Axarquia 18 – 24 January 2024 Issue 2011

Axarquia • Issue No. 2011 • 18 - 24 January 2024

FREE

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVREE

FFREE

GRATIS S

GRATUIT G

Catherine McGeer IN a recent feature, National Geographic unveiled its top picks for 2024 getaways, urging readers to explore the charming streets of Frigiliana and Casares in the Malaga province.

Frigiliana, in the Axarquia region, has long shed its hidden gem status, becoming a tourist hotspot with its steep, narrow streets, and whitewashed houses, making it a defining landmark in Malaga.

National Geographic’s curated list of 100 recommended villages for 2024 showcases Frigiliana and Casares as the only Malaga representatives, alongside picturesque areas like Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Ayllón in Segovia, and Buitrago de Lozoya in Madrid.

For Frigiliana, the magazine highlights its location within Axarquia, adorned with ‘luminous white villages’ surrounded by vineyards, olive groves,

Image: Shutterstock/ AMJ Fotografia

FRIGILIANA’S CHARM DROUGHT PLAN

TOURIST HOTSPOT: National Geographic’s top picks for 2024.

and almond trees. The feature traces the town’s history through Phoenician, Greek, and Roman influences, with a significant impact from the Arabs evident in its architecture and gastronomy. National Geographic particularly praises

Frigiliana’s Barribarto, the old quarter, where visitors can stroll through narrow, winding streets adorned with flower-filled pots.

The presence of the San Antonio church, with its bell tower, adds to the town’s attraction. The ar-

ticle encourages readers to discover hidden staircases, passageways, and courtyards, adorned with traditional tiles, making Frigiliana, described as a ‘miniature wonder,’ a must-visit destination in 2024.

Image: Shutterstock/ CKP1001

BURNS NIGHT

JOIN the festivities as Axarquia Animal Rescue and Riogordo Royal British Legion come together to commemorate the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The charity Burns night is set to take place on Thursday, January 25, starting at 7pm, hosted at O’Neil’s Irish Bar in Puente don Manuel.

Attendees can anticipate a delightful evening featuring an impressive menu, surprises, and the warm ambiance of a fantastic venue. It’s an oppor-

THE committee overseeing the progress of anti-drought initiatives in Malaga has taken its first steps. The collaborative effort between the Andalucian Regional Government and the Malaga Provincial Council is in line with the December-signed water security protocol. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing, Water, and Rural Development, the Malaga Provincial Council, and municipal associations participated in its inaugural meeting.

The ambitious plan, named ‘Sequía Plus,’ (Drought Plus) allocates nearly €1 billion to implement over 120 hydraulic projects. The initiatives include deploying portable desalination units and reactivating disused boreholes. The collaboration aims to provide water security by supporting the towns most affected by rainfall shortages.

The government anticipates that ‘Sequía Plus’ will contribute 70 cubic hectometres to Malaga, using short-term and long-term solutions. The commitment also extends to installing a portable desalination unit in El Trapiche, addressing water challenges in the Axarquia region.

CHARITY EVENT: Raise a glass for a good cause.

tunity to enjoy the celebration while contributing

to a good cause.

Pre-booking is essential,

and tickets are available for €30 per person. This includes a welcoming glass of cava and a toast with whisky. To secure your spot and support these two local charities, contact Peter via WhatsApp on 633 125 681 or email rbl.riogordo@gmail.com / axarquia-rescue@hotmail.com.

The dress code is smart attire with an optional touch of tartan to add to the lively atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on this special evening filled with merriment and goodwill.

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

River access Catherine McGeer THE Junta de Andalucia’s proposal to privatise access to the Chíllar River’s natural area has stirred controversy. The picturesque Sierra Almijara, spanning from Malaga and into Granada, houses the Chíllar River with its breathtaking limestone gorges and crystal-clear pools.

Overcrowding has led to environmental degradation, impacting the river’s biodiversity. Last summer there were days when approximately 3,000 people passed through the hiking area closest to the mouth of the river between Nerja and Frigiliana. The area has been depleted by the exploitation of illegal wells, birds of prey no longer nest here, and the habitat of many species has been destroyed.

In response, the Junta de Andalucia plans to hand over access control

Nordic nautical fun

CHILLAR RIVER: Backlash grows over controversial plan.

to a private company, limiting daily hikers to around 500 and imposing fees ranging from €6 to €12. Some feel that this move lacks transparency and may not be the best decision for this beautiful natural landscape.

Ecologistas en Acción (Ecologists in Action) deems the proposal a

threat to Chíllar, and they say turning it into a ‘theme park’ jeopardises the area’s natural values.

Critics argue for comprehensive studies on the river’s carrying capacity and demand the involvement of relevant authorities to ensure responsible and sustainable management of this natural treasure.

LOS Nórdicos de Almuñecar, a non-profit association fostering social connections since 2004, is offering its members an exclusive journey to Motril. This culturally rich excursion, led by Jenny Sydhoff and Ann-Marie Bönström, includes a visit to Motril’s fish auction, where traditional fishing techniques are showcased.

Founded on the principles of cultural and social enrichment, Los Nórdicos aims to strengthen bonds between Spaniards and Scandinavians. The association, a proud member of AHN (Asociacion Hispano-Nordica), operates independently in

Image: losnordicos.com

EWN

Image: Shutterstock/ Jacek Jacobi

2

MOTRIL VISIT: Los Nórdicos Motril seafood escapade.

six different locations along the south coast.

For a modest €25, participants enjoy a guided harbour tour, a fish auction experience, and delectable tapas. Carpooling in private cars helps keep costs down, with passengers contributing €2 per mile. The excursion,

THE Torrox Town Council has unveiled the official dates for Carnival 2024. The Departments of Festivals and Popular Traditions in Torrox, along with the Deputy Mayor’s Office in El Morche, have set February 9 and 10 for the festivities in Torrox and February 17 in El Morche.

Following the date announcements, the Torrox Town Council will reveal further details in the following weeks, including the name of the keynote speaker GET ready for the thrill of CXM ‘El Fuerte’ (the strong) sporting event in Frigiliana! Commemorating the Memorial Miguel Rodríguez on April 20 and 21, this event promises two unforgettable experiences.

On Saturday, April 20, brace yourself for the Ver-

led by bilingual guide Ángeles López Cano, departs from Almuñecar’s marketplace at 4.30pm on either February 1 or February 27, promising a memorable blend of Nordic culture and seafood delights.

For more information or to register see their website losnordicos.com.

Carnival 2024 and the selection of the Golden Mask, among other highlights.

As in previous Carnival celebrations, the celebrations will feature a costume contest with prizes in various categories, a lively carnival parade, and musical performances. Get ready for a weekend of colourful fun and festivities!

Run wild

tical Race El Fuerte, a unique opportunity for adrenaline junkies to conquer heights and enjoy a challenge. Then, on Sunday, April 21, the excitement

continues with both the Short Route Mini-Fuerte and the Long Route El Fuerte races. Whether you’re an adventurous soul seeking a challenging trek or someone looking for a more relaxed exploration of Frigiliana’s stunning landscapes, these events cater to all levels.

Don’t miss the chance to push your limits, connect with nature, and make lasting memories at CXM ‘El Fuerte.’ Join in for a weekend of adventure and natural beauty! Register for this exhilarating experience via the links provided on the Frigiliana Facebook page.

Image: Shutterstock/ cineuno

THRILL: Conquer heights, embrace nature.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com First concert

THE nine-piece acappella group Quadrophonics will be performing their first concert of 2024 at the Trapiche Market, Velez-Malaga on January 23 at 11.30am. Stop by and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.

MiniGP

THE young driver from Nerja Nicolás Jiménez González was chosen to participate in the MiniGP Spain Series 160. Little Nico will represent Spain at the championship.

Good luck Nico!

Art exhibit

THE Museum of Nerja has unveiled its first exhibit of 2024 titled ‘Ocho 2-Cluster. European artist collaboration.’ A selection of artists from Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Germany provided their artwork for this exhibit. Visit free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm.

Guided tour

EXPLORE the Cervantes Room and Miguel de Cervantes’ connection to Velez-Malaga in a unique way with the free theatrical tour. On the last Saturday of each month at 12.00pm. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the secrets of his home!

For more info email cu ltura@velezmalaga.es.

Hiking fun

ON January 19, senior hikers will set out on a journey from Torre del Mar’s Municipal Senior Centre at 09.30am. To join, call 952 549 449 or 952 540 294 for registrations.

Piana recital

PAULA CORONAS, the winner of ‘Premio Andalucia’ will perform a piano recital on Saturday, January 20 at 7.30pm at the Centro Cultural in Nerja. Tickets are €10.

Grace Meredith ALMUÑECAR’s mayor is committed to resolving the longstanding sanitation problem plaguing the residents of Torrecuevas. Persistent foul odours and water leaks have significantly impacted the quality of life and the environment in this beloved area.

Since assuming office, the mayor initiated contact with the Mancomunidad de la Costa Tropical and Aguas y Servicios, urging them to find a definitive solution. On January 16, alongside President of Torrecuevas Rafa Caballero, a visit to Torrecuevas revealed multiple options for

Mayor’s pledge Image: Almuñecar Town Hall

NIBS EXTRA

18 - 24 January 2024

TRANSFORMING TORRECUEVAS: A pledge fulfilled.

upgrading the sanitation system. The team plans to carefully study the alternatives, considering bud-

Black spot IN a proactive move to address a notorious traffic black spot, the Velez-Malaga Town Council has commenced the redevelopment of the intersection at Camino de Algarrobo and Calle Artesanos. This transformation is set to include the construction of a roundabout, serving as a pivotal connection to the upcoming Camino de Algarrobo.

Citing persistent road safety issues, Infrastructure councillor Jesús María Claros unveiled the plans, emphasising the urgent need for intervention due to numerous accidents in the area.

To facilitate the construction of the roundabout, the city has undertaken the expropriation of two private properties, the corner residence and the tejar enclosure. Current efforts involve the clearance and preparation of the designated space for the impending roundabout.

Claros explained that the corner residence will be completely demolished to ensure the necessary surface area, while the tejar enclosure requires the removal of some external structures. Once the space is cleared, the construction will progress to establish new road boundaries, to prevent further road safety issues in this Velez-Malaga zone.

get constraints, execution time, urban planning, and the area’s future population growth. The objective

Walking football IN a picturesque setting at the San Roque Stadium in Torrox Pueblo, Andalucia’s sole officially government-registered Walking Football Club beckons enthusiasts aged 50 and above. Boasting two seven-a-side pitches, six professional changing rooms, and a stadium pitch-side café/bar, the club provides a dynamic environment for players to enjoy the beautiful game.

With added perks including an indoor football court for the summer, gym, and indoor swimming pool facilities on-site, the club emphasises physical and mental well-being. Members have the option to play for fun or join the registered Andalucia Walking Football League & Cup Teams, as well as Tournament Teams.

Diversity thrives within the club, with members hailing from various nationalities, with many fluent in Spanish. Besides prioritising physical and mental health, the club fosters a sense of community with social events for players and their spouses. Additionally, the club offers other sports like Padel, Pétanque, and Summer Indoor Football. For inquiries, contact 0034 711 006 992.

Town improvements THE Torrox Town Council is spearheading transformative initiatives to improve both infrastructure and public spaces, showcasing a commitment to modernisation and community well-being.

A significant project involves the ongoing replacement of streetlights with energy-efficient LED technology. Along the N-340, from Casa Palma to Conejito Torrox Costa, lamp heads are being upgraded, resulting in a substantial reduction in energy consumption from 250W to 100W and 150W to 75W. Notably, the new La Rabitilla parking lot has seen improved lighting, marking a positive stride in energy efficiency.

is to provide Torrecuevas with a modern, secure, and sustainable sanitation system, ensuring the well-being of its residents and environmental conservation.

Expressing satisfaction in fulfilling this commitment, the mayor emphasised Torrecuevas as a top priority. The local government remains dedicated to enhancing the lives of all residents. Gratitude was extended for the community’s trust, reinforcing the commitment to ongoing improvement efforts.

Simultaneously, Torrox Town Council’s Municipal Operational Services are actively revitalising Plaza Almedina. From fresh paint to thorough cleaning, this comprehensive project aims to rejuvenate and beautify the public space. The commitment extends beyond aesthetics, emphasising a pleasant and welcoming environment for all.

Furthermore, in the expansion of Calle Casas Nuevas, the council is installing new streetlights, enhancing lighting and safety.

Careful signage is being implemented to improve circulation, demonstrating the council’s dedication to creating a more accessible, safe, and well-illuminated community.

EWN

3

YOUR EWN HAS

93

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Slope expansion THE Sierra Nevada celebrated a milestone last weekend as it reached a skiable length of 40 kilometres. Recent snowfall, coupled with the addition of artificial snow, allowed the station’s operators to prepare six new slopes on January 11. With drought and water cuts the headlines, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada the Junta de Andalucia deemed Sierra Nevada’s request for double the water to produce artificial snow during a drought as ‘sustainable.’ The winter resort opened new tracks in Borreguiles, bringing the total skiable length to 40 kilometres.

A new extension is also anticipated with the opening of Loma de Dílar (Loma Dílar slope and Bulevar del Jara), accessible via the Jara and Monachil chairlifts.

The Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.com and in its papers than any other English news publication in SPAIN Spain.

Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

FOR MORE NEWS STORIES euroweeklynews.com

4

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON SEEMS to me that we are in love with conflict. There was a time when what we fell about was politics, football, or religion, the topics discouraged in social conversation.

How simple life was in those days.

In these times, the topics that polarise us seem to be endless: all of the above, and diversity, positive discrimination, gender identity, vaccines, mask wearing, Israel or Palestine, Ukraine or Russia, climate change. I think this is enough to make the point.

What is more complex about this is that everyone seems to want to inhabit the moral high ground as if their point of view scores higher on a sca-

Ready for a fight?

le of one to 10 than that of those who hold the opposite opinion I spend a lot of time on social media; too much in fact, and not a day goes by when people don’t get shirty with each other.

Everybody knows best and thinks that their opinion is a fact to be adopted by the world as a whole, and god help anyone who disagrees with them.

How did we get to the point where no one listens to anyone else’s point of view anymore?

There is nothing wrong in changing our perspective on something, but

PROVERB OF THE WEEK Shared joy is double joy; Shared sorrow is half a sorrow.

A Swedish proverb. Human beings are wired to be deeply empathetic. So when we share stories of our joys, happiness and achievement with others, it increases our joy as we see others happy around us.

that doesn’t happen by digging our heels in and refusing to listen.

The only topics I don’t hear people arguing about these days are the role of the World Health Organisation and the World Economic Forum.

They seem to be met with universal suspicion. I wonder why?

I find the constant obsession with needing to be right, and looking for offence in everything tiresome.

Having said that, shutting down one side of any debate, as has been happening on multiple media sources and on several themes recently, is not the way to reach agreement. It only adds to the irritation.

I am all for free and open debate, done with respect, and with open ears

and receptive minds on both sides.

After just one week in post as editor there have been many challenges, and to be honest, it is very clear to me that apart from this editorial, where I get to say what I want, opinions are rarely a helpful contribution to any debate.

To misquote the great Maggie Smith, ‘Having an opinion is like having a ‘male member’. In private you can hold it as much as you like, but when you start shoving it in other people’s faces, you had better have a dammed good explanation’.

Perhaps these days we should just stick to arguing about politics, football, or religion.

All are less precarious than the alternatives.

Bill Anderson’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. bill-anderson@euroweeklynews.com

Supermarket special WITH the cost of groceries a major concern for many, it’s good to know where one can make savings here and there.

In a competitive market where supermarkets are constantly trying to tempt new customers, one Spanish supermarket has stepped up their game and launched a new offer for 2024.

As of January 2024, Dia, the prominent supermarket chain in Spain has introduced an irresistible offer for new online customers. Known for its affordable pricing, Dia has now added an enticing €20 discount for first-time online shoppers.

To benefit from the €20 saving, customers must make an initial purchase exceeding €90.

However, it’s noteworthy that free shipping requires a minimum spend of €100.

This discount is automatically applied at checkout for those holding a Dia membership card.

With over 40 years of presence in Spain, Dia has established itself as a key player in the supermarket sector. Renowned for its cost-effective pricing and high-quality products, the supermarket has a strong customer base.

As online shopping continues to gain popularity, such offers are a strategic move to attract new customers and showcase the convenience and efficiency of Dia’s digital platform.

Credit: Stokkete/Shutterstock.com

DIA: Online grocery shopping.

Dia supermarkets are not only celebrating over four decades of service but also embracing the future with innovative strategies. Their latest offer is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity in their hopes to appeal to a wide range of consumers and encourage other supermarket chains to follow suit.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

5

Senior month

Cultural lineup Catherine McGeer THE Cultural Department of the town council of Velez-Malaga has revealed the lineup for the Teatro del Carmen for the first quarter of 2024. Culture councillor Alicia Ramírez expressed her joy at the increased audience attendance over the past months and announced upcoming performances by acclaimed actors, poetry, zarzuela (traditional Spanish musical theatre), and a contemporary dance interpretation.

Ramírez emphasised the commitment to offering high-quality theatre and connecting with the community. She shared, “We want our programming to always feature top-notch theatre, bringing high culture to as many residents as possible.”

EWN

Image: Shutterstock/ BearFotos

THE Costa Ladies Costa Tropical kick-off 2024 with a bang! This dynamic group aims to connect, inspire, enable, and support the vibrant community of ladies living in Costa Tropical.

Join the excitement at their first events of the year, promising laughter, connection, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a regular attendee or considering joining for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to strengthen friendships.

The inaugural event is a delightful Breakfast at Casa de los Bates in Motril on Saturday, January 20, at 10.30am, priced at €10.

Following that, the second event offers Live Music by the Sunset at Chiringuito Bambú in La Herradura on Thursday, January 25, at 6.00pm, with free access.

To ensure everyone has a fantastic time, Costa Tropical Ladies invites you to confirm your attendance by filling out the booking form on its Facebook page.

Mark your calendars!

QUALITY OF LIFE: Senior empowerment in Torrox.

Image: taquilla.com

Costa Ladies

18 - 24 January 2024

Cultural Crescendo in Velez-Malaga

The upcoming events include a diverse mix of quality theatre, commercial hits, music, and family-friendly programming.

The cultural season kicks off on January 20, the second event on January 27 is a unique dance show by David Segura, combining classical and contemporary

dance, as well as breakdance, with proceeds supporting the social works of the Hermandad del Carmen.

Councillor Alicia Ramírez also provided a glimpse into the next quarter, teasing a live opera performance on May 24. For more details see the town hall social media pages.

IN a bid to enhance the quality of life for its senior citizens, the Torrox Town Council has unveiled an ambitious programme for 2024. At the forefront is a cutting-edge digital literacy workshop aimed at empowering older residents with essential technological skills. The year will also feature several grand events, including the Golden Wedding Gala, Valentine’s Day Celebration, and the Senior Citizens Gala.

Marking a historic milestone, the Senior Citizens Department will operate with the highest municipal budget ever, enabling the implementation of various workshops and excursions over the coming months. Since January 8, engaging activities such as Zumba Gold, Zumba Gold Toning, and Dance Seniors have been in full swing.

Looking ahead, the Month of the Senior, which begins in late April, promises a slew of exciting activities, including a special Senior Luncheon and additional travel opportunities. Notably, one of the upcoming trips will take seniors to the Andalucian Parliament. They emphasised the continued provision of regular offerings, such as memory workshops in Torrox, Torrox Costa, and El Morche. Stay tuned for more announcements on forthcoming activities!

6

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

Catherine McGeer THE Costa del Sol has emerged as a December favourite for tourists, particularly the eastern coast of Axarquia, boasting a 70 per cent hotel occupancy. The year 2023 concludes with the Malaga Province achieving an overall hotel occupancy rate of 76.82 per cent, marking an 8.58 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of the Costa del Sol (Aehcos).

While this increase is noteworthy compared to 2022, it’s crucial to note that the occupancy rise from pre-pandemic

2023 Success

Image: Shutterstock/Caron Badkin

TOURIST FAVOURITE: The east cost of Axarquia.

2019 is 1.59 per cent.

Aehcos President, José Luque, emphasises the

need to address unresolved issues, including water scarcity, coastal and

beach enhancements, and transportation challenges to build on these figures for 2024.

In December, the eastern Axarquia coast led with a 70 per cent hotel occupancy, followed by Ronda (49.78 per cent) and Mijas (40.71 per cent). Despite a positive year, Aehcos acknowledges the challenges of managing businesses amidst high inflation and rising raw material costs.

The association expresses concern over potential global economic crises due to international conflicts, impacting the supply chain and causing economic repercussions.

EMERGENCY measures have been initiated on the Rules Bridge due to landslides detected near the reservoir. Since the dam’s construction, the reservoir area has experienced instability, causing ‘deep’ landslides on the slope when the water level drops. The N323 motorway, frequently resurfaced to address irregularities, reflects the ongoing challenge.

Of particular concern are landslides affecting the Rules Viaduct on the A-44.

To mitigate risks, the Council of Minis-

Extreme action RINCON DE LA VICTORIA is set to host the third Open Skateboards Rincon Attack on Saturday, January 27, at the Skate Park Ignacio Echeverría. The event, organised by the Youth Council will feature skaters from across Andalucia and beyond, all vying for a total prize pool of €3,000 in cash and an additional €1,000 in sports equipment.

Belén Gutiérrez, Youth councillor, emphasised the growing interest in the event, expecting participants not only from Andalucia but also international skaters enticed by the substantial cash prizes and the event’s reputation over the past two years. Olympic skateboarder Danny León will attend.

Starting at 10.00am, registration for the Open will be free and on the same day. The competition, featuring two main categories, Street and Bowl, kicks off at 11.00am and runs until 6.00pm, with the finals scheduled to begin at that time.

The categories will be further divided by age groups, with €1,500 up for grabs in each.

The event promises a vibrant atmosphere with DJ entertainment, an exhibition of graffiti, and Fingerboard and Kendama exhibitions. Follow @rinconattack on Instagram.

Landslide threat ters declared an emergency recently, authorising urgent repairs. The Ministry of Transport plans a €9.5 million investment to improve the foundation and support at kilometres 171 and 400.

Experts warned of ground movements in 2021, urging monitoring. The study, part of the ‘Riskcoast’ project, identified three landslides threatening the 345-hectare reservoir. Since 2019,

researchers have monitored visible cracks on N-323, emphasising the drought’s potential to worsen the issue.

Authorities are also implementing flood risk measures, including evacuation alerts, given the presence of significant flood risk areas. The instability poses significant challenges for the Tropical Coast. Emergency repairs on the Rules Viaduct and A-44 motorway may disrupt transportation, impacting the local economy and deterring tourism.

Game changer

DANISH company Veo Technologies has chosen the picturesque town of Frigiliana as the backdrop to unveil its groundbreaking football camera. A

global leader in artificial intelligence technology, Veo Technologies aims to revolutionise the game by providing an affordable solution for recording

football matches. To make the announcement special, a group of young locals from Frigiliana were selected to participate as extras. The integration of Veo’s technology into the global football community promises to transform the way we live and experience the sport. Get ready for a new chapter in football history with Veo Technologies in Frigiliana!

Image: Facebook/Frigiliana

Danish AI technology.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

History group Travel trends

IN a lively gathering at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja, the Nerja History Group hosted its first conference of the year, focusing on the renowned Spanish historical figure, El Cid. The association, comprising foreign residents passionate about Spain’s history, regularly organises events and talks in English.

The conference saw a significant turnout and had the honour of hosting Ana María Muñoz, the Delegate Councillor for Foreign Residents.

Addressing the audience in English, Muñoz commended the attendees for their keen interest in Spanish history, particularly Nerja’s. She conveyed greetings from Mayor José Alberto Armijo and pledged the town’s ongoing support for such events. Muñoz also took a moment to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of Christina Sinclair, the coordinator of Nerja History Group. The successful event highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for exploring and appreciating Spain’s historical legacy.

AXARQUIA boosted its presence in the Central European market at the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair 2024 in the Netherlands.

The event took place from January 11 to 14 in Utrecht, and marked the beginning of the 2024 promotional agenda for the Axarquia Costa del Sol and the Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Axarquía (APTA).

Jorge Martín, Presi-

Migrant centre

THE Ministry of Inclusion and Social Security has announced the relocation of immigrants to the temporary reception centre in El Morche, Torrox. This move is specifically for immigrants who have recently arrived from the Canary Islands. Approximately 200 individuals will be transferred.

The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) will provide assistance to these individuals, continuing the collaborative agreement between this NGO and the Spanish government. Similar to the operations launched in October, the Cruz Roja will extend support and care at the El Morche facility in Torrox.

The centre had been inactive since late December after accommodating individuals who had arrived in the last quarter of the previous year. This establishment, situated within a hotel in the municipality of Torrox, will once again serve as a temporary haven for those in need of assistance and support.

dent of the Mancomunidad Axarquia, emphasised the significance of the Dutch market, citing the substantial growth in arrivals at Malaga airport from the Netherlands. With a focus on sun and beach tourism, nature exploration, and caravan camping, the promotion aligned with the preferences of Dutch tourists.

APTA President Álvaro Hurtado highlighted the Netherlands’ interest in the region, revealing over

105,000 searches for Malaga-Costa del Sol airport between September and December. The objective at Vakantiebeurs was to showcase Axarquia Costa as a diverse, sustainable, and uniquely appealing destination, fostering connections with industry professionals and knowledge about market trends. The event was seen as pivotal for sustaining the region’s upward trajectory in attracting European tourists.

Image: Shutterstock/ oliverdelahaye

TRAVEL FAIR: Axarquia shone at Vakantiebeurs 2024.

EWN

7

Tasty TV Grace Meredith

ATTENTION, food enthusiasts and lovers of charming bars and restaurants! On Sunday, January 21, Frigiliana is set to steal the spotlight on Canal Sur’s ‘Tierra de Sabores’ (Land of Flavours) programme at 7.25pm. Viewers are invited to enjoy a culinary journey through this picturesque town, exploring its unique flavours and rich culinary traditions.

Frigiliana, known for the exquisite fusion of authenticity and culinary excellence, promises a visual and gastronomic feast for all.

The town’s magic will unfold on your television screens, showcasing a delightful blend of local delicacies and cultural richness.

Don’t miss the chance to savour the essence of Frigiliana on ‘Tierra de Sabores’ - a captivating showcase of the town’s gastronomic treasures.

EWN

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

Small plus THE dreaded drought in Spain has caused many disastrous effects throughout the nation. However, one small positive that has come from the crisis, is the re-emergence of a sunken 11th century church in the village of Sant Roma de Sau. Due to extremely low levels of water, the historical building has recently emerged from the waters of a reservoir. ‘Drought tourists’ are now visiting from far and wide to see the 11th-century church, which was submerged 60 years ago to form the Sau reservoir, which provides essential water supplies to the city of Barcelona.

“It’s unbelievable how much the water level has gone down,” stated local man Sergio Iberico who visits the reservoir often. Adding that: “I remember paddling here and the water level was at the window of the church tower.”

Current water levels in January 2024 at the Sau reservoir are at just 6 per cent of capacity, a stark reminder of the crisis Spain currently faces.

Is food a luxury?

Widespread oil fraud HOW trustworthy are the labels on food items? Recent events in Spain have raised serious doubts regarding olive oil.

On January 15, a joint operation by the Guardia Civil, inspectors from the Junta de Andalucia, and the General Directorate of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation unearthed a fraudulent olive oil operation.

This illegal business, discovered in an industrial warehouse in Mairena del Alcor, Sevilla, was found to be marketing counterfeit olive oils.

The investigation revealed that the products, falsely labelled as ‘Extra Virgin Olive Oil’ and ‘Mild Olive Oil’, were actually blends of various inferior oils.

Documents and products linked to com-

Credit: masa44/Shutterock.com

8

IS IT THE REAL THING?: Olive oil warning.

panies across several provinces including Malaga, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, and Murcia were confiscated.

During the operation, several brands were identified for marketing these fraudulent oils.

The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs has initiated control measures across various locations and has alerted the relevant authorities in Murcia and Andalucia for further action.

In the warehouse, 1,000-litre tanks of ve-

getable and olive oils were found, connected to a mixer and packaging system.

This set-up was used to create a blend of seed oils with a base of some type of olive oil, giving it an appearance similar to genuine extra virgin olive oil, and labelled attractively for sale at prices much lower than their true market value.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution and seek verifiable sources for their olive oil purchases.

Credit: Shutterstock/2204092191

RISING COSTS: Is food affordable?

THE rising cost of living is currently affecting people and households in many areas of the world, as life post pandemic has seen wars, drought and financial struggle.

The drought has had a knock on effect with certain foods and vegetables, in particular the nation’s favourite - olives - facing a shortage as well.

On Wednesday, January 10, the government of Spain announced that the elimination or reduction of the value added tax on certain foods such as fruits and vegetables, pasta and cooking oils.

This may not be enough for many working people in Spain, who claim that every month they are struggling even more to buy basic items for their family to eat.

Euro Weekly News spoke to Angel Aguera, a bartender.

“Although my wage has increased over the years, our standard of living has dropped significantly,” he explained, adding that “my wife has to plan our meals for the week diligently and if an unexpected expense arises then we have to go without, it’s very sad to say I work 50 hours a week.”

Another resident of Spain, Claire Hill told EWN: “when I first moved here six years ago I couldn’t believe how cheap everything was, but now it’s very expensive to do a food shop, some things like vegetables are much more here than in the UK now.”

However, for now it seems like many will have to cut back on items that have now become a luxury.

Viva Malaga HAVE you ever wondered which Spanish region welcomes the most foreigners?

Statistics show that in 2022 Malaga emerged as the top province in Andalucia for granting residence permits to non-nationals.

Official data, just released, shows that Malaga approved 57,407 residence permits in 2022. This achievement positions the Costa del Sol at the forefront in the regional rankings.

The figures revealed a diverse regional landscape. Almeria followed with 30,096 permits, while Huelva and Sevilla granted 24,658 and nearly 15,000, respectively.

These numbers contributed to a total of 123,574 permits across Andalucia, underlining its role as one of the autonomous communities with the highest number of residence approvals in Spain.

The Valencian Community witnessed the most significant annual growth, at 96 per cent. In 2022, it approved an additional 55,805 permits compared to 2021, with 42,250 (76 per cent) granted to Ukrainian nationals.

It also included those under international protection and stateless persons,

Credit: Anton27/Shutterstock.com

UKRAINIANS: 42,250 permits granted.

notably including Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive.

Malaga ranked fifth in Spain for the most residence permits granted. Madrid led with 191,496, followed by Barcelona, Alicante, and Valencia with 181,018, 76,591, and 62,230 respectively.

In 2022, Spain granted a total of 793,067 residence authorisations under the immigration regime, marking a 57 per cent increase from 2021. Initial type authorisations accounted for 62 per cent of the total, showing a 114 per cent increase within a year.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Credit: Shutterstock/1901352415

AS Britain was blasted by ice and snow this week, officials warned that the worst was yet to come.

With temperatures across the nation dipping well below zero, The Met Office and public health officials issued an amber cold weather warning in place until January 12, alerting residents that there might be an ‘observed increase in mortality across the population’.

As air ‘directly from the Arctic’ hurtled towards the UK, its citizens expected more freezing cold weather for at least a few more weeks, with experts predicting the cold case will last until mid February.

One weatherman from the north of England somberly advised residents that: “you will definitely need your big coat.”

Perhaps some thermal underwear as well?

The wheels on the bus get stuck stuck stuck?

John Smith IT appears that public opinion can have some sway over the Conservative Government as it is rushing in new legislation to quash wrongful Post Office convictions.

This was announced on January 10 and although it will only apply to those wrongly convicted in England and Wales the legislation which is expected to be enacted within a matter of weeks will pave the way for significant compensation of up to £600,000.

It is expected that hundreds of convictions will be overturned finally bringing justice to those who were wrongly accused of theft from the Royal Mail although it will come too late for those who died without restitution.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in this country’s history, with hundreds of people having their lives ruined and reputations dragged through mud.

“Too many still have wrongful convictions tied to their name, and we cannot continue to fail them.

“We must do everything we can to exonerate and compensate these innocent people, and make sure they finally get the justice they deserve.”

Credit: Nicholas Courtney/Shutterstock.com

NEW PROMOTION: Experience the Prado Museum.

ring with Musement our customers are able to explore all the best local experiences these fantastic destinations have to offer.”

Musement’s carefully curated selection of excursions, activities, and attraction tickets for easyJet comes with a commitment to high standards in terms of quality, health and safety, and sustainability.

This ensures peace of mind for customers, both before and after booking

9

UK to quash Post Office convictions

easyJet’s new partnership IN a bid to elevate the travel experience for their customers, easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines, has forged a strategic partnership with Musement, a global Tours & Activities company.

This partnership brings with it a brand-new digital platform for Tours & Activities which are integrated into the easyJet website.

It allows customers to easily book a wide array of local experiences in all easyJet destinations, either through the easyJet app following flight confirmation or via the dedicated site.

This latest promotion entitles all easyJet customers to access these exciting offerings, whether booking flights or package holidays.

Russell Braterman, Proposition & Innovation Director at easyJet explained that easyJet offer, “over 1,000 routes across 35 countries, and by partne-

EWN

a flight. Most experience tickets are paperless, allowing for easy scanning of a QR code at the activity’s outset or at the venue entrance.

In a world where travel experiences are becoming increasingly personalised, easyJet and Musement have joined forces to offer their customers a diverse and exciting array of options, with their aim to make each journey an unforgettable adventure.

Credit: Kevin Hollinrake

Arctic Britain - freeze of the century

18 - 24 January 2024

Kevin Hollinrake (in dark suit without tie) in Black Swan pub Post Office.

The government has also confirmed that it will take action to make sure the postmasters who played a crucial role in first exposing the Horizon scandal receive the compensation they deserve.

These individuals, known as the Group Litigation Order cohort, who did not receive a criminal conviction but paid out considerable sums of money because of the Horizon failures, will receive at least £75,000 in compensation in advance of any final settlement.

Minister for Postal Affairs Kevin Hollinrake commented “Postmasters have been fighting for years to get the justice they deserve, and today’s announcement will ensure wrongful convictions are overturned and swifter access to compensation.

“The Post Office Horizon Scandal is

widely described as the biggest miscarriage of justice in our history and it’s important that steps like we’ve announced today are being taken to right the wrongs of the past.

“In the coming days, the government will consider whether this blanket exoneration should apply to the small number of convictions which have been upheld by the appeal courts.

“The government recognises that this Bill may lead to the overturning of some convictions that were rightfully brought. In line with the wishes of some of the victims, the government will therefore introduce safeguards to make sure anyone who was rightly convicted, and is now trying to take advantage of compensation schemes, can be prosecuted in the future.”

10 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

IRELAND Still driving DUBLIN bus driver Yong Yue Wang, who lost his job for twice using a mobile phone while behind the wheel in less than a year, now awaits a verdict on his unfair dismissals claim to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Meanwhile, Wang is already back on the road and working as a taxi driver.

Worth a visit THE New York Times recommended Waterford as one of 52 places to visit in 2024, placing it in 30th position. Waterford, described as “sparkling with history and natural treasures”, was the only Irish destination on the list which included Ladakh (India), Dominica (Caribbean) and Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia).

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS GERMANY New party SAHRA WAGENKNECHT presented her new political party, the Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) Reason and Fairness, on January 8. The national MP, who retained her seat after abandoning the Left Party, said the BSW - a true people’s party - would run in this year’s EU and German state elections.

BELGIUM Smart people BELGIUM scored 69.12 out of 100 and was ranked seventh amongst Europe’s Top 10 smartest countries, compiled by TutorSpace and based on 17 factors relating to intelligence and development in 44 European countries. Switzerland headed the list with 81.1, followed by Denmark (77.87) and Finland (77.57).

Smoke signals

SAHRA WAGENKNECHT: Her new party avoids ‘leftist’ label.

Photo credit: CC/Ferran Cornella

FRANCE

ITALY

WHILE Belgium intensifies its anti-smoking plan with a 25 per cent price hike on the cost of cigarettes and higher vaping prices, tobacco giant Philip Morris called for better access to alternative products. “Our priority is a smoke free future,” the company’s Benelux managing director Miguel Matos declared.

DENMARK

Watch out

No change

Try it

Earliest Danes

POLICE who announced that a watch had been discovered in a central Stockholm street on New Year’s Day initially believed it was a genuine Audemars Piguet worth 500,000 krona (€44,376). Experts who saw it said it appeared to be a cheap copy, a theory backed by the fact that no-one has yet claimed it.

BRITISH residents who were previously entitled to register free of charge with Italy’s SSN health scheme can continue to do so.

They will not have to pay the new €2,000 fee that non-EU residents now pay to access the SSN, Italy’s Health minister told the English-language publication, The Local.

FRANCE’S postal service La Poste is installing changing rooms in some branches where shoppers can try on clothes bought online and return rejected purchases on the spot. Like postal services everywhere, La Poste hopes to compensate for the nosedive in letters traffic by boosting its parcels delivery division.

AN analysis of 100 skeletons spanning 7,300 years between the Mesolithic period, Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age in Denmark revealed repeated population turnovers. The authors of the study published in Nature also concluded that the present-day gene pool was already in place 3,000 years ago.

On the line

Doggy bags

Hacked off

Learning curve

SWEDEN’S Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed that anybody wanting Swedish citizenship should consider what it meant to sacrifice their life for their country. Speaking at a Defence conference, Kristersson said Swedish citizenship was “not a travel document” but implied defending Sweden, its values and way of life.

ITALIAN MPs from the Forza Italia party belonging to the governing coalition, plan to put through a bill that will oblige restaurants to provide containers for diners wishing to take uneaten food home with them. “This is a common-sense measure that would help tackle food waste,” Giandiego Gatta said.

SEBASTIEN RAOULT, a 22-year-old French hacker and member of a criminal gang which sold hundreds of millions of personal details on the dark web, was jailed for three years in the US. Raoult created fake login pages for the Shiny Hunters group which were used to raid users’ private and financial data.

AFTER meeting Crown Prince Frederik during the 2000 Olympics in Australia, Mary Donaldson signed up for an eight-week programme in deportment skills. “This prepared her for the royal duties that followed,” said her then-coach Teresa Page shortly before Frederik prepared to ascend the Danish throne.

NORWAY

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

PORTUGAL

Ship out

Staying dry

Home-bred

Gold standard

CRUISE ships visiting Norway consume 170 million litres of fuel annually, accounting for 3 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle the problem, Norway’s parliament has introduced new legislation, requiring all cruise ships and ferries in World Heritage fjords to be emission free from 2026.

EIGHTY-FIVE PER CENT of Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest ports, is seven metres below sea level but has escaped the worst of the floods affecting other parts of the country. “Rotterdam has long worked on climate adaptation, especially with regards to flood resilience,” city mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said.

WHEN answering a voting guidance questionnaire from broadcaster YLE, the Finns Party’s presidential candidate Ussi Halla-Aho said he was in favour of the requirement that the country’s president should be a native-born Finn. He also suggested that this should apply to cabinet ministers and MPs.

BUYING property in Portugal no longer includes a ‘golden visa’ for non-EU citizens after the concession caused a housing crisis, Reuters reported, adding that it is still possible to obtain residency via investment funds. The initiative has attracted €7.3 billion since 2021, principally from China, Brazil and the US.

Alarm test

Hard times

Longer wait

Coming soon

NORWAY’S Emergency Alert System was tested on the mobile telephone network on January 10, while 1,200 warning systems were activated countrywide during the run-through. Norwegian Civil Defence checks these systems twice yearly to ensure their efficiency should the country be exposed to acute danger.

HOSPITALITY sector bankruptcies doubled in 2023 with 245 companies going under between January and the end of November, compared with 134 throughout 2022, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Forty per cent of the remaining businesses said they doubted that they would survive this year.

FINLAND’S parliament approved a series of changes to benefits that will be introduced during 2024 and affect cuts to basic unemployment pay, labour market subsidies and the housing allowance. The interim period before an applicant can receive unemployment pay has also been extended from five to seven days.

THE ‘Tide of Plastic’ threatening the coast and beaches of northern Spain could reach Portugal by spring, warned Bordalo e Sa, a hydrobiologist from the University of Porto.

Dominant currents to the north were likely to bring the minute particles to Portugal once they changed direction later this year, he predicted.

FINANCE STUDENT loans funded by the taxpayer will rise to an annual £10 billion (€11.6 billion) owing to higher interest rates, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said. The loans, which graduates do not repay until they earn more than £25,000 (€29,036) a year, are written off if still outstanding after 40 years.

Repsol stake

JP MORGAN, which acquired a 5.3 per cent holding in Repsol, now has the Spanish oil company’s second-largest stake after Blackrock’s 5.47 per cent. JP Morgan’s announcement follows on from the exit of Norges Bank, which manages Norway’s sovereign fund and sold its 5 per cent holding in late 2023.

Slimmer figures

DEUTSCHE BANK economists predicted that UK price rises would experience a sharp descent from November’s 3.9 per cent. The experts saw inflation dropping ‘a little below 2 per cent in April and May’ and averaging 2.5 per cent throughout 2024 compared with their earlier 2.7 per cent forecast.

New face

FOOD DELIVERY BRANDS named Rafael Herrero as Telepizza’s new chief executive following the September 2023 resignation of his predecessor, Jacobo Caller. Herrero arrives at Telepizza from the Zena Group which owns the Foster’s Hollywood and Gino’s fast-food chains in Spain and Portugal.

Asthma deal

GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) will buy Anglo-American asthma drug maker Aiolos Bio for more than £1 billion (€1.16 billion) as it expands it respiratory diseases range. British GSK will pay around £800 million (€929 million) upfront plus £300 million (€348.4 million) once regulatory milestones are reached.

STAT OF WEEK

€253 million

is due in 2024 from Spanish companies which received financial assistance from the government’s Solvency support Fund for Strategic Enterprises (Fasee) during the pandemic.

Waiting for WASPI justice Linda Hall THE investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) into changes in the state pension age should conclude in early 2023.

This final report focuses on injustices produced by the ‘maladministration’ of changes to the state pension age. Its recommendations to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will apply to ‘everyone’ who has been affected by them, the PHSO announced.

That includes financial redress, which could see 3.6 million women who were born in the 1950s receive compensation.

Photo credit: WASPI

On loan

euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 January 2024

PENSION INEQUALITY: WASPI at Downing Street with supporter MP Stephen Morgan.

The PHSO investigation began in 2018, but a legal challenge funded by thousands of women from Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) into the findings of Second Stage of the report on Injustices caused further delays after the Ombudsman agreed to

review its decision.

“We have now looked at our findings and shared our provisional views about injustice resulting from the maladministration we identified during stage one, and our thinking about remedy, with complainants, their referring MPs and the DWP,”

the PHSO said.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, the PHSO’s chief executive, explained to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) in November that the provisional Stage Two and Stage Three findings had been sent in confidence to the UK government and around 500 women who made a complaint.

The final report will be made public once feedback has been received and the PHSO has made any necessary changes. The deadline for responses was around Christmastime and the final report should be published shortly.

Grifols fights back

GRIFOLS, the Barcelona-headquartered pharmaceuticals company, intends to sue Gotham City Research.

After a negative Gotham City report wiped €2.2 billion from the company’s market value on January 9, Grifols said it would seek compensation through the courts for damage to its ‘financial and reputational’ image.

The notorious short-seller fund, remembered in Spain for provoking the 2014 collapse of telecom firm Gowex, shed doubts on Grifols’ reported debt and earnings and questioned its purpor-

Photo credit: CC/Zarateman

BUSINESS EXTRA

12

GRIFOLS: One of the pharma company’s centres in Vizcaya.

ted assets-to-debts ratio of 6 to 7.

This was closer to 10 to 13, maintained Gotham City, while querying financial links with Scranton Enterprise, the

Grifols family’s investment vehicle.

Grifols, which manufactures plasma-derived medicines, denied all the Gotham City allegations and claims, which the company insisted were ‘based on false information’.

The family company also declared its ‘full support’ for chief executive and executive chairman Thomas Glanzman.

Wealth management group Mirabaud Research, described the Gotham City report as ‘partial, shady and leading to conclusions whose only purpose is backing its short position’.

Papered over A year of growth Vogue House

PRE-TAX profits for wallpaper and fabrics company Osborne & Little nose-dived from £1.5 million (€1.7 million) to £30,000 (€34,840) in the year ending March 31, 2023.

The company co-founded by ex-Chancellor George Osborne’s father attributed the slump to double-digit inflation, higher energy costs and repeated increases in interest rates that affected the property market on which the business depends.

As a result, operating expenses grew by 14 per cent to £19.1 million (€22.2 million) although sales rose 11 per cent to £32.3 million (€37.5 million).

SPAIN’S economy is expected to continue growing in 2024 although with less vigour than in 2023.

The KPMG Global Economic Outlook predicted a 1.5 per cent increase, one percentage point below its 2023 forecast although the professional services group said it believed the country’s economic situation would gradually improve.

Inflation predictions were positive, falling from 3.6 per cent in 2023 to 3.4 per cent this year, although KPMG said its evolution depended ‘to a great extent’ on whether the government maintained or withdrew subsidies introduced to offset soaring energy and food prices.

These have been extended, although IVA on electricity has increased from 5 to 10 per cent, while the value-added tax on gas - currently 10 per cent - will rise gradually to 21 per cent over the year.

CONDE NAST has sold Vogue House in Mayfair to Eyal Ofer, a Monaco-based shipping magnate whose fortune is estimated at $23 billion (€21 billion).

The iconic seven-storey building in Hanover Square, which was built in 1958, had an initial £70 million (€81.3 million) price tag although sources close to the transaction revealed that the businessman paid £75 million (€81.1 million) for the property.

Ofer’s Global Holdings Management Group (GHMG), confirmed the sale on January 8.

Staff working on Vogue and other Conde Nast publications that include Tatler and GQ will move to the equally historic Adelphi building on the Embankment.

Tendam’s India launch

WOMEN’S SECRET, Cortefiel and Springfield owner Tendam is collaborating with Indian company Myntra to open at least 20 stores over the next three years.

Mynta already handles franchises for H&M, Puma, Nike and the Spanish fashion chain Mango, which has 80 outlets in India.

Womens’ Secret will be Tendam’s first label to launch in India, with three shops opening in Pune, Ludhiana and Bangalore in January and another in Bombay in March.

“Myntra is the ideal partner for us,” said Tendam’s Franchise director general Antonis Kyprianou. “They are aligned with our omni-channel strategy and have the capacity and expertise to fully develop it in India.”

First profit DONALD TRUMP’S golf complex in Ayrshire (Scotland) has made a profit for the first time in almost 10 years.

Trump Turnberry, an 800-acre (324-hectare) resort in Ayrshire with three golf courses and a hotel, made a £571,000 (€663,242) profit in 2022, newly-filed accounts revealed.

This was considerable progress compared with £3.7 million (€4.3 million) in losses in 2021 and is the first time Trump’s resort has been out of the red since he bought it for $60 million (€54.7 million) in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Trump International Golf Club Scotland in Aberdeen posted a loss of approximately £738,000 (€857,205) in 2022.

Pay as you go FERROVIAL moved its headquarters from Spain to the Netherlands in June with a view to being listed on the New York stock exchange.

To do so, it merged with its Dutch subsidiary, but recently admitted in forms registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that should Ferrovial decide to leave the Netherlands, it could be liable to an Exit Tax. This new law, still in its early stages, would not affect companies that move their head offices inside the European Union but would apply to those leaving it.

14 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 15 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.277,00.............+23,00........... +1,01%......... 220,58K Admiral Group.............................2.567,0................+5,0............. +0,19%.......... 55,03K Airtel Africa................................. 128,00................ -0,40.............-0,31%.......... 425,75K Anglo American...........................1.833,2................ -1,4..............-0,08%.......... 526,07K Antofagasta................................1.597,50.............+14,00........... +0,88%.......... 92,32K Ashtead Group............................4.863,0............... -37,0.............-0,76%........... 87,87K Associated British Foods.............2.266,0...............+26,0............ +1,15%......... 197,18K AstraZeneca...............................10.814,0................0,0............... 0,00%.......... 104,19K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 697,40................+0,40............ +0,06%......... 414,76K Aviva........................................... 423,40................+3,90............ +0,92%...........3,72M B&M European Value Retail SA... 556,40................+5,00............ +0,90%...........6,75M BAE Systems..............................1.170,50.............+17,83........... +1,53%...........1,16M Barclays...................................... 146,28................+1,12............ +0,77%...........8,70M Barratt Developments................. 535,60................+5,40............ +1,01%......... 825,82K Beazley........................................ 502,00................ -0,50.............-0,10%.......... 406,57K Berkeley......................................4.758,0................+3,0............. +0,06%.......... 42,08K BP............................................... 455,65................+5,70............ +1,25%...........8,05M British American Tobacco...........2.349,9................+4,0............. +0,17%......... 376,18K BT Group.................................... 114,70................+0,35............ +0,30%...........3,99M Bunzl...........................................3.216,0...............+40,0............ +1,25%.......... 60,10K Burberry Group...........................1.162,5.............. -134,0............-9,85%............1,99M Centrica....................................... 149,80................ -2,55.............-1,67%............3,24M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.336,0...............+15,0............ +0,64%.......... 73,33K Compass....................................2.177,00.............. -7,00.............-0,32%.......... 237,19K ConvaTec Group......................... 244,80................+2,80............ +1,15%...........6,17M Croda Intl....................................4.492,0............... -13,3.............-0,30%........... 85,66K DCC.............................................5.616,0...............+20,0............ +0,36%.......... 25,66K Dechra Pharma...........................3.864,0................+4,0............. +0,10%......... 742,09K Diageo.........................................2.774,0............... -35,0.............-1,24%.......... 845,69K Diploma.....................................3.320,00.............+30,00........... +0,90%.......... 43,09K DS Smith.................................... 293,80................+2,00............ +0,69%......... 384,32K Endeavour Mining......................1.435,00.............+27,00........... +1,90%......... 110,67K Entain.......................................... 943,40................ -0,40.............-0,04%.......... 214,61K Experian......................................3.116,0...............+15,0............ +0,48%......... 109,42K F&C Invest.................................. 940,00................ -2,00.............-0,21%........... 65,29K Flutter Entertainment..................12.700,0.............+130,0........... +1,03%......... 112,02K FRASERS.................................... 824,50................+6,00............ +0,72%.......... 83,51K Fresnillo...................................... 517,20................+5,00............ +0,97%......... 157,00K Glencore...................................... 445,05................+0,65............ +0,15%...........6,45M GSK plc......................................1.558,20..............+6,60............ +0,42%......... 700,59K HALEON...................................... 337,55................+2,15............ +0,64%......... 992,40K Halma..........................................2.176,0................+0,1............. +0,00%.......... 48,14K Hikma Pharma...........................1.904,50..............+6,50............ +0,34%......... 322,55K Howden Joinery.......................... 773,00................+5,80............ +0,76%.......... 77,41K HSBC.......................................... 610,30................+0,30............ +0,05%...........3,39M IAG.............................................. 143,60................ -4,30.............-2,89%............7,70M IMI PLC......................................1.565,00..............+1,98............ +0,13%.......... 80,49K Imperial Brands..........................1.862,50.............+27,00........... +1,45%......... 402,53K Informa....................................... 751,20............... -14,40............-1,88%.......... 488,62K InterContinental..........................7.160,0...............+12,0............ +0,17%.......... 38,43K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intermediate Capital...................1.567,00..............+7,50............ +0,47%......... 291,38K Intertek........................................4.292,0...............+25,0............ +0,58%.......... 38,87K J Sainsbury................................. 281,10................+1,50............ +0,53%...........3,20M JD Sports Fashion....................... 110,70................+3,23............ +2,93%...........4,90M Kingfisher.................................... 216,60................ -0,90.............-0,41%.......... 353,94K Land Securities........................... 684,20................+1,20............ +0,17%......... 194,07K Legal & General.......................... 248,90................+3,59............ +1,45%...........3,44M Lloyds Banking............................ 45,33.................+0,20............ +0,44%..........19,30M London Stock Exchange..............9.118,0................ -3,2..............-0,04%........... 48,24K M&G........................................... 220,30................+1,00............ +0,46%......... 660,65K Marks & Spencer........................ 259,50................ -3,30.............-1,25%............5,79M Melrose Industries...................... 571,80...............+10,00........... +1,75%......... 798,28K Mondi.........................................1.436,39..............+4,00............ +0,28%......... 200,16K National Grid..............................1.049,00..............+6,00............ +0,57%......... 733,06K NatWest Group........................... 211,70................+2,30............ +1,09%...........7,78M Next............................................8.484,0...............+42,0............ +0,50%.......... 22,97K Ocado.......................................... 645,40............... -15,60............-2,36%.......... 359,08K Pearson....................................... 968,86...............+10,20........... +1,06%......... 190,83K Pershing Square........................3.578,00.............+12,00........... +0,34%.......... 47,74K Phoenix....................................... 509,60................+0,40............ +0,08%......... 296,37K Prudential.................................... 825,00................+1,80............ +0,22%......... 539,15K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.598,0...............+40,0............ +0,71%......... 131,39K Relx............................................3.167,00.............+38,00........... +1,20%......... 496,45K Rentokil....................................... 417,50................ -2,40.............-0,57%.......... 817,92K Rightmove.................................. 549,80...............+10,40........... +1,89%......... 577,12K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.479,0...............+45,0............ +0,82%......... 404,32K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 298,90................+5,90............ +1,99%...........2,90M RS PLC....................................... 754,00................ -2,20.............-0,29%.......... 140,72K Sage...........................................1.163,50.............+11,50........... +0,99%......... 260,69K Schroders.................................... 420,4..................+0,5............. +0,12%......... 217,32K Scottish Mortgage....................... 780,40................+2,80............ +0,36%......... 733,77K Segro.......................................... 869,00................ -1,00.............-0,12%.......... 216,80K Severn Trent...............................2.542,0...............+27,0............ +1,06%.......... 57,05K Shell............................................2.454,5...............+42,0............ +1,72%...........1,42M Smith & Nephew........................1.066,91..............+0,50............ +0,05%......... 153,22K Smiths Group.............................1.685,00.............+13,50........... +0,81%.......... 25,94K Smurfit Kappa.............................3.012,0...............+10,0............ +0,33%.......... 32,81K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.810,0..............+117,1........... +1,20%........... 7,55K SSE............................................1.788,00............. -16,00............-0,89%.......... 360,44K St. James’s Place........................ 633,80................+1,20............ +0,19%......... 353,14K Standard Chartered..................... 614,80................+3,60............ +0,59%...........1,39M Taylor Wimpey............................ 143,99................+0,50............ +0,35%...........2,19M Tesco.......................................... 293,20................+1,10............ +0,38%...........2,62M Unilever.......................................3.817,0...............+42,0............ +1,11%......... 482,12K Unite..........................................1.008,00..............+7,00............ +0,68%.......... 69,30K United Utilities............................1.033,00..............+7,50............ +0,73%......... 174,46K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 66,850............... -0,206............-0,31%............6,94M Weir Group................................1.822,00..............+7,00............ +0,38%.......... 23,24K Whitbread...................................3.651,0...............+19,0............ +0,52%......... 144,27K WPP............................................ 728,60.................0,00.............. 0,00%.......... 793,94K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86028

1.16364

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0950 Japan yen (JPY)...................................159.04 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9349 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4564 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.279 currenciesdirect.com/marbella • Tel: +34 952 906 581 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 15 January 3M.............................................. 107,22................+0,61............ +0,56%...........2,48M American Express....................... 182,04................+0,08............ +0,04%...........2,81M Amgen........................................ 300,00................ -1,47.............-0,48%............2,02M Apple........................................... 183,62................ -0,60.............-0,32%...........45,89M Boeing......................................... 222,63................ -5,18.............-2,27%...........11,16M Caterpillar.................................... 289,41................ -1,34.............-0,46%............1,87M Chevron...................................... 144,62................+0,83............ +0,57%...........7,31M Cisco............................................ 50,04.................+0,20............ +0,40%..........14,85M Coca-Cola..................................... 59,69................. -0,38.............-0,63%...........13,45M Dow............................................. 52,74.................+0,26............ +0,49%...........3,68M Goldman Sachs........................... 374,68................ -2,35.............-0,62%............2,11M Home Depot................................ 353,27................ -0,34.............-0,10%............3,30M Honeywell................................... 199,55................ -0,73.............-0,36%............1,88M IBM............................................. 160,30................+0,92............ +0,57%...........2,21M Intel.............................................. 46,73.................+0,17............ +0,36%..........23,86M J&J............................................. 160,78................ -0,71.............-0,44%............4,79M JPMorgan................................... 168,64................ -0,67.............-0,39%...........11,26M McDonald’s................................. 290,65................+0,01............ +0,00%...........1,97M Merck&Co................................... 117,08................ -0,47.............-0,39%............5,54M Microsoft.................................... 380,38................+1,86............ +0,49%..........26,38M Nike............................................. 103,73................+2,15............ +2,07%...........8,26M Procter&Gamble......................... 149,30................+0,56............ +0,37%...........4,69M Salesforce Inc............................. 265,10................+7,26............ +2,75%...........8,85M The Travelers.............................. 191,92................+1,79............ +0,93%......... 984,65K UnitedHealth............................... 534,53................+2,00............ +0,37%...........2,62M Verizon......................................... 37,57................. -1,17.............-2,99%...........27,74M Visa A.......................................... 262,42................ -0,45.............-0,17%............3,66M Walgreens Boots.......................... 23,99................. -0,65.............-2,63%...........14,78M Walmart...................................... 160,17................ -0,20.............-0,12%............4,67M Walt Disney.................................. 88,68.................+0,16............ +0,18%...........8,48M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 15 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Aritzia Inc........................................................... +4.14.......................... +21.03% Oscar Health, Inc................................................ +1.50.......................... +15.53% DocuSign, Inc.................................................... +5.24........................... +9.34% Celldex Therapeutics, Inc................................... +2.54........................... +6.60% BDO Unibank, Inc............................................... +1.52........................... +6.41% Meituan.............................................................. +1.00........................... +5.45% Veeva Systems Inc............................................ +10.34.......................... +5.33% Meituan.............................................................. +0.49........................... +5.27% MakeMyTrip Limited.......................................... +2.27........................... +5.00% Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited...... +0.31........................... +4.66% M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Cytokinetics, Incorporated.................................-16.68..........................-16.41% Riot Platforms, Inc..............................................-2.46...........................-15.82% Grifols, S.A..........................................................-1.39...........................-14.68% Grifols, S.A..........................................................-1.29...........................-13.95% Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc............................-3.23...........................-12.60% Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc..........................-1.24............................-9.93% Vertex, Inc...........................................................-1.99............................-7.73% Coinbase Global, Inc..........................................-10.13...........................-6.70% Upstart Holdings, Inc..........................................-2.34............................-6.58% Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infr Capital, Inc..-1.73............................-6.45% Frontier Communications Parent, Inc..................-1.54............................-6.43% M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Water, water

PENNON, owner of South West Water fined for illegal sewage dumping last year, bought Sutton and East Surrey Water (SES Water), with 745,000 customers, for £380m (€441.4m). “SES Water is a fantastic growth opportunity for Pennon, demonstrating our commitment to the UK water industry,” the chief executive Susan Davy said.

Puig ponders

COSMETICS and toiletries giant Puig paid more than €160 million in dividends over the past two years to shareholders, all belonging to different branches of the Catalan family. Having recovered from the slowdown imposed by the pandemic, the multinational owner of leading brands including Carolina Herrera is currently assessing a future stock exchange listing.

18 - 24 January 2024

Greggs’ tasty sales Linda Hall

HOW people shop says a great deal about inflation and Greggs sales reflect the present situation.

UK bakery chain Greggs declared that inflationary pressures were now diminishing as it posted 2023 like-for-like sales that were 13.7 per cent up on the previous year. Total sales rose by 19.6 per cent to £1.8 billion (€2.09 billion).

In line with plans to home

Photo credit: CC/Mtaylor 848

GREGGS: Bakery chain’s sales rose 20 per cent in 2023

in on retail parks and travel hubs, the baker opened

220 new shops last year and closed 75, of which 42

Seat takes off

SEAT has just ended the second-best year in its history, with 519,200 in sales.

The 34.6 per cent increase was possible to the impact of the Cupra brand whose 230,700 sales were 50.9 per cent up on 2022. It was aided by Seat’s recovery with 288,400 models sold after a year in the doldrums owing to the microchip crisis.

Seat was especially affected by the

shortage of microchips when parent company Volkswagen prioritised its premium models with their greater profit margins. “These sales figures demonstrate that Seat has the right strategy with its two marques,” Seat’s chief executive Wayne Griffiths said.

“Despite the difficult economic context at present, we are confident about the future.”

were relocations. It proposes to open a further 160 stores throughout 2024.

Inflation has boosted retailers’ sales growth over the past two years and Greggs’ own fourth quarter growth slowed with like-for-like sales up 9.4 per cent owing to a ‘reduced contribution from price inflation’.

The slowdown in rising prices was likely to continue, Greggs’ fourth quarter report suggested, with no current plans for 2024 increases.

“As expected, inflationary pressures are reducing and with good forward cover on food, packaging and energy, we anticipate a more stable cost base in the coming year,” Greggs’ chief executive Roisin Currie said.

“Wage inflation remains, although higher rates of pay across the economy will also provide support to consumer incomes.”

EWN 15

Not so pretty ONLINE fashion company Boohoo will close the Leicester factory opened two years ago to showcase efforts to improve working conditions for employees producing its clothing. Fewer than 100 staff would be affected by the closure while some would be relocated, said a spokesperson for the Boohoo Group which owns the Debenhams, Pretty Little Thing, Oasis and Burton labels.

Alierta death CESAR ALIERTA, former Telefonica chairman and chief executive between 2000 and 2016, died aged 78 on January 10 in a Zaragoza hospital where he was admitted with respiratory problems over Christmas.

Originally from the banking and finance sectors he headed Tabacalera, the Spanish government’s tobacco monopoly between 1996 and 1999, negotiating its privatisation and merger with France’s SEITA.

16 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I TRULY can’t make up my mind whether society reflects the media, or the media reflects society (re the recent Post Office drama). I suppose, when it comes down to it, they’re all actually in it together. I remember the 50s, when BBC radio comprised the Light and Third programmes and the Home Service. In those early days, they flatly refused to play anything with a modern ‘beat,’ and utterly scorned the new, and to their mind, utterly degenerate ‘Rock n Roll’.

The presenters wore dinner jackets and tuxes to the studio - even though they couldn’t be seen. Television was also strictly controlled. Dress codes were strongly adhered to, Elvis Presley was only filmed from the waist up, and even mild swear words were utterly taboo.

After the Epilogue, the National Anthem always preceded the ‘test’ card which followed at around midnight.

(Many families stood to attention in

their living rooms while God Save the King rang out!) Was it all a good or a bad thing? Well I’m sure we all have our own opinions about that. It was however a fairly accurate reflection of society as it was during that post war recovery period. A time when we had absorbed all the violence we could stomach, and patriotism was paramount to those who had survived the conflict.

Fast forward to the present day.

With the advent of scores of channels and wavelengths - all trying to create their own money tree - the first thing that goes completely by the board is any semblance of responsible or moral obligations. In fact, in their endeavours to attract more attention, some of the offerings of today’s media are almost beyond belief. (‘My own role in OAP’s Behaving Badly’ simply pales by comparison!)

I recently heard some radio station play a song whose lyrics comprised of nothing but the F word, chanted over and over again. Then there is the long running TV ‘dating’ programme that actually presents couples to each other stark naked. Apparently some male contestants are picked as possible

contestants merely for the size of their manhood! Cilla Black must be positively spinning! Although I never even viewed the Mallorca involvement in the show, to me the rules for the highly popular ‘Love Island’ truly do take the whole tin.

This is the ‘contestant’s code,’ insisted on by the producers of a programme that has been rated as one of the most successful reality shows ever.

Rule1. No masturbating. 2. No total nudity. 3. No sex while drunk (Presumably it’s perfectly acceptable whilst sober!) And, in an almost ludicrous effort to take the moral and hygienic high ground - rule four and five informs the contestants that there is to be, ‘no smoking’ on camera and that ‘condoms must be used at all times’!

And if all that doesn’t reflect the attitude and priorities of our modern society, nothing does. Thank you for all your letters. Although none appear to be published, I do peruse everyone.

Keep ‘em coming and always.

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.

IT seems like there’s an International Day for everything so don’t be surprised that recently January 7 was once again the International Day of Silly Walks.

Based on the famous and much loved Monty Python Ministry of Silly Walks sketch featuring John Cleese, the event started in the sometimes dour Czech Republic and the capital of Silly Walks is now Brno.

The events were held in that city and Prague in 2012 and has carried on in Brno since then (except for during the pandemic) and there are now members of the Silly Walks Facebook page across Europe.

This year saw the return to Prague of a flash mob undertaking the Silly Walk but Brno had the largest gathering of Silly Walkers.

Whilst anyone was allowed to join in, it was recommended that to

Credit: Silly Walk Brno Facebook

They’re in it together International Silly Walks A scene from the 2023 event in Brno.

really get the flavour of the original that men should dress in a dark suit with a bowler hat (although most participants found it easier to obtain a top hat) and a dark brief case would be appropriate but was not obligatory.

Those who wanted to take it ‘seriously’ were advised to concentrate on their leg movements and not be silly enough to wave their arms around at the same time.

A bit of harmless fun which either amused or bemused those onlookers who were caught up in the walk.

Voting in the UK

AS from Tuesday January 16, 2024, British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15-year time limit.

Those who have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in UK Parliament elections. They can register online at www.gov. uk/registertovote and will need to confirm their personal information every three years. Anyone on a UK electoral register is also considered a permissible donor to UK political parties and campaigners.

British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott said: “This law means that more British citizens living in Spain will now be eligible to vote in UK

NEW LAW: British citizens living abroad can now vote.

Parliamentary elections, which is good news.

We’re asking the British community here to help us spread the word, because it’s important that eligible people are made aware of the changes so that they can register and cast a ballot when the time comes.”

More information is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Voters living overseas can

find contact details for the relevant local council by entering the postcode of the last place they lived in the UK, using the Commission’s postcode lookup tool.

UK Parliament elections covers UK parliamentary general elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions. Eligibility for other types of election has not changed.

FEATURE/NEWS II euroweeklynews.com ADVERTISING FEATURE

Hearing is a precious gift

HEARING and perceiving sound is quintessential for daily life, from relishing music to engaging in conversation, our auditory capacity plays a pivotal role. In this feature, we delve into the importance of cherishing and maintaining our hearing health.

To grasp the significance of hearing, it’s crucial to understand its mechanics. The human ear is an intricate system that captures environmental sound waves and translates them into electrical impulses that our brains can interpret. This process allows us to perceive everything from the whisper of a gentle breeze to the grandeur of a symphony orchestra.

Regrettably, our auditory ability can wane due to va-

AUDITEC: Arrange a hearing test today.

rious factors, such as exposure to loud noises, ageing, or medical conditions, significantly affecting life quality, communication, safety, and emotional well-being.

Fortunately, there are steps we can take to safeguard and conserve our hearing. Employing ear protection in noisy environments, keeping a moderate volume when enjoying music, and undergoing regular hearing check-ups are advocated practices for preser-

ving auditory health.

In today’s world, technology has introduced innovative solutions for those facing hearing challenges.

Hearing aids and other assistive listening devices can profoundly enhance an individual’s ability to fully engage in day-to-day activities.

Hearing is a precious gift that connects us with the world around us. By acknowledging its importance, taking preventative actions, and seeking available solutions, we can ensure everyone has the chance to fully enjoy the richness of sound throughout their lives.

TAKE ADVANTAGE AND BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY HEARING ASSESSMENT WITH US TODAY. Torre del Mar: Avenida del Sol nº2A • 951 541 701 • info@auditec.com.es Visit us in Torrox Costa, Cómpeta, and Viñuela.

INTERVIEW

An easier way of living CONTINUING our weekly interview with someone who has moved from Europe to settle in Spain it’s the turn of Tina Skotland-Jönsson.

TINA moved to Spain with her the surroundings as she has set partner after training as a up a very successful hairhairdresser in Sweden dressing salon at El Camwhere she grew up, panario Golf and Counalthough she is actry Club, Estepona tually Danish by but as a newcomer birth. to Spanish bureauThe couple had cracy, Tina admits owned a holiday that she found it sohome on the Cosmewhat frustrating, ta del Sol but after however, all went their four children through eventually had grown up and and Hair by Tina is now moved away, they deciwell-established.

Credit: Hair by Tina Facebook ded that the time had come Although she speaks Tina Skotland-Jönsson to make the move to Spain. fluent Danish, English and “There’s a much easier way of living Swedish, Tina is taking weekly Spanish here in Spain, it’s relaxing and because of lessons and has plenty of homework the climate and the fact that it stays light when she isn’t playing padel, at the gym, longer than in Sweden, when I finish work dog training or crocheting in her spare I can still make the most of the day.” time.

In February the couple will have been “Once my Spanish is better, I hope to here for two years and apart from being be able to make new Spanish friends to separated from friends and family, there go with my mainly English and Swedish is nothing else in Sweden that they miss. friends, many of whom started out as cusTina has not come to Spain to just enjoy tomers,” she explained.

18 - 24 January 2024

EWN 17

Beaches on high alert

Credit: GoogleMaps.com

BOLONIA BEACH: Plastic pellet remnants have been reported.

THE Andalucian government is intensifying surveillance of its coastline after the reported appearance of pellet remnants on Bolonia Beach in Cadiz.

This latest development was confirmed on Thursday, January 11, and follows the events in northern Spain.

Galicia’s beaches in particular have been blighted by millions of tiny plastic pellets, triggering calls for action in the hope of avoiding an environmental disaster.

Minister Fernandez-Pacheco, the Minister of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy, specified

that, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency, efforts are underway to investigate these potential pellet deposits on Bolonia Beach.

He emphasised, “they have only appeared on the beach of Bolonia and in a very small quantity.” The Andalucian authorities are not just focusing on Cadiz but extending their watchful eye to Huelva’s coast as well.

Despite the situation’s seeming containment, no emergency plan has been triggered yet. The current strategy is to analyse the detected pellets and keep a clo-

se watch on other beaches in Cadiz and Huelva. The government remains on high alert to act if necessary.

A specialised study of the Bolonia Beach samples is being conducted, and Environmental agents are tasked with stringent coastal monitoring.

In a related development, Verdemar Ecologists in Action communicated their intention to request maritime surveillance of the ‘CSAV Toconao’ ship. This vessel is known for transporting the containers that led to the plastic pellet spill on the coast of Galicia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

22

20 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

MOST loyal Scots will be looking forward to Burns Night which is celebrated on January 25 (his birthday) each year. A little tongue in cheek, we asked readers whether they would eat haggis having described what goes into it and the response was a resounding vote in favour of haggis with plenty of observations about the importance of the celebration to Scotland as well as a couple of hints on how best to serve the dish • Absolutely! A good haggis drizzled with warm whisky is delicious.

Jan Urquijo

• Done properly, haggis is very tasty and of course a Scottish tradition.

Patricia Strange

• Yes, I blooming love it! I live in Spain and there’s plenty of offal based foods here too, if it tastes nice get it eaten.

I bet the squeamish about Haggis are happy to ram sausages and burgers in their faces and they contain some unexpected bits of animals too.

Rachel Warnes

• Cooked Offal, in my opinion, is probably one of the tastiest, most mis-represented of the basic healthy meat-feasts available. Now, raw fish, included as Sushi is a relatively new attraction - No Thanks, bring on the Offal for me any day.

Tony Benton

• Personally I don’t like it, but then again I don’t like offal, of any sort. I don’t think saying you don’t like it is trying to take away tradition, it’s just being honest. There are many foods throughout the world, not all the palatable choice of others.

Lynda Christopher

• Love haggis. You’re right they are trying to take away Scottish traditions. Hogmanay on UK TV was a disaster. It was not even worth watching. They are eroding all things Scottish.

We are just an exploited English colony. We need to get out of this toxic so called union.

Paul Steel

• Absolutely, dinner of champions!!!

Ian McKenzie

• Haggis was a cheap and nourishing staple when I lived in Scotland and we all looked forward to the day the butcher made them fresh.

Melanie Kitson

• Yep love it. This year I am piping the Haggis in at two local Burns suppers Craig Badley

• Absolutely gorgeous and most are not In sheep’s stomach these days which you don’t eat anyway.

Dave Pealing

• Beautiful dish and at a Burns Supper it’s the best dinner ever.

Lorraine Wylde

• Plenty do. Not me personally but my husband loves it.

Jane Frances

• It’s just a big, high quality sausage. Hot dogs contain much lower quality ingredients David Middleton Grenfell

• Yes, and if it is cooked properly it is lovely.

Stop trying to take our Scottish traditions away!!

Johan Ross

• Most definitely! With whisky sauce or even neat whisky poured over it.

John Bruce

• In Germany, Palatinate region, there we eat ‘Saumagen’. It is similar to haggis, but a stomach of a pig is filled. The filling is the important thing.

Donate Fink

• I love haggis but can’t stand bagpipes!!

Christine Smith

This is just a small sample of those who responded and overall 92 per cent said that they loved haggis and everything that accompanied it although one or two weren’t so sure about bagpipes and one enjoyed a Vegan version. We want to say to everyone who plans to celebrate Burns Night “Oidhche Bhlas Burns” (Happy Burns Night in Scottish Gaelic).

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.

21

euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 January 2024

PETS Jimbo loves playing with dog-sitters SPONSORED BY

JIMBO is a mature dog, set in his ways. He is a lot happier staying at home with dog-sitters when his owners go away being cared for in his own home. Using HouseSitMatch. com his owners find free checked pet-sitters who travel to Jimbo’s home and care for him, keeping all his routines consistent throughout their stay. And they don’t charge a penny for the pet-sitting. Read on to learn more.

The pet-sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 register now to find pet-sitters in time.

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

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

When you go away do you find free checked pet-sitters through Housesitmatch.com?

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of

your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

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

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent Pure Joy - I have completed two housesits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, Pet-sitter from the UK How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

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

Coping with loss LOSING a beloved cat is an emotionally challenging experience that many pet owners unfortunately face.

The pain of saying goodbye can be profound, leaving a void that seems impossible to fill.

Allow yourself the space to grieve. Embrace the sadness, remembering it’s a testament to the love you shared.

Share your feelings with friends or family who understand the unique bond between humans and their feline friends.

Create a memorial to celebrate your cat’s life a photo collage, a written tribute, or a special place in your home.

Consider reaching out to pet loss support groups or professionals who specialise in grief counselling.

Time is a gentle healer, and with patience, the pain will gradually fade.

Pet owners warned THE Helsinki Animal Welfare Society (HESY) recently issued a critical alert regarding the dangers of Finland’s extreme winter weather for pets.

With the Nordic region experiencing its coldest temperatures this winter, reaching lows of minus 40 degrees Celsius, the safety of pets, particularly those left outdoors for long periods or abandoned, is in danger.

Recently, the harsh weather started disrupting transportation across the region, causing significant challenges for rail traffic in the Arctic north and leading to school closures in southern Norway.

This perilous cold snap not only affects human activities but poses a lethal threat to pets. Exposed to the severe cold, animals are at risk of frostbite and potentially deadly hypothermia, especially if they are outside for prolonged periods without suitable protection.

Hypothermia can cause vital organ failure, while frostbite may lead to tissue damage and loss, particularly in extremities like ears and tails.

Different dog breeds have varying levels of cold endurance. Breeds like Huskies and Lapland Reindeer Dogs are more adapted to the cold, unlike Finnish Hounds, Dobermans, and Pugs, which are more vulnerable to the cold’s adver-

Credit: EtaKarppa/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

VULNERABLE: Finnish Hound.

se effects.

HESY stresses the importance of knowing the breed-specific needs and vulnerabilities of pets to ensure their safety.

Pet owners are advised to keep their pets indoors during severe weather and provide protective clothing and footwear to short-haired or hairless pets.

If a pet is found alone in the cold, the recommendation is to bring the animal inside to warm up before taking it to an animal shelter.

Cats are particularly prone to frostbite injuries in winter, especially those that seek shelter in unheated environments.

The situation demands increased vigilance and responsibility from pet owners to protect their pets from these dangerous conditions.

Bell the cat THE city authorities in Amsterdam plan to ask cat-owners to add a bell to their pet’s collar .

When outside, this would warn birds and other wildlife that they were around, explained officials keen to ensure that the city is completely animal-friendly.

Cats, the officials said, are one of the few animals allowed to roam without supervision and they kill around 18 million birds each year in the Netherlands.

The Huiskat Thuiskat foundation launched legal proceedings in 2021 to persuade the government to take action against owners who allowed their cats to roam freely outdoors.

While applauding the proposal to introduce bells, the organisation said that research has shown that these reduce a cat’s victims by only between 33 and 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, a 2019 paper by Environmental Law professors Arie Trouwborst and Han Somsen maintained that the domestic cat “poses a serious threat” to around 370 species in the Netherlands.

They also pointed out that under the EU’s Bird and Habitat Directives, member countries are legally obliged to protect wildlife, and allowing cats to roam and kill was breaking the law.

Amsterdam will also campaign to ensure all of the city’s domestic cats are chipped and registered, allowing lost animals to be reunited with their owners more quickly. This would also help to solve problems caused by the feral population, officials said, adding that feral cats would no longer be released into “ecologically vulnerable” areas after they were trapped and sterilised.

CLASSIFIEDS AWNINGS

BLINDS SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view.

SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@solarshade tinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (287972)

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

CHARITY New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible

based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards.

Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email: info@ nlcnerja.com Website: w w w. n l c n e r j a . c o m Facebook:www.facebook. com/nlcnerj

22

Thomas. Tel: Church House 951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail. com.

CARS FOR SALE

THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja.

Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel

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

tinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (258409)

WINDOW TINTING

MOTORING

FOR SALE WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance.

Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

CHARITY Shop Pocape cunia we need things for the house/kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc.

Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)

CHURCH SERVICES

18 - 24 January 2024

OTHERS

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

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

EDS? We have the solution, Ka magra pills & jells, Cialis, Side nafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.

Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

SOLAR ENERGY SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for Large Glazed Areas to Reflect Heat / Glare and Stop Furniture Fading and Still Keep The View.

Save Heat in the Winter to Improve Your Living Environment. ian@solarshade

MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal.

Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts.

Stop fading, heat & glare. 958 496 571 - 644 546 176 ian@ solarshadetinting.com (287972)

If you can read it, so can your clients.

Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

SOLAR PROTECTION

MOTORING II euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

18 - 24 January 2024

EWN 23

Armchair motoring

HERE in the UK many of our less mainstream television channels show some excellent motoring programmes. From the long running Wheeler Dealers with host Mike Brewer, through to Salvage Hunters Classic Cars presented by Drew Pritchard and Paul Cowland.

Despite such good motoring coverage there’s always a point in the viewing year when there’s a dearth of such programmes. When that happens there’s another viewing option, YouTube! A wealth of motoring awaits, from traditional approaches to more offbeat motoring related videos.

Car detailing, new cars, classic cars, road trips, must see museums and more, they’re all there to quench your motoring thirst. Some of my favourite YouTube channels are ones where the presenters know their subject,

have a calm presentational style and don’t spend their time leaping around the screen screeching

tyres and whooping every time they get a perceived cool car. Now don’t get me wrong, if that’s what

presses your pedal it’s fine, everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

For me it’s the knowle-

ON Thursday, December 4, at the Madrid headquarters of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, alongside department undersecretary Susana Crisostomo and General Director of Traffic Pere Navarro, revealed the

provisional statistics for road accidents in Spain during the past year.

The report showed a slight decrease in fatalities, with 1,145 lives lost in 1,048 fatal accidents - a reduction of three from 2022.

However, there were 4,495

individuals who sustained injuries requiring hospitalisation. Out of the total fatalities, 849 (74 per cent) occurred on conventional roads - an increase of 21 from the previous year.

High-capacity roads saw a decrease in deaths,

with 296 fatalities in 2023, 24 fewer than in 2022. The data suggests that three-quarters of road deaths still occur on conventional roads.

Vulnerable users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists, experienced a 9 per cent rise in fatalities, totalling 463.

Motorcyclist deaths rose by 19 per cent compared to 2022.

Notably, pedestrian deaths were almost equally distributed between highways and conventional roads.

The 45 to 54 age group saw an 11 per cent increase in mortality, with 228 deaths representing 20 per cent of the total fatalities.

Child fatalities also rose, with 22 deaths recorded among 0 to 14-year-olds. The elderly (aged 65 and over) constituted 18 per cent of fatalities, showing a 10 per cent decrease from the previous year.

Men comprised 79 per cent of the fatalities, while women accounted for the remaining 21 per cent.

MOTORING PROGRAMMES: Whatever your taste, there’s something for everyone.

How safe are Spanish roads?

DGT’s new driving laws for 2024 IN a major announcement by the Spanish government, significant changes to driving laws have been introduced, aimed at enhancing road safety and driver training.

On Thursday, January 4 at the DGT headquarters, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska unveiled these changes as part of the 2023 road safety report.

The key change permits individuals under 17 years of age to drive when accompanied by an adult over 24 with at least five years of driving experience.

Grande-Marlaska emphasised the success of similar policies in France and Germany, highlighting their positive impact on road safety.

This initiative allows 17 to 18-year-olds to gain driving experience under supervision, a move Grande-Marlaska believes will ‘improve the training of younger drivers.’

Moreover, a significant shift in motorcycle licensing was announced. The B1 car licence will no longer cover low-displacement motorcycles or mopeds.

Instead, a mandatory course will be required for those wishing to drive motorcycles up to 125cc, addressing the distinct skills needed for different vehicle types.

The DGT plans to revise the points recovery courses, incorporating specific modules for motorcyclists focusing on safe and efficient driving.

Additionally, the use of a full-face helmet and approved gloves will become mandatory for motorcyclists on the road.

In response to ongoing concerns around impaired driving, Marlaska disclosed a 10 per cent increase in alcohol and drug controls. These changes reflect a concerted effort to improve road safety in Spain.

dgeable and arguably more professional channels that attract. Harry’s Garage is fronted by Harry Metcalfe, founder of the classy UK performance car magazine EVO. Although a publisher and not a journalist in the traditional sense, he’s a calm, knowledgeable and interesting presenter. He has his own car collection but presents on an encyclopaedic range of cars and bikes that in my view make this a must-see channel.

Another very different channel is High Peak Autos, presented by Matt Goodwin who has a used car business and features videos of his purchase and preparation of cars ready for sale. It’s an incredibly honest channel where failures have equal billing with the successes, and it makes for fascinating viewing not only for

the cars but as an insight into the used car business. He’s recently ventured into new car reviews, on which I’m not so keen as in my view it dilutes his channel’s USP. There are so many channels featuring new cars High Peak Autos USP is a stand-out feature along with its professionalism. Other favourite channels include The Late Brake Show with Jonny Smith, Vermijl Car Detail, Decotamin, JayEmm on Cars and Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop.

Whatever your motoring taste there’s something there for you, whether on television or online with platforms such as YouTube. There is much said about social media and online platform being poisonous places and very negative. They can be but there’s also a lot of positive viewing experiences too.

Credit: Interior.gob.es

Spanish road death statistics revealed.

24 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

Pioneers of women’s football Credit: easternflamesfc/instagram.com

THE women’s football scene in Saudi Arabia now infused with Spanish expertise, is a striking example of how the sporting culture of one nation can change for the better.

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides since September 2017, when women were allowed to drive and cinemas reopened after 35 years.

Progress continued with the launch of the first women’s league in 2021, and the national team playing its inaugural international match in 2022. This evolution represents a remarkable shift in a nation that is currently the Super Cup’s host.

The transformation of Saudi women’s football has been significantly influenced by Spanish professionals. Lluis Cortes, former coach of FC Barcelona and the Ukraine national team, took charge of the Saudi women’s team in December.

The first division of Saudi’s local league further underscores this

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

BASED IN DAMMAM: Eastern Flames FC.

influence, with Ana Junyent leading Al-Riyadh as the sole female coach, and David Cabildo at the helm of the Eastern Flames, the pioneering Saudi women’s soccer team.

Based in Dammam, the Eastern Flames, also known as Shulat Alsharqia FC, signify the starting point of women’s football in the region.

“The football stadium is very initial. There is no prior training. They are starting from the bottom, with very basic things,” said David Cabildo, outli-

ning the nascent stage of development.

Despite the primary nature of their setup, the passion and dedication of the players is noteworthy. “Patience is needed.

But in women’s football, the players are already very eager to learn...

They put a lot of passion,” Cabildo observes, highlighting the players’ enthusiasm and rapid progress.

Cabildo’s experience in Saudi Arabia reveals cultural nuances, especially in player-coach interac-

tions and attire. However, these differences don’t hinder the spirit and ambition within the team.

The broadcasting of all matches on television and the involvement of Saudi Telecom Company, a major stakeholder in Spain’s Telefonica since September 2023, underscores the growing popularity and support for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.

The Eastern Flames, though currently underdogs in the league, are crucial to the strategic development of Saudi women’s football.

This strategy is bolstered by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s collaboration with German Monika Staab, renowned for her role in developing Qatar’s women’s team.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia plans to introduce a third category in women’s football, further expanding the sport’s reach and impact.

Foreign teams SPORTS tourism has made a strong start in 2024 in Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. More than 500 sportsmen and women will arrive throughout the first month of the year in the town to train in the municipal sports facilities. Specifically, 13 football teams and three swimming teams will be the first foreign teams to train in the town’s sports facilities in the new year.

Most of the foreign visitors are football players from the Netherlands and Switzerland, who are taking advantage of the winter break in their respective competitions to travel and carry out training in milder weather.

Among the teams that have already passed through the town during the first days of January, FC Dordrecht from the Dutch 2nd division, for example, have chosen the El Pozuelo municipal stadium to prepare for their return to competition. Berkel Women, from the Dutch women’s first division, have also been training at the municipal sports facilities.

Swimming is the other sporting discipline that will be present, specifically in the indoor pool where three teams will hold training sessions, including the swimming team from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom and the team from the University of Limerick in Ireland.

In 2023, sports tourism generated an economic impact in Torremolinos of more than €3 million.

In total, 3,065 athletes passed through the sports facilities of the municipality, contributing with their stay to the deseasonalisation of the town.