Costa Blanca South 15 – 21 February 2024 Issue 2015

Costa Blanca • Issue No. 2015 • 15 - 21 February 2024

FREE

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

G GRATIS

LIVREE

FFREE

GRATIS S

GRATUIT G

Photo: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Spanish success

GRATUITO

Students celebrate their success.

WHILE foreigners in Spain are often criticised for not learning Spanish, Torrevieja Council has been helping the International Community by providing certificated courses in Spanish and the happy group of successful students have now been awarded with their diplomas.

On February 9, the diplomas were awarded to the students of the Spanish Course for Foreigners

who have successfully completed the 40 hours of classes that have been taught.

The ceremony was attended by Gitte Lund Thomsen, councillor of International Residents who said, “This diploma will be useful for all of them to be able to apply for the social roots report, a prerequisite to apply for residency in our country.”

Students came from Europe, Africa and Asia.

on 35

15 - 21 February 2024

A historic moment IN a historic moment, Pinoso will have significant representation in the national women’s under-16 futsal.

For the first time, Pinoso will have four representatives: referee Jonathan Sanchez, two players Noelia Boj and África Santiago with the Valencian team, and coach Cristina Perez (Sports Councillor of Pinoso) with the Murcian team.

Moreover, there’s a possibility that the match between the Valencian National Team and the Murcian National Team could be officiated by the Pinoso referee, which would mean all Pinoso representatives coincide in the same match.

The match schedule for Group C includes teams from Valencia, Murcia, and Galicia.

• Local News •

euroweeklynews.com

Menus of Lent

Musical Spring

Nora Shephard

ALICANTE is introducing a new gastronomy route along with ‘Friday Menus of Lent’, featuring more than 31 traditional recipes showcasing the city’s customs and typical products.

This culinary event begins on February 16 and runs until March 28, inviting residents and visitors to explore Alicante’s diverse culinary offerings.

The participating restaurants, including RockNRolla Bar, Gastrobar Jorge, Bar Nou Pinet, Café Carvi, El Caldero by David San Nicolás, Teselas, Minás, Capri and Diurno, Cervecerías Portabella and Carví, El Barecito Carolinas Market, Merca Centro Babel - Babel Market, La Barra del Ibarra, and Casa Ibarra, will offer a tapa and a beer or wine for €4.50. This initiative aims to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Alicante while promoting local establishments.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

2

Showcasing the city’s customs and typical products.

Customers will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite tapa on the event website, jornadas cuaresmaalicante.com.

Those who participate in the voting process will be entered into a draw, with five winners receiving prizes such as a €100 Gift Card to spend at the Municipal Markets of Alicante, a visit for two to the Bocopa Winery with a gift bottle of wine, a batch of Carmencita products, a batch of Economato Ibérico products, and a batch of Chocolates Clavileño products.

Participants can vote on three different occasions, with one vote allowed for each visit and for three different tapas.

PINOSO is proud to introduce its new exhibition, ‘Musical Spring - Valencian Music Revival’, organised by the University of Alicante on display at the senior school of Pinoso.

The exhibition aims to celebrate Valencian music, featuring the Pinoso radio programme dedicated to promoting music in the Valencian language and showcasing Valencian groups and artists.

Its goal is to provide insight into the current music scene and educate young people about its history and significance.

In addition to highlighting various musical groups and songs, the exhibition explores the connections between music and graphic art, literature, festivals, family life, newspaper publications, and education.

It features thematic panels, book displays, magazines, merchandise, and screens showing concerts, video clips, and TV or internet programmes.

Bargain gourmet grub EVERY Thursday, budding chefs-in-training from the Intermediate Degree in the Restaurant Services programme at Les Dunes school put their skills to the test with a Gastroclass service.

It’s like a mini-restaurant takeover!

They whip up a delectable menu and invite guests to join in for a culinary adventure. The menu is free, all the school

ask is that you leave a nice tip! Hungry for a taste? Secure your spot by booking in advance on the website: ieslesdunes.com/ reserva. If you change your mind or get caught up in other plans you can tweak or cancel your reservation on the site, remember, the clock’s ticking until midday on Wednesday, when the eager students dive into prepping for the big day.

• Local News •

euroweeklynews.com

Aspe trails

ASPE has invested around €40,000 in improving walking trails.

The councillor for the Environment, Vicente Cerdán, explained that “The priority is the maintenance, conservation, repair and enhancement of paths and equipment for public use. We want to maintain natural spaces as axes for a healthy life.”

Charity run

A LITTLE wind and overcast skies were the scene for the charity race that has become a benchmark in the Elche sports calendar. Nearly 1,000 athletes completed the 10K Rotary on February 11 from the Manolo Jaén stadium to raise funds for homeless people.

Prize wines

ALICANTE’S wines, from muscatel to rosé wines and liqueurs, have won several prizes. The province also offers wines of an exclusive origin, and the Wine Route, which extends from Pinoso to the Marina Alta and El Comtat, has opened up its wineries.

Lemon costs

PRICES of agricultural products increase from the fields of Vega Baja to the supermarket. Farmers earn €0.17 per lemon which takes €0.30 to produce which is then sold in shops for €1.70.

The situation has led the province to lose more than 61,000 hectares of crops in 20 years.

Not happy

LA MARINA residents are not happy with the invasion of motorhomes that spend several nights in the area. Residents are urging the council for solutions and more police presence.

an obstacle course race that will start and finish at the International Auditorium and will follow the descent area to La Mata parallel to the fence of the La Mata and Torrevieja Natural Park.

It is scheduled for Saturday, February 17.

The Unbroken Race offers two distances, 10km and 6km, with various obstacles throughout the course, including walls, weights, sleds, climbing ropes, totems, and crawling sections, among others, as outlined by the organisers.

The race will culminate with the placement of the ‘most beautiful and striking’ obstacles, with a finish line on a ramp of over six metres.

Currently, over 1,000 runners have registered, with 20 per cent from

Unbroken Torrevieja Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Nora Shephard NIBS EXTRA THE Unbroken Torrevieja 2024 is

15 - 21 February 2024

UNBROKEN RACE: Offers two distances of 10km and 6km.

Torrevieja and 80 per cent from all regions of Spain. International participants from Portugal, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom will also

compete, particularly in the Elite category, as the event counts towards the Spanish, European, and World Championships.

Check mate

Artichoke love

GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA is set to host the ninth Spanish School Chess Championship from April 26 to 28, putting the town in the spotlight of the national chess scene.

The event, organised by the Spanish Chess Federation (FEDA) and the Valencian Chess Federation (FACV), with support from the ‘Dama de Guardamar’ Chess School Club and Promochess, will highlight the increasing popularity of chess in Alicante Province.

The tournament will take place at the Hostel Costablanca Explore facilities in Guardamar and is expected to draw young talents from all over Spain.

Organisers have praised Guardamar del Segura’s commitment to promoting chess in schools through initiatives like this.

To accommodate the Spanish Championship, the ‘fifth Open Internacional-Memorial José Manuel Hernández Ortiz’, organised by the ‘Dama de Guardamar’ Chess School Club, will be moved to Sunday, April 14.

This change ensures that participants and enthusiasts can fully participate in both significant chess events.

THE Vega Baja Artichoke Association has launched the ‘Stories with Heart’ campaign, showcasing a video that shares the testimonies of three generations connected to artichoke cultivation.

The aim is to celebrate the work behind the ‘Joya de la Huerta’ (Jewel of the Orchard).

Cayetano Murcia, affectionately known as Tano el de la Barraca, is one of the protagonists.

At 80 years old and retired, he has been involved in artichoke cultivation since his childhood, working alongside his father.

Tano speaks passionately about the garden, describing it as his life, while also emphasising the sacrifices made in the field, often unnoticed by consumers. Reflecting on the challenges of agricultural work, Tano acknowledges, “Work in the fields is hard. Unlike other jobs, there are no set hours or days off in the garden.”

Despite the challenges, he expresses his passion for the work and his lifelong dedication to it.

Tractor convoys IN rural areas, tension is high, as seen in recent protests across Spain, including Alicante Province.

The agricultural sector is at the forefront of these protests, with farmers voicing concerns to European, national, and regional authorities.

Chief among their grievances is the persistently low prices they receive for their products.

These prices often don’t cover the cost of production, while they increase dramatically by the time products reach supermarket shelves.

This disparity highlights the serious challenges facing the industry, which has seen over 61,000 hectares of farmland lost in the province over the past 20 years. Farmers in Alicante have been staging grassroots protests, mainly organised through

social media rather than large professional associations.

However, major protests are planned by AVA-Asaja, Asaja Alicante, COAG, and La Unió on February 16 intending to block motorways near Orihuela and Villena.

These actions demonstrate the sector’s dissatisfaction and its determination to push for reforms to make agricultural activities more profitable.

3

YOUR EWN HAS

116

STORIES in this week’s edition

Crypto friendly

THE Torrevieja Association of Small and Medium Merchants (APYMECO) is making strides in embracing new technologies to boost local commerce and economic development.

They’re teaming up with the council to turn Torrevieja into a ‘crypto-friendly’ city, using blockchain technology to digitise commerce.

In the first phase, they’ll encourage businesses to accept cryptocurrencies as payment, making it easier for consumers to buy goods and services using digital currencies.

The second phase focuses on environmental sustainability, aiming to protect and restore natural spaces in the city.

The third phase aims to create jobs and support technology companies in Torrevieja.

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

15 - 21 February 2024

• Feature/News •

euroweeklynews.com

Here be dragons VIEWPOINT

BILL ANDERSON FEBRUARY 10 saw billions of Chinese people celebrating new year: the year of the wood dragon. New year, regardless of when we celebrate it, always represents a new start, new beginnings, new opportunities. I think it is a good thing that we can’t only do this once a year on the New Year that we celebrate. Personally, I am not a follower of astrology, or zodiacs, but I also guess I am not alone when I say that when there are good predictions for the future in my signs, I am notionally attracted to the idea. When they predict hard time ahead,

my scepticism takes over.

The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, which makes it a bit magical, so when it says that the wood dragon will be a good year for culture and publishing, I grasp at the promise, being both a writer and working in publishing.

The origin of the expression “Here be dragons” goes back to the medieval map makers who would write ‘hic sunt dracones’ with an illustration on dangerous or unexplored territories. They would also use sea monsters and other mythological creatures on uncharted areas where potential dangers were thought to exist.

So, why do I behave in such an irrational way about the possibility of good times

ahead? It’s simple really. We all need to live in the hope that the future will be even better than the past. As well as being the guardian of all our happy times, good experiences, and fond memories, the past also holds on to all our failures, bad experiences, and our mistakes. Without the hope of a future where we do things better, use the learned wisdom of our past to avoid the same mistakes in the future, we are fated to the same misery of our past human flaws mingling with our achievements in the future and diminishing them.

The story of Pandora’s box teaches us the lesson that while we are surrounded by all the evils in the world: sickness, suffering, and corruption, there is still hope for the future, and without that hope, without our dreams,

what provides us with the strength and determination to go forward with positivity?

So, what opportunities does the year of the dragon present us with? Well, the number 9 is important as it represents feminine energy, and this will be a good year for women whom we will see coming to the fore on many areas.

According to the advice from the experts we should also attend more happy events to lure positive energy. I’m up for that. I’m a Dog in the Chinese zodiac, so of course I want to know what is in store for me. It could be a year of challenges, but that isn’t all negative as challenges also bring growth. As long as it’s not around my midriff, I’m up for that.

Whatever your take on this is, I wish you all happiness.

Bill Anderson’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. bill-anderson@euroweeklynews.com THE Crime Centre at Miguel Hernández University (UMH) is embarking on a significant study, set to wrap up by 2026.

Their goal? To explore how digital communi-

Elche pioneers ties are victimised and to create rules to protect users, especially minors

and young people.

This study is a big deal not just in Spain but also

+34 951 38 61 61

euroweeklynews.com Affiliated to sales@euroweeklynews.com info@euroweeklynews.com editorial@euroweeklynews.com distribution@euroweeklynews.com PRINTERS: OMNIPRINT. Thee EWN does not accept responsibility for the following: Claims actions and promises made by advertisers; Errors in advertisements reproduced from poor quality artwork or inadequate instructions for text layout or for any loss or damage caused by any error; Inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement; More than ONE INCORRECT insertion. No republication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement, errors and omissions excepted. EWN Media Group no part of this newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved / Todos los Derechos reservados.

Dep. Legal V-1882-2002

in Europe.

It’s unique because it brings together experts from different fields to look at how things like social media, online games, cryptocurrency scams, and other digital platforms affect people, especially youngsters.

Led by Fernando Miró, a professor of Criminal Law at UMH, this project, called ‘GamerVictim’, has been chosen as part of the Prometheus programme.

This programme, supported by the Generalitat Valenciana, selects exceptional research groups to boost their global recognition and share their findings with the world.

In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk in the media and among researchers about the consequences of spending too much time online.

This study aims to understand how this shift from traditional leisure activities to digital ones affects young people, with a particular focus on the potential risks associated with video games and other online platforms.

• Local News •

euroweeklynews.com

SINCE July 2023, Francisco Jurado has been serving as the president of the Rotary Club Guardamar.

He’s been part of the club for over nine years and this is his second year as president, a role he’ll hold until at least June 30 of this year.

Francisco and his team are currently busy organising their big event for 2024, the annual classic motor festival, set to happen on March 23 at Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Guardamar.

Last year, Francisco led successful fundraising efforts for World Polio Day and organised a charity golf tournament.

He reflects on the golf tournament held in December, which raised over €2,000 for End Polio Now and helped raise awareness about the disease.

Image: Rotary Guardamar / Facebook

Rotary update

Team are busy organising the annual motor festival.

Reach Out REACH Out Extienda La Mano has been helping people in Torrevieja for 11 years. They give support to individuals and families going through tough times and work from a food bank centre.

Volunteers are really important for Extienda La Mano. They help with different tasks like sorting clothes, driving, and cooking and their work makes a big difference in helping people in crisis.

The centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 1.00pm where they offer hot food to take away and shower facilities.

If you want to learn more or volunteer, you can visit their centre at Calle Bella Antonia 1, Torrevieja, email info@reachouttorrevieja.eu or call (+34) 965 713 063.

15 - 21 February 2024

5

6

• Local News •

15 - 21 February 2024

Torre winners THE first regional cup over 2,000 metres took place during the second weekend of February in Almazora (Castellon), with participation from clubs across the region.

The Real Club Náutico Torrevieja secured the second position among clubs, finishing seven points behind the cup champions, the host club ‘Club Canoe Almazora’.

Additionally, they clinched three gold medals in Senior Women, Mixed Veteran (+35), and Open Veteran (+35), with the latter being the second best time of the entire cup.

They also earned a silver in Senior Open and a third position, achieving the best time in the cup.

Alberto Gómez provided insights, stating, “The competition proceeded normally, with favourable weather conditions throughout the day. The event took place in a natural setting in Almazora, situated around a small reservoir.

“Initially, there was a headwind against the race (towards the dam), but as the day progressed, the wind shifted in favour of the race (opposite direction to the dam).”

Gómez also highlighted the spectacular sight of boats entering the finish line with great power, a characteristic feature that was evident from the stands.

euroweeklynews.com

Assistance needed!

AGE CONCERN: Are looking for volunteers to help out at their charity shop.

George Cunningham AGE CONCERN in Torrevieja is seeking volunteers to help out at their charity shop one morning a week.

Fluency in Spanish is not required and volunteers of any nationality are welcome to apply.

The charity shop is located at Calle Patricio Zammit 41, on the corner of Concordia, situated just behind the bus station, near the Guardia Civil and the courts.

Why don’t you drop by for a chat while picking up your Euro Weekly.

Currently, the shop has a variety of lovely items for sale which are perfect for Spanish Father’s Day. Easter and wedding season items will be on display soon. Whether you’re looking for gifts or bargains, the shop has something for everyone.

Age Concern is a non-profit charity dedicated to supporting people

over the age of 50, regardless of nationality.

Their centre is located at Calle Paganini, Urb. La Siesta, 03184 Torrevieja and is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 1.30pm.

For more information about the centre, you can call (+34) 966 786 887.

Additionally, Age Concern operates two charity shops, one in Central Torrevieja and another in Los Montesinos.

Volunteer recognition THE president of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mazon, recently announced the introduction of a statute for volunteering in animal protection in the Valencian Community.

Mazon emphasised citizen involvement in the recovery of wildlife in Valencia, acknowledging their indispensable role.

He noted the lack of recognition for volunteers’ efforts and declared the Generalitat Valenciana’s intention to implement a volunteering statute to honour their contributions to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Additionally, Mazon highlighted the establishment of a General Directorate of Animal Protection, focusing on strategies to prevent animal abandonment and ensure wildlife and pet welfare. During his visit to the ‘Santa Faz’ Wildlife Recovery Centre in Alicante on February 10, Mazon praised the centre’s efforts in biodiversity conservation. The new facilities at the ‘Santa Faz’ centre, include operating rooms, an X-ray facility, and an ICU, enhancing veterinary care for injured or vulnerable wild animals.

These improvements will allow the centre to care for a larger number of animals, which has steadily increased over the years.

• Local News •

euroweeklynews.com

SANTA POLA residents will have to wait a bit longer for refurbished ticket booths for boat trips to Tabarca, as construction works at the maritime station stopped in December.

The winning bidder for the project has faced financial challenges, delaying the completion of the works.

The Valencian Community is in talks with the company to speed up the project or find a solution to the contract issue.

The project, worth €570,000, aimed to replace the current colourful booths with a single building representing all shipping companies, similar to bus stations.

It also included plans for shaded areas and gardens to update the site.

Santa Pola Council is urging quick action to avoid delays that could affect the peak season.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

Tabarca tickets

Councillor for the Environment with volunteers from the ‘Alicante reborn’ project.

Alicante Reborn Anna Ellis ALICANTE Council is teaming up with the ‘Alicante Reborn’ project.

The plan is to continue recruiting environmental volunteers to restore the city’s mountains and ecosystems.

Over 18,500 volunteers have already planted 11,000 trees in places like Monte Orgegia, Cala Cantalar, and Sierra del Porquet.

Manuel Villar, the councillor for the Environment, praised the project’s success and announced another year of collaboration.

The council will supply Mediterranean tree seedlings

for reforestation efforts led by Enamorados con Alicante.

Two reforestation campaigns are planned for Monte Orgegia and Villafranqueza, with the El Palamó Neighbourhood Association.

Plus, there’s an environmental photo contest coming up.

Daniel Aguilar, the project’s director, is excited for the season ahead and promises surprises in environmental education and forest ecosystem recovery.

The Council has confirmed that it will continue to support the project’s aim of sustainable development in Alicante.

15 - 21 February 2024

7

8

15 - 21 February 2024

• Local News •

euroweeklynews.com

ORIHUELA’S councillor for Cleaning, Rocio Ortuño, announced the calendar of locations for the mobile eco-park, which has expanded to include new areas such as San Bartolome, La Aparecida, La Murada,

Hurchillo, and Entrenaranjos, in addition to the districts where the service was already provided.

The recycling service will travel through all Orihuela districts every Saturday on a rotating basis.

For Orihuela Costa, the mobile eco-park will be installed every Saturday on Calle Salvador Dalí near the Playa Flamenca market, every Thursday on Calle Mar near the Aguamarina-Campoamor market, and every other Wednesday at C C La Fountain.

In the centre of Orihuela, it will be located every Tuesday next to the weekly Marques de Molins market.

Residents in need can use the eco-park at any of its locations, for example, a resident of Entrenaranjos can take their waste to the eco-park when it is located elsewhere.

The schedule is as follows: on February 24 at Marques de Molins, on March 2 at Desamparados, on March 9 at Entrenaranjos, on March 16 at La Aparecida, on March 23 at La Murada, on March 30 at Hurchillo, on April 6 at San Bartolome, on April 13 at Marques de Molins, on April 20 at Desamparados and, on April 27 at Entrenaranjos.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Mobile eco-park

90s FESTIVAL: Tickets are now available.

Back to the 90s George Cunningham ELCHE’S councillor for the Carrus Este District - Plaza Barcelona, Samuel Ruiz, has unveiled the first of several neighbourhood coexistence initiatives set to take place in May. This marks the third ‘Back to the 90s’ Festival, which previously took place in the Municipal Park Rotunda but will now be held at the Explanada de San Crispín on May 4 from 4.00pm to 1.00am.

Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to relive the music of the 90s with performances by artists such as Chimo Bayo, Rebeca, Bandido Feat. Piropo, Absolom, Jerry Daley, Spanic, Miguel Serna, Javi Boss, Arturo Roger, Di Carlo, and Kino.

The festival will also be hosted by Bartual, the legendary creator and director of the Bikini Club radio show.

Samuel Ruiz emphasised “the importance of revitalising Carrús as one of the most significant neighbourhoods in the municipality with initiatives like these.”

Following the festival, neighbourhood activities will continue on Sunday, May 5, with a family-friendly day at the same location.

Attendees can enjoy children’s games and a plate of giant paella free of charge.

The Explanada de San Crispín has a capacity for approximately 5,000 people.

Tickets for the festival are now available for purchase on the website www.lo masticket.com.

• Feature•

euroweeklynews.com OUR pensions are often key for our long-term financial security, but they are complex. Deciding what to do with yours involves navigating various options, establishing how they suit your objectives, researching the tax implications and weighing up the pros and cons.

UK pension and tax regulations change regularly. Keep up to date on relevant reforms in UK and Spain to review your retirement planning as necessary and make informed decisions.

Lasting a lifetime, the longevity factor How long will you live? And your spouse? This is an unknown but essential factor in financial planning, since your money needs to last as long as you do. You may live to a ripe old age so having a financial planning road map is important.

Many people often overestimate how long retirement savings will last. While you may be able to afford living necessities, your later retirement lifestyle could fall well below expectations.

Much depends on the type of pension. A pension providing a secure income for life can give peace of mind. Other options

15 - 21 February 2024

9

Protect your pensions and retirement savings for the long-term

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

provide the opportunity for your funds to grow, but you should carefully manage investment risk and the rate of withdrawals.

The inflation, income and investment factors Recent years reminded us how inflation can impact our spending power. Even low levels reduce the value of savings and income over the long-term, so plan ahead to protect your pensions and investment capital.

When the cost of living is high people may be tempted to

draw larger amounts from their pension fund. When combined with longevity, the impact of spending too much in the short term (especially when portfolio returns are lower than average) can affect the long-term value of your funds and ability to meet future income requirements.

This can cause a dilemma for retirees who need to meet today’s needs while protecting their future needs.

With a sensible portfolio and drawdown plan, this can be effectively managed. The key is to understand your financial needs and adjust your plan to cater for the year-to-year increases in the cost of living and portfolio performance over time.

The tax factor When weighing up the options for your UK pension you also need to consider the Spanish tax implications. Most UK pension income (except government service pensions) is subject to Spa-

nish taxation if you are resident here, including lump sums.

The UK’s 2023 budget abolished the pensions lifetime allowance and resulting tax charges.

However, with effect from 6th April three new allowances – the ‘lump sum allowance’, ‘lump sum death benefits allowance’ and ‘overseas transfer allowance’ – are scheduled to come into effect.

The advice factor Pensions are personal so establish a solution that works for your circumstances and objectives. Since they are complex and wrong decisions could impact your retirement security, you need to take professional, regulated advice.

The problem for British expatriates is that most UK advisers are not regulated to give advice to EU residents – they lost ‘passporting’ rights with Brexit.

Even without this issue, it’s important to get local advice in

Spain. Most UK-based advisers don’t have in-depth understanding of Spanish taxation and potential pitfalls and benefits, which can result in you paying much more tax than necessary.

Find a qualified advisory firm which is regulated to provide advice on UK pensions in Spain and has the specialist cross-border advice you need - thorough knowledge of UK pension regulations and of both UK and Spanish taxation and interaction between them.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice.

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

10 15 - 21 February 2024

Evil weevil Olympic Week among residents due to the ongoing neglect of green areas in Orihuela Costa.

Residents, especially in Cabo Roig, have taken action by gathering signatures to urge the city council to intervene urgently.

They are calling for the removal of dried palm fronds from trees and treatments to combat the weevil infestation. Some individuals have had to remove affected palm trees because of the damage

caused by the weevil larvae.

The Cabo Roig and Lomas de Orihuela Costa Neighbourhood Association, the largest association on the Orihuela coast, has formally addressed the council, highlighting the challenges residents face due to the deteriorating condition of palm trees.

Their letter was accompanied by numerous signatures.

Youngest champ ON February 10, the President of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mazan, welcomed Loreto Riera, the winner of ‘MasterChef Junior 10’.

At just eight years old, Loretto has become the youngest champion in the history of the programme.

Loreto, hailing from

euroweeklynews.com

Alicante, triumphed on January 3, achieving the highest rating of the season finale with a 13.9 per cent share of the screen, dominating the prime time slot.

Mazón praised Loreto’s exceptional culinary talent, hailing her as an ambassador for Alicante cuisine.

He emphasised that Lo-

reto’s participation in MasterChef has brought Alicante’s name into households across the nation, showcasing not only the gastronomy of the region but also positioning Alicante as a top tourist destination.

During the final, Loreto crafted a menu inspired by her life and loved ones.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

ONCE again, the red palm weevil has resurfaced in the Vega Baja region, this time affecting palm groves in Orihuela Costa.

The lack of pruning and maintenance of around 7,000 palm trees in the coastal area of Orihuela, untouched for two years, has allowed this destructive insect to spread.

The situation is particularly worrying in urbanisations like Cabo Roig, where residents have observed the weevil causing damage to palm trees in private plots.

Frustration has grown

• Local News •

WIndsurfing will take centre stage in Santa Pola’s bay.

George Cunningham FROM February 15 to 18, windsurfing will take centre stage, filling Santa Pola’s bay with colourful sails as the Santa Pola Nautical Club hosts the Olympic Week of the Valencian Community, featuring over 100 competing athletes.

The event will showcase various windsurfing disciplines, culminating in the Spanish Championship of the IQFoil class, part of the ninth edition of the Comunitat Valenciana Olympic Week.

Organised by the Sailing Federation of the Valencian Community in collaboration with several yacht clubs the event promises exciting competitions.

The Santa Pola Yacht Club will host

competitions in IQFoil, Raceboard, BIC Techno 293, and Windsurfer categories.

The highlight will be the Spanish Championship of the IQFoil class, showcasing the best windsurfers in the country.

The councillor for Sports, Pascual Orts, commented on the championship and highlighted its significance as an addition to Santa Pola’s prestigious sporting events.

He emphasised the town’s commitment to windsurfing, leveraging its exceptional bay and the influence of local windsurfing legend Ivan Pastor.

The championship solidifies Santa Pola’s reputation as an international windsurfing destination, supported by the Ivan Pastor Technology Centre.

• Local News • Image: Ayuntamiento de Sax

12 15 - 21 February 2024

Castle of Sax, just one of many ancient buildings in the area.

Step into the past Bob Marquess THE province of Alicante has a fascinating history with lots of ancient buildings to explore, like castles, watchtowers, and other defensive structures.

There are about 230 of these structures scattered around, telling stories that go back 1,500 years.

They’ve seen epic battles, treaties, and the constant threat of invasion.

The castles in the Vinalopo Valley are pretty impressive and give you a real sense of history.

They’re reminders of a time when there were a lot of conflicts and agreements, like the Treaty of Almizra in 1244, which was signed by important people from Aragon and Castile.

These areas used to be bustling with armies, warriors, settlers, and people converting to different beliefs.

But now, they’re famous for their wine and

grapes, making them great spots for walkers.

Over the years, famous people like Juan Fernández Pacheco, the first Marquess of Villena, and the Marshal of Castile, have made their mark here through brave acts and victories.

You can still see their influence in places like La Atalaya of Villena, Meseta Path, and the routes of Sax, Castalla, Biar, and Novelda.

There’s also the grand Alcázar de la Señoría in Elche, also known as the Palace of Altamira.

Nowadays, it’s a museum preserving the stories of its past glory.

euroweeklynews.com

All-time high IN a record-breaking feat, the Valencian Community hit an all-time high in international tourism in 2023, marking a remarkable recovery from the pandemic.

Recent data from a survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics unveiled impressive numbers.

A staggering 10.4 million foreign tourists graced the region, splurging nearly €12,575m. Notably, 70 per cent of this surge is attributed to the province of Alicante.

What’s more, these figures not only surpass the previous year’s records but also outshine those of 2019, pre-pandemic.

In particular, the Valencian Community experienced a noteworthy growth of 10.03 per cent in arrivals compared to 2019, wel-

THE Dolores Housewives Association has produced artisan bitter orange jam for the first time, with the entire process taking place in the unique setting of the Huerta de Dolores Museum.

The oranges used for the production were sourced from the trees on the streets of the municipality.

Previously, the city council had donated these trees to neighbouring ranchers in Dolores.

This year, the collected oranges were used to make the first batch of this jam.

The mayor, Joaquín Hernández, highli-

coming 956,489 more tourists.

The survey highlights that the international tourists who flocked to the Valencian Community in 2023 surpassed 10.4 million, boasting a robust 21.8 per cent year-on-year increase, surpassing the Spanish average of 18.7 per cent.

Their collective expenditure amounted to a staggering €12,575m, reflecting a substantial 24.5 per cent surge from 2022.

Delving into spending habits, the survey discloses that the average expenditure per tourist in 2023 reached €1,199, indicating a 2.2 per cent increase year-on-year.

Moreover, the average daily expenditure for the year stood at €124, a notable 5 per cent rise from 2022.

Dolores Jam ghted the harmony of this activity with the concept of circular economy, emphasising the importance of recycling, reducing, and reusing.

The jam will be available for tasting at the upcoming Artichoke Festival, led by the housewives who are the true protagonists of the event.

Cloti Soria, the president of the housewives, explained that while the preparation process is simple, it is laborious and requires many hours of work.

14 15 - 21 February 2024

• Local News •

euroweeklynews.com

Drive your future Nora Shephard SANTA POLA Council has announced it is holding aptitude tests for obtaining the local taxi driving licence on March 6.

Anyone interested in beginning the process to become a taxi driver has until February 21 to register.

This permit is essential for professional activity in this field.

Applications can be submitted to the general registry of the council until February 21, accompanied by documentation verifying three requirements: possession of a class B driving licence or higher, ESO/ Senior School education certificate and a medical certificate confirming the absence of any incompatible illness or physical

impediment. The test will comprise two exercises.

The first will involve identifying various locations on a silent map, while the second will consist of answering 25 multiple-choice questions related to legislation.

For further details and to access the registration form, head to the website: www.santapola.es/taxis.

Posidonia flourishes ACCORDING to a recent report by the Ministry of Environment the Posidonia oceanica meadows along the Valencian coast show an increase in density and coverage in protected marine areas.

Posidonia oceanica, commonly known as Neptune grass or Mediterranean tapeweed, is a seagrass species that is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea.

It forms large underwater meadows that are an important part of the ecosystem.

Monitoring focused on Places of Community Importance (SCI), with 30 monitoring stations established across Valencia’s coast.

Posidonia oceanica meadows, described as ‘underwater forests’, are crucial marine ecosystems supporting diverse flora

and fauna.

These meadows contribute significantly to oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption.

Posidonia oceanica plays a vital role in stabilising shallow seabeds and coastal areas, recognised as a priority habitat by the European Union.

It receives special protection under both European and regional regulations.

John Smith ALTHOUGH it wasn’t unusual some years ago for passengers boarding commercial helicopter flights in the USA, some Finnair passengers may not be happy with a new announcement.

During much of February and then April to May, the airline will be weighing passengers and their hand luggage

• News •

Weighing in as well as recording age, gender and class of travel when departing Helsinki Airport.

In fairness, this isn’t going to be obligatory and passengers will have the option to opt out of the mass weighing and can be assured that the

information is anonymous with only one person (the one doing the weighing) knowing the passenger’s weight.

Finnair actually undertook this same procedure in 2018 as it is very useful to calculate average weights to be able to optimise Finnair’s current aircraft balance calculations.

Each aircraft has a set maximum weight to ensure a safe take-off, and this weight cannot be exceeded. This includes the weight of the aircraft itself and the weight of fuel, checked baggage and cargo, onboard catering, water tanks and customers.

While airlines know the weight of all other aspects, the weight of customers and their carry-on baggage is calculated using average weights confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority but Finnair prefer to produce their own statistics which have to be renewed every five years.

The only possible problem will be that if there are a lot of volunteers that passengers will need to check in early.

euroweeklynews.com

WHO cancer prediction THE World Health Organisation has recently predicted that cancer cases around the world will rise up to 77 per cent by 2050, which signifies almost 35 million new cases in the following 30 years.

Moreover, far from being a sudden spike, this is a constant tendency that has seen the prevalence of different types of cancer become more prevalent in families today.

Why is that?

One of the main factors that the WHO affirms is a cause of the steady rise in cancer cases is the exponential growth in the world’s population - we have just crossed the 8.1 billion threshold - and it’s progressively ageing, especially in the more developed countries.

Another cause that the Organisation points out is the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and obesity, which has a direct correlation with the

Credit: WHO X

16 15 - 21 February 2024

CASES RISING: A six-year-old cancer victim fights to recover.

worsening of living standards.

Last but not least, there’s the environmental influence, as the increased pollution and the abundance of microplastics in the air and water worsen the living conditions and drive up the risk of developing a cancerous tumour.

The pollution-related

factors worsen especially in urban areas, where the amount of suspended particles generated by transport - from the exhaust fumes, tyres, and even the usage of the brakes - make the population more susceptible to developing lung cancer, which, according to the WHO, is the most common form.

• News •

euroweeklynews.com

Disaster averted Paul Edwards THANKS to the quick thinking of a passenger onboard a Flixbus travelling from Paris to Brussels on February 4, a major accident was avoided.

Ward Van Roy was returning home to Brussels on the coach containing around 50 passengers which was travelling on the E19 motorway near Mons in Belgium when it started to swerve and bumped into the guardrail before heading towards the central reservation and a possible head on crash.

Speaking to Flemish Radio the hero passenger explained “When I noticed something was wrong I immediately jumped up and went to the bus driver.

“At first I thought he had fallen asleep, so I wanted to wake him up. But when I saw the driver, I knew something was seriously wrong.

“He was looking straight

Credit: MichaSpa CC

18 15 - 21 February 2024

A similar Flixbus coach making the Paris to Brussels journey.

ahead but was unresponsive.”

He took over the steering wheel and after managing to move the driver’s feet out of the way, he applied the brake and steered the coach onto the hard shoulder without causing any accident.

Van Roy added “The other passengers were in shock, they were screaming or they were completely frozen. Of course, I am not used to driving a bus

either. When I pushed on the brakes, everyone started screaming even more.

I braked quite hard, apparently.”

Once the coach was stationary, a doctor who was a passenger gave the driver first aid whilst awaiting an ambulance which took the driver (who it is believed had suffered from a stroke) to hospital and a new driver eventually arrived to take the passengers on to Brussels.

• News • Image: Wikipedia/ Tore Sætre

euroweeklynews.com

NORWEGIAN CHOICE: From folk to fame.

Norway’s choice NORWAY is quietly confident about their choice for Eurovision 2024 as they selected the band Gåte (Riddle) to represent them in the much-anticipated song contest. Norway held the ‘Melodi Grand Prix’ on February 3 and Gåte, a unique fusion of traditional Norwegian folk music and explosive rock were selected from the nine finalists.

Gåte is considered a national treasure in Norway, they emerged onto the music scene in the early 2000s, and they enjoyed chart-topping albums, sold-out shows, and even a Spellemann award.

Since their win at the ‘Melodi Grand Prix’, social media platforms have been filled with excited Norwegians expressing their delight and pride for the band that will represent them. Many Norwegians are commenting

about the selection process. An international judges panel made up of representatives from Great Britain, Finland, Switzerland, Estonia, and Azerbaijan, among others gets 40 per cent of the vote and the Norwegian people get 60 per cent of the vote.

Fans expressed their relief that the process was changed this year as the ratio used to be 50-50. Many feel that the international panel doesn’t have Norway’s best interests at heart and would not vote for the best band.

In fact, the panel chose another band but the Norwegian people were united in their vote making Gåte the winner of the ‘Melodi Grand Prix.’

Only time will tell if the people made the right choice for Eurovision 2024 to be hosted by their neighbours in Malmö on May 11.

15 - 21 February 2024

19

20 15 - 21 February 2024 UNTIL August, the Northern Lights phenomenon, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is anticipated to be particularly spectacular.

Heightened activity is expected in the skies above parts of Europe.

This occurrence is attributed to a period of extreme space weather forecasted in the upcoming weeks and months.

The Aurora Borealis is a mesmerising na-

• News •

euroweeklynews.com

Dazzling display tural spectacle that graces the night skies in high-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs due to the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field.

According to forecasts from the Met Office

Space Weather Operations Centre, the sun is reaching the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, known as a solar maximum, in 2024.

This means that the Northern Lights are expected to be stronger and more vibrant than they have been in at least a decade.

Megan Eaves, the London Delegate for DarkSky International, explains that this heightened activity will result in more intense and frequent auroras in both the northern and southern hemispheres. To maximise your chances of witnessing this celestial display, it is advisable to seek out areas with minimal light pollution, providing optimal viewing conditions for the Northern Lights.

Haggis heroine George Cunningham A 10-YEAR-OLD girl from Edinburgh, named Grace, has received a generous reward for her efforts in campaigning to bring back her beloved haggis crisps, a niche flavour that was re-

moved from shop shelves.

When Grace discovered that her favourite haggis and black pepper flavoured crisps, made by Taylors Snacks (formerly Mackie’s Crisps), were no longer available due to the com-

pany’s decision to limit production to winter months, she took matters into her own hands.

Grace penned a heartfelt letter to the managing director of Taylors Snacks, expressing her love for the crisps and advocating for their availability yearround.

She also issued a gentle warning to the crisps boss, James Taylor, stating that she would be disappointed if her request was not fulfilled.

Impressed by Grace’s enthusiasm and initiative, Mr Taylor and his team decided to respond in a meaningful way.

Grace was rewarded with a year’s supply of her favourite crisps, along with a taxi filled with haggis and black pepper flavoured crisps, and a ticket for a tour of the Taylors’ factory.

Grace’s mother, Becky, expressed gratitude for the response from Taylors Snacks.

• News • Credit: Erik Törner flickr

euroweeklynews.com

DIGITAL NOMADS: Enjoy the Spanish lifestyle whilst saving money.

Great shift in population IN the years following the pandemic, Spain has seen a steady influx of the so-called digital nomads, professionals that relocate to foreign countries while working remote jobs in their countries of origin.

As of now, Spain has become the third country most preferred by these profiles, only behind Portugal and Thailand, and around 40 per cent of them are settled around the Costa del Sol. This phenomenon, however, has had a number of consequences for the local population.

While this model of work relationships allows companies to cover critical vacancies with hires from other countries that they wouldn’t be able to source locally, it inevitably raises the question of income

taxes and insurance.

Nomads use public services in their country of residence, while their taxes and pensions remain in their country of origin.

As recently as June 2023, the EU has regulated an extendable five-year period where digital nomads can make their National Insurance contributions in the country they are living in.

The other wedge issue is the rising of real estate prices. On average, nomads usually flow from countries with higher standards (and therefore higher incomes) of living to poorer ones, which impacts the prices in the real estate market, especially in the regions they tend to settle in.

15 - 21 February 2024

21

• News •

euroweeklynews.com

Two-year visa THE UK has announced a special visa scheme which will allow young people to spend up to two years in a European country.

From January 31, a novel visa arrangement allows young people from Andorra and the UK to have the chance to live, work or travel to each other’s countries for up to two years.

This initiative enables a two-year cultural exchange. Young people from Andorra and the UK now have a golden opportunity to travel, work, or reside in each other’s nations.

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) serves as a bridge for cultural exchanges, enabling participants to delve into the lifestyle of the UK. Under this new scheme, up to 100 Andorrans aged 18 to 30 can apply, provided they have £2,530 in savings and cover the Immigration Health Sur-

Credit: frantic00/Shutterstock.com

22 15 - 21 February 2024

Woman hiking in the Pyrenees.

charge beforehand.

Successful applicants gain the freedom to work and reside in the UK for up to 24 months. They can also travel in and out of the UK throughout the validity of their visa.

‘The Youth Mobility Scheme is an excellent opportunity for young Andorran and British people to immerse themselves in each other’s cultures, making life-long connections that will bolster our already strong people-to-people links.

‘I hope those eligible

can take advantage of this exciting new scheme and apply,’ stated Hugh Elliott, the British Ambassador to Spain and Andorra.

It aims at promoting cultural exchanges and strengthening the bonds between the UK and its partners. Through it, individuals are offered the chance to assimilate into different cultures, build up valuable work experience, and mingle with local communities, laying the groundwork for enduring friendships and cultural understanding.

• News •

euroweeklynews.com

Marbella voted best Kevin Fraser Park MARBELLA has been chosen as the best European destination to visit in 2024 in the edition of the award given by the prestigious travel website European Best Destinations with the highest number of votes in its 15-year history, exceeding one million participants from 172 countries.

The city has climbed to the top of the podium, along with Monaco (in second place) and Malta (in third place) from a selection of 20 destinations. Marbella received a total of 149,192 votes, a record number since this award was created, and becomes the first Spanish city to achieve this recognition, after occupying second place two years ago.

In his official announcement of the award, Maximilien Lejeune, CEO of European Best Destinations, told Marbella’s mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, that Marbella, “is a leader in tourism excellence in Europe.” Lejeune also

Photos: Marbella Town Hall

24 15 - 21 February 2024

Best European destination.

praised Marbella’s capacity, “to please all travellers, from three to 103 years old, from sports and shopping enthusiasts to gourmets.”

In this 2024 edition, according to European Best Destinations, a total of 1,096,938 votes have been obtained, 59 per cent of them from outside the continent, which is also a record since the creation of this event that reflects, “that this year more than ever, foreign travellers are showing great interest in travelling to

Europe.”

The award-winning destinations are promoted not only on the organisation’s travel website, but also in partner media such as Forbes USA, Condé Nast, Corriere Viaggi and Yahoo, with a cumulative audience of approximately 420 million travellers. Ángeles Muñoz said that, “We are delighted to receive this recognition,” adding that this, “will contribute to 2024 being even better in tourism than 2023, in which record figures were recorded.”

• News •

euroweeklynews.com

In a significant move, the European Central Bank (ECB) has entrusted Spain with the production of all €10 banknotes destined for the Eurozone in 2024.

This decision was announced recently, pinpointing the Bank of Spain and the Madrid-based public company IMBISA as the key players in the manufacture.

The ECB’s mandate specifies the creation of approximately 424.2 million €10 notes, a task that showcases Spain’s prominent role within the Eurozone’s financial ecosystem.

Additionally, Spain is tasked with producing a portion of the €5 notes required next year, further emphasising its critical manufacturing role.

This strategic move aligns with the ECB’s broader objective to distribute the production of currency efficiently across member states, reflecting each country’s contribution to the ECB’s capital.

Credit: Angel L/shutterstock.com

Spain printing money

Euro bank notes.

Determining the number of banknotes to produce annually involves a meticulous process. Initially, Eurozone’s central banks estimate the volume of notes that need replacing due to wear and tear, alongside the demand for new currency.

The ECB then integrates these figures with its own projections to establish a comprehensive requirement for the entire zone.

The assignment of production tasks to national banks is influenced by their share in the ECB’s capital, with the Bank of Spain ranking fourth after Germany, France, and

Italy. Efficiency and cost considerations dictate the allocation, ensuring that each entity periodically assumes responsibility for different denominations.

The ECB’s strategy avoids assigning the same denomination to any central bank in consecutive years. This approach ensures a diverse and balanced production responsibility across the Eurozone.

Reflecting on its previous duties, the Bank of Spain was involved in the production of the €50 notes in 2022 and 2023 and is set to contribute to the manufacturing of €5 and €50 notes in 2025.

15 - 21 February 2024

25

26 15 - 21 February 2024

• European Press •

IRELAND

EUROPRESS

TWENTY-FIVE per cent of six-year-olds in Ireland own a smartphone, a survey carried out for online safety charity CyberSafeKids found. Twenty-five per cent of parents were worried about cyber-bullying and porn although 20 per cent felt the benefits of the internet and social media outweigh the risks for children.

Measles peril AN adult whose personal details have not been disclosed died in hospital in the Dublin and Midlands health region after contracting measles, the Health Service revealed. This was the first known case of measles in 2024, while four cases were reported in 2023, with two in 2022, none in 2021 and five in 2020.

NORWAY

GERMANY

Photo credit: CC/Clemens Franz

Starting early

euroweeklynews.com

Go slow AVANT GARDE composer John Cage’s Organ²/ASLSP (As Slow as Possible) changed chord for the first time in two years, performed on a specially-constructed organ at a Halberstadt church.

The piece, whose finale arrives in the year 2640, has had 16 chord changes since it began in 2001, commencing with 18 months of silence.

Huge loss LABORATORY samples collected over decades and used in leukaemia research, amongst other fields, were destroyed owing to a freezer fault over Christmas at the Karolinska University Hospital in Solna. The samples’ value “was easily in the millions”, said Matti Sallberg, dean of the university’s southern campus.

Less timber SWEDEN’S timber stocks fell to 7.4 million cubic metres during the last quarter of 2023, a 4 per cent reduction on the same period the previous year. “Timber stocks were low compared to the end of 2022, but also compared to the average for the same time over the past five years,” the Swedish Forest Agency announced.

HALBERSTADT CHURCH: John Cage composition comes to an end in 2640

ITALY

SWEDEN

FRANCE

DENMARK

No asylum

Burst bubbles

SUV surfeit

Mopeds out

ANDREY MEDVEDEV, who defected from the Wagner mercenary group in January, was refused full asylum but will be allowed to reside temporarily in Norway owing to the “security risk in returning him to Russia.” While willing to testify regarding war crimes in Ukraine, Medvedev denies having committed any himself.

PROSECCO producers launched a UK advertising campaign, warning drinkers that it could not be called prosecco when sold on tap. It was important for customers to be aware that prosecco can only be marketed in bottles and selling it in any other manner was fraudulent, the president of the Prosecco Consortium declared.

VOTERS in Paris supported a proposal from city mayor Anne Hidalgo to triple parking charges on hefty SUV and ‘Chelsea tractor’ vehicles, the official count-up revealed.

Parisians voted 54.55 per cent in favour of charging cars of 1.6 metric tons or more €18 per hour to park in the city centre and €12 further out.

COUNCILLORS at Frederiksberg city hall voted to ban mopeds from using the bicycle lanes it shares with neighbouring Copenhagen. Danish traffic laws allow mopeds on these but they are a problem in cities with a high volume of two-wheeled transport, particularly riders for delivery companies, councillors agreed.

Lead on

No let-up

Olympic wages

Fare-dodger

DOG-OWNERS who take their pets to Oslo’s Nordmarka forest area must now keep them on the leash or pay a fine if they run free. This year’s extreme cold and deep snowdrifts have adversely affected wildlife with loose dogs attacking deer and other vulnerable animals whose wounds required them to be put down.

ITALY continues its efforts to counter overtourism in favourite destinations but is also focusing on short-term rentals, which are strictly controlled nationwide with licences banned entirely in some towns and cities.

These include the city centre in Florence where city hall hopes to make more housing available to locals.

INVESTIGATING judges specialised in financial crime are checking the system used to pay Tony Estanguet, chief executive of the Paris Olympics’ organising committee, said sources who insisted on anonymity.

The committee expressed “surprise” at the investigation, while the Public Prosecutor’s office declined to comment.

RUSSIAN Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava (46) who boarded a Scandinavian Airways aircraft bound for Los Angeles at Copenhagen airport in November 2023 without a passport, ticket or visa was a stowaway, a US jury decided. Ochigava, who holds both Russian and Israeli passports, now faces a five-year prison term.

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

PORTUGAL

Buck’s visit

Mighty mice

Digital outlaws

Green power

CHESTER P SLOAN, nicknamed Buck and a Second World War veteran, will see the Normandy beaches once more on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. This time he will be accompanied by his wife, thanks to a fundraising campaign by Randy Buelens who has raised the €4,000 needed to pay for their visit.

HEALTH AND SAFETY inspectors closed online supermarket Picnic’s 2,000-square metre distribution centre in Zaandam after it was overrun with mice. They were detected during a routine check, after which all unwrapped items or food in easily-penetrated packaging was destroyed and the centre fumigated.

VICTIMS ‘gave’ €44 million to online scammers in 2023, duped by Ponzi-type investment schemes, emails or computer malware, the Finance Finland (FFI) lobby group revealed. A total of €77 million was lost this way, compared with €47 million in 2022, although banks intervened in some cases, returning €33 million.

RENEWABLE energy supplied 81 per cent of Portugal’s electricity in January, according to Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN), the national grid operator. Hydropower plants made the most significant contribution to the country’s needs, accounting for 47 per cent, followed by windfarms (25 per cent).

No more

Think again

No-no names

Brussels ire

NEW admissions to Antwerp jail were put on hold as guards revealed the prison was ‘full to overflowing’ with 70 inmates already sleeping on the floor, which they said was heightening tensions. The Belgian prison system with room for 10,000 prisoners had a record high of 12,012 by late January, the authorities said.

THE Netherlands Education Council asked the government to reconsider admitting fewer international students to Dutch universities and reducing the number of classes in English. While accepting fewer foreign students could be “positive”, the language change could affect educational quality and research, the council said.

FINLAND’S Names Board, attached to the Justice ministry, recently released a list of the new names it approved or rejected in 2023. Harry Potter’s Voldemort was vetoed, along with Jezebel and Yes, since Finnish law does not accept first names that are potentially offensive or “harmful to the person bearing it.”

THE European Commission announced that it is taking action against Portugal at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for not complying with a December 2023 ruling. This required the country to designate 61 ‘sites of community importance’ as ‘special conservation sites’ under habitat conservation rules.

• News •

euroweeklynews.com

The Smurfs John Smith

SPANISH villages are generally very attractive but a few have turned themselves into the quirkiest habitations in Europe.

Who would have thought that one of Belgium’s favourite cartoon creations would take over the tiny village of Juzcar which is situated not too many kilometres away from Ronda in Malaga Province?

The journey there however is down a narrow winding road through mountainous terrain until you discover the blue village that is Juzcar.

At one time this isolated hamlet was painted white but in 2011 to coincide with the release of The Smurf Movie, Sony Pictures were looking for a suitable village to paint blue for promotional purposes.

It’s remote, small and is well-known for the mushrooms that grow locally and as we all know, Smurfs

Credit: Donatella D flickr

Signs of Smurfs are everywhere in Juzcar.

are blue and live in mushroom houses.

The deal was eventually struck and included an undertaking that once the promotion was over then Sony would pay for all the properties to be painted white again.

In the event, a public referendum was held and local residents decided not only did they like being a blue village but if they

embraced Smurfism then they would become a tourist attraction.

Now 13 years later, they are not only still blue, but various statues have been erected to some of the main characters and there are 14 different wall drawings of Smurfs around Juzcar.

It might not be the place to spend a week’s holiday but is certainly an ideal place to visit for the day.

15 - 21 February 2024

27

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIALSCENE

30 EWN 15 - 21 February 2024

ALICANTE’S culinary scene is much more than just rice dishes and seafood.

It’s deeply rooted in the Mediterranean diet, featuring plenty of veggies, fruits, exquisite flavours, and a commitment to tradition and professionalism.

This is evident in the impressive 15 Michelin stars awarded to 11 restaurants in the province.

Leading the pack are renowned chefs like Quique Dacosta, who has three Michelin stars for his restaurant in Denia, and Kiko Moya of L’Escaleta in Cocentaina and Alberto Ferruz of Bon Amb in Javea, each with two stars.

Other talented chefs like Pepa Romans of Casa Pepa in Ondara, Susi Díaz of La Finca in Elche, Cristina Figueira of El Xato in La Nucía, Joaquín Baeza Rufete of Baeza & Rufete in Alicante, Rafa Soler of Audrey’s in Calpe, José Manuel Miguel of Beat Restaurant in Calpe, José Manuel López of Peix &

Image: Museo de Aguas de Alicante / Facebook

Michelin Stars Peix & Brases, Denia.

Brases in Dènia, and Borja Susilla and Clara Puis of Tula Restaurante in Javea, each have one Michelin star.

These chefs are not only masters of their craft but also dedicated to culinary innovation, which complements the diverse range of traditional dishes found in the province’s mountains and valleys.

From extraordinary rice dishes like caldero (cooked in a cauldron) to comforting stews like olleta (made with vegetables, legumes, bones, and meats), pericana (a typical cooking sauce), gazpacho (a cold soup made from tomatoes and peppers), and cocido con pelotas (a stew with meatballs), these dishes showcase the province’s unique ingredients and culinary heritage.

JOIN in some quizzing fun at Cafe Bar Zaksia in La Marina all for a good cause.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 24, with the evening starting at 5.00pm for food and 6.00pm for the quiz.

For a nominal fee of €5, you can participate in the quiz followed by a game of Play Your Cards Right. The fun doesn’t stop there, stick around for a chance to win fantastic prizes in the raffle.

Foodie fest CALLING all foodies and fans of artichokes!

Join the Vega Baja Artichoke Association for the Artichoke Fest and the Gastronomic Fair of Artichoke and Broccoli on February 24 and 25 in San Fulgencio. The Artichoke Fest will take place on February 24 at 9.30pm at the

San Fulgencio Multipurpose Compound.

The next day, join in the fun at the Artichoke and Broccoli Gastronomic Fair at the same venue.

Enjoy free tastings of tapas made with these products from 11.00am to 2.00pm and watch showcookings from 1.00pm.

Costumes and parades LA ZENIA Boulevard is gearing up for its February Carnival, spanning over two exciting days of festivities!

On Friday, February 16, mark your calendars for the lively carnival costume parade organised by Orihuela Costa Festival Committee. Then, on Saturday 17, get ready for the Costume Contest extravaganza from 11.00am until 8.00pm!

K9 charity quiz For more information or to book your table for your team, visit Cafe Bar Zaksia at Calle Madrid, 3, 03177 La Marina, Alicante, or call (+34) 643 917 112. Funds raised go directly to K9 Animal Rescue Charity, ma-

king a meaningful impact on the lives of animals in need.

For additional details about the charity, email k9clubinfo@gmail.com or give the charity a call on (+34) 711 082 807.

32 EWN 15 - 21 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIALSCENE

E ASTER’S

COMING!

O

ver the next few weeks EWN will keep you up to date with what’s happening near you during Semana Santa. Holy Week is celebrated in all the cities and towns of Spain and has a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Tourists from all over the world visit these unique events, especially in Andalucia.

It starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday with different processions taking place every day of the week, usually starting in the early evening, with penitents carrying heavy thrones through the streets. It’s a community and family celebration with many events taking place around the regions.

The easter bunny

EASTER, synonymous with the end of Lent and the resurrection of Jesus, also sparkles with excitement for kids, thanks to the magical Easter Bunny and his bounty of sweets and chocolate eggs. But behind the sugary treats lies a tale of tradition and folklore. While the Easter Bunny is famed for hopping around with baskets, his origins delve deeper into history. Linked to pagan customs, particularly the festival of Eostre, which celebrated fertility and spring, the rabbit symbolises abundance due to its prolific breeding. Nest-making and leaving carrots for the bunny were common practices. The tradition soon spread.

Image: P-Kheawtasang / Shutterstock.com

Easter around Spain Anna Ellis EASTER Week is celebrated nationwide in Spain and boasts unique festivities of International Tourist Interest. In Sevilla, witness the ‘cofrades’ parading elaborately adorned statues of Mary and Jesus through narrow streets.

Malaga’s Easter features the moving tradition of pardoning a prisoner, highlighted by Jesus ‘el rico’ blessing the convict. Cuenca’s Easter Week offers concerts during the Religious Music Week festival, held in historic venues like the Cathedral.

In León, don’t miss the symbolic encounter of Saint John and the Virgin Mary in Plaza Mayor, concluding the Ronda and Pasos procession.

Zamora’s nocturnal processions resonate with Gregorian chants.

Valladolid’s processions showcase priceless Baroque sculptures by San Juan de Juni and Gregorio Fernández.

Salamanca’s stunning architecture forms the backdrop for Easter Week.

Elche’s Palm Sunday Procession, featuring traditional palm leaves, is among Spain’s most beautiful.

In Cartagena, thousands sing the ‘Salve Maria’ during the poignant finale of Easter processions. Lorca’s processions depict biblical scenes and ancient civilisations.

Hellín’s Tamborada, with up to 20,000 drums, is the highlight of Albacete’s Easter Week.

Calendar conundrum

THIS year, Easter falls on March 31.

Some say Easter’s date which changes a lot is not a bad thing and actually adds to its mystique.

Easter can fall anywhere from March 22 to April 25 on the regular calendar.

But in the Eastern Orthodox Church, it’s between April 4 and May 8. Over 500 years, from 1600 to 2099, Easter is most often on March 31 or April 16. The least

common dates are March 22, April 24, and March 23. Easter’s timing depends on the Paschal Full Moon, which is the full Moon after the March equinox or the start of spring.

Easter’s date shifts due to the influence of the Jewish calendar, as the Last Supper coincided with Passover. Although the astronomical equinox typically occurs around March 21, the Church sim-

plifies matters by consistently observing it on March 21.

This ecclesiastical equinox facilitates Easter calculations, although occasional discrepancies arise. For instance, in 2019, despite the full Moon and equinox aligning astronomically on March 20, Easter was celebrated on April 21, following Church tradition, due to the timing of the next full Moon.

euroweeklynews.com

• Feature •

INTERVIEW

Romania to Spain NOW aged 26, almost 20 years ago, Dragos Tanase embarked on a life-altering journey from Romania to Elche on the Costa Blanca driven by economic prospects.

His dad had already gone to Italy looabout the healthcare system. king for work, and eventually, the whole He explains how his mum’s life was family settled in Spain because they lisaved by Spanish doctors, who did six ked its peaceful vibe and economic stasurgeries on her spine. bility.

“In Romania, getting that “I was just seven when kind of medical help we got to Spain,” Drawould’ve been almost gos remembers. impossible as it’s a Thinking back lot like the healthon Romania, Dracare system in the gos admits he United States, doesn’t have a where you need lot of memories a lot of money of it firsthand. to get good care.

He mostly relies Even if we sold on bits and pieces everything we from when he was owned, we couldn’t a youngster and the have paid for those Dragos Tanase misses occasional trip back. surgeries,” Dragos said. the beautiful scenery He points out a big diBut besides healthcare, in Romania. fference between the two Dragos loves how friendcountries: Romania has more people ly the Spanish people are. He says it is living in the countryside, especially in like a big melting pot of cultures from all small towns near old industrial areas over the world. “Spanish society does a from the communist era. great job of bringing different cultures When asked about what he likes best together, which makes it easy to learn about Spain, Dragos talks right away from each other,” he adds.

15 - 21 February 2024

33

FINANCE €1.1 billion VAT-free review 34

euroweeklynews.com • 15 - 21 February 2024

STAT OF WEEK

has been raised by Bankinter Asset Management’s recordbreaking Premium Fixed Income investment fund in the three months since its launch in November 2023.

BUSINESS EXTRA Cost-cutting

BIG FOUR accountant Deloitte, whose partners earn approximately £1 million (€1.17 million) annually, employs 27,000 people in the UK and proposes to make 100 employees redundant. The future job cuts will affect 5 per cent of financial advisory service staff, coinciding with a deal-making decline and high interest rates.

Old guard

PHARMACEUTICAL company Grifols announced a new chief executive and three members of the founding family resigned their executive roles on February 5, four weeks after an attack by the short-seller fund Gotham City queried its accounting.

Shares slumped a month ago but have now risen by 1.5 per cent.

On track

MARKS & SPENCER is set to leave Waitrose behind as it woos more of its well-heeled customers. Data experts Nielsen announced recently that M&S is currently tied with Waitrose, with each on 3.8 per cent of the market compared with 2021 when Waitrose accounted for 4.2 per cent and M&S for 3.2 per cent.

Ford layoff

UNIONS at Ford’s Almussafes (Valencia) have requested a furlough scheme affecting up to 750 employees a day between February and April 2024. Following an advisory committee meeting, UGT, which represents the majority of workers, announced that it was prepared to extend layoffs only until late March.

Don’t split

ANALYSIS by the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis, part of America’s Reserve System, revealed that while divorce is costly for both men and women, males usually lost twice as much of their income. US couples who separated in 2023 saw an average 12 per cent reduction in income.

Linda Hall BRITAIN’S Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility (ORB) to review the decision to scrap tax-free shopping for tourists.

Prime Minishter Rishi Sunak, who was Chancellor at the time, decided to abolish the VAT-free concession in 2021.

Sunak claimed that the benefits were “almost entirely” enjoyed by a handful of shops, restaurants and hotels in central London.

The move currently brings in an annual £2 billion (€2.34 billion) although its many critics, like fashion designer Sir Paul

Photo credit: Flickr/Garry Knight

LUXURY BRANDS: No VAT could boost tourist spending.

Smith, argue that this does not compensate for what is lost on tourist spending.

“It’s not always necessarily about rich shoppers coming to buy cheap handbags,” Sir Paul told Sky News, while revealing that one-third of his business relies on the tourism market.

“It’s the fact that when they’re here, they do spend money in our great cities,” he said.

He also pointed out that European hotels had recovered after the pandemic.

“We haven’t, so it’s about bringing people to the country and seeing all the fantastic things we’ve got.”

A bite of the Apple SPAIN’S National High Court in Madrid suspended as a precautionary measure €194 million in fines imposed on Apple and Amazon in July 2023.

The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) anti-trust watchdog concluded that a 2018 agreement between the companies had restricted competition on Amazon’s Spanish website.

This affected “without justification” the online market for mobiles and electronic devices in Spain, the CNMC said,

Boss needed SHARES in NatWest, bailed out by the British government in 2008, could go on sale to the public by June 2023.

Before it can do so, Charles Donald, the UK Government Investments (UKGI) chief, told a parliamentary committee that the bank should first name a successor to Dame Alison Rose, who resigned as chief executive following last year’s debanking scandal involving former politician Nigel Farage.

Either Rose’s interim substitute Paul Thwaite should be confirmed in the role, or a permanent chief executive appointed, Donald said.

handing Apple and Amazon respective €143.6 million and €50.5 million fines.

This affected Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch and Airpods amongst other products.

Amazon also limited advertising by competitors, influencing results on the website when would-be buyers searched for products, the CNMC said. Prices for Apple devices rose following the deal, the regulator said.

As expected, both Apple and Amazon lodged appeals against the fines.

These were accepted in December

Barratt deal BARRATT has bought its smaller housebuilding rival, Redrow, in a deal that topped £2.5 billion (€2.9 billion).

The two companies, which had a combined market value of £7.2 billion when markets closed on February 6, negotiated an all-share offer establishing Barratt as the UK’s largest housing constructor.

Barratt Redrow, the merged companies’ new name, will build 23,000 homes annually with a predicted £7 billion (€8.2 billion) turnover.

Both boards backed the transaction, as well as Steve Morgan, who founded Redrow 50 years ago with a £5,000 loan (€5,861) from his father and still holds 16 per cent of its shares.

The designer is one of more than 400 business-owners who signed an open letter organised by hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, asking the Chancellor to eliminate what amounts to a tourist tax.

Shares in luxury brands climbed on Monday, February 4, in response to an article disclosing the requested OBR review which was published in The Sunday Times the previous day.

Shares in Burberry, Mulberry and Watches Of Switzerland Group all rose, but although hotel stocks were also boosted, the increase was less perceptible.

Photo credit: CC/Sounder Bruce

AMAZON HEADQUARTERS: Online giant allegedly conspired with Apple.

2023, leaving in doubt whether the fines will eventually be imposed or modified by the National High Court.

The tribunal also temporarily suspended a CNMC order preventing Apple and Amazon from bidding for public sector contracts.

Wind power ploy KRAFT HEINZ intends to build a £40 million (€46.9 million) green-powered hydrogen plant at its Kitt Green (Wigan) baked bean factory.

The parent company has now signed an agreement with energy firm Carlton Power to produce plans for the future installation.

The factory where a staff of 850 produce baked beans, soups and spaghetti hoops would produce hydrogen from renewable sources, principally wind and solar power. This should cover more than half of the factory’s annual natural gas needs while reducing its carbon emissions by roughly 16,000 tons a year.

Hotel tactics INDITEX founder Amancio Ortega has chosen Portugal’s second largest hotel chain, Vila Gale, to run one of the 18 hotels he owns there.

Hotel Mercure in Figueira da Foz, which Ortega acquired in 2004, was formerly managed by the Accor group and reopens following extensive renovations to its 102 rooms, two restaurants, bar, spa and other installations in April this year.

Vila Gale had a record turnover of €275 million in 2023 and its chairman Jorge Rebelo de Almeida, who is worth an estimated €1 billion, plans to enter the Spanish market with a 300-bedroomed hotel in Huelva in April.

Cheaper transfers ALL European banks must now offer their clients immediate transfers free of charge or at the same price as the ordinary procedure.

The European parliament approved the measure on February 4, with 599 votes in favour, seven against and 55 abstentions.

“Charging a different commission for immediate transfers is now banned,” explained Spanish Euro MP Jonas Fernandez who was part of the Economic Affairs and Monetary Committee which worked on the new legislation.

“This will make bank charges cheaper, because some banks in Spain take a commission on immediate transfers but will no longer be able to do so,” Fernandez told financial daily, Cinco Dias.

Airbus bait AIRBUS could expand its Albacete plant if a future subsidy from the Spanish government comes through.

Spain owns 4 per cent of Airbus and the government wants the company to increase its investment in the country, according to reports from Bloomberg.

The installation on the outskirts of Albacete city produces components destined for civilian and military helicopters and expanding the plant would fit in with government plans to attract more industrial and arms’ investment.

36 EWN 15 - 21 February 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 12 February

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.395,00.............+13,00........... +0,55%......... 514,14K Admiral Group.............................2.523,0................ -8,0..............-0,32%.......... 235,09K Airtel Africa................................. 103,60................ -0,30.............-0,29%.......... 904,32K Anglo American...........................1.713,0............... -26,6.............-1,53%............1,09M Antofagasta................................1.640,00............. -10,00............-0,61%............1,51M Ashtead Group............................5.234,0............... -30,0.............-0,57%........... 53,55K Associated British Foods.............2.247,0.................0,0............... 0,00%.......... 466,46K AstraZeneca................................9.925,0..............+102,0........... +1,04%......... 605,71K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 710,60................ -9,80.............-1,36%............1,64M Aviva........................................... 417,00................ -3,70.............-0,88%............1,78M B&M European Value Retail SA... 499,40................ -0,50.............-0,10%.......... 463,95K BAE Systems..............................1.204,50..............+9,50............ +0,80%......... 613,98K Barclays...................................... 143,46................+0,30............ +0,21%..........10,11M Barratt Developments................. 483,60................ -3,90.............-0,80%............3,19M Beazley........................................ 564,00................+3,00............ +0,54%......... 933,94K Berkeley......................................4.695,0...............+25,0............ +0,54%.......... 23,11K BP............................................... 482,85................+6,60............ +1,39%..........10,60M British American Tobacco...........2.441,0............... -43,0.............-1,73%............1,22M BT Group.................................... 105,15................ -0,55.............-0,52%............6,61M Bunzl...........................................3.218,0...............+18,0............ +0,56%......... 233,84K Burberry Group...........................1.268,0............... -28,0.............-2,16%.......... 793,42K Centrica....................................... 132,90................ -0,45.............-0,34%...........18,74M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.200,0...............+23,0............ +1,06%......... 236,16K Compass....................................2.237,00.............+26,00........... +1,18%...........1,59M ConvaTec Group......................... 240,40................+5,80............ +2,47%...........9,42M Croda Intl....................................4.991,0............... -31,0.............-0,62%.......... 365,65K DCC.............................................5.768,0................ -8,0..............-0,14%........... 16,37K Diageo.........................................2.916,0............... -10,0.............-0,34%.......... 999,88K Diploma.....................................3.404,00.............+18,00........... +0,53%.......... 43,34K DS Smith.................................... 316,90................+8,30............ +2,69%...........3,67M Endeavour Mining......................1.284,00.............. -6,00.............-0,47%........... 70,03K Entain.......................................... 999,80...............+13,20........... +1,34%......... 324,43K Experian......................................3.382,0...............+44,0............ +1,32%......... 643,02K F&C Invest.................................. 989,00................+5,00............ +0,51%.......... 81,98K Flutter Entertainment..................16.785,0..............+65,0............ +0,39%.......... 40,63K Frasers........................................ 785,00................ -7,50.............-0,95%.......... 546,18K Fresnillo...................................... 484,20................ -9,00.............-1,82%............1,74M Glencore...................................... 386,06............... -10,74............-2,71%...........13,76M GSK plc......................................1.661,40.............+10,40........... +0,63%...........1,45M HALEON...................................... 321,30................ -1,70.............-0,53%............8,28M Halma..........................................2.215,0................+2,0............. +0,09%......... 210,36K Hikma Pharma...........................1.962,50.............+32,50........... +1,68%.......... 36,16K Howden Joinery.......................... 785,00................+1,80............ +0,23%...........1,07M HSBC.......................................... 611,90................ -5,80.............-0,94%............2,82M IAG.............................................. 145,00................+0,40............ +0,28%...........2,05M IMI PLC......................................1.711,00.............. -4,00.............-0,23%........... 29,17K Imperial Brands..........................1.881,00.............+22,50........... +1,21%......... 754,30K Informa....................................... 802,20...............+11,00........... +1,39%...........1,30M InterContinental..........................7.708,0...............+74,0............ +0,97%......... 154,68K Intermediate Capital...................1.789,75..............+7,75............ +0,43%......... 524,28K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intertek........................................4.476,0...............+42,0............ +0,95%......... 287,00K J Sainsbury................................. 257,70................ -1,70.............-0,66%............4,31M JD Sports Fashion....................... 105,29................+0,80............ +0,77%...........2,13M Kingfisher.................................... 218,50................ -1,40.............-0,64%............1,37M Land Securities........................... 635,60............... -14,60............-2,25%.......... 817,95K Legal & General.......................... 238,20................ -3,10.............-1,28%...........11,78M Lloyds Banking............................ 41,53..................0,00.............. 0,00%...........78,08M London Stock Exchange..............8.852,0...............+60,0............ +0,68%......... 462,21K M&G........................................... 221,20................+1,50............ +0,68%...........2,31M Marks & Spencer........................ 236,90................ -0,10.............-0,04%............1,57M Melrose Industries...................... 600,00................+5,00............ +0,84%...........2,40M Mondi.........................................1.341,00..............+4,50............ +0,34%......... 528,15K National Grid..............................1.002,00............. -11,00............-1,09%............2,16M NatWest Group........................... 213,00................ -2,50.............-1,16%...........15,53M Next............................................8.250,0............... -40,0.............-0,48%........... 36,02K Ocado.......................................... 523,40................ -2,00.............-0,38%.......... 868,55K Pearson....................................... 943,60................+4,40............ +0,47%......... 280,75K Pershing Square.......................... 49,30.................+0,45............ +0,92%.......... 21,93K Persimmon.................................1.391,3...............+14,3............ +1,04%......... 694,69K Phoenix....................................... 492,00................ -1,40.............-0,28%.......... 548,46K Prudential.................................... 808,60................ -9,60.............-1,17%.......... 653,62K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.754,0............... -12,0.............-0,21%.......... 233,43K Relx............................................3.347,00.............+46,00........... +1,39%...........2,65M Rentokil....................................... 397,70................ -3,50.............-0,87%............4,87M Rightmove.................................. 545,20................ -6,20.............-1,12%............1,18M Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.366,0................+4,0............. +0,07%......... 586,89K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 319,30................+1,60............ +0,50%...........3,67M RS PLC....................................... 786,20................+9,20............ +1,18%......... 235,02K Sage...........................................1.195,00.............+22,50........... +1,92%...........1,24M Schroders.................................... 400,7..................+0,6............. +0,15%...........3,02M Scottish Mortgage....................... 790,88................+1,88............ +0,24%......... 581,44K Segro.......................................... 841,60................ -5,00.............-0,59%............1,40M Severn Trent...............................2.471,0............... -26,0.............-1,04%........... 47,97K Shell............................................2.500,5...............+22,0............ +0,89%...........3,40M Smith & Nephew........................1.103,50..............+2,00............ +0,18%...........1,60M Smiths Group.............................1.615,00.............. -2,50.............-0,16%........... 37,34K Smurfit Kappa.............................3.166,0...............+36,0............ +1,15%......... 357,65K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.160,0..............+65,0............ +0,64%........... 5,28K SSE............................................1.571,19.............. -4,31.............-0,27%............1,95M St. James’s Place........................ 638,20................ -1,40.............-0,22%.......... 553,08K Standard Chartered..................... 579,60................+0,20............ +0,04%...........1,03M Taylor Wimpey............................ 145,80................+0,55............ +0,38%...........1,05M Tesco.......................................... 281,30................+0,90............ +0,32%...........6,67M Unilever.......................................4.012,0............... -12,5.............-0,31%............1,03M Unite..........................................1.001,00.............. -4,00.............-0,40%........... 69,95K United Utilities............................1.019,00.............. -6,50.............-0,63%............1,10M Vodafone Group PLC.................. 63,267............... -0,243............-0,38%...........12,81M Weir Group................................1.801,00.............. -1,50.............-0,08%.......... 359,75K Whitbread...................................3.494,0...............+27,0............ +0,78%......... 289,29K WPP............................................ 786,00................+2,60............ +0,33%......... 234,37K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85453

1.17007

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0771 Japan yen (JPY)...................................160.98 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9429 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4528 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.405 currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 12 February

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3M............................................... 93,22................. -0,62.............-0,66%............3,91M American Express....................... 211,26................+2,18............ +1,04%...........3,59M Amgen........................................ 294,85................ -1,02.............-0,34%............5,33M Apple........................................... 188,32................ -1,09.............-0,58%...........37,90M Boeing......................................... 209,28................ -2,64.............-1,25%............5,62M Caterpillar.................................... 321,96................ -1,63.............-0,50%............1,83M Chevron...................................... 154,05................+1,92............ +1,26%...........7,65M Cisco............................................ 49,95.................+0,18............ +0,36%..........16,28M Coca-Cola..................................... 59,83................. -0,16.............-0,27%...........12,17M Dow............................................. 53,88................. -0,22.............-0,40%............3,41M Goldman Sachs........................... 385,15................ -1,51.............-0,39%............1,76M Home Depot................................ 363,84................+1,15............ +0,32%...........2,24M Honeywell................................... 193,46................ -0,64.............-0,33%............2,45M IBM............................................. 184,39................+2,31............ +1,27%...........3,98M Intel.............................................. 42,50................. -0,28.............-0,65%...........30,44M J&J............................................. 156,43................ -1,55.............-0,98%............7,64M JPMorgan................................... 174,82................ -0,61.............-0,35%............5,39M McDonald’s................................. 291,94................+4,61............ +1,60%...........4,37M Merck&Co................................... 126,61................ -0,86.............-0,67%............4,19M Microsoft.................................... 414,11................+0,06............ +0,01%..........16,90M Nike............................................. 103,76................ -0,03.............-0,03%............6,17M Procter&Gamble......................... 158,65................ -0,47.............-0,30%............4,07M Salesforce Inc............................. 291,98................+3,14............ +1,09%...........3,50M The Travelers.............................. 213,86................ -0,36.............-0,17%............1,35M UnitedHealth............................... 520,01................+0,62............ +0,12%...........3,26M Verizon......................................... 39,91................. -0,51.............-1,27%...........19,14M Visa A.......................................... 275,80................ -3,07.............-1,10%............5,65M Walgreens Boots.......................... 22,54................. -0,27.............-1,18%............7,79M Walmart...................................... 169,37................ -0,01.............-0,01%............4,52M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 12 February

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Arm Holdings plc.............................................+47.89%.......................105.432M Confluent, Inc...................................................+34.09%........................24.356M Oscar Health, Inc..............................................+24.38%........................12.644M Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.........................+23.03%.......................106.187M Adyen N.V........................................................+20.55%.........................1.891M SoftBank Group Corp.......................................+19.49%......................... 15,562 SoftBank Group Corp.......................................+18.17%.........................2.237M Viking Therapeutics, Inc...................................+18.01%.........................8.489M Ralph Lauren Corporation................................+16.79%.........................4.342M Höegh Autoliners ASA......................................+16.70%........................ 169,822 M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Lightspeed Commerce Inc............................... -24.37%.........................9.038M Lumentum Holdings Inc................................... -22.43%........................10.877M A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S.................................. -15.02%.........................1.397M Insperity, Inc.................................................... -14.78%.........................1.426M Bombardier Inc................................................ -14.39%......................... 53,925 Neste Oyj.......................................................... -12.06%......................... 44,408 NEXON Co., Ltd................................................ -11.73%......................... 22,118 Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.................... -11.62%......................... 68,322 PayPal Holdings, Inc........................................ -11.24%........................67.901M Snap-on Incorporated....................................... -9.67%......................... 774,777 FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc............................ -9.20%..........................1.436M M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com Saudi plum

LOCKHEED MARTIN selected Spain’s Indra company to equip four ships with ultramodern electronic defence systems for the Saudi Arabian navy but did not reveal details of the sums involved. The ships, which are 118 metres long and capable of 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kilometres) without refuelling, will operate along the coast and at sea.

Go it alone

ZUBER ISSA is negotiating the sale of his 22.5 per cent holding in the ASDA supermarket chain as he splits from older brother, Mohsin.

Issa reportedly wishes to focus on the brothers’ EG Group petrol stations, although selling his stake could be complicated by existing agreements with Mohsin and Asda’s other shareholder TDR Capital.

Mone email leaks Linda Hall

MICHELLE MONE assured the UK government in May 2020 that she would make “no financial benefit whatsoever” from personal protective equipment (PPE) company Medpro.

Nor was she a shareholder in the consortium led by her husband Doug Barrowman, she stressed.

In emails between Mone and the Cabinet Office leaked by the Guardian on February 7, she explained

Photo credit: X-Lady Michelle Mone

BUSINESS EXTRA

15 - 21 February 2024

MEDPRO LEAKS: Michelle Mone and husband Doug Barrowman

Oil from the US THE US now provides most of Spain’s oil, obtained via fracking.

Despite its environmental drawbacks, the controversial process is bearing fruit in the US which exported more than 8.7 million tons of oil to Spain in 2023. That was 31.2 per cent more than in 2022, according to recent figures from the Petroleum Products Strategic Reserves Corporation (Co-

res).

This has put the US ahead of Nigeria, which after five years as Spain’s principal supplier has now dropped in fourth place after Mexico and Brazil.

Spain currently imports lesser amounts from at least 22 other countries worldwide, excluding Russia, with total imports falling by 3.3 per cent in 2023 to just under 61.56 million tons.

that her second husband was “a very philanthropic individual who wished to help the NHS.” For this reason, she continued, the Isle of Man-based financial services businessman was negotiating to lower the prices the government paid for PPE during the pandemic.

Weeks later, in June 2020, the government awarded Medpro two contracts to supply PPE worth £203 million (€238 million).

By September 2020 Barrowman had earned approximately £65 million (€76.2 million) from these contracts, according to HSBC bank documents seen by the Guardian.

Of this, £29 million (€34 million) of Medpro profits was allegedly transferred to an offshore trust set up to benefit Mone and her children.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is currently investigating both Barrowman and Mone for potential fraud.

EWN 37

So close THE official receiver in charge of the Marie Claire bankruptcy told the company works committee that a buyer had been found and the stockings and underwear firm founded in 1907 would reopen. A contract due to be signed ‘within days’ would provide jobs for 72 currently furloughed employees and up to 150 more, he announced on February 7.

AI plans IN a £1 billion (€1.17 billion) cost-cutting programme over the next three years, Sainsbury’s will use more automated tills and warehouse robots plus AI forecasting tools to make sure supermarkets are adequately stocked.

Chief executive Simon Roberts admitted there could be job losses but said employees would be able to change their roles and adapt to new methods.

Impossible to resist LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT CAN’T quite believe I’m doing Trump again this week, but the man is such wonderful column fodder I find him almost impossible to resist.

Once more, before the election, his indisputable rivals are endeavouring to make sure he will be required to attend court in his defence of even more allegations.

Once again Trump will use the accusations to get his presidential intentions publicised on front pages just about everywhere. To be quite honest it makes me feel I should probably have run for some governmental position when my ‘trumped up’ clash with the law resulted in a term behind bars. Don’t laugh; ex-president Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan party PTI, has just begun a sentence of 14 years plus and proffered most of his party’s election campaign from prison.

He is now been released on bail, after his party claimed a 90 per cent

victory! What a state our world truly is in.

All my life I have mistrusted the way it was run and have actually never voted for anyone. Personally, I consider almost every one of our esteemed leaders and general politicians are merely in it for their own ends. Power and financial gain ultimately leads the field, and frankly I don’t trust any of ‘em.

Even lawyers, who appear to be totally on your side and send oppositional letters to ‘rival’ legal beagles, are often seen out socialising or lunching with their so-called adversaries as they work out how much they can each screw out of their respective clients.

It’s all a gigantic scam. I also agree with Trump that, if the situation calls for it, most countries are very capable and do most certainly engage in assassinations, including the UK. To my mind there is no doubt that Stephen Ward, who featured in the Christine Keeler/ Mandy Rice scandal of the 60s was topped, before he could blow the whistle on one or two characters (highly rumoured to be

royalty) being participants in the sex orgies involved.

I am also convinced that the tragic Dr Kelly was murdered on orders from the government prior to revealing the lies and false information concerned in the weapons of destruction issues that ultimately led us into the war on Iraq. James Bond and his licence to kill appointment are actually not far from the truth. I think the assassins of the CIA and British secret service are far more lethal and mercenary than the flamboyant 007 ever was. Good luck to ‘pay your way’ Trump. Much rather the devil you know! Thanks for all the mail.

One welcome reader commented that the only way to prevent bullying is to bully back harder. Unfortunately, in this primitive day and age, it is actually the only sure way. It’s a big nasty world out there, and we just may need big and nasty people to make certain we survive. Take this ol’ boy’s word for it, doddery Senor Biden, coupled with his woke fraternising vice president, aint even close.

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.

euroweeklynews.com

Google ban DANISH privacy regulator Datailsynet has ruled that local authorities in Denmark need stronger privacy assurances to continue to use Google services in their schools.

This decision stems from the fact that Google’s use of student data from Chromebooks and Google Workplace for Education was deemed a violation of European privacy laws as the data is used for ‘Google’s purposes.’

Local governments must detail their compliance plans by March 1, facing a complete halt to data transfer to Google by August 1.

This could lead to the phased-out removal of Chromebooks from Danish schools unless laws change or Google implements data-filtering mechanisms.

A key concern is Google’s use of student data for performance analytics and feature

Image: Shutterstock/ Masson

• Feature/News •

38 15 - 21 February 2024

Privacy concerns with Google services.

development, even without targeted advertising. Regulators argue that this poses privacy risks, especially with the growing integration of AI features in Google Workspace and Chromebooks.

Datatilsynet has criticised local government for insufficiently assessing the risks before approving Google Workplace for Education.

This ruling follows a 2022 directive that required 53 towns to reevaluate data-sharing practices. This decision highlights the increasing emphasis on protecting student data in the evolving landscape of digital education.

What is a Direct Cremation ADVERTISING FEATURE IN Spain funerals tend to take place very soon after a person’s passing.

This can restrict the opportunity for friends and family to attend especially if they live in another country. In some cases we have seen people pay upwards of €4,000 for a funeral ceremony however due to the time constraints very few people were able to attend. We have heard feedback from many people who feel they have spent all of this money and their loved ones have not been able to celebrate their life as they hadwished.

A direct cremation will allow a dignified send off and not tie our loved ones down to a time and place to celebrate our life.

A direct cremation is a type of cremation service where the deceased is cremated shortly after death, without a traditional funeral service or viewing.

This means that there is no embalming, wake, or funeral ceremony.

In a direct cremation, the body is typically cremated in a simple container or casket, without any additional adornments or decorations.

The cremated remains are then returned to the family or scattered in a location of their choice. We also ensure all legal documentation is returned to a nominated person.

Direct cremation is becoming an increasingly popular option for those who want a simple, no-frills end-of-life service. It is often chosen because it is more affordable than traditional funeral services, and can provide a straightforward and dignified way to handle the deceased’s final arrangements.

Some families choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life after the cremation, where family and friends can come together to honour and remember their loved one in a more personalised way. This allows for more flexibility and creativity in how the deceased’s life is celebrated, without the added pressure and expense of a traditional funeral service.

Overall, direct cremation provides a simple and cost-effective way to handle end-of-life arrangements, while still honouring and respecting the memory of the deceased.

24 Av. Paniagua Sotogrande, Galerias Paniagua de local 30-31, San Roque. Cadiz 11310.

Phone: +34 911 436 813 WhatsApp: +34 686 583 301 Emergency Phone: +34 951 123 043 Email: info@comparefuneral.org

www.comparefuneral.org

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

40 EWN 15 - 21 February 2024

Healthy foods Super HEALTHY eating is about choosing a variety of foods that provide the nutrients needed to maintain good health, feel good, and have energy. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, f a t , water, vitamins, and mi-

nerals. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and low in calories, making them essential for a healthy diet.

Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts are rich in protein and essential fats, suppor-

ting muscle growth and energy.

Whole grains, like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice, offer fibre and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and digestion. Dairy products provide calcium and protein, crucial for bone health. By incorporating a variety of these food groups into your diet, you can ensure a balance of essential nutrients that support overall health, including heart health, weight management, and energy levels.

Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins.

avocados

AVOCADO, often hailed as a superfood, stands out for its rich, creamy texture and versatile culinary uses, from smoothies to salads. But it’s the nutritional profile of avocados that truly earns them the superfood status.

Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados help in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (good) cholesterol, contributing to a lower risk of heart disease.

They are also an excellent source of fibre, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer,

supporting weight management.

Moreover, avocados are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which is essential for blood pressure regulation, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. They also contain folate, crucial for cell repair and during pregnancy.

The high nutrient density of avocados, combined with their anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial fats, makes them a powerful superfood that can support overall health and well-being.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

Light use INFRARED therapy utilises light to penetrate the skin, offering therapeutic benefits without the heat of traditional saunas. This technology is celebrated for its potential to relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation.

It’s also sought after for its skin rejuvenation properties, helping to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Users appreciate infrared therapy for its ability to detoxify the body, with the deep penetration of infrared light believed to facilitate the removal of toxins. This form of therapy is gaining popularity for its holistic approach to health, providing a soothing experience while targeting physical ailments.

Cleaner pedicures WATERLESS pedicures are revolutionising the beauty industry with their eco-friendly and hygienic approach. By eliminating the need for soaking in water, these pedicures reduce the risk of infections and conserve water, aligning with environmental sustainability efforts.

They offer a more efficient service without THE importance of getting checked for prostate cancer cannot be overstated, particularly as men age. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, but it can often be treated successfully when detected early.

Regular screenings, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, play a crucial role in early detection, potentially before symptoms arise.

15 - 21 February 2024

A safer, cleaner alternative.

compromising on the quality of the treatment.

The process includes meticulous nail and cuticle care, followed by exfoliation and moisturisation, ensuring nails are healthy and well-groo-

med. The popularity of waterless pedicures is on the rise, as they provide a safer, cleaner alternative while still delivering the pampering experience of a traditional pedicure.

Important checks Early stages of prostate cancer may not show symptoms, making screenings an essential tool for early diagnosis.

Men over the age of 50, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, are at increased risk and

should discuss screening options with their healthcare provider.

For high-risk groups, including African American men and those with a family history of the disease, earlier screenings are advised.

EWN 41

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

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

53

44 15 - 21 February 2024

• Feature •

euroweeklynews.com

• News Across The Regions • Costa del Sol Human chain

Costa Blanca North Heroic homecoming

MORE than 900 pupils from the schools of Alhaurin el Grande joined the Human Chain organised by cancer charity ‘Un Sí Por La Vida’ (A Yes for Life) to mark World Cancer Day. This year’s event attracted a total of 910 pupils in the walk along the route that departed from the town’s Health Centre and ended at the Las Palomas ravine.

For its part, the president of the Association Un Sí Por La Vida, Loli Badía, has highlighted the commitment of the entire social fabric of Alhaurin that has been involved, one more year, with this solidarity initiative and promotion of healthy habits in the fight against cancer.

FINALLY reaching his hometown town of Moraira on the Costa Blanca after 13 days on the road, long-distance charity walker Lee Harker received a hero’s welcome on Saturday February 10. A large crowd gathered to cheer him as he wearily completed the last 100 metres of a phenomenal journey.

Averaging 48,000 steps per day, Lee tramped around 500 kilometres from Barcelona to Moraira, raising almost €16,000 for local dog’s charity, Akira, a cause that is dear to his heart. “This is what kept me going when I was on the road”, said an emotional Lee, surrounded by friends, family and well-wishers, “picturing this moment”.

Lee and his family are energetic helpers for Akira, fostering and walking dogs as well as raising awareness and funds.

Axarquia Rural ATMs

Almeria Night of lights

IN a bid to address depopulation in the rural areas of Axarquia and the Province of Malaga in general, the Provincial Government has launched a plan to provide new banking services to small inland towns, where population decline is concentrated.

While Malaga is among the top four provinces with the highest population growth in Spain, the interior still faces challenges in reversing depopulation across 22 towns.

This programme, providing 27 new ATMs, stems from a framework agreement between the Provincial Government and Unicaja Banco. Nearly 45,000 citizens are expected to benefit from improved access to basic financial services, such as cash withdrawals and bill payments.

IN a tradition that goes back 285 years, the Parish Church of Huercal-Overa celebrated the anniversary on February 8 of the transfer of the Eucharist to its current location.

In 1739, the new Parish Church in the centre of the town was consecrated and the Holy Sacrament was transferred from its original site to the new church.

The current celebration started with a Mass followed by parading the Eucharist from the old chapel to its current home.

The villagers carried candles and as the procession passed, lights were lit along the streets, recalling what as in the past there was no electricity and for this reason lights had to be lit along the streets.

Mallorca Dream win

Costa Calida Jackpot joy

GRAHAM DUNLOP, a family man from Southampton, has won a lavish £3 million villa in Mallorca, courtesy of the Omaze charity draw benefiting Alzheimer’s Research UK. The 52-year-old Scotsman, along with his family, now owns a fully furnished property nestled in the Mallorcan countryside, boasting views of the Tramuntana mountains, a pool, and four bedrooms. The prize, ensuring no financial burdens for Dunlop, also includes £250,000 cash, offering them a myriad of options like using it as a holiday home, leasing, or selling.

Graham, visiting his new villa four days after being told about his win said: “I’ve never won anything before but it’s been worth the 50-year wait to end up here.”

FORTUNE continues to smile upon the residents of the Region of Murcia as a lucky individual strikes gold in La Primitiva lottery.

Following the Christmas Lotto windfall and a record-breaking Bonoloto win in Lorca, the latest stroke of luck falls on the capital of the region.

In the draw on February 8 of La Primitiva, a Murcia resident emerged as the sole winner of the first-tier prize, bagging a life-changing sum of €1.2 million.

The fortunate ticket owner, who purchased the ticket at the Calle Cánovas del Castillo administration in Murcia, is set to receive €1,237,489 for matching all six numbers.

• Feature •

euroweeklynews.com

Elevate your travel experience with AA Parking’s Exclusive Airport Services ADVERTISING FEATURE

IN the dynamic world of air travel, convenience and reliability stand at the forefront of a traveller’s needs. Recognising this essential truth, AA Parking has meticulously crafted a suite of exceptional services aimed at enhancing the modern traveller’s experience.

Strategically located to serve you with utmost efficiency, we proudly stand as pioneers in offering comprehensive meet and greet services at key airports. This distinctive offering is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring your travel experience begins and ends on a note of comfort and convenience.

Our commitment to exceeding expectations extends to our exclusive parking solutions. AA Parking is among the elite few to offer both indoor and covered outdoor parking at rates that define competitiveness. Catering to the multifaceted needs of our clientele, we facilitate smooth transfers between airports and provide a wide

range of additional services. These include vehicle inspections (ITV), maintenance, repairs, and professional valeting, all underpinned by our 24/7 CCTV security system for unparalleled peace of mind.

What truly differentiates AA Parking is not merely the array of services we offer but the depth of our expertise in the airport services domain. Our team, equipped with extensive knowledge and a passion for service excellence, is dedicated to making your travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

In appreciation of our valued clients, we are delighted to offer special promotions and pricing options that further enhance the value of our services. Whether you seek the convenience of meet and greet services, the security of our parking facilities, or the comprehensive care of our additional services, AA Parking’s tailored solutions are designed to surpass your expectations.

WWW.AAPARKING.ES TEL: 950 459 208 • INFO@AAPARKING.ES

15 - 21 February 2024

45

46

euroweeklynews.com • 15 - 21 February 2024

PETS No scratching SPONSORED BY

Find cat minders for cats Find free checked cat-sitters through HouseSitMatch ahead of your trip

SCRATCHING POSTS: Will help protect your furniture.

TO deter cats from scratching furniture, providing appealing alternatives is key. Introduce scratching posts or pads, strategically placed near the furniture they favour, and encourage their use with catnip or toys.

Regularly trimming your cat’s nails reduces the damage they can cause. Applying double-sided tape or plastic covers to furniture makes it less attractive

to scratch. Consistent redirection to appropriate scratching surfaces, combined with positive reinforcement when they use them, helps change behaviour.

Remember, patience and consistency are crucial; never punish, as it can lead to fear and anxiety. Creating a cat-friendly environment that meets their scratching needs can protect your furniture while keeping your cat happy.

KEEPING your pets at home when you travel can give you real peace of mind. This is accentuated when you know the sitters are checked and come from Hou seSitMatch. What is more, they won’t charge you a cent!

The pet-sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 join now to find sitters. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised. All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network. 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 2. Choose a Standard account

We can help you find free checked cat minders to mind your property and pets.

(£69 per year) to ensure you can get 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?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our ne-

twork 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 house-sits 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 house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation!

Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer. To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.Housesitmatch.com.

Two better than one ADOPTING two kittens instead of one is a decision filled with benefits, enriching the lives of both the animals and their human companions.

Kittens learn social cues and limits through play, something they can do best with a peer. This interaction aids in their behavioural development, reducing issues like aggression and anxiety.

For pet owners, two kittens provide mutual entertainment, lessening the need for constant human interaction and making it easier to manage their energy levels.

Additionally, the emotional bond formed between the kittens offers a unique joy to observe, enhancing the pet ownership experience.

Caring for two kittens isn’t much more work than caring for one but doubles the love they bring into a home.

This choice not only supports the kittens’ developmental needs but also contributes positively to their long-term well-being.

euroweeklynews.com AIR CONDITONING

• Services •

ALARMS

AIR CONDITONING

CONSTRUCTION

BLINDS

15 - 21 February 2024

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BOILERS

BUILDERS

BALUSTRADES

BLINDS

47

• Services •

48 15 - 21 February 2024 DRAINS

ENERGY

euroweeklynews.com

ELECTRICIAN

GRILLS

LOCKSMITHS

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

HOME MAINTENANCE

POOLS

POOL MAINTENANCE

EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

Our business is to make your business the best business in town.

euroweeklynews.com

• Services •

15 - 21 February 2024

REMOVALS & STORAGE

TV SATELLITE

49

50 15 - 21 February 2024

• Services •

WINDOW TINTING

REMOVALS/ & STORAGE

INSURANCE

euroweeklynews.com

TV & SATELLITE

CLASSIFIEDS ARCHITECT

BUILDING SERVICES

Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone.

Please contact Mina or Trisha.

Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@ hotmail.com (95475) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (1296232)

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

CARE HOME PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. Also, Dementia care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (305146)

CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you.

English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa

CARS FOR SALE

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca?

There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www. helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@ helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church.

52

Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www. icatorrevieja.org (95476) LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli calchurch.org (10005) PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www. pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk. Tel:0044 800 018 2361.

(238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com.

If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information

15 - 21 February 2024 on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http:// branches.britishlegion.org. uk/branches/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk.

(95457) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch.

For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant. secretary@rbl.community ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIA TION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@yahoo. co.uk (10004) ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorrevieja@aol. com (95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesup portgroup@hotmail.com, website: torreviejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188.

(95461)

Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre.

Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458) THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807) THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiri tualistcentre-benijofar. com. Telephone 711 060 171.

Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com.

Fiscal G54713789 MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb. org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.es (295976)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225

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

(294648)

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

Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@ beneficialinsuranceinspain. com or visit www.beneficialin suranceinspain.com for online quote. (304738) STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www. abbeygateinsure.com

MASSAGE

ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

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

GOLD WANTED

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa

CHARITY

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken.

Experienced in a large variety of full body massages.

Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (303934)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

MAGIC TOUCH, French, speaks 3 languages, professional masseuse, tantric.

Apartment in Villamartin and home visits. Tel 693 357 526

CLASSIFIEDS II euroweeklynews.com CLASSIC MATURE SPANISH LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 50€. Ana 657 603 495 (303922)

MOTORING

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. Roy- 613 584 915 (295447) tp

TORREVIEJA centre 5 Spanish and Colombian girlfriends, transvestites, very affectionate and dominant masseuses 24 hours a day Call outs . 613 664 558 (304917) LOVELY slim lady, 46, offering a pleasant massage.

Mil Palmeras. In your home or hotel. Contact leilapuss@ yahoo.co.uk for more details (303843) TORREVIEJA Unique Massage Experience. Slim Masseur. Relax for 1 hour and enjoy a distresful massage.

My name is Tina FROM BRAZIL and I am Mulatto 44yrs and perfect body. Incalls & Outcalls - Tel. 603 301 635 (305224) LA ZENIA English lady for masseuse. Full body relaxing massage, in own apartment or 10 kilometres from La Zenia WhatsApp 711 041 330 (304963)

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

OTHERS

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)

MOTORHOMES MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

MUSIC FOR SALE 2 brand new Grundig Hi-Fi speakers 50watt, 26 x 18cm. €25. 699 321 591

MUSIC TUITION PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (302201)

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

PERGOLAS TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions.

Mazarron to Costa Blanca.

RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies. com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@yahoo.co.uk

PETS BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (305310)

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

15 - 21 February 2024 GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community.

Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www. pepaspain.com (95708) SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming.

Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor. blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

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

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

RADIO

PLUMBERS MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

POOL MAINTENANCE POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 w w w. p o o l t e c h s p a i n . c o m (294206)

PROPERTY FOR RENT VILLA FOR RENT in ORIHUELA COSTA – Long Term Rent Villa on a 1,000m2 plot & house of 250m2. 4 beds, 3 baths, private garden, private pool & garage. Only 3 minute walk to the beach and close to shops, restaurants and golf course. For info email caroblo@yahoo.es (305157)

EWN 53

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

• Motoring •

euroweeklynews.com

Scrap your old car WITH the internal combustion engine to be consigned to history in the not-too-distant future, recent information has emerged regarding the European Union’s plan to restrict repairs on older vehicles.

This prospective regulation, awaiting approval from the European Parliament and the Council, introduces the notion of a ‘residual vehicle’.

Cars experiencing failures in major components such as engines, transmissions, brakes, or steering, and deemed old (potentially around 15 years), will fall under this category.

Once labelled as residual, these vehicles would be barred from undergoing significant repairs and would likely be scrapped.

A significant step in

Credit: Nejron Photo/Shutterstock.com

54 15 - 21 February 2024

A classic car being rebuilt.

this journey is the 2035 ban on new combustion engine cars, excluding vehicles operating on potential future synthetic fuels.

However, the reality presents challenges, as the uptake of low or zero-emission vehicles

in the EU lags behind expectations, varying significantly across member states.

Spain, for example, now has an average vehicle age exceeding 14 years, with over 47 per cent of vehicles older than 15 years.

The regulation specifies conditions under which a vehicle is deemed technically irreparable or residual.

This raises concerns about the potential impact on the workshop sector and the preservation of classic cars.

euroweeklynews.com

• Motoring •

15 - 21 February 2024

55

An electric future for a British motoring icon ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack MORGAN is planning its electric future and sharing details of a new development vehicle that will act as the forerunner to all future electric Morgan sports cars. Referred to as ‘XP-1’, the experimental prototype will provide key information to the engineers and designers at Morgan as they embark on creating the company’s first production electric models.

Developed over the last 12 months by Morgan’s team of engineers based in Malvern, Worcestershire, England XP-1 is based on the Morgan Super 3 aluminium platform.

The striking prototype is not intended for production but has been created to trial several key areas including driving characterisation, powertrain

development, in-house EV competence and training. Following 12 months of design and build, XP-1 will now embark on a comprehensive testing programme during the next 18-24 months, undergoing continual evolution to test new technology and features.

Matt Hole, Chief Technical Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are immensely proud to be sharing XP-1 with the world and showcasing some of the first class engineering that takes place behind the scenes at Morgan. We are in no doubt that we can ensure future electric Morgan sports cars retain the core appeal of our current range, meaning they are fun to drive, lightweight, handcrafted

Morgan’s electric future awaits!

and bespoke.”

XP-1’s battery, motor and inverter combination represents Morgan’s first powertrain, internal combustion or battery electric. The powertrain, engineered specifically for XP-1, gives Morgan’s engineers complete control of calibrations that vary the throttle and regeneration level at different speeds, in order to create a range of driving modes featuring a mix of driving

characteristics.

The Combined Charging System (CCS) enables fast charging and features bi-directional charging capability, two important features that will help to futureproof the company’s ongoing development activity.

Further to this, and related directly to electric vehicle requirements, XP-1 is also the first ever Morgan to be fitted with an electronic park brake

(EPB).

B e y o n d experimentation with driving characteristics and powertrain, XP-1 will also allow Morgan to develop a further understanding of wider EV technology and design, specifically aerodynamics.

In bringing the XP-1

project to fruition, Morgan also begins the extensive process of workforce training and infrastructure adaptation. Due to the company’s coachbuilding production methods, the creation of this internal knowledgebase is vital for the future production of electric Morgan sports cars, and will centre around workshop readiness to build electric vehicles, training for high voltage systems handling and installation of charging infrastructure.

Morgan’s electric future awaits!

WAG dogs Chelsea John Smith IN almost every case, the only claim to fame that most football WAGs have is that they are partnered with a successful sportsman.

We have had the fiasco that was handbags at dawn (or more realistically cheque books at noon) with the Wagatha Christie court case between Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney, but the latest is even more bizarre.

Isabelle Silva, wife of Brazilian footballer Thiago Silva who has played for Chelsea since 2020 has a habit of making comments which might be considered somewhat insulting to her husband’s team managers.

Last year, just before then manager, Graham Potter was sacked, she ‘liked’ a tweet about Potter which accused him of being a “deadbeat” manager who “doesn’t know what he is doing.”

Following two somewhat embarrassing defeats for Chelsea, 1-4 against Liverpool on January 31 and then 2-4

against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 4, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to say “It’s time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late.”

This wasn’t a suggestion that her husband should look elsewhere but the inference was that current manager Mauricio Pochettino was to blame for the club’s current run of losses.

Perhaps because of a chat that her husband had with Pochettino, she decided on February 7 to make partial amends with a another post on X which said “I’m sorry that my personal outburst as a passionate Chelsea fan has caused such an impact.

“I’m passionate about the team, I thrive on victories and I’m saddened by defeats.”

Time will tell whether Pochettino will collect his severance cheque from Chelsea as he has after being sacked by Espanyol, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris St Germain in the past or whether he will continue and see Silva who is now 39 quietly retire.

• Sport •

euroweeklynews.com

Viva Las Vegas AMERICAN football has only one league (the NFL), with 32 teams who play from September to January, followed by Super Bowl in February and that’s it. A short season makes each game far more important.

And no game is more important than the final game of the season - Super Bowl which

in the 2023/2024 season saw the Kansas City Chiefs face-off against the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling match in Las Vegas that saw the Chiefs win in extra time.

One of the great stories of this season was the 49ers quarterback, Brock Purdy, who was picked Credit: Flickr CC / All-Pro Reels

56 15 - 21 February 2024

Kansas City Chiefs.

last in the 2022 draft; 262 players were picked before him! Imagine being at school with hundreds of other pupils and when it comes to being picked for a team game, you’re left standing on the sports field on your own at the end of the selection process. That was Brock Purdy and he was labelled ‘Mr Irrelevant’ as a result.

Injuries forced out San Francisco’s two starting quarterbacks but then, with Purdy on the field the 49ers started winning. This was Purdy’s first full season as a starter and he helped advance his team all the way to the final match in Las Vegas, becoming the first ‘Mr Irrelevant’ quarterback to ever start in a Super Bowl.

But in the end the 49ers were denied victory by the Chiefs and their own star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The team becomes the first to win back-to-back Super Bowl trophies in 20 years and they are now focused on becoming the first team to ever win the NFL’s biggest prize three times in a row.