities focusing on environmental learning. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and limestone slopes, provides a picturesque backdrop for these gatherings.

Pioneering Recognition For Natural Monuments The Tree and Forest of the Year contest, initiated in 2007 by Bosques Sin Fronteras, was a first of its kind in Europe and globally. This initiative led to the creation of the European ‘Tree of the Year’ award in 2011, organised by the Alianza Foundation

(Nadace Partnerstvi).

The contest aims to celebrate trees and forests not just for their physical attributes but for their cultural and communal significance. ‘El Chaparro de la Vega’, the Spanish representative for 2024, exemplifies this ethos perfectly.

In the contest, ‘El Chaparro de la Vega’ secured 3,715 votes, surpassing its competitors like the Glorieta de Becquer cypress and the Himalayan Cedar from the Zoobotanico in Jerez de la Frontera.

The tree’s ‘outstanding dimensions’ and its role in the daily lives of locals were key highlights on the contest website. The tree’s presence in the community, as the website notes, is deeply rooted in the local heritage and family

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com DEBORAH CAROL EDGINGTON, a former councillor for Tourism in Antigua, has been awarded an MBE for her services to British Nationals in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) in the New Year Honours list published on December 29.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Mrs Edgington supported British citizens on the island by keeping them informed of updates and restrictions, as well as assisting those who chose to return to the UK under challenging circumstances.

In addition to helping her compatriots with logistical and bureaucratic issues, Mrs Edgington has worked with the local community to raise thousands of euros in funds for various charities.

Hugh Elliott, the British Ambassador to Spain, said: “Deborah’s 25 years of serving the needs and integration of the British community in Fuerteventura make her a worthy recipient of this MBE award.

“She has worked tirelessly to ensure that British nationals know their rights and has not hesitated to step forward when most needed, through times of great changes or uncertainty, from Brexit, through the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

“Through her sterling work she has earned the respect and trust of those around her, and I’m deli-

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Deborah Edgington receives MBE

Deborah Edgington

ghted that it has been recognised with this award.”

Mrs Edgington said: “It is a great honour and a complete surprise to have been awarded an MBE, I feel immensely proud

and humbled. I am always happy to assist others, especially when sometimes these can be the most difficult moments for people.

“This for me was always easier with the help and assistance I received from the fantastic team of Consulate Staff, Las Palmas Gran Canaria.”

In addition to Mrs Edgington, three other British residents in Spain have been named in the New Year Honours list 2024: An MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) to Mrs

Margery Anne Taylor, District Treasurer and District Training Officer, Royal British Legion, Spain South.

‘For services to Veterans in Spain.’

A BEM (British Empire

Medal) to Mr Philip David Brown. President and co-founder, MACS Charity Mojacar Area Cancer Support. ‘For services to people with Cancer in Spain.’

Becoming an Officer of

the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is Mrs Susan Hannam, Vice-President, Cudeca Hospice Foundation. ‘For services to Palliative Care and Volunteering Services in Spain.’

22 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

She’s worth it The company was founded in 1909 by Eugene Schueller, Bettencourt Meyers’s grandfather, to produce and sell the hair dye he had invented.

Headquartered in Clichy on the outskirts of Paris, L’Oreal has a €241 billion value on the Paris stock exchange where it is listed.

Seventy-year-old Bettencourt Meyers, and her family

are L’Oreal’s principal shareholders with a stake of nearly 35 per cent whose soaring value increased her wealth by $28.6 billion (€25.8 billion) this year to reach $100 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.

Nevertheless, Bettencourt Meyers was not the highest-placed French person on the Bloomberg list. That position went to Bernard Arnault who has a $179 billion (€162 billion) fortune which grew by $16.9 billion (€15.3 billion) in 2023, owing to the performance of his LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) luxury goods group.

Embracing Swedish habit

HAVE you ever wondered how to start your day on a happier note? In Sweden, a simple morning habit is making waves in Spain for its positive impact on well-being.

According to the ‘Third Emotional Wellbeing Report’ by the AXA Group, conducted with over 16,000 respondents across 16 countries, only 47 per cent of Spaniards claim to be happy.

This stark contrast to the high levels of contentment seen in Sweden, known for its exceptional quality of life, draws our attention to the Scandinavian approach to wellbeing.

The Secret Of Swedish Contentment Sweden, renowned for its high quality of life, attributes its citizens’ happiness to more than just wealth. Embracing ‘slow living’, the Swedes prioritise work-life balance, reduced stress, and mindful enjoyment of leisure.

Central to this philosophy is a morning routine, increasingly adopted in Spain, which reportedly boosts happiness and energy.

Gokotta: A Morning Tradition The key to this routine is the ‘gokotta’ method, translating to ‘dawn with the cuckoo’. It involves rising early to experience the first birdsong of the day, a tradition deeply rooted in Sweden’s connection with nature.

Originally a springtime practice, it now extends throughout the year and beyond

Credit: LeManna/Shutterstock.com

ON Thursday December 28 Françoise Bettencourt Meyers became the first woman to be worth $100 billion (€904.5 billion) after a rise in L’Oreal shares.

Bettencourt Meyers inherited the cosmetics and perfume empire in 2017 from her mother who, before her death, had been the world’s richest woman.

Promoted by celebrities, actresses and supermodels like Kendall Jenner, Penelope Cruz and Beyonce, L’Oreal is inseparable from its ‘Because I’m worth it’ slogan, first introduced 50 years ago.

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

POSITIVE IMPACT: Early morning in nature.

Swedish borders. The modern twist? Enjoying not just the birdsong but also the sunrise, be it during a walk in nature or from one’s own balcony.

Benefits Of The Gokotta Method This practice, by witnessing natural light early in the day, aligns our circadian rhythms, which aids in stress and anxiety management. Sunlight exposure also enhances serotonin production, crucial for sleep regulation. Thus, embracing the morning sun can significantly improve mental balance and sleep quality.

Adapting gokotta to life in Spain or elsewhere involves simple steps. Enjoy morning calm in parks or natural areas, establish serene morning rituals like meditation, and disconnect from digital devices. Even city dwellers can create a tranquil environment at home with plants and natural light, embodying the spirit of gokotta.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

LAST year, Spain experienced one of its most severe droughts, the ninth most expensive climate disaster in the world per capita in 2023, it cost €45.5 per Spaniard This environmental tragedy incurred a staggering total expense exceeding €2.1 billion. The annual report by Christian Aid, an international development organisation, highlights this.

It emphasises the grave, direct impact of climate change on populations, detailing the financial strain of the top 20 climate catastrophes globally, including cyclones, floods, and fires.

Christian Aid typically computes costs by dividing the damage from disasters like fires, floods, and droughts by the population in the impacted areas.

However, some events defy calculation. The September floods in Libya, for instance, claimed about 11,000 lives in Derna and resulted in ‘incalculable’ damage. Here, the cost was

Credit: Quintanilla/Shutterstock.com

2023 Cost of Spanish drought

CLIMATE DISASTER: Extreme drought in Spain.

estimated at €95.6 per person, considering the required humanitarian aid.

The focus on Spain’s drought, uniquely categorised in the report, reveals the regional variations of this crisis. Although the report is specific to April in Catalonia, where consumption restrictions were imposed in 22 localities, the calculation encompasses all Spaniards.

Throughout 2023, Spain grappled with high temperatures and water scarcity, such as unusually high temperatures that caused 38.8 degrees to be recorded at the Cordoba airport on April 26. The lack of water generally affected agricul-

tural production, the olive harvest for example and an even bigger impact to wheat and rye.

The government’s response involved a €2.1 billion aid package for water supply and farming support, equating to a per capita cost of around €45.5.

Spain’s drought stands out in a list led by Hawaii’s August fires, which cost Hawaiians €3,700 per person. This comparison underscores the varied impact of climate disasters around the world.

Spain’s position in the list is a shocking reminder of the escalating economic toll of climate change.

EWN 23

24 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

To honour this historic occasion, the Department of Historical and Cultural Heritage, led by Ana Pellicer, has curated the exhibition ‘Mundopostal: 150 years of the first Spanish postcard,’ currently showcased in the Central Library’s hall.

Going beyond a mere celebration, the exhibition serves a dual purpose: it commemorates the milestone while spotlighting the material treasures housed within the municipal heritage.

The library hall now hosts a carefully curated selection from Trillo’s extensive collection of nearly 2,700 postcards, spanning various countries including Spain, France, Germany, Morocco, and Sri Lanka, with origins dating from 1893 to 1970.

For those eager to embark on this historical journey, the exhibition remains open for exploration until March 1.

Accessible site

EL Tossal de la Cala in Benidorm has received the TUR4all seal, accrediting it as an accessible site.

The council’s measures and resources in El Tossal de la Cala were assessed by the platform’s team of experts to ensure accessibility for all visitors to the Roman ‘castellum’ and access to information about the site.

Among the resources provided are audio guides available in Spanish, Valencian, and English, self-propelled wheelchairs for individuals with mobility issues, managed parking for vehicles with reduced mobility, and adapted public bathrooms.

El Tossal de la Cala joins a short list of only 20 archaeological sites in Spain certified with the TUR4all seal, emphasising the city’s commitment to accessibility in its historical

ROMAN CASTELLUM: A historical heritage site.

heritage sites.

The Tossal de La Cala archaeological site, situated on a 100-metre-high hill, dates back to the second and first centuries BC and was excavated in the 1940s and 1956.

Recent archaeological work by the University of Alicante since 2013 revealed that the site was a Roman settlement occupied by the armies of Quintus Sertorius during the Sertorian Wars.

The presence of Roman

soldiers is confirmed by the wall, various rooms, and materials found.

The Tossal de la Cala served as a fort or ‘castellum’ built under the orders of General Sertorio around 77 BC, as part of a Roman chain of coastal military enclaves controlling naval activities during hostilities.

The site is open for visits on Fridays and weekends, and guided tours can be arranged via email: visita tossal@benidorm.org

Caravanning charm THE 31st Caravanning Alicante exhibition is just around the corner!

Set to take place at FIRA Alacant, N-340, km 731, 03320 Elche on February 10, 12, 17, and 19, this event promises to showcase all the latest innovations in the caravanning sector.

Occupying a substantial 13,564 m2 of exhibition space, the most significant and prestigious brands in the market will be on display, presenting a diverse range of vehicles and products including motorhomes, caravans, campers, residential modules, camperised vehicles, tent trailers, mini caravans, roof tents, and more.

In addition to exploring the latest in caravanning, visitors will have the opportunity to peruse an extensive accessory shop and visit stands offering complementary and auxiliary services such as batteries, Wi-Fi connections,

Image: FIRA Alacant

DECEMBER brings with it a remarkable milestone: the 150th anniversary of the first postcard published in Spain.

This ingenious form of communication not only disseminated images but also captured significant moments and iconic locales.

.

Postcards through time

Image: Visit Benidorm

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

CARAVAN EXHIBITION: A diverse range will be on display.

energy solutions, and technology.

Don’t miss out on the recreational area of the exhibition, featuring campsites, tourist offices, holiday offers, leisure activities, and various article stands.

Food trucks will also be present, offering a diverse gastronomic selection to refuel during your visit.

Secure your tickets in advance online at firala cant.com for a discounted

rate, or purchase them at the counter during the fair days (without discount).

This event holds significant importance, being the second-largest in the sector after the Salon Caravaning de Barcelona, establishing itself as a benchmark in the caravanning community.

For more information, reach out via email at info@firalacant.com or by calling (+34) 966 657 600.

SOCIAL SCENE II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

PREPARE to be spellbound as Ballet Clasico Internacional heads to Alicante with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake on January 17 at 8.30pm.

The ballet, a timeless masterpiece, will unfold at the Teatro Principal de Alicante, Plaza Chapí, s/n03001.

The story unfolds as Prince Siegfried, celebrating his 21st birthday, ventures into a mystical forest where he encounters Odette, a swan princess ensnared by the malevolent Rothbart.

A promise of unconditional love is made, but a cruel

Image: Teatro Principal de Alicante

Swan Lake BALLET CLASSIC: A timeless masterpiece.

deception leads Siegfried to mistakenly swear his love to the Black Swan. Realizing his error, he embarks on a poignant quest to reunite with his true love.

Grab your tickets at the

INDULGE yourself in the wonderful world of live music and entertainment at Saxo in Moraira. At Saxo, their mission is to deliver the fest live music experiences on the Costa Blanca. Join the fun on January 7 at 4.00pm with Acoustic Moon, David Bowie Tribute.

Acoustic Moon offer a dynamic range of great songs played acoustically.

Entrance is free; all Saxo ask is that you join the fun, grab a drink, and enjoy the

Teatro Principal de Alicante Box Office or by calling (+34) 965 202 380.

Additional information, email informacion@teatro principaldealicante.com or call (+34) 965 203 100.

Acoustic Moon music! Saxo Chill Out Garden awaits, offering a selection of drinks and food.

The garden opens one hour before the event commences and stays open late into the night.

Make your way to Saxo, situated at Carretera Moraira-Calpe 03724, Moraira.

For more information, email info@saxo moraira.com or call (+34) 627 825 732.

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26 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE

ALICANTE looks forward to welcoming ballet fans to the timeless Ballet, Giselle, on Thursday, January 18 at 8.30pm.

“Giselle” is a classical ballet that premiered in 1841 at the Salle Le Peletier in Paris.

It is one of the most famous and enduring works in the ballet repertoire, with a timeless story, beautiful choreography, and emotionally expressive music.

The ballet is set in the Rhineland and unfolds in two acts.

The first act introduces Giselle, a young peasant girl

who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner, Albrecht.

Unbeknownst to Giselle, Albrecht is betrothed to a noblewoman, Bathilde.

When Giselle discovers the truth, the shock and betrayal lead to her death from a heart attack.

In the second act, Giselle becomes a Wili, a spirit of jilted brides who died before their wedding day.

Led by Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis, they haunt the forest and seek revenge on any man who enters their domain.

CLASSICAL music aficionados are in for a treat as the renowned violinist, Viktoria Mullova, and virtuoso pianist, Alasdair Beatson, come together to perform the timeless compositions of Beethoven and Schubert.

Scheduled for January 16 at 8.00pm, the recital will grace the stage of Teatro Principal de Alicante, Plaza Chapí, Alicante.

Viktoria is acclaimed for her exceptional versatility and musical integrity.

Albrecht, still mourning Giselle, visits her grave and falls into the clutches of the Wilis.

Giselle’s enduring love for her, however, protects Albrecht, and she ultimately saves him from the vengeful spirits.

Grab your tickets at the Teatro Principal de Alicante Box Office, located at Plaza Chapí, s/n-03001, Alicante, or by calling (+34) 965 202 380.

For additional information, reach out via email to informacion@teatroprin cipaldealicante.com or call (+34) 965 203 100.

Classical music The pianist, Alasdair Beatson, known for his sincere musicality and fearless programming, complements Mullova’s artistry.

Tickets available at the Teatro Principal de Alicante Box Office and over the phone at (+34) 965 202 380, are selling fast.

For additional information, email: info rmacion@teatroprincipaldealicante.com.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm

Giselle glory GETTING READY: Final preparations are being made for the grand parade.

Three Wise Men AS the Three Wise Men of the East prepare to arrive in Benidorm, the city is making final preparations for the grand parade that will accompany them through the streets.

The mayor, Toni Perez, announced that more than 800 people will participate in the parade on the afternoon of Friday, January 5.

The emissaries chosen by the Wise Men to organise the distribution of toys and gifts to Benidorm homes include former soccer player Antonio López (emissary of King Gaspar),

Ramón Cano (emissary of King Melchor), and Gabriel Ruiz Calafell (emissary of King Baltasar).

The Christmas Star will guide their path, opening a parade divided into two parts: a playful section featuring characters from children’s movies and series, and a more traditional section recreating ‘The Story of the Three Wise Men of the East.’

The parade will include dance groups, the Centuria Armada of Orihuela, 11 floats, and five musical groups from Benidorm.

The musical groups will perform an adaptation of the symphonic suite ‘Los Reyes Magos.’

The parade will start at 6.00pm from Elche Park and proceed through various streets, culminating at the Julio Iglesias auditorium. The mayor confirmed the Three Wise Men will then enter the auditorium, where they will distribute gifts to the children.

To cap the evening off, this will be followed by a multimedia show, fireworks, and a Benidorm surprise.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

Storms sweep Europe THE year-end weather forecast for Europe took a severe turn, with multiple storms stirking various regions, particularly the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway. The threat of floods, icy conditions, and intense storms placed several nations on high alert.

Norway faced treacherous conditions following heavy snowfall, resulting in dangerously slippery roads and a spate of traffic accidents. Cities were on high alert due to increased risk of injuries amid the hazardous conditions.

Storm Henk impacted Ireland and the UK, bringing extreme weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall. The storm’s trajectory across the North Sea was predicted to reach southern Scandinavia, exacerbating the situation in the region.

Preceding Henk, Storm Gerrit made its presence felt, prompting warnings across Ireland and the UK. Yellow wind and rain warnings were issued across various regions, signalling gusts of 50-70 mph in specific areas. Heavy rainfall, up to 90 mm in some places, further

SEVERE STORMS: Hit various regions at the end of the year.

added to the concerns, especially in Northern Ireland and Wales.

Following Gerrit’s weakening and movement towards Scandinavia, another potent North Atlantic storm was on the horizon. Forecasts suggested a rapidly developing system, with the potential for a violent bomb cyclone, known as Henk, hitting Ireland and the UK. A dynamic weather pattern took shape across the North Atlantic and Europe, leading to an increased zonal flow and the formation of powerful winter storms. The

progressive nature of these weather systems was evident, with the establishment of a deep trough over Western Europe.

The storms brought extensive rain and disruptive weather conditions, with local accumulations exceeding 100 mm until New Year’s Day. The convective rain and wind squalls posed significant risks, including tree damage and disruptions to both air and ground travel.

Authorities and citizens were urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Unique cow poop lottery HAVE you ever heard of a lottery where cow dung determines the winner? In the Galician council of A Mezquita, this peculiar event is a reality.

With most of Spain focused on the El Gordo lottery draw recently, Galicia once again demonstrated its unique sense of humour by holding a lottery with a difference.

Organised by the Ourense Council, this unique raffle took place again this year, drawing crowds and sparking interest. Participants eagerly anticipate this annual event, much like the excitement surrounding the Extraordinary Christmas Lottery Draw.

This year’s edition marked the fifth edition of this unusual contest, aimed at promoting local businesses. Rafael Perez, the town’s mayor, described the event as ‘a different and attractive raffle’, which has certainly lived up to its expectations by generating significant buzz.

The process is simple yet highly unusual. The organisers mark out a grid on a large flat area of ground in which numbered and lettered rectangles are drawn.

Cows are then released into the area,

Credit: lunamarina/Shutterstock.com

COWS: Rectangles decide on the winner.

and the lucky €1,000 winner is determined by which rectangle a cow decides to deliver its cowpat upon.

In this year’s draw, the prize was awarded to the rectangle marked with the number 103 and the letter C. Famous cows like Macarena and Paradela have previously participated, and this year, a calf named Ayuso made its debut, promptly delivering the ‘jackpot’.

Raffle tickets are distributed free of charge by local businesses, including shops, restaurants, taxis, and supermarkets. The success of the event has been so overwhelming that the organisers are considering doubling the prize money to €2,000 for the 2024 edition.

EWN 27

FINANCE SHOPLIFTING cost the retail industry £1 billion in 2024 and people increasingly buy black market shoplifted food as prices soar, the British Independent Retailers Association said. Meat, cheese and confectionery are amongst the items most-often stolen in large quantities from shops and lorries, they said.

Cutting losses

SPAIN’S ‘bad bank’ Sareb set up 11 years ago during the financial crisis, plans to sell on €850 million in unpaid loans and defaulted mortgages. To help it do so, the bank has put out to tender a €375,100 contract for a financial consultant to carry out ‘one or several’ operations in 2024.

Brand scheme

SUPERDRY is negotiating to sell its brand rights in the US and Middle East to underpin the clothing company’s finances. The announcement follows last October’s agreement with India and Sri Lanka which raised £30 million (€34.57 million) in a deal with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Brands.

Fewer layoffs

THE UGT union ratified the agreement that the CC OO and Sumados Fetico unions had previously reached with Telefonica. The working week has been reduced to 36 hours and instead of the multinational company’s plans for 5,124 redundancies, these have been reduced and now affect 3,421 employees.

Plucked Rose

ALISON ROSE, NatWest’s former chief executive, will have her name removed from the Rose Review, an official report on women entrepreneurs that bore her name. Rose had to resign following the debanking debacle when Nigel Farage’s Coutts account was allegedly closed owing to his political views.

STAT OF WEEK

€112 billion

paid in Income Tax (IRPF) alone to Spain’s tax authority Hacienda during the first 11 months of 2023, a record sum that topped the total received in 2022.

Hollywood in Sunderland FILM producer Leo Pearlman hopes to create one of Europe’s biggest film and television studios in Sunderland.

Talking to the Guardian in late December, Pearlman, whose productions have won Emmys, Grammys, National Film Awards and Brit Awards, insisted there was nothing to stop Sunderland from becoming the new Hollywood.

He is a managing partner at Fulwell 73, a company with offices in Los Angeles, London and Sunderland that was founded by Pearlman and a group of friends who include James Corden.

LEO PEARLMAN: Producer plans to open studios in Sunderland.

“There’s no point in having dreams unless they are wild,” Pearlman declared.

Plans for the £450 million (€518.3 million) film studios located at the Crown Works, where cranes were built in the past, were submitted for planning permission in November.

The site where 20 sound stages will one day occupy a 1.68-million square foot (1.56-million square metre) has enormous potential, Pearlman said, with the future studios creating more than 8,000 jobs and contributing £334 million (€384.7 million) to the local economy each year.

But Hollywood will come to Sunderland only if the UK government invests in the project, he continued.

“We are looking for the government to put in less than £20 million (€23 million) a year over 10 years, against an annual GVA (gross value added) of £350 million (€403 million) to the region.”

It looks as though this could be forthcoming. Last November, Jeremy Hunt mentioned during a visit to Sunderland, that the 2023 blockbuster Barbie was shot in Hertfordshire.

“Next time, let’s have a Sunderland Barbie,” the Chancellor said.

Instability boosts arms exports SPAIN’S arms exports have soared as conflict increased globally.

In 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, Spanish companies exported materiel worth €4.09 billion.

This was 24.3 per cent up on 2021 and exceeded only by 2017’s total of €4.34 billion, according to official figures submitted to Spain’s central parliament.

In all likelihood 2023 will set another record, as arms exports had already reached €1.75 billion by the end of the first half of the year, 35.5 per cent more than during the same period in 2022.

Pre-election tax cuts ACCORDING to the UK media, Downing Street is deliberating whether to scrap inheritance tax.

Although this affects only 4 per cent of British families, axing it in next March’s Budget is viewed as a pre-election sweetener to enhance Rishi Sunak’s chances of victory.

It would be just one of several tax cuts under discussion by senior government figures. This is in line with Sunak’s orders for a visible shift on taxes, after having prioritised a reduction in inflation over reducing the tax burden when he took over as prime minister.

Photo credit: CC/Zarateman

Black market

euroweeklynews.com • 4 - 10 January 2024

Photo credit: Sunderland Culture

BUSINESS EXTRA

28

ARMS INDUSTRY: Indra is a leading Spanish manufacturer.

Military aircraft, including cargo planes and Airbus tanker jets for refuelling in mid-air, accounted for 63

per cent of Spain’s defence exports in 2022, and 53 per cent during the first six months of 2023.

The same parliamentary report revealed that Spain approved arms’ sales to Ukraine amounting to €515.8 million over the last 18 months. Of this, €134 million had been supplied by last July.

Poland sold more materiel to Kyiv in 2023 than any other European country, followed by France, Czechia, Netherlands, Lithuania and Spain. This list did not include Germany which has not submitted figures, according to a report compiled by Brussels.

IVA changes THE Spanish government is increasing the 5 per cent value-added IVA tax on electricity to 10 per cent.

This reduction from 21 to 5 per cent, introduced to tackle inflation and spiralling energy costs following the Ukraine invasion, was due to end on December 31.

It is now scheduled to continue throughout 2024, although IVA on other fuel prices will rise progressively, with gas at 10 per cent until the end of 2024’s first quarter, after which it will gradually return to 21 per cent.

Basic foodstuffs like milk, bread, eggs, cheese, pulses and vegetables will remain IVA-free, with the current 5 per cent for cooking oils and pasta unchanged.

Public transport subsidies will continue, with free Renfe local and regional trains available under the same conditions as at present.

No closures HSBC pledged that there would be no new branch closures in 2024.

The bank has closed 736 branches in Britain since 2015 although data from the Which? consumer group showed that NatWest and Barclays had shut more.

In his festive message to customers, Jose Carvalho, HSBC’s Wealth and Personal Banking chief in the UK, said the bank would “expand community locations up and down the country” by introducing pop-up branches and banking hubs.

Carvalho also thanked HSBC customers for “trusting the bank with their money” while admitting that there had been times in 2023 “when we could have done better.”

Win & lose some DIGI’S good results continued to impact on Spain’s other telecoms companies last year.

The Romania-based company came out tops in portability in 2023, acquiring 766,000 mobile and landline customers from rivals, mostly Vodafone España.

Instead of the hoped-for recovery following its €5 billion purchase by Zegona in September, Vodafone lost 598,000 mobile lines.

Movistar lost 273,000 and Orange 185,000 while MasMovil - which has 15.8 million lines and still awaits its Orange merger - gained 50,000 mobile lines and 7,000 mobile lines.

Telefonica lost 216,500 landlines and 56,500 mobile lines but is concentrating on its high-value clients while promoting the Movistar Plus digital television platform.

Not rubbish FCC Environmental Services won a $575 million (€525.3 million) waste management contract in Florida.

The company, a subsidiary of FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente, will collect rubbish from 111,000 homes in St Johns County (Florida) once contracts with the two companies currently providing the service expire in July 2024.

The local authorities in St Johns County explained that FCC Environmental Services’ offer was “significantly lower” than the other companies’, although these later questioned how FCC could put in such a low bid.

The Spanish company is already responsible for collecting rubbish from 500,000 Florida homes.

Cash injection US-BASED investment firm Stonepeak will invest £450 million (€518.3 million) into the AA breakdown service.

City sources quoted by Sky News in late December said Stonepeak’s 15 per cent AA stake was due to be announced “very shortly.”

Towerbrook and Warburg Pincus will retain their positions as majority shareholders after the consortium purchased the then-struggling AA for £219 million (€252.3 million) in 2021.

As a result of the sale, the AA was de-listed from the London Stock Exchange where it was active for seven years.

30 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 2 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.431,50.............. -6,00.............-0,25%............ 4,55K

InterContinental..........................7.110,0...............+18,0............ +0,25%........... 1,29K

Abrdn.......................................... 179,95................+0,40............ +0,22%.......... 17,04K

Intermediate Capital...................1.682,00..............+3,50............ +0,21%........... 4,03K

Admiral Group.............................2.705,0................ -1,0..............-0,04%............ 2,98K

Intertek........................................4.280,0...............+19,0............ +0,45%........... 2,16K

Anglo American...........................1.999,4...............+14,6............ +0,74%.......... 59,65K

ITV............................................... 63,06................. -0,28.............-0,44%........... 54,08K

Antofagasta................................1.701,00.............. -6,50.............-0,38%........... 58,48K

J Sainsbury................................. 299,40................+0,10............ +0,03%........... 7,23K

Ashtead Group............................5.472,0...............+22,0............ +0,40%........... 3,62K

Johnson Matthey........................1.716,5................+7,0............. +0,41%........... 1,51K

Associated British Foods.............2.372,0................+3,0............. +0,13%........... 7,30K

Land Securities........................... 712,80................ -3,60.............-0,50%........... 17,16K

AstraZeneca...............................10.534,0.............. -40,0.............-0,38%........... 11,68K

Legal & General.......................... 251,10................ -0,20.............-0,08%.......... 136,48K

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 718,80................+0,80............ +0,11%.......... 10,03K Aviva........................................... 432,80................ -0,30.............-0,07%........... 33,49K B&M European Value Retail SA... 559,20................ -2,80.............-0,50%........... 19,79K BAE Systems..............................1.103,00..............+2,00............ +0,18%.......... 49,20K Barclays...................................... 153,14................ -0,32.............-0,21%.......... 209,49K Barratt Developments................. 562,40.................0,00.............. 0,00%........... 11,30K Berkeley......................................4.728,0................ -9,0..............-0,19%............ 2,55K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.698,00...............0,00.............. 0,00%........... 10,76K BP............................................... 461,45................ -3,75.............-0,81%.......... 397,35K British American Tobacco...........2.285,0................+2,5............. +0,11%.......... 33,06K British Land Company................. 402,30................ -3,50.............-0,86%........... 23,91K BT Group.................................... 122,65................ -0,30.............-0,24%........... 89,71K Bunzl...........................................3.202,0................+4,0............. +0,12%........... 2,00K Burberry Group...........................1.421,0................+8,0............. +0,57%.......... 10,38K Carnival.......................................1.320,5................+3,0............. +0,23%........... 4,44K Centrica....................................... 141,40................ -0,15.............-0,11%........... 89,11K Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.295,0................+8,0............. +0,35%........... 1,14K Compass....................................2.148,00..............+4,00............ +0,19%.......... 19,04K CRH............................................5.392,0................ -2,0..............-0,04%............ 3,96K Croda Intl....................................5.074,0.................0,0............... 0,00%............ 2,17K DCC.............................................5.800,0...............+46,0............ +0,80%........... 0,69K Diageo.........................................2.855,0................+6,5............. +0,23%.......... 43,26K DS Smith.................................... 310,70................+0,90............ +0,29%.......... 19,29K EasyJet........................................ 509,80................ -1,00.............-0,20%........... 14,64K Experian......................................3.217,0................+9,0............. +0,28%.......... 11,08K Ferguson....................................15.105,0.............. -10,0.............-0,07%............ 0,73K

Lloyds Banking............................ 47,76................. -0,20.............-0,43%............1,74M London Stock Exchange..............9.284,0............... -10,0.............-0,11%............ 8,24K Melrose Industries...................... 569,60................ -1,00.............-0,17%............ 8,34K Mondi.........................................1.548,00.............. -3,00.............-0,19%............ 9,88K National Grid..............................1.063,56..............+5,50............ +0,52%.......... 57,29K NatWest Group........................... 218,00................ -0,30.............-0,14%.......... 236,10K Next............................................8.132,0............... -14,0.............-0,17%............ 1,19K Ocado.......................................... 748,20................ -2,80.............-0,37%........... 11,34K Persimmon.................................1.380,0................ -3,0..............-0,22%............ 3,51K Phoenix....................................... 533,20................ -0,40.............-0,07%........... 15,55K Prudential.................................... 878,40................+0,20............ +0,02%.......... 62,88K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.442,0................ -6,0..............-0,11%........... 12,85K Relx............................................3.117,00.............+24,00........... +0,78%.......... 17,78K Rentokil....................................... 446,40................+2,80............ +0,63%.......... 55,78K Rightmove.................................. 577,00................+2,60............ +0,45%........... 7,00K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.861,0................+1,0............. +0,02%.......... 17,20K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 298,00................ -0,10.............-0,03%.......... 203,43K Sage...........................................1.182,00..............+0,50............ +0,04%.......... 51,21K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.492,00............. -14,00............-0,93%............ 2,87K Schroders.................................... 435,8.................. -0,8..............-0,18%........... 12,40K Scottish Mortgage....................... 807,26................+1,60............ +0,20%.......... 38,22K Segro.......................................... 893,80................ -3,00.............-0,33%........... 13,35K Severn Trent...............................2.606,0...............+13,0............ +0,50%........... 4,03K Shell............................................2.547,5................ -1,5..............-0,06%.......... 129,09K Smith & Nephew........................1.077,39..............+1,00............ +0,09%........... 7,99K Smiths Group.............................1.767,50..............+4,50............ +0,26%........... 2,09K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.535,0..............+25,0............ +0,24%........... 0,37K

Flutter Entertainment..................13.891,6..............+55,0............ +0,40%........... 7,06K

SSE............................................1.867,00.............+10,50........... +0,57%.......... 14,30K

Fresnillo...................................... 590,40................+0,20............ +0,03%.......... 14,05K

St. James’s Place........................ 679,67................ -1,40.............-0,21%............ 6,52K

Glencore...................................... 472,30................+2,25............ +0,48%......... 381,44K

Standard Chartered..................... 657,80................+2,60............ +0,40%.......... 20,36K

GSK plc......................................1.452,20.............. -9,00.............-0,62%........... 35,28K

Taylor Wimpey............................ 144,80................ -0,15.............-0,10%........... 65,29K

Halma..........................................2.300,0................+5,0............. +0,22%........... 5,79K

Tesco.......................................... 290,00................+1,00............ +0,35%......... 214,06K

Hargreaves Lansdown................. 722,40................ -1,40.............-0,19%............ 5,13K

Tui............................................... 618,70................ -2,50.............-0,40%........... 27,72K

Hikma Pharma...........................1.761,00.............. -3,50.............-0,20%............ 0,64K

Unilever.......................................3.811,0................ -1,5..............-0,04%........... 27,09K

HSBC.......................................... 632,60................+1,00............ +0,16%......... 304,22K

United Utilities............................1.067,00..............+6,50............ +0,61%.......... 13,41K

IAG.............................................. 156,16................ -0,30.............-0,19%........... 77,67K

Vodafone Group PLC.................. 68,320............... -0,030............-0,04%.......... 329,75K

Imperial Brands..........................1.799,00..............+1,00............ +0,06%.......... 25,29K

Whitbread...................................3.630,9...............+12,0............ +0,33%........... 5,07K

Informa....................................... 776,20................+1,60............ +0,21%.......... 19,03K

WPP............................................ 750,40................ -1,60.............-0,21%........... 26,08K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86811

1.15185

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.1074 Japan yen (JPY)...................................156.61 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9311 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4530 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.282 currenciesdirect.com/moraira • Tel: +34 966 265 072 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 2 January 3M.............................................. 109,71................+0,97............ +0,89%...........2,35M American Express....................... 187,86................+0,80............ +0,43%...........1,45M Amgen........................................ 288,46................+1,93............ +0,67%...........1,21M Apple........................................... 193,58................+0,43............ +0,22%..........33,79M Boeing......................................... 260,42................ -1,68.............-0,64%............4,95M Caterpillar.................................... 296,76................ -1,36.............-0,46%............2,23M Chevron...................................... 149,80................ -2,11.............-1,39%............7,31M Cisco............................................ 50,48.................+0,04............ +0,08%...........8,51M Coca-Cola..................................... 58,76.................+0,05............ +0,09%...........8,13M Dow............................................. 55,23................. -0,48.............-0,86%............2,12M Goldman Sachs........................... 386,56................+2,08............ +0,54%...........1,01M Home Depot................................ 347,36................ -1,17.............-0,34%............2,81M Honeywell................................... 209,17................+0,15............ +0,07%...........1,64M IBM............................................. 163,77................+0,31............ +0,19%...........1,68M Intel.............................................. 50,39................. -0,37.............-0,73%...........27,21M J&J............................................. 156,61................+0,26............ +0,17%...........3,38M JPMorgan................................... 170,30................+0,90............ +0,53%...........5,83M McDonald’s................................. 295,92................+1,37............ +0,47%...........1,86M Merck&Co................................... 108,82................+0,84............ +0,78%...........5,21M Microsoft.................................... 375,28................+1,21............ +0,32%..........14,18M Nike............................................. 108,84................+1,71............ +1,60%...........9,11M Procter&Gamble......................... 145,75................ -0,31.............-0,21%............4,78M Salesforce Inc............................. 265,63................ -1,09.............-0,41%............2,67M The Travelers.............................. 189,31................+0,69............ +0,37%......... 562,04K UnitedHealth............................... 525,00................+2,21............ +0,42%...........1,46M Verizon......................................... 37,51.................+0,20............ +0,54%..........14,32M Visa A.......................................... 260,32................+1,39............ +0,54%...........2,36M Walgreens Boots.......................... 26,60................. -0,04.............-0,15%............7,89M Walmart...................................... 157,65................ -0,23.............-0,15%............5,40M Walt Disney.................................. 90,42.................+0,04............ +0,04%...........7,52M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 2 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc............................+18.67%........................18.003M China Resources Beer Company Lmtd..............+6.90%.......................... 27,196 DISH Network Corporation................................+6.79%.........................16.948M Bilibili Inc..........................................................+6.47%..........................11.57M PENN Entertainment, Inc...................................+6.36%..........................6.935M Geely Automobile Holdings Limited..................+6.05%.......................... 35,637 Luckin Coffee Inc..............................................+5.80%..........................2.399M Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.........................+5.46%......................... 773,142 Ping An Insurance Company of China, Ltd........+5.18%......................... 474,594 Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.........................+5.00%......................... 938,525 M - Million Dollars

Most Declined NeoGenomics, Inc...............................................-3.71...........................-18.10% Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd.................................-1.07...........................-11.54% Gold Fields Limited.............................................-1.73...........................-10.72% Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc............................-2.96............................-9.53% Grand Canyon Education, Inc..............................-9.00............................-6.36% Upstart Holdings, Inc..........................................-2.76............................-5.88% Riot Platforms, Inc..............................................-1.02............................-5.48% LiveWire Group, Inc............................................-0.64............................-5.37% Anglo American Platinum Limited.......................-0.46............................-5.21% Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.............................-2.56............................-5.16% Axsome Therapeutics, Inc...................................-3.99............................-4.77% M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com ASK THE EXPERT PETER LOVEDAY Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com Contact me at

Euro EUR/GBP: Down from £0.87 to £0.86 EUR/USD: Unchanged at $1.09 The euro traded in a wide range over the past month, in response to fluctuating expectations for European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy in 2024.

As we transitioned into December, a weaker-than-expected Eurozone inflation print sparked speculation that the ECB may start cutting interest rates early next year, which dragged on EUR exchange rates.

Underwhelming German data stoked fears that the Eurozone’s largest economy may slip into a recession, which acted as a headwind for the single currency through the first half of December.

The euro then rebounded in the middle of the month as the ECB kept interest rates on hold and ECB President Christine Lagarde dismissed speculation that the bank was discussing rate cuts.

The single currency maintained

4 - 10 January 2024

EURO BOLSTERED BY HAWKISH ECB, US DOLLAR SLUMPS ON FED RATE CUT BETS this positive trajectory in the runup to Christmas following hawkish speeches from several ECB policymakers which saw them also push back on rate cut speculation.

As we enter 2024, EUR investors will be keeping a close eye on key Eurozone data releases for December, with the bloc’s latest inflation and PMI figures likely to inform ECB monetary policy at the bank’s January meeting.

Pound GBP/EUR: Up from €1.14 to €1.15 GBP/USD: Up from $1.24 to $1.26 The pound raced higher as November ended following a series of hawkish remarks from Bank of England (BoE) policymakers.

This upside in Sterling was reinforced by some surprisingly upbeat UK PMI releases, which helped to ease fears of a winter recession.

Limited UK data then left the pound directionless through the first half of December, while a dovish tilt to a speech from BoE Governor Andrew Bailey also limited GBP demand.

NEW YEAR: Investors will be keeping a close eye on Eurozone data.

A mixed UK jobs report, coupled with a surprise contraction in UK GDP in October, exerted some pressure on Sterling in mid-December, before GBP exchange rates soared on the back of the BoE’s final policy decision of the year.

While the BoE left rates on hold as expected, the pound rallied as the bank sought to firmly dispel rate cut speculation.

However, a much sharper-than-expected cooling of inflation weakened BoE expectations and slashed Sterling’s gains.

Sterling may maintain a similarly positive trajectory in January, assu-

ming that BoE officials continue to push back on rate cut speculation.

Although underwhelming UK data may continue to limit the pound’s potential.

US Dollar USD/GBP: Down from $0.80 to $0.78 USD/EUR: Unchanged at €0.91 Trade in the US dollar has been notably volatile over the past month amid fluctuating expectations for when the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates.

At the end of November, we saw USD exchange rates falter as mixed US PMIs bolstered Fed rate cut spe-

EWN 31

culation.

But the US dollar was quick to recover at the start of December as stronger-than-expected US GDP and signs of sticky inflation helped to deter rate cut bets.

The ‘greenback’ found further support from the latest US non-farm payrolls report, as a larger-than-expected increase in US job creation also saw investors rein in rate cut expectations.

However, USD then plunged to multi-month lows in the wake of the Fed’s final interest rate decision of the year due to notably dovish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

While Fed policymakers have sought to push back against rate cut speculation, the odds of a March rate cut now sit at around 75%.

Unless something changes this narrative, this could see the US dollar remain on the back foot through January.

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euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Good luck young man!

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I’VE always been partial to a game of darts. Mind you my skill in the ‘little arrows’ (har har) department, does leave a great deal to be desired. In fact this particular sport was actually the initiator of one of my biggest embarrassments ever.

Back in ’69 we had been booked for a tour of Southern Ireland. Not being one of the pop singing fraternities who travelled to venues by private jet or Rolls Royce, I happily joined the band in the far more exhilarating ‘on the road’ atmosphere of the group’s transit van, which subsequently found us all heading across Wales to join the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry.

As it didn’t embark till the following morning we duly checked into a local hotel.

That evening we decided to have a few jars in the bar and It was packed.

Apparently it was also the location for the area darts team and a very popular venue for residents. After a few

beers and friendly introductions, the team captain invited me to take part in a game of ‘Round the Board’ with the locals. Happily satiated with the brandy, I accepted the offer and joined a line of some 20 players to take a turn.

Now, it is a somewhat unfamiliar occurrence, but to those who can sup a jar or two, just occasionally a real skin full can somehow heighten the senses and at times even rivet the mind to an almost remarkable degree of concentration - and that’s precisely what enveloped the ol boy.

Experiencing a dart board now looking the size of Big Ben, I simply couldn’t miss. With a final flourish of a double, a treble and a bullseye I somewhat remarkably emerged the ultimate winner. Receiving some quite unexpected applause from the customers, I was subsequently approached by the team captain. In a state of almost awed wonderment he informed me that my game was the greatest they had ever experienced in the bar and would I please accept his personal set of tungsten darts to remember the occasion by?

I just couldn’t believe it. Somewhat reluctantly I accepted his truly generous offer and the rest of the evening of course disintegrated into a complete memory loss occasion and we all retired in a haze of good wishes and luck for the future. Some six months later we were rebooked for another Irish tour. Somewhat against my self-assurance, this found us checking in to the same hotel of the previous trip. Unfortunately, with the space left the ol boy can’t reveal the outcome of this visit, but it will possibly involve a very satisfying peruse next week. Just desserts? Probably!

This does however give me the opportunity to congratulate the young 16-year-old Luke Littler, who at the time of writing has reached the quarter finals of the world pro dart championships. This young lad has simply brushed aside a number of top players and by the time you read this could actually be overall champion.

Good luck young man, just go easy on the drinks that’s all.

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.

Chef receives death threats

HE was treated to an avalanche of insults and Chef, Luca Cesari said: “They wished me dead.”

His crime? He used Swiss Gruyere cheese in the classic Italian dish of pasta carbonara.

The preparation of carbonara has always been a delicate subject.

There are contrasting opinions on the subject: some use only guanciale (lard), others use bacon, and so on. Luca Cesari, a gastronomy historian, wanted to experiment with an old recipe for the famous dish, which dates back to 1954, and which uses garlic, Gruyere and bacon.

As reported by an Italian newspaper, people had an extreme reaction, even going so far as to threaten the cook.

The respected chef said, “They wished me dead or to go to jail.” I simply dared to do something that seemed trivial to me: to take the

Photo: Facebook / Luca Cesari

32 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

Using Gruyere cheese?

first recipe for carbonara published in Italy, which appeared in the magazine La Cucina Italiana in 1954, and make it today.

But since there is bacon, garlic and Gruyere cheese in this recipe, this made people a little crazy.”

Luca Cesari was shocked after reading the comments of some on social media: “When they used words like ‘die’ to me, well, I honestly didn’t expect it,” he said. In Italy there are rules about food and you break them at your peril.

Maybe then it’s best not to get into the pineapple on pizza argument!

INTERVIEW

Karolina from Lithuania Every year more and more people from all over Europe move to the sunny coast of Spain, one of those travelling souls is Lithuanian born, Karolina Da. EURO WEEKLY NEWS caught loves “Spanish culture and the up with Karolina, to ask attitude towards children.” her about her move When we inquired as here over seven years to her least favourite ago. part she paused befoShe told us that re answering, finally she “always had a admitting that it was nice feeling about “probably the legal Spain, but Marbella I system,” explaining heard was a very costhat “sometimes you mopolitan city, clean, adhave to wait a long time to vanced and beautiful, that get an appointment.”

Loves the mountains. was the reason why I chose The biggest difference Marbella.” between her hometown in Lithuania and When asked what her first impression here in Marbella is “the weather of courwas, she responded, “I loved the moun- se! Because of this, in my hometown all tains and sea view straight away. I could the action happens indoors, while here feel the salty air that reminded me of ho- everything is mostly outdoors.” lidays.” Smiling that, “well life is like a holiFinally, we asked Karolina after seven day here if you get too lazy!” years where her favourite spot on the EWN asked Karolina what has changed coast is, to which she told us it was defihere in the years since she first arrived. nitely “Marbella old town.” We agree that “Firstly the population has changed remar- the beauty of Casco Antiguo is magnifikably for sure. Summers are busier and the cent! winters are busy as well, which wasn’t so Karolina plans to continue her life here seven years ago.” for the foreseeable future, with her two Her favourite thing about the coast is “of handsome sons and British husband, Nacourse the climate,” adding that she also vid.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Low-alcohol but how sweet?

IN the pursuit of a lighter libation, many turn to low-alcohol alternatives, presuming them to be healthier choices. However, a hidden concern lurks beneath the surface - the often-overlooked sugar content. Surprisingly, some low-alcohol drinks pack more sweetness than their full-bodied counterparts.

Manufacturers may compensate for reduced alcohol

content by boosting the sugar levels to enhance flavour, creating a deceptive allure of health-conscious options. These added sugars contribute not only to calorie intake but also to potential health issues such as weight gain and increased risk of chronic conditions.

For those mindful of their sugar intake, scrutinising labels be-

comes imperative. Opting for full-bodied versions or exploring alternatives like dry wines and spirits can be a wiser choice.

Awareness is the first step toward making informed decisions about our beverage choices, ensuring that our quest for a lighter drink doesn’t unwittingly lead us into the trap of excess sugar consumption.

Sugar content can be high.

4 - 10 January 2024

EWN 33

By Clinica Britannia

Assessing your health

GAINING weight or have problems losing it? Then visit us at Clinica Britannia for our Internal Specialist to assess your general health. He may ask for a stool or blood sample to be taken to rule out any underlying health problems and to help identify the cause of weight gain, as this can be due to various reasons one being Gut Dysbiosis.

Your gut is home to more than 100 trillion bacteria - and that is a LOT and together, this bacteria and other microbes in your gut make up your gut microbiome.

If the healthy bacteria in your gut outgrow the harmful ones, then your digestive health should be fine. However, if the

GUT DYSBIOSIS: Our Nutritionist will work out a plan.

harmful bacteria outgrow the healthy ones, it causes an imbalance called Gut Dysbiosis. You will experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, weight gain and heartburn.

If the results of the diagnostic tests show that you are suffering with Gut Dysbiosis, our

Nutritionist can work out an individual plan tailored to your lifestyle and personal diet preferences to help alleviate the problem, making weight loss a lot simpler.

Our nurse at the surgery will also offer you regular follow-up appointments, every two weeks to a month, to monitor your weight loss and progress.

Appointments Landline: 965 837 553 / 965 837 851 • 24H/365D Emergency Number: (+34) 607 255 755 • Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9:00am / 5:00pm Clinica Britannia Calpe Av. Ejercitos Españoles 16 BIS, 1st Floor, Calpe

34 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

Weight training before cardio WHEN it comes to structuring your gym routine, the order in which you engage in different exercises can significantly impact your fitness goals. An increasingly popular approach, supported by fitness experts, advocates for prioritising weight training before cardio, and here’s why.

Starting your workout with weight training allows you to capitalise on your body’s energy stores.

Weight lifting demands a burst of energy and engages various muscle

groups, promoting greater strength and muscle development. By tackling resistance training first, you optimise your body’s ability to recruit muscle fibres and enhance overall workout performance.

Furthermore, weightlifting elevates your heart rate and boosts metabolism. This primes your body for the cardiovascular phase of your workout, enabling you to burn more calories during the subse-

quent cardio session. The post-weight training cardio can also serve as an effective cooldown, aiding in muscle recovery.

Prioritising weights before cardio not only maxi-

mises physical benefits but also reduces the risk of injury. Fatigue from cardio before weight training can compromise form and increase the likelihood of strains or sprains. In es-

sence, by strategically sequencing your workout, you can unlock the full potential of both weight training and cardio, fostering a more balanced and efficient fitness regimen.

By Karan Sud Dental

Brushing your teeth MAINTAINING good oral hygiene is crucial for a healthy smile. One of the most essential aspects of oral care is brushing your teeth regularly Selecting an appropriate toothbrush is vital for effective dental care. Consider the following factors when choosing a toothbrush: + Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums + Look for a toothbrush with a small head to reach all areas of your mouth easily + Electric toothbrushes can be more efficient in removing plaque, but combined with a manual brush is fantastic.

Toothpaste plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. When choosing toothpaste, keep these points in mind: + Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride as it helps prevent tooth decay + Look for toothpaste that targets specific dental issues such as sensitivity or gingivitis + Consider the flavour and texture

WEIGHT LIFTING: Demands a burst of energy and engages various muscle groups.

that suits your preference to encourage regular brushing.

Now that you have the right tools, it’s important to use proper brushing technique. Follow these steps: 1. Wet your toothbrush and apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste 2. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line 3. Use short, gentle circular motions to clean each tooth individually 4. Brush the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces 5. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Brushing your teeth for an adequate amount of time is crucial for effective cleaning.

Aim to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Use a timer or play a song to ensure you dedicate enough time to each brushing session. Dividing your mouth into four sections can help ensure thorough cleaning.

You can also make an appointment to see our hygienist , we recommend everyone should have at least an annual appointment so the hygienist can remove the tartar that you can’t with your toothbrush. Call 603 296 687 for an appointment or book online at www.ksuddental.com.

36 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

Can bedtime Help stop infection affect your mood

By Clinica Britannia

UNLESS you are in the fortunate minority of women who have never had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you will know the symptoms well. You might feel a frequent urgency to urinate yet pass little urine when you go, your urine might be cloudy, blood-tinged, and or strong-smelling.

Up to 30 per cent of women who have had a urinary tract infection, the infection returns within three to six months.

If you have repeated UTIs, you would have experienced the toll they take on your life. However, you may take some comfort in knowing that they are not likely to be the result of anything that you have done.

URINARY INFECTIONS: Can be managed by antibiotics.

They are not due to poor hygiene or something else that women have brought on themselves.

Some women and men are just prone to them.

Recurrent UTIs are usually managed by long-term antibiotic use, which in turn can cause antibiotic resistance and

an adverse effect on our gut microbiome which is essential to our overall health.

Available now is a revolutionary vaccine that raises protective, longterm antibody responses against UTI-causing bacteria helping to stop future UTI infections.

Don’t suffer in silence, contact our GP at Clinica Britannia to consult whether this treatment is a suitable option for you. Call 965 837 553 / 965 837 851.

A SINGLE hour may seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of a day, but when it comes to your bedtime, that extra 60 minutes can wield a surprising influence over your overall well-being.

Research suggests that consistently going to bed just one hour later than your usual time can have notable effects on your mood.

Quality sleep is integral to emotional regulation, and a delayed bedtime can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and even heightened stress levels. The impact is not just physical; it extends to cognitive functions, affecting concentration and decision-making.

The body’s internal

Regulate sleep schedule.

clock, attuned to a regular sleep schedule, can be thrown off balance by a late bedtime, potentially leading to a cascade of negative effects on mental health.

To safeguard your emo-

tional equilibrium, prioritise a consistent bedtime routine. Those precious extra ZZZs might just be the key to waking up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day with a brighter disposition.

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

4 - 10 January 2024

EWN 37

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

ON December 31, 2023, we suggested that water will be the most precious asset in 2024 (visit the Euro Weekly News website to read the story) and this attracted a large number of reader’s comments.

Many believe that the main reason is the amount of development that has taken place over the past 20 years and as soon as there is a shortage of rain, the reservoirs simply can’t cope.

Others suggest that the growing number of golf courses sees even more water being used in order to ensure that the courses stay green and this encourages more tourists.

“

Andalucia’s population has grown hugely since 1961 and they are still encouraging tourists even though they are suffering a significant shortage of water. Surely if the area is running out of water they should be discouraging people from visiting the place at present.

Sheree Ruiz

Sheree Ruiz and build more storage facilities.

Michael Lindsay

And not to forget all the new developments that are being built !!!

Surely if there was a problem with supply that should reflect in the planning permissions given to developers in my opinion.

Glenn Aland

Glenn Aland duh, that’s too sensible!!

Nigel Baker

Because of all the new building an easy option would be to increase the size of the reservoirs where possible, a few days with a JCB, not expensive.

Jenny Church

For sure it will be.

Trisha Rodgers

Water has always been the most precious asset and there’s still people irrigating their gardens with potable water whilst mine looks half dead due to lack of rainfall. And I expect golf courses are still being irrigated, though allegedly 80 per cent use recycled water.

What about the other 20 per cent?

Brenda Jones

Water, or the lack of it in the right places, will destroy the world .

Norman Waterhouse

Never seen so little rain in 10 years of living in Spain. There’s definitely a big problem. Particularly for farmers.

But maybe they are to blame in the first place.

There were rivers in this area before intensive farming and ploughing dust.

Ruby’s Kennels

Agenda 30!

Amanda Isbitt

Can someone tell me why there’s millions of litres of clean water running in to the sea at Kalafto every day for years?

Donald Delanougerede

Our town near Martos had overnight cuts for weeks. A week ago the cuts have started again this time earlier than midnight. Told not to empty swimming pools or if empty not to fill them. Tonight for New Year the water is not rationed.

Tim McMahon

Tim McMahon but it does fall mainly on the plain.

Andrew Field

Andrew Field, how musical a reply but it’s a drought everywhere. Affecting everything, agriculture and house supplies. We should be singing ‘Singing in the Rain’ but not any for months.

Tim McMahon

Maybe golf courses can spare some of the water they use to keep their greens so green.

Michael Hannis

Michael Hannis most golf courses use re-sanitised water not clean water.

Lisa Blyth

Lisa Blyth you don’t think that water would be better used on food crops?

Michael Hannis

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.

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New rules for car travel

THE Animal Welfare Law, effective a few months ago, has introduced significant alterations in pet care, particularly for dogs during car travel.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), led by Pere Navarro, stressed: “Animals that are not carried properly in the vehicle represent a significant risk of injury to all their occupants.” However, the DGT hasn’t provided detailed guidelines, leaving it to the law itself to clarify.

Article 18.1 of the Animal Welfare Law requires drivers to ensure pets are comfortably and safely positioned in the vehicle. This is crucial to avoid any interference with

Credit: eva_blanco/Shuttersock.com

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 4 - 10 January 2024

NEW RULES: Jack Russell safely secured.

the driver.

Dogs must have adequate space, with advice on addressing their physiological needs such as water, food and regular breaks. During summer, proper air conditioning and ventilation are essential for their well-being.

The law also mandates su-

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fficient rest periods for dogs, alongside access to water and food, ensuring their health isn’t compromised.

Carrying the dog’s documentation is another key requirement. According to the DGT, ‘dogs usually go in a carrier in the back, fixed to the seats, or with a device that anchors them to the seat belts, which must be a harness, not a collar.’

This two-hook harness prevents the dog from moving forward, ensuring no undue pressure is placed on the driver. A short connection system is advised to prevent the pet from hitting the front seats.

This legislative change aims to enhance road safety and animal welfare, ensuring pets are treated with care and respect during travel, with hefty fines up to €10,000 for non-compliance.

It’s a step forward in acknowledging the needs of our canine companions, and integrating them more safely and comfortably into our journeys.

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com AIR CONDITIONING

4 - 10 January 2024 CLEANING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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42 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024 PLUMBING

euroweeklynews.com II SERVICES POOL SERVICES

REMOVALS & STORAGE

TV & SATELLITE

SOLAR ENERGY

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com REMOVALS & STORAGE

4 - 10 January 2024

EWN 43

CLASSIFIEDS APPLIANCE REPAIRS WASHING MACHINE BROKEN? Call Bluesky Repairs for ALL your domestic appliance repairs. 626 430 671 (WhatsApp) (304680)

ARCHITECTS

CARE HOME PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (304618)

CHARITY

BUGGY TOURS

BUY AND SELL PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662) I BUY RECORDS 50s to the 90s. Best prices for good records. Tel: 622 750 117 / 962 851 809 (304500)

CARS FOR SALE

EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY – Life and Family Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Bilingual (English and Spanish) at San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello.For more information visit www. elcampellochristiancommunity.org, email campellocc@ gmail.com or call Juan Zúñiga – 686203183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton - 680594134 (English).

(233602) THE SALVATION ARMY English Speaking Church of Denia Worship Service.

Sunday 10.30am followed by a time of Fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are! For more information: Dieter Zimmerer +34 698 609 658 or Barbara Zimmerer +34 652 319 810 Email dieterzimmerer@hotmail. com, www.centrosaron.com (10008) www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential).

Tel President 607 387 040.

We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658) THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION COSTA BLANCA This association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those

BEDDING

44

nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS POPULAR ASSOCIATION, CALL the Secretary on 966 495 228.

(295990)

ELECTRICIAN MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork.

Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www. mbelectrics.es (302561)

GENERAL MAINTENANCE ALL METAL WORK AND MOBILE WELDING. +44 7787 585 714 (302963)

GOLD WANTED

4 - 10 January 2024 BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available.

Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@ beneficialinsuranceinspain. com or visit www.beneficialin suranceinspain.com for online quote. (304738) MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www. abbeygateinsure.com

LOCKSMITH/ELECTRICIAN ALBIR, ALTEA, MORAIRA, 24 HOUR EMERGENCY. 686 513 510 (294632)

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WIGS W W W. W I G S - R - U S . E S Iindoor market, Rincon De Loix Benidorm. Monday to Friday 10 -4pm Sat 10 – 3pm scrunchies, ponytails, toppers, fascinators, headwear etc.

Private appts after 3 pm 681 049 502 (304723)

INSURANCE FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TOO) OR VISIT www.sosinsur anceinspain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (304724)

CAMPING

MASSAGE FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, SLIM SOPHIE, 3 languages spoken.

Experienced in a large variety of full body massages.

Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302810) RELAX CENTRE in BENIDORM - Excellent atmosphere. Expert Masseuses. 24/7 Outcalls Tel: 603 324 564 (304269) NATURIST male gives relaxing massage. Half price 1st time offer €25. For men and women. Private premises in Jávea, WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (304964)

ONLY 24HRS. TEL: 697 207 715. (304327) PROFESSIONAL TANTRA MASSAGE in Denia. Ritual and deep relaxation. Teya: 692 450 679. (304322) RELAXING Massage for Men & Couples. Feel free from tension & stress Call Dany 603 202 758 (304789)

METALWORK OTHERS VIAGRA / KAMAGRA / CIALIS. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY. ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (304619)

MISCELLANEOUS GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662) FEMALE WITHOUT A CAR living in Calpe, would like to sell her stuff at flea markets.

I am looking for a RELIABLE man with car, who shares the same interest. Will share the transport costs. Please call 676 267 526 (305143)

EDS? We have the solution , Kamagra pills & jells, Cial is, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PAINTERS/DECORATORS DECORATORS W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator.

Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (304180)

PETS

MOTORBIKES PETER ZWAAN MOTORBIKES, A+ Occasions Showroom, HONDA NC750X DTC, 750 cc, yr. 2018, 13.000 kms, E 6.900,= CostaBlanca Motorbikes.com (304978)

MOTORING

AUTHENTIC Tantra Massages in Calpe centre. Professional and sensitive in a nice small studio. www.ahamprematantramassage.com WhatsApp: +34 667 018 502 (304324) ANA SLIM ELEGANT LADY. PROFESSIONAL RELAXING TANTRIC AND PROSTATIC MASSAGE. ALICANTE. HOME VISITS

NURSING

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (1296233) BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (304679) WAGS & WHISKERS professional mobile pet grooming.

Altea, Calpe, Benissa & Moraira, from €25.

Call 633 518 685 (305148)

PET TRANSPORT

AUTO BASTIAN mobile mechanic. Tel 608 860 725.

(301489) WE are currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

PETS BACK HOME Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free.

All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.petsbackhome. co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

PROPERTY WHITE SAND HOMES REAL ESTATE. Trusted professional property services for buyers and sellers: 673 557 824 (304326) If you can read t, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com PROPERTY WANTED RETIRED couple looking for long term rental in La Marina Baixa - prefer two beds.

Needed urgently - call Janice on 0044 7736 251 800 (279523) RENTAL required. Single lady in employment. One bedroom, non smoker. Willing to provide live in care if necessary. Albir area. 611 336 202. (304325)

REMOVALS/STORAGE BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (303512) MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/ Whatsapp 636 100 873 (305139)

COSTA LESS EXPRESS, small removals and deliveries.

Spain/UK budget prices.

Urgent jobs undertaken www. costalessexpress.co.uk Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

ROLLER SHUTTERS ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy. com (303757)

SITUATIONS VACANT BLUE SQUARE REAL ESTATE is currently searching for Sales Executives to work in the Denia / Oliva area. A training package is provided and excellent incentives.

Multilingual candidates, Spanish, French, Dutch and German are sought after.

Please email hr@blue-square. com your CV (304549)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS MARK PADDON BSc Hons.

MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www.costablancasurveyors. com (294251)

WANTED WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel 678 716 693 (288662) BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (303567)

4 - 10 January 2024 INSURANCE

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46 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

Hyundai Kona Hybrid - a perfect package ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack WHEN does a car become interesting? To some it will be practicality, others economics, driveability will hit the spot for some and of course style plays a big part too. So many things make a car interesting but as the car industry continues to contract and merge, with the onset of EVs, many cars share the same underpinnings and consequently drive very much alike.

Therefore style becomes a particularly strong selling point to differentiate one purchase from another.

Korean manufacturer Hyundai is part of a large manufacturing group that incorporates Hyundai, Kia and Genesis in their automotive arm. Hyundai in particular has garnered a reputation for styling eye catching cars that don’t tend to fall into being marmite cars i.e. you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. While

KONA HYBRID: Has practicality on its side.

styling is always down to personal taste most people I have met when driving Hyundai cars, and my own acquaintances, view them as pleasingly different and or very stylish.

The Kona range may not be as radical as the Ioniq 6 but still has head turning ability with its chunky looks and bold stance. Prices start from €29,671/£25,725 and the whole gamut of engine power is on offer. There are petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid and all-electric with either a 1.0T three-cylinder petrol engine in both manual and

automatic transmission or a 1.6-litre petrol. In EV form there’s a 48.4 kwh or 65.4 kwh battery with a range of 376km/234 miles or 513km/319 miles respectively.

Looking like a mini SUV the Kona has practicality on its side with decent luggage space, very good interior space for passengers and storage for all the in-car oddments that seem to accumulate from nowhere. There’s a distinctly premium feel in both the look and feel of the Kona, it drives with a refined and com-

fortable ride and while no performance machine it is more than capable of holding its own.

Standard fare across the board includes climate, smart cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers and powered, heated and folding door mirrors.

On my N-Line S this was upgraded to include such items as heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Bose sound system and a nicely done external styling kit. Such things can look a little downmarket but Hyundai have endowed the N-Line with a subtle and stylish aethstetic upgrade.

If you want practicality, while dipping your motoring toes into greener motoring, then the Kona Hybrid is a perfect package.

48 EWN 4 - 10 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SPORTS

THE life of a professional football manager (or coach as they are often referred to) is precarious to say the least and the latest victim is Wayne Rooney.

He was appointed as Birmingham City manager just 83 days ago and in that time his team which were sitting in sixth place in the English Football League Championship (formerly the Second Division) has lost nine games out of 15 and dropped to 20th.

Commenting on X (twitter) on January 2, the 38-year-old Rooney said ”I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportuni-

ty to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.

“Football is a results business - and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.

“However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.

“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.

“Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.

“Finally I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”

At least one of his backroom staff has also been

Credit: Wayne Rooney Facebook

Wayne Rooney sacked

The unveiling of Wayne Rooney as Birmingham manager.

given their ‘marching orders’ and it will probably be up to caretaker manager Steve Spooner to advise the owners on the others.

One positive that comes

out of this and other manager’s sackings is that there is invariably a significant ‘golden farewell’ so he can at least afford to consider his future.

Rankings reshuffle THE Rugby World Cup 2023 had a significant impact on the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, with only two teams in the top 20 - New Zealand and England - ending the year in the same position as they started.

South Africa, after successfully defending the Webb Ellis Cup, claimed the top spot, gaining 5.57 points over the year.

Ireland dropped to second place after failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals.

Fiji and Portugal had a notable impact on the rankings.

Fiji, despite a setback against Portugal, ended the year in 10th place after gaining over one-and-a-half points and moving up four places.

Portugal reached their highest-ever ranking of 13th after wins against Georgia and Fiji, along with a historic first win against Australia.

Australia, having failed to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time, dropped from sixth to ninth place.

Samoa also fell in the rankings, moving from 11th to 15th.

Spain fell four places to 20th after more losses than wins in 2023.

In Eastern Europe, Croatia, with wins over Ukraine and Lithuania, climbed seven places to 40th.

Latvia, Slovenia, and Serbia also made significant gains, with Serbia moving up eight places to 37th after winning the Victoria Cup and defeating Tunisia twice.

Tunisia and Ukraine experienced double-digit falls in the rankings, being the only teams to suffer such declines in 2023.