Axarquia 8 – 14 January 2026 Issue 2114

Dep. Legal MA-422-2006 - ISSN 2953-42536

Axarquia • No. 2114 • 8 - 14 January 2026

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GRATIS

GRATIS

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GRATUITO

ON this year’s magical Three Kings Day, not only did water rain down on Axarquia, but luck too.

The El Niño national lottery draw showered fortune across Spain, but nowhere was the celebration more joyously received than in Malaga Province, and especially in Axarquia. Lucky ticket holders rejoiced as some of the biggest prizes landed in the area bought at local lottery shops, turning ordinary lives into stories of hope and glee for 2026.

The province’s biggest smiles came from the Axarquia region, where several winning tickets for the first prize (number 06703, worth €200,000 each décimo ticket) were sold.

In Torre del Mar, blessed ticket holders celebrated outside their local lottery shops, sharing

Credit- Loteria la Piedad FB

Luck rains on Malaga

Owners of La Piedad lottery shop, Malaga.

tears of joy and plans to help family members and support community causes. The light rain mixed with a shower or two of bubbly cava to soak everyone. Nearby, in the charming inland village of Riogordo, the Gordo (big prize) arrived with €200,000 per winning ticket, sparking warm gatherings where

residents toasted to new beginnings and dreams fulfilled for hardworking locals.

Fortune also smiled on Malaga capital and Torremolinos, where additional shares of the big first prize brought relief and excitement, with winners expressing gratitude for unexpected blessings during tough times.

One step closer SPAIN’S long-awaited Costa del Sol coastal train, the Tren Litoral, is advancing steadily as 2026 begins.

The proposed railway would link Nerja in eastern Malaga Province to Algeciras in Cadiz, spanning 195 km along one of Europe’s most densely populated coastal areas.

In mid-2025, the Ministry of Transport awarded a €992,000 contract for an 18-month feasibility study to a consortium led by WSP Spain-APIA and Multicriteri-MCRIT. The study divides the corridor into five segments: Malaga-Nerja eastward, and four westward from Malaga-Fuengirola (upgrading the existing C1 Cercanías line) to Algeciras.

As of early January 2026, the work is on schedule with no delays. The first major deliverable - an initial study of route alternatives, including alignments parallel to the A-7 and underground sections in urban zone - is due by late January or February 2026.

The full study, covering demand forecasts, cost-benefit analysis, and socioeconomic evaluations, is set for completion in November 2026, with a public summary to follow.

If viable - as preliminary projections indicate, with

As cava flowed and embraces multiplied under the threatening storm clouds above, these stories embodied the true spirit of El Niño and the excitement of gift giving on the Three Kings Day: renewed hope, generosity, and the unbreakable ties of family and community on a freezing January morning.

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Ocean wonders return ALMUÑECAR Aquarium has swung open its doors once more to ring in the new year with a renewed and revitalised celebration of the natural world beneath the Mediterranean waves. For the first time in four years, the local council has got serious with the beleaguered aquarium and completely reinvigorated what should have always been the crowning glory of Almuñecar tourism.

Now, the Mediterranean Fauna Aquarium is reborn with more than 100 different species and 1,500 animals calling it home, such as jellyfish, crabs, moray eels, rays and more. There are even a few sharks lurking in the aquarium’s deep waters.

The favourite spot for many families in the town has been skilfully refurbished to best accommodate the creatures of the deep. There are two special aquariums for tropical saltwater species and freshwater species.

One exciting special feature is the one-million-litre oceanarium with a 17-metre-long glass tunnel that visitors can walk through, observing up close and personal the marine life from a unique perspective, without diving off the local coastline to see it.

At the opening ceremony, a large group of guests gathered for a preview of the changes made to the aquarium, one that will offer alternatives for tourism in town other than the beach.

Credit: Karen Mattio - Facebook

Credit: Wiki CC

Almuñecar aquarium open once again.

Cercanias train. benefits potentially double the €6-7 billion cost phased construction could follow, starting with urgent sections. This would serve underserved towns like Marbella, Spain’s largest city without rail access, and Nerja, while improving links to Malaga Airport and resorts.

Local authorities call early 2026 pivotal for getting the project’s framework and funding. The Ministry highlights its role in tackling growing traffic pressures through sustainable transport.

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LOCAL NEWS

8 - 14 January 2026

Big park plans Credit: Ayuntamiento de Rincon de la Victoria

New beach Credit: Dunkelbunt Studios - Shutterstock

RINCON DE LA VICTORIA is advancing plans for the second phase of its major Mediterranean Periurban Park, with nearly €9 million in European funds secured.

The local council has received provisional approval for an allocation from the European Regional Development Fund, covering 85 per cent of a €10.5 million public investment.

The first phase, started in early 2025, is nearing completion. Contracts for the second phase are expected around April or May 2026.

This more complex stage, including buildings and the

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Plans for the new giant park.

extension of Lebeche Street, is set to take 18 months. The full park should open to the public in 2028, assuming no major delays.

Spanning 137,683 squa-

re metres - equivalent to 26 football pitches - the park lies beside Arroyo Benagalbon, near La Marina school.

Fully enclosed with three entrances, it centres on a 35-metre-diameter Multipurpose Plaza, surrounded by gardens and a shaded pergola.

Radial paths lead to key areas: a large children’s playground with zones for different ages, picnic spots, a kiosk and restaurant terrace; further picnic tables; and a standout 1,900-square-metre lake with meadows and a hilltop viewpoint.

The southern section features bio-healthy exercise equipment and petanque courts amid gardens and benches.

The development will boost the municipality’s green spaces, promoting sustainability and improving residents’ quality of life through inclusive recreation.

La Caleta in Salobreña.

RESIDENTS of Salobreña on the Costa Tropical are a step closer to enjoying a continuous beach walk from end to end without crossing asphalt.

Currently, a 200-metre stretch between La Guardia and La Caleta, beside the former Nuestra Señora del Rosario sugar factory, forces pedestrians onto a stone breakwater built to protect the mill from waves.

The Directorate General for the Coast and the Sea has now tendered the contract for drafting a new constructive project and environmental impact study. This will incorporate lands from the old sugar factory into the beach, creating nearly 8,000 square metres of new sandy area on La Caleta’s western edge.

The scheme aims to restore part of the coastline’s early 20th-century appea-

rance, before the protective barrier was constructed. Plans include sand replenishment, a small detached breakwater for stability, and demolition of the existing seawall.

Earlier proposals for a port proved unviable, paving the way for this beach extension. Progress stalled after technicians discovered colonies of the endangered limpet Patella ferruginea on the breakwater. In 2023, additional protective measures were introduced, necessitating the updated project.

The 12-month contract, tendered in December 2025, will assess coastal dynamics, environmental impacts, and mitigation steps. If approved, the works promise seamless connectivity along the shore towards the Guadalfeo River mouth, boosting urban development in the area.

NEWS

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8 - 14 January 2026

Support for over-52s

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Tax filing simplified

TURNING 52 while unemployed in Spain can be daunting, particularly for those who have worked abroad. The over-52 unemployment subsidy, managed by SEPE, provides both a monthly payment and protection of future pension rights, crucial at an age when finding work becomes harder.

The benefit is for people aged 52 or over who have exhausted other unemployment support or never qualified for it, and who meet strict contribution and income requirements. While receiving the subsidy, the state continues paying social security contributions on the beneficiary’s behalf at 125 per cent of the minimum SEPE recognises years worked abroad for Spain’s over-52 unemployment contribution base, ensuring pension ribenefit. ghts continue to build until retirement.

Applicants must have at least 15 years of contributions overall, including two within the last 15 years, Applicants must also meet an income limit of €888 per monand at least six years in Spain’s unemployment system. Foth, 75 per cent of the minimum wage. Exceeding this can result reign work can count if it is from EU countries, the EEA, Switin rejection or suspension, though the subsidy can be combizerland, or under bilateral agreements with countries such as ned with paid work for up to 180 days under the Complemento the UK, US, or Canada. These contributions help meet the total de Apoyo al Empleo scheme. For many with international cayears required, provided the minimum Spanish contribution reers, these rules ensure past work abroad still counts when conditions are met. it matters most.

SPAIN has approved a reform removing the automatic obligation for unemployed people to file an income tax return solely because they receive unemployment benefits. Under the new rules, recipients will only be required to submit a tax declaration if their total income exceeds the standard thresholds applied to the wider population, bringing the system into line with general tax rules.

Previously, unemployment benefit recipients were required to file a return regardless of income level, even when no tax was owed. The requirement often caused confusion and anxiety, particularly among low-income claimants unfamiliar with the tax system, and in some cases led to penalties for missed filings despite the absence of any tax liability.

The change applies from the 2024 tax year onwards and does not affect eligibility for unemployment benefits or the amount received.

Payments will continue to be subject to withholding tax where applicable, meaning that many recipients will already have met their obligations without needing to submit a return.

The government said the reform aims to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and remove administrative barriers that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.

Labour unions and social organisations welcomed the move, arguing that the previous system placed an unfair burden on people already facing financial hardship.

Credit : Freepik

Safety net explained

Unemployment relief update

Digital border shift Impact on travel passport stamping with biometric checks, the system relies on digital records to determine a traveller’s status.

While British residents should not be processed as tourists, EES only recognises residency through specific documentation. The TIE card has become essential; green certificates, pho-

Credit : fotogurmespb, Shutterstock

BRITISH residents in Spain are being warned that residency paperwork now carries significant consequences at the border. This shift is linked to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which began rolling out in October 2025 and will be fully implemented by April. Replacing traditional

UK and Spain: residency paperwork now matters more than ever for British residents.

tocopies, or verbal explanations are no longer sufficient at automated borders. Without a valid TIE, residents risk being directed into tourist queues, questioned regarding their time in the Schengen area, or delayed during manual verification.

UK government guidance updated in late 2025 strongly emphasises ensuring the TIE is valid and carried when travelling.

Additionally, the padrón remains crucial, as being registered at a current address is a prerequisite for residency procedures. For those still using pre-Brexit green certificates, official advice is to exchange them for a TIE marked Artículo 50 TUE, which integrates with EES technology. Although booking appointments remains difficult, challenges to residency decisions must be handled through Spanish legal channels.

Ultimately, while the rules remain the same, border technology has changed, making correct paperwork the key to smooth travel.

Contributions frozen Update for autónomos THE Spanish government has confirmed that social security contributions for self-employed workers will remain unchanged in 2026, maintaining the same monthly payments as in 2025. The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers following failed negotiations with representative associations of autónomos. Under the income-based contribution system introduced in 2023, increases for certain income brackets had been scheduled, but opposition from the sector led the government to suspend the planned update.

The freeze applies to all income bands and preserves existing minimum and maximum contribution bases.

Ministers said the move avoids adding financial pressure at a time when many small businesses face rising costs and economic uncertainty. The income-based system itself remains in force, with only the recalculation of contribution levels paused for one year.

Self-employed organisations broadly welcomed the decision, describing it as a necessary pause after several years of reform. However, many also called for greater long-term clarity, arguing that last-minute decisions make financial planning difficult. The government has stated that dialogue will continue and that future changes remain possible once economic conditions allow. For now, the measure provides short-term certainty to more than three million self-employed workers across Spain.

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The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.

8 - 14 January 2026

ALMUÑECAR has been named one of Spain’s top retirement destinations, and the knock-on effect has been a sudden rise in interest in foreign retirees.

Boasting more than 300 sunny days annually and a mild Mediterranean climate, the town attracts many retirees, including British and German expatriates.

In a recent ranking for UK expats, Almuñecar placed second, behind Calpe on the Costa Blanca.

A study by Moving to Spain, assessing 44 locations, highlighted it as ideal for retirees due to its low cost

Credit: Visit Almuñecar FB

Top ranked retirements

Plaza de los Geranios

of living, affordable rentals compared with other coastal areas, accessible healthcare, and high safety levels.

The town also offers zero wealth tax in the region, and free public transport for the elderly, further adding to its appeal.

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LOCAL NEWS

lisations. Key sites include the Castle of San Miguel, an Arab fortress with panoramic views, Majuelo Park with Roman remains, and ancient Almedina Walls.

Its 19 kilometres of coastline include sandy beaches such as San Cristóbal, Velilla, and La Herradura, perfect for relaxation or water sports. Divers praise the impressive seabed.

Narrow streets in the old town, lined with flower-adorned white houses, evoke traditional Andalucian charm. Year-round festivals and concerts provide cultural variety.

These factors combine to offer retirees a tranquil yet active lifestyle in this Mediterranean haven.

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Local heroes

NERJA Council has unanimously approved a motion praising four Local Police officers for their heroic rescue of a woman in peril at sea.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 21, when the swimmer became exhausted by strong waves near the rocks of La Torrecilla Beach and was close to drowning.

Officers José Luis Muñoz Domínguez, Celestino Haro Gálvez, José María Nerja Local Police station.

García Moreno, and Eva María Fernández Pérez Local Police, in recognition of their meriacted swiftly and professionally to bring torious conduct. her to safety.

The commendation aligns with Nerja’s The council celebrated their diligence, practice of honouring exemplary actions describing the intervention as an outs- by its security forces, especially in a coastanding example of public service and tal town where sea rescues are frequent dedication to protecting citizens. It ex- throughout the year. tended congratulations and gratitude The Axarquia coastline faced several for the daily efforts of the Local Police in emergencies in 2025. On Monday, August serving residents, visitors, and the neigh- 19, lifeguards saved two young swimmers bouring community of Maro. who ignored a red flag at Burriana Beach.

In addition, the council agreed to nomi- Earlier, in July, an off-duty local officer nate three of the officers - Muñoz Domín- and a Guardia Civil member rescued a guez, Haro Gálvez, and García Moreno - 40-year-old man dragged by currents to for the Order of Merit of the Andalucian Calahonda Beach.

Credit: LP Nerja.

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8 - 14 January 2026

SPANISH NEWS

Spain 2026 holidays SPAIN’S 2026 work calendar offers a solid balance for anyone hoping to make the most of their time off.

With 14 paid public holidays in total and several well-placed dates, the year provides multiple opportunities for long weekends and short breaks - especially for workers willing to plan ahead.

Nationwide, there will be nine public holidays observed across all regions. The year started with New Year’s Day on Thursday January 1, followed closely by Epiphany on Tuesday January 6, which every autonomous community chose to keep. Easter will shape spring plans once again, with Good Friday falling on April 3. Labour Day arrives on Friday May 1, creating a guaranteed long weekend.

Summer is quieter, with the Assumption of the Virgin on Saturday August 15, while autumn brings better news. Spain’s National Day on Monday October 12 delivers another three-day break.

Toward the end of the year, the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday December 8 and Christmas Day on Friday December 25 round

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Top holiday destination Photo credit: BelenMenta/Shutterstock

Credit : Huq Graphics, Shutterstock

A notable shift is the growing interest in inland and rural destinations.

2026 calendar includes 14 public holidays and several long weekends to plan time off.

out the calendar, the latter offering a final long weekend.

Beyond the national holidays, each municipality adds two local holidays, bringing most workers to the standard total of 14 paid days off. Where the calendar becomes more interesting is at regional level.

Autonomous communities can move or replace certain holidays, and these choices create extra breaks in parts of the country. Maundy Thursday on April 2 will be a public holiday almost everywhere except Catalonia and the Valencian Community. Several regions will also observe substitute holidays on Monday November

2 and Monday December 7, extending the All Saints’ and Constitution Day periods.

No matter where you live, four long weekends are guaranteed nationwide: Easter, Labour Day, National Day and Christmas. In some regions, Easter will stretch to four or even five consecutive days thanks to additional local holidays.

Overall, 2026 is not an exceptional year for public holidays, but it is a practical one. With smart planning - especially around January, Easter and early December - workers can enjoy frequent breaks without sacrificing much annual leave.

THE Spanish government has approved a draft reform expanding smoke-free zones in public areas, including terraces, beaches, sports facilities, bus stops, swimming pools, and surroundings of schools and hospitals. The law treats all nicotine products equally, encompassing cigarettes, e-cigarettes,

SPAIN is expected to remain one of the most affordable short-haul holiday destinations for UK travellers this year, despite ongoing pressure on household budgets. Analysts point to strong competition among airlines, tour operators and accommodation providers, alongside Spain’s scale and accessibility, as key factors keeping prices comparatively low. While traditional beach resorts continue to attract visitors, value is increasingly being found beyond the coastline.

Mainland coastal destinations such as the Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada and Costa Brava remain competitively priced due to large hotel capacity and long-established tourism infrastructure. The Canary Islands also continue to offer strong value, particularly for families, thanks to year-round flights and a wide range of accommodation options that limit price volatility.

A notable shift is the growing interest in inland and rural destinations, where accommodation, dining and daily expenses are significantly cheaper and less affected by seasonal surges. Regions such as Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha and interior Andalucia are attracting travellers seeking longer stays and a more local experience.

Spain’s dense flight network remains central to affordability, with low-cost competition keeping fares down for flexible or early bookers.

No smoking outside heated tobacco, shishas, and nicotine pouches. Its primary goal is to protect nonsmokers from second-hand smoke and modernise tobacco legislation to reflect evolving social habits.

Health authorities have endorsed the proposal, ci-

ting concerns over rising vaping among youth and the limitations of the 2011 indoor smoking ban, which does not address outdoor exposure.

The legislation is positioned as a decisive public-health measure, aiming to secure citizens’ right to clean air while reducing passive smoke in communal spaces.

However, the hospitality sector warns that the restrictions may negatively affect outdoor dining, tourism, nightlife, and enforcement logistics. Business owners also highlight the potential for smokers to relocate to private areas, potentially increasing indoor exposure.

The draft law has cabinet approval but awaits parliamentary debate and voting.

If passed, nationwide enforcement could begin before 2027. The reform represents a significant public-health initiative, balancing citizen protection and social norms.

While the hospitality industry expresses concern, authorities maintain cleaner outdoor air will benefit everyone.

AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST

Writing workshop

Nerja’s culinary secret

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IN the winding, whitewashed streets of Nerja’s old town, Restaurante Lacal has rapidly established itself as a local sensation. Known for its commitment to authentic Andalucian flavours, the restaurant balances a rustic yet modern interior with a charming street-side terrace, offering a sophisticated take on Mediterranean classics.

While dinner is popular, the restaurant is truly best enjoyed during lunch. It is widely considered the best destination for rice dishes, specifically its ‘Paella en Llauna’. Unlike standard tourist fare, Lacal’s paellas are celebrated for being rich and flavourful.

Beyond seafood, the menu features standout Iberico pork and fresh Mediterranean fish, drawing consistent praise from those in the know in Nerja.

Winter warmer

Credit: JS FB

Credit. RL FB

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Tasty traditional fare at Lacal.

The dining experience remains an affordable luxury, with a full meal typically costing between €20 and €30 per person. The wine list is equally thoughtful, with Spanish reds and crisp whites tailored to the local climate. Service is a primary asset; the staff are noted for being attentive and welcoming, ensuring a relaxed pace through to the dessert course, which

includes decadent chocolate creations and traditional sweets.

Restaurante Lacal is located at Calle de la Gloria, 11, a scenic five-minute walk from the Balcón de Europa. It is open from 12pm to 11pm daily, except Mondays. Given its popularity for weekend lunches, booking via their website or on +34 952 182 202 is highly recommended.

The Crooks

AS winter cold grips the Costa del Sol, locals and tourists can enjoy a free live music event to lift spirits. On Saturday, January 10, singer Jennifer Singer performs at Al Alba Bio-Gastrobodega in Torrox Costa, starting at 4.30pm.

The ‘Winter Warmer at Al Alba’ concert features pop, rock, Latin, and country tunes, including modern and classic hits for singing and dancing. Entry is free, but reservations are advised via 628 009 560 to secure a table at this sought-after spot.

The many styles of Jennifer Singer.

Torrox-based Jennifer Singer, with Canadian, UK, and Spanish heritage, began performing at age four with classical training.

Her versatile repertoire covers over 100 songs, from ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Jolene’ to soulful ballads, inspired by artists like Whitney Houston, Adele, and Dolly Parton. She is renowned for high-energy, interactive sets at venues including Ronnie Scott’s, earning top ratings.

Al Alba, located at Calle Estepona, 3, is Spain’s first bio-gastrobodega, focu-

sing on ‘GastroNutrición’ with probiotic-rich, antioxidant-packed dishes.

The menu blends Mediterranean, international, and Oriental flavours, using organic ingredients suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and coeliacs.

The venue hosts ‘tardeo’ sessions that combine food and entertainment. Open daily from 12pm to 11pm (until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays), it provides a perfect winter escape. Book now for an energising afternoon.

ROCK fans on the Costa Tropical can shake off the post-holiday blues with a high-energy gig on Friday, January 9.

Malaga-based power trio The Crooks will take the stage at La Cochera in La Herradura at 11.30pm. The venue, located on Paseo Andrés Segovia, is a popular live music bar known for its lively atmosphere and diverse acts, from open mics to international performers.

The Crooks have built a strong following along the Costa del Sol through their explosive live shows. The trio specialise in tight, loud rock, delivering crowd-pleasing covers of Beatles classics such as ‘Eight Days a Week’, timeless

Credit: TC FB

The Crooks - stealing the best music.

rock anthems, and modern indie favourites - all reinterpreted with infectious energy and polish.

Their performances are renowned for getting audiences dancing and singing along, turning venues into sweatsoaked party zones. The band regularly packs out spots like ZZ Pub in Malaga and Zeppelin Bar in Alhaurin el Grande, earning a loyal fan base.

Despite the January

chill, this intimate setting promises to heat up quickly with The Crooks’ high-octane set. Doors open earlier for drinks and tapas, with craft beers and local wines available.

Residents and visitors in La Herradura, Almuñecar, or nearby Nerja should not miss this chance for a proper rock revival.

Grab friends and head down for a scorching night of live music.

BBB rating intact

BANCO SABADELL’S credit rating has been downgraded due to divestment delays and weakening performance. Its BBB rating remains intact and the expected impact is minimal. The company remains active in asset rotation, having divested €2.4bn since July 2024. Ongoing plans will preserve its investment grade rating.

Kraken sale

BRITISH company, Octopus Energy, has sold a $1bn stake in its Kraken software arm, valuing it at $8.65bn and paving the way for a possible IPO. Despite 10 per cent revenue growth to £13.7bn, Octopus posted a £260m pre-tax loss, citing higher costs and lower energy demand.

Savings drive

SPAIN has launched a consultation on EU’s SIA and the ‘Finance Europe’ label, aiming to mobilise Spain’s €1 trillion in deposits. Modelled on Sweden’s ISK and Italy’s PIRs, the SIA would allow tax-efficient investment in stocks and bonds to fund key programmes, with each country defining its own rules.

Payment plans

CAIXABANK introduces interest-free instalment payments on Facilitea, splitting purchases into four payments. Clients with domiciled income can receive a 5 per cent cashback, or up to 10 per cent on select products. The initiative strengthens CaixaBank’s strategic focus on Facilitea, enhancing a seamless, digital shopping experience.

Eclipse sale

EMPIRE METALS has entered a conditional agreement to sell its 75 per cent interest in the Eclipse Mining Lease near Kalgoorlie for A$750,000. The three-month due diligence period allows the purchaser to complete technical assessments.

OIL giant, BP, has struck a £4.4 billion deal, selling a 65 per cent stake in its motor oil division to Stonepeak, a US investment firm.

Stakes in Castrol, the motor oil division that makes vehicle lubricants, were sold in a deal valued at £7.5 billion, though BP will receive a cash sum of £4.4 billion. These funds will go to paying off debts. Despite the sale, BP will hold onto a 35 per cent stake in Castrol.

Moving forward, BP are planning to reduce costs and refocus.

The oil company previously announced in February 2025 plans to sell off £15 billion worth of assets as BP

12.8%

Data published by NSI from the third quarter of 2025 show a 12.8 per cent year-on-year price increase of housing prices, the sharpest increase in 18 years.

BP sell stakes

BP to refocus on gas and oil ventures.

shifts its strategy to focus more attentively on its core oil and gas business. With the sale of Castrol stakes, the company is halfway towards this goal.

The firm has also recently sold its US

onshore wind energy business and its Dutch mobility and convenience arm.

Like many of its competitors, BP are investing more in fossil fuels, less in green and renewable energy.

This is a consequence of investors’ frustrations over the lack of profits and a lagging share price, and of a political climate that is stepping away from its commitments to sustainability.

The sale of BP’s majority Castrol stakes, which it has controlled since 2000, follows the recent announcement of BP’s first female chief executive. Meg O’Neil will take over the role in April 2026.

Interim chief executive Carole Hole described the sale as a “very good outcome for all stakeholders.”

Wine crisis SPAIN’S wine industry, valued at €22.4 billion, is facing significant challenges that threaten to impact its long-term financial stability.

One such challenge is the ageing workforce.

Almost 74 per cent of the sector’s work force is made up of wine growers over 51. There’s an urgent need for new, younger recruits. A recent report suggested the wine industry needed to hire at least 22,600 young people to inject new life into the sector, or risk a significant decline in production and revenue.

Another key issue is geographical, just 15.9 per cent of Spain’s population reside in rural territories, limiting labour availability, especially amongst young people, the demographic they desperately need.

Spain is the world’s second largest wine exporter, reaching €3.5 billion in exports. Experts stress that modernising vineyards, adopting

Airbus arms deal AIRBUS (AIR) has secured a contract under Spain’s special modernisation programmes (PEM) to manufacture 18 C295 military transport aircraft, replacing older CN235 and C212 models. The contract, supported by a €1.04 billion loan and an additional €520 million for teaching technologies, will see deliveries for training and transport from 2026-2028, and paratrooper and cargo operations from 2030–2032.

Pollution fee

Credit: Shutterstock, AJPhotouniverse

BUSINESS EXTRA

STAT OF WEEK

euroweeklynews.com • 8 - 14 January 2026

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FINANCE

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Young workers needed in the wine industry.

sustainable practices and diversifying revenue streams are essential investments to maintain competitiveness, while attracting young skilled workers is a necessity.

Inflation slows

SPANISH inflation eased at the end of 2025, offering modest relief. The Consumer Price Index fell to 2.9 per cent in December, mainly due to lower petrol and diesel prices and favourable year-on-year comparisons. Leisure and culture prices also rose less than a year earlier, while food prices pushed inflation higher. Average inflation for 2025 stood at 2.7 per cent marginally below 2024, supporting a recovery in purchasing power and setting the benchmark for 2026 pension rises. Core inflation averaged 2.3 per cent but rose to 2.6 per cent in December, remaining broadly in line with ECB targets.

Self-employment strain THE ATA expects 2026 to see 25,00027,000 more self-employed workers, a 0.7-0.8 per cent increase, though 30 per cent ended 2025 with losses due to higher taxes. ATA estimate self-employed workers spend 200 hours yearly on bureaucracy, costing €10 billion.

Employment growth in 2025 was concentrated in large firms, while small businesses and traditional sectors declined.

ATA forecasts total employment growth of 0.9-1.1 per cent (250,000 jobs) and unemployment dropping to 10 per cent if small businesses receive direct support.

IN 2026, Spanish gas, electricity, and oil companies must contribute €1.871 billion to the National Energy Efficiency Fund (FNEE), an 83 per cent increase from 2025.

Repsol (€440m), Endesa (€223m), Iberdrola (€163m), and Naturgy (€161m) represent 52 per cent of this.

Created in 2014, the FNEE funds energy-saving initiatives, with fees based on polluting companies’ sales. Up to 92 per cent can be offset via Energy Saving Certificates, alongside renewable energy subsidies. Consultation ends January 16, 2026.

Under pressure 2025 marked record sales (715,000) yet Spain’s housing market is under pressure as prices per square metre exceed €2,156. In 2026, property prices are expected to rise 6-8 per cent, while rents could climb up to 12 per cent, impacting households by around €1,735 annually. Supply shortages persist due to limited land and slow construction. New construction will add only 420,000 homes over three years, far below the 700,000home deficit, fuelling demand-driven price growth and investor interest.

Supermarket expansion SUPERMARKET INCOME REIT (SUPR) has acquired three UK supermarkets for £97.6 million, targeting Tesco Aylesbury (£56.3m, 5.2% yield), Sainsbury’s Sale (£33.8m, 5.9% yield), and Waitrose Frimley (£7.6m, 6.2% yield). All have long trading histories, triple-net leases with RPI/CPI-linked rent reviews, and unexpired terms of 11-16 years. Funded via existing debt, the portfolio’s pro-forma LTV is 43%, WAULT 12 years, and 75% of tenants are investment grade, supporting SUPR’s growth and earnings strategy.

FINANCE

12 8 - 14 January 2026

euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 5 January

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3I Group.....................................3.237,00............3.255,00......... 3.237,00.......... 27,19K Admiral Group.............................3.148,0..............3.218,0........... 3.148,0.......... 405,97K Airtel Africa................................. 363,14...............367,20............363,14........... 52,96K Anglo American...........................3.115,0..............3.124,0........... 3.105,4........... 45,86K Antofagasta................................3.353,00............3.373,00......... 3.326,00........... 35,8K Ashtead Group............................5.204,0..............5.206,0........... 5.182,0............ 6,89K Associated British Foods.............2.129,0..............2.141,0........... 2.129,0............ 2,87K AstraZeneca...............................13.500,1............13.644,0......... 13.500,0.......... 34,68K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 575,40...............584,80............572,60............3,62M Aviva........................................... 686,60...............690,00............685,80........... 80,77K B&M European Value Retail SA... 165,94...............167,20............165,50........... 24,04K BAE Systems..............................1.817,00............1.820,50......... 1.796,00......... 227,75K Barclays...................................... 483,53...............485,85............481,65.......... 534,69K Barratt Redrow............................ 382,00...............384,00............381,60........... 36,46K Beazley........................................ 815,50...............825,50............815,50............ 7,46K Berkeley......................................3.948,0..............3.966,0........... 3.942,0............ 1,37K BP............................................... 440,85...............444,20............440,65.......... 852,62K British American Tobacco...........4.173,0..............4.198,0........... 4.173,0........... 15,43K BT Group.................................... 182,40...............184,67............182,24.......... 130,94K Bunzl...........................................2.024,0..............2.054,9........... 2.022,0............ 20,7K Centrica....................................... 174,43...............174,95............174,15.......... 107,63K Coca Cola HBC AG......................3.756,7..............3.776,0........... 3.752,0............ 4,22K Compass....................................2.327,00............2.337,00......... 2.327,00........... 38,8K ConvaTec Group......................... 239,60...............243,80............238,60...........10,98M Croda Intl....................................2.742,0..............2.757,0........... 2.698,0.......... 895,98K DCC.............................................4.544,0..............4.652,0........... 4.536,0.......... 426,98K Diageo.........................................1.607,5..............1.618,0........... 1.605,5........... 79,07K Diploma.....................................5.295,00............5.345,00......... 5.260,00......... 415,83K EasyJet........................................ 514,44...............517,40............514,37........... 73,92K Entain.......................................... 771,40...............787,80............765,00.............4,9M Experian......................................3.332,0..............3.402,0........... 3.311,0............8,45M F&C Invest.................................1.261,55............1.263,90......... 1.259,00.......... 12,82K Flutter Entertainment..................16.120,0............16.125,0......... 15.885,0.......... 37,79K Frasers........................................ 675,00...............675,00............663,00...............74 Fresnillo.....................................3.496,00............3.501,89......... 3.452,00........... 34,5K Glencore...................................... 418,04...............419,35............416,85............1,08M GSK plc......................................1.829,50............1.847,00......... 1.825,50......... 113,54K HALEON...................................... 374,10...............375,00............372,80........... 306,7K Halma..........................................3.500,0..............3.572,0........... 3.492,0.......... 399,14K Hikma Pharma...........................1.530,00............1.536,77......... 1.529,00..............3K Hiscox........................................1.398,00............1.426,00......... 1.398,00......... 845,96K Howden Joinery.......................... 839,00...............852,50............831,00.......... 619,72K HSBC.........................................1.196,61............1.198,80......... 1.196,00......... 311,89K IAG.............................................. 419,70...............421,20............418,40.......... 280,64K ICG PLC.....................................2.056,00............2.080,00......... 2.032,00......... 754,19K IMI PLC......................................2.518,00............2.520,00......... 2.510,00........... 1,87K Imperial Brands..........................3.099,91............3.134,00......... 3.099,91........... 17,2K Informa....................................... 875,40...............880,80............875,40........... 20,08K InterContinental........................... 138,5.................147,7..............137,4........... 712,79K

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

Intertek........................................4.530,0..............4.544,0........... 4.524,0............ 4,38K J Sainsbury................................. 327,20...............330,20............326,40........... 49,94K JD Sports Fashion........................ 85,72.................86,20..............84,52.............6,18M Kingfisher.................................... 316,40...............316,40............311,00............7,75M Land Securities........................... 622,00...............625,64............621,50........... 12,87K Legal & General.......................... 262,70...............264,40............262,52.......... 328,06K Lloyds Banking............................ 99,20.................99,90..............99,14.............1,26M London Stock Exchange..............8.830,0..............8.864,0........... 8.824,0............ 8,59K Londonmetric Property............... 188,00...............189,80............188,00........... 24,71K M&G........................................... 292,36...............294,40............292,30.......... 160,54K Marks & Spencer........................ 329,90...............333,20............329,10.......... 134,28K Melrose Industries...................... 619,60...............621,60............616,20........... 59,42K Mondi.......................................... 918,80...............922,80............907,80.......... 493,85K National Grid..............................1.153,00............1.162,00......... 1.153,00........... 94,1K NatWest Group........................... 661,00...............663,40............660,40.......... 129,86K Next...........................................13.480,0............13.615,0......... 13.480,0........... 1,39K Pearson......................................1.020,55............1.026,00......... 1.020,55.......... 11,22K Pershing Square........................4.824,00............4.908,00......... 4.800,00.......... 249,5K Persimmon.................................1.363,0..............1.370,0........... 1.359,0........... 10,93K Phoenix....................................... 743,50...............749,50............743,04........... 29,23K Prudential...................................1.157,00............1.163,50......... 1.157,00........... 51,6K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.980,0..............5.988,0........... 5.975,0............ 7,51K Relx............................................2.996,22............2.998,00......... 2.987,00.......... 32,38K Rentokil....................................... 445,80...............446,90............445,50........... 55,94K Rightmove.................................. 510,00...............513,40............510,00........... 16,09K Rio Tinto PLC..............................6.069,0..............6.104,0........... 6.064,0........... 88,35K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.206,00............1.217,50......... 1.197,45......... 895,41K Sage...........................................1.050,00............1.094,50......... 1.049,50...........2,76M Schroders.................................... 414,2.................414,4..............413,4............ 77,67K Scottish Mortgage......................1.182,00............1.197,00......... 1.176,00...........3,16M Segro.......................................... 711,60...............717,40............711,60........... 21,26K Severn Trent...............................2.807,0..............2.826,0........... 2.806,0............ 2,16K Shell............................................2.785,5..............2.795,5........... 2.783,0........... 219,6K Smith & Nephew........................1.217,50............1.233,50......... 1.205,50............1,9M Smiths Group.............................2.390,00............2.390,00......... 2.380,00........... 8,55K Smurfit Westrock........................2.920,0..............2.920,0........... 2.864,0.......... 108,94K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.840,0..............6.985,0........... 6.770,0.......... 222,61K SSE............................................2.231,94............2.243,00......... 2.231,94.......... 17,92K Standard Chartered....................1.855,00............1.860,00......... 1.853,00.......... 51,38K Taylor Wimpey............................ 107,15...............107,67............106,95.......... 198,72K Tesco.......................................... 438,80...............442,20............438,80.......... 109,72K Unilever.......................................4.786,0..............4.824,5........... 4.786,0........... 25,13K Unite........................................... 550,50...............554,50............547,50............ 2,74K United Utilities............................1.197,98............1.208,00......... 1.197,98.......... 17,25K Vistry Group................................ 642,60...............648,00............642,60........... 10,21K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 99,140...............99,740............99,080............1,24M Weir Group................................2.892,00............2.912,00......... 2.892,00.......... 14,83K Whitbread...................................2.535,0..............2.549,0........... 2.524,0............ 6,27K WPP............................................ 341,00...............343,20............340,30............ 73,7K

0.87013 1.16836

1.14925

0.9289 7.4702 11.804 10.781 Contact our team of currency experts

+34 952 906 581 currenciesdirect.es

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 5 January

Company

Price(p)

Maximum

Minimum

Net

3M.............................................. 161,82...............161,89............159,06............1,96M Amazon.com............................... 226,50...............235,46............224,70...........51,46M American Express....................... 372,73...............372,87............367,25............2,08M Amgen........................................ 327,64...............329,19............325,01............1,54M Apple........................................... 271,01...............277,84............269,00...........37,84M Boeing......................................... 227,77...............227,77............215,24...........11,26M Caterpillar.................................... 598,41...............599,61............575,31............2,76M Chevron...................................... 155,90...............155,90............151,25............6,86M Cisco............................................ 76,04.................76,95..............75,61............15,75M Citigroup..................................... 118,70...............118,72............116,59............9,25M Coca-Cola..................................... 69,12.................69,87..............68,97............12,15M Goldman Sachs........................... 914,34...............914,44............880,75............2,82M Home Depot................................ 345,82...............348,49............340,92............3,76M Honeywell................................... 195,88...............196,58............193,35............3,16M IBM............................................. 291,50...............297,57............289,00............4,66M J&J............................................. 207,35...............207,39............203,68............6,33M JPMorgan................................... 325,48...............325,73............320,74............8,05M McDonald’s................................. 303,26...............305,55............300,29............3,12M Merck&Co................................... 106,45...............106,62............104,43............9,99M Microsoft.................................... 472,94...............484,66............470,16...........25,57M Nike.............................................. 63,28.................64,13..............62,55............22,28M NVIDIA........................................ 188,85...............192,93............188,26..........148,24M P&G............................................ 141,79...............143,34............141,24............8,95M Salesforce Inc............................. 253,62...............265,38............252,48............9,68M Sherwin-Williams........................ 327,84...............329,97............322,62............1,64M The Travelers.............................. 285,19...............290,05............283,19............1,22M UnitedHealth............................... 336,40...............340,26............327,50............6,86M Verizon......................................... 40,52.................40,90..............40,30............30,86M Visa A.......................................... 346,48...............350,05............343,48.............5,4M Walmart...................................... 112,76...............112,79............111,12...........14,31M Walt Disney................................. 111,85...............113,44............111,62............8,91M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 5 January

Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Lavoro............................................................. 144,44 %.......................116,19M Sky Quarry....................................................... 93,96 %.........................19,91M Brand Engagement Network............................. 62,50 %.........................97,59M Datavault AI...................................................... 54,90 %........................324,28M Atlantic International........................................ 53,38 %..........................5,42M NetClass Tech.................................................. 52,10 %.........................53,55M Polyrizon.......................................................... 50,18 %...........................1,2M Parazero Technologies..................................... 44,79 %.........................21,28M Sadot............................................................... 44,63 %.........................10,88M Sidus Space..................................................... 37,90 %........................147,05M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined OUTLOOK THERAPEUTICS..............................-58,23 %..........................83,4M Kazia Therapeutics ADR...................................-27,43 %........................360,14K 9F.....................................................................-21,28 %.........................13,32K ESH Acquisition...............................................-20,49 %.........................238,1K Laser Photonics Unt.........................................-19,03 %..........................1,93M Semilux............................................................-18,90 %........................177,79K Utime...............................................................-17,64 %..........................5,31M Definitive Healthcare........................................-17,42 %..........................1,19M Intelligent Bio Solutions...................................-17,21 %..........................2,01M Direct Digital Holdings.....................................-15,53 %.........................23,87M LZ Tech Holdings.............................................-15,06 %........................394,96K M - Million Dollars

FINANCE

euroweeklynews.com

Specific aim

IN 2025, BBVA advanced sustainable finance across energy, textiles, agribusiness, housing, and hard-to-abate sectors, offering sustainability-linked loans, bonds, and efficiency financing. The bank aimed to mobilise €700 billion in sustainable business by 2029 while progressing toward net-zero emissions by 2050 with sector-specific targets.

Elite group

FORBES has declared Beyoncé a billionaire, after previously estimating her networth at $800m (£593m). She joins an elite group as the fifth musician to join Forbes’s list of world’s wealthiest people. The list includes her husband, Jay-Z who has an estimated net worth of $2.5bn (£1.85bn).

Ticket price hike TRAVELLERS are being warned of rising flight prices as airports across the UK prepare for a steep increase in property tax.

Analysis by global tax firm Ryan reveals that rateable values have increased more than sixfold in some cases, making regional airports among the hardest-hit sectors in the country. Even with transitional relief limiting rises to 30 per cent next year, many airports will still face subs-

Credit: Shutterstock, iamlukyeee

BUSINESS EXTRA

8 - 14 January 2026

Airports hit with tax hike.

tantial increases, with bills more than doubling over the next three years.

Manchester Airport faces a £4.2m rise to £18.1m, Bristol £1.2m to £5.2m, Bir-

Digital banking dominates DIGITAL banking remains dominant in Spain with 80.8 per cent of internet users using mobile banking, exceeding EU’s 63.9 per cent average. These figures are set to rise as online banking becomes the standard with 94.9 per cent forecasted by 2030. Online banking has become a key part of customers’ routines, 95 per cent have banking apps installed, 43

per cent check it daily and 42 per cent access the apps multiple times a week.

Digital features like automatic alerts and income and expense visualisation are key reasons for online banking’s success, not to mention the ease and efficiency it offers users. Customers expect AI will improve financial management in 2026.

mingham £1.8m to £7.6m, and Newcastle £244,755 to £1.1m. Other notable rises include Liverpool (£233,100 to £1m), East Midlands (£437,895 to £1.9m), and Bournemouth (£102,398 to £443,723).

Alex Probyn of Ryan warned that a sector-wide uplift of 295 per cent is unsustainable, with costs likely to pass through to airport charges, airline costs, and ultimately ticket prices.

Airport operators warn the increases could hinder planned investments, with Manchester Airports Group reconsidering £2bn of projects. AirportsUK argues the rises could negatively impact local economies dependent on airport connectivity and urges government engagement in the ongoing review of airport business rates to support investment and economic growth.

13

Elder workforce

IN 2025, Spain’s unemployment rate for people over 55 reached 9.8 per cent, 0.4 percentage points higher than for over-25s, reversing historical trends of lower older-worker unemployment.

Long-term unemployment affects 57.9 per cent of this group. While their average salary is €30,038, new older employees earn only €19,558, underscoring significant employability challenges.

Imports reduce inflation UK economists expect cheaper Chinese imports, which reached over $1tn for the first time, to reduce UK inflation as US imports are diverted due to Trump’s tariffs. Chinese exports rose 9 per cent in the UK, US exports fell 29 per cent. China is the UK’s largest market for imports with £70bn shipped

by June.

FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS

14 8 - 14 January 2026

euroweeklynews.com

Not exactly James Bond… You got the wrong one!

Photo credit: Wikipedia CC

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT THERE was a time when the ol’ boy genuinely believed he still possessed the agility, balance and sheer animal magnetism of a man half his age. Sadly, that particular illusion came to a sticky end one moonlit night in Miami, Florida. If you’ve ever tried explaining to an American paramedic how you managed to fall backwards into a cactus while attempting romance, you’ll know exactly why pride should never be packed in your suitcase.

I had actually been booked to sing at a country music convention in Miami, Florida - all very glamorous and naturally I took the wife along, partly for company and partly so she could stop me doing anything foolish! On this occasion, however, she was still dining peacefully while I strolled through the hotel grounds under a full moon, feeling every inch the international recording star.

That’s when I saw it, a single coco-

tors retrieve cactus spines from my backside and back.

To her eternal credit, she tried not to giggle. She failed. The next day I appeared at the hotel pool looking like the Bionic Man after a budget cut. Bandages everywhere. Any attempt at a tan made me resemble a zebra crossing. I retired to my room.

A couple of nights later I sang to the delegates and, despite feeling the utter embarrassment crawling up my stinging hindquarters, was received extremely well; probably because the audience found my coconut adventure far more entertaining than my singing. I flew back to the UK the next day, where it took another two weeks to recover fully. James Bond?

Hardly. But I learned something valuable: romance is wonderful, coconuts are dangerous, and dignity should always be checked in with your luggage.

Happy New Year. Keep flying the flag Keep yer peckers up and as always…

Keep the Faith!

Leapy Lee leapylee2002@gmail.com

nut, perfectly silhouetted against the moonlight, hanging there like something out of a tropical love story. Immediately, the old romantic in me surfaced. What, I thought, could be more charming than retrieving that coconut for my wife? Forget flowers - this was Indiana Jones territory. I plunged heroically into the undergrowth and began to shin up the tree.

Now, I should explain that coconut trees are not designed with approaching middle-aged English singers in mind. By the time I reached the coconut, my lungs were staging a protest and my arms were reconsidering their career choices.

I reached out. The coconut did not move. I reached again. Still nothing.

At this point, gravity entered the conversation. My strength totally evaporated, and I began a slow, undignified slither down the entire length of the tree, scraping arms, legs and chest as I went, before finally falling backwards - with pinpoint accuracy - straight into a cactus plant.

Ambulance. Hospital. Me, lying face down while my wife watched doc-

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Photo Credit: Molly Grace

t:

A pp le TV / Fac eb o

PLURIBUS is like nothing else on TV right now. Starring Rhea Seehorn as a cynical best-selling romance author who survives a catastrophic event that almost ends the human race.

Those that survive are left fundamentally changed as most of humanity form a hive mind that makes them inexplicably cheery. From the creator of Breaking Bad, this series blends comedy with deep questionings of free will as the most miserable person on Earth must find a way to save the world from happiness.

The Alta Montaña area is accessible via a small shuttle if roads are closed.

Rhea Seehorn as Carol in Pluribus.

Stranger Things: The Finale

Cre di t :N ok

Stranger Things Finale mustn’t be missed.

ix / Face bo etfl

STRANGER THINGS has had audiences enthralled for almost a decade with its vintage 80s aesthetic, talented young cast and the sinister parallel dimension known as the Upside Down. Less of an episode, more of a feature film with its run time of two hours and five minutes, the Stranger Things finale promises to be an explosive and emotional send off. Whether you’re an avid fan or fancy watching for the first time, the

A day in Sierra Nevada

di

Pluribus

THIEVES broke into a church in the village of Paradas, in the province of Sevilla, and stole a replica of La Magdalena Penitente painting attributed to El Greco after mistakenly believing it was the original artwork. The authentic painting, which forms part of the church’s cultural heritage, remained safely secured behind protective bars and was not damaged during the incident.

The break-in occurred during the early hours of the morning and triggered an alarm, prompting an investigation by the Guardia Civil. Initial findings suggest the perpetrators were targeting what they believed to be a valuable original, indicating a lack of detailed knowledge about the artwork and its security arrangements. Authorities believe the thieves fled quickly once inside the building. Although the stolen piece is a replica with limited financial value, the incident has raised concerns about the protection of religious and cultural sites in small communities. Local officials stressed that even replicas often carry historical or symbolic significance for residents. The original painting remains under appropriate protection and was not removed from its location.

Investigators are reviewing security footage and following several leads in an effort to recover the replica.

Cr e

ok

TOP Trending

brought to you by Revolution Technology

Thieves mistakenly stole the replica.

SIERRA NEVADA, located about 35 km from Granada, offers families a festive and snowy escape during winter, even if early December sees limited snowfall. The resort village of Pradollano serves as the base, at 2,100 metres, providing restaurants, cafés, shops, ski and snowboard rentals, and an ice rink.

While Pradollano offers convenient ski-in/ ski-out access, accommodation tends to be costly, making nearby villages such as Cenes de la Vega, Monachil, or Güéjar Sierra attractive alternatives. The drive from Granada is scenic but winding; travellers prone to motion sickness are advised to medicate beforehand, and all cars should carry snow chains due to sudden icy conditions. Sierra Nevada features over 110 km of skiable terrain with pistes suitable for beginners through experts,

as well as the Sulayr Superpark for freestyle enthusiasts. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for all ages, with dedicated family-friendly areas for children. Beyond the slopes, families can enjoy tubing, tobogganing, trampolines, snow play and day care for the youngest. The Alta Montaña area, accessible via a small shuttle if roads are closed, offers sled rentals, restaurants, hiking trails, and open snowfields ideal for snowball fights or building snowmen. Wildlife such as Spanish ibex, horses, and birds of prey can be spotted in the area. Families are advised to dress in layers, bring spare warm clothing, and plan early starts to make the most of the day.

This combination of alpine snow, festive ambience, and varied activities makes Sierra Nevada a unique winter destination.

euroweeklynews.com

SPANISH LIVING/NEWS

8 - 14 January 2026

15

Every feel like you’re drowning in paperwork?

lays, particularly with tax and administrative matters. Health related administration were described as especially stressful.

Martin Roberts wrote, “When you are ill as an autoimmune patient, then you learn that the Spanish social stinks.”

Some reflected with a broader sense of perspective. Deb Horses, who has lived in Spain for more than 50 years, offered a re-

minder that bureaucracy is rarely perfect anywhere, saying, “It happens everywhere, in every country. Stop crying over spilt milk.” She suggests mindset plays an important role.

Overall, experiences vary widely. What unites most is understanding that patience and preparation are essential tools for surviving Spanish bureaucracy.

A RUNNER at a traditional New Year’s street race in the Spanish city of Burgos drew widespread attention on January 1 after apparently stopping halfway through the course due to an injury. In a spontaneous and humorous gesture, he placed a V16 emergency beacon on his head to signal a ‘breakdown’, creating an image that quickly spread across social media.

The incident occurred during the San Silvestre Cidiana, an annual race held at the start of the year and known for its festive atmosphere.

Thousands of participants take part, many wearing costumes or bright colours, turning the event into a celebration as much as a sporting competition. The course runs through central streets and past well-known landmarks,

Photo credit: ThisisBilbao on Facebook

SPANISH bureaucracy’s reputation often precedes it. From smooth processes to deep frustration, Euro Weekly News readers suggest that outcomes depend on preparation, timing and personal circumstances.

In stark contrast to the stereotype, many people report few or no problems at all. Angela Edgley said, “Never had a problem 20 years ago. Emigrated properly.” Debbrah Crookes echoed this, commenting, “I have never had any problems, straightforward and did it all myself.”

Preparation was a recurring lesson. Jenny Church advised others to be methodical, saying, “If you prepare first and make sure you have everything, it is usually fine.” These comments suggest that bureaucracy in Spain can be manageable when expectations are realistic and enough time is allowed.

Others highlighted de-

Credit: Shutterstock, Stokkete

Paperwork & patience V16 marathon moment

The runner placed a V16 emergency beacon on his head.

drawing large crowds of spectators.

The runner’s action stood out for its irony.

V16 beacons are designed exclusively for vehicles and, as of this month, have replaced warning triangles in Spain as a mandatory safety device for breakdowns and accidents.

The devices emit 360-degree light and can transmit a vehicle’s location to

traffic authorities.

However, some officials, including members of the Guardia Civil, have warned that the beacons can be difficult to see from a distance, raising doubts about their effectiveness. In this context, the device offered no real safety benefit, instead highlighting the contrast between its intended purpose and practical use nationwide.

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22

18 8 - 14 January 2026

FEATURE

euroweeklynews.com

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers • Costa del Sol

Costa Blanca South

MALAGA Province welcomed 2026 with the arrival of its first newborn, a girl named Sofía, born at 0.37am on Thursday, January 1 at the Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol in Marbella.

Weighing 2.56kg and measuring 47cm, Sofía is the first child of parents Carlota and Daniel.

The couple had been celebrating New Year’s Eve with non-alcoholic drinks when labour began, transforming their toast into a memorable dash to hospital. Just 10 minutes later, at 0.47am, the province’s second baby of the year arrived at the Hospital de la Axarquia in Velez-Malaga. Asier, a boy weighing 2.12kg and measuring 44cm, is the son of Ainhoa and Alejandro. In Malaga City, the first birth came at 01.57am when Jesús was delivered at the Hospital Materno Infantil. The son of Luis and Bárbara weighed 2.93kg and measured 50cm. Across Andalucia, the region’s earliest arrival was Cloe in Huelva at 0.01am, making her Spain’s first baby of 2026.

CHILDREN in the Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela received a very special visit on Sunday, January 4. Their Majesties the Three Wise Men of the East visited the hospital and brought joy to the faces of the patients there, ahead of their scheduled appearance on Three Kings’ Day, January 6.

The Three Wise Men, as part of their Christmas schedules in Orihuela, paid a visit to the children who remained hospitalised during these special days in order to share a moment of joy, hope, and festive positivity. The youngest patients had awaited the moment with excitement, and received special gifts, words of encouragement, moments of joy, and most of all, smiles.

The Orihuela City Council emphasised the special nature of the visit and called it one of the most moving moments of the holiday celebrations.

During the holiday season when donations to the less fortunate tend to dwindle, these initiatives make a big difference to keeping the magic alive.

Costa Blanca North

Almeria

CALPE has revealed on January 2 its trade fair calendar for the first quarter, aiming to promote Calpe in traditional markets while opening new ones. The goal is to maintain current occupancy levels and extend the tourist season.

The year begins with Matka 2026 in Helsinki from January 15 to 18, where Calpe will make a strong impression, including a presentation in a Costa Blanca segment. Matka is the largest tourism fair in Finland and the Nordic countries, attracting over 56,000 visitors in 2025. From January 21 to 25, Calpe will also attend Fitur in Madrid to showcase seasonal updates.

In February, the town will take part in the Fiets en Wandelbeurs fair in Utrecht, focusing on cycling, hiking, and healthy tourism. From February 20 to 22, Calpe will attend Ferie for Alle Herning in Denmark, strengthening ties with this growing market and networking through MCH Travel Connect. March brings ITB Berlin from March 3 to 5, a leading global tourism event.

ONCE again, senior citizens are living out their dreams thanks to the ‘Equipaje de Experiencias’ (Baggage of Experience) programme. Supported by the Provincial Council of Almeria, this programme promotes community and activity among the province’s elderly residents, allowing them to continue living their life to the fullest with exciting experiences. This newest edition continues the work of previous campaigns, strengthening bonds by bringing 3,000 seniors from Almeria to La Cala de Mijas. ‘Equipaje de Experiences’ is a much beloved initiative, highly valued by Almeria’s senior citizens especially. Escobar stressed the importance of investing in seniors to create a more humane province. He described the initiative as a chance to give back to those who have helped build the community into what it is today. Over its four editions, the first of which was celebrated in Benidorm, ‘Equipaje de Experiencias’ has established itself as a valued, constantly evolving programme giving senior citizens unforgettable experiences.

Mallorca

Costa Calida

THE recovery follows heavy downpours in late October and early November, when a DANA weather system and several intense rainfall episodes halted a worrying decline. On October 22, Gorg Blau fell to just 22 per cent and Cúber to 31.74 per cent, prompting Palma City Council to issue warnings over water scarcity.

Successive rains on October 28, November 1 and November 12 helped replenish reserves, but it was the particularly wet Christmas period that produced the most noticeable increase, especially at Gorg Blau. Cúber’s recovery has been more limited, remaining around a third of its capacity, highlighting the system’s uneven progress.

Throughout 2025, reservoirs were under pressure following two dry winters and a below-average spring, while 2024 had ended with levels already below historical averages. Authorities urge caution, stressing that current levels, though improved, remain far from optimal, and residents are again reminded to use water responsibly.

THIS holiday season, the region of Murcia has gone above and beyond in order to make sure no child was left without toys. In a collaborative effort between the Catholic University of Murcia and local charity organisation Caritas, the proceeds from UCAM’s charity concert Los payasos de la tele, or ‘The TV Clowns’, were donated towards new toys for less fortunate children of the region to receive on January 6, Three Kings’ Day. The traditional charity concert, which has become a marker of the holiday season in Murcia, was performed by the talented UCAM Symphony Orchestra. This year, the concert took place on Saturday, December 27 at the Víctor Villegas Auditorium in Murcia. The concert was a joyous compilation of classic holiday tunes and melodies, putting a smile on the faces of the audience members and bringing a festive air to the municipality. The two organisations often collaborate during the year, but the holiday season is especially important for charity events.

First born

Tourism strategy

Rains bring relief

Moving moments

New experiences

Joyful generosity

• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •

End of an era

Inheritance dispute Credit : Karl Aage Isaksen, Shutterstock

Photo credit: MC MEDIASTUDIO/Shutterstock

Italy fines Ryanair

euroweeklynews.com

Denmark will end letter delivery after more than 400 years of postal service.

Ryanair has rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal.

ITALY’S competition authority has imposed a €255 million fine on Ryanair after concluding that the airline abused its dominant position by obstructing ticket sales through travel agencies.

The regulator found that between 2023 and 2025 Ryanair implemented measures designed to discourage or prevent agencies from selling its flights, including booking cancellations, payment restrictions and contractual barriers.

According to the authority, the strategy weakened competition by limiting consumer choice and

undermining agencies that offer combined travel products such as packages and corporate bookings.

The regulator argued that Ryanair’s actions favoured its own directsales model while distorting downstream travel markets.

Ryanair has rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal, insisting that its sales model protects customers from hidden fees and unauthorised mark-ups. The airline maintains that it does not prevent agencies from selling tickets but requires safeguards to ensure transparency.

DENMARK has recently closed a chapter lasting more than four centuries. From December 30, the state postal service, PostNord, stopped delivering letters, ending a service that began in 1624. After years of warnings, the company says traditional mail has become economically unsustainable, as digital communication has almost entirely replaced paper letters.

Letter volumes have fallen by more than 90 per cent over the past 25 years.

Today, over 90 per cent of Danes receive official communications digitally, including tax notices, bank statements and government correspondence. Maintaining a nationwide letter delivery network under these conditions was no longer viable. Around 1,500 red postboxes will

be removed, and PostNord will focus on parcel deliveries, which continue to grow with online shopping. The change will also lead to about 1,500 job losses.

Letters will not vanish entirely. Private company Dao plans to take over delivery and expects volumes to rise from around 30 million in 2025 to 80 million in 2026, with much of the growth from 18- to 34-yearolds, suggesting paper mail retains niche appeal.

Denmark’s decision is being watched across Europe, where postal services face similar declines. For most Danes, the practical impact will be minimal, but symbolically, the end of letter delivery marks the close of a historic era and may signal what lies ahead for other countries.

More Spanish superstitions: A guide for the cautiously curious!

THE number 13, often associated with bad luck in many cultures, holds a rather different fate in Spain.

Tuesday the 13th (as is the case next week), NOT Friday the 13th, is considered an unlucky day, echoing the historical events of the Battle of Moclín (AKA the Disaster of Moclín), which took place on a Tuesday 13th.

Basically, Tuesday’s believed to be dominated by Mars, the Roman god of war, who gives his name to martes (Tuesday, in Spanish).

‘mucha mierda’ (‘loads of sh**’).

BEST FOOT FORWARD - It’s said misfortune enters the room with the left foot. But should you unfortunately enter a room with your left foot, don’t worry. Just check you make the sign of the cross three times to counter the bad luck!

SEVEN LIVES - While many countries believe cats have nine lives because of their suppleness/ canniness at getting out of dicey situations, poor Spanish moggies have just seven...

NEVER BUY YELLOW CLOTHES AS A GIFT - It’s believed yellow represents sulphur and the Devil, so the colour yellow reputedly brings bad luck. Therefore NEVER wear yellow on the day of an exam or job interview! You’ve been warned!

Other superstitions?

BREAK A LEG - Why wish harm on people as a sign of good luck?

Theatres have always had first night superstitions. While in many countries ‘break a leg’ is to wish good luck, in Spain you wish the person

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www. nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

FRENCH actress and animal-rights activist Brigitte Bardot died on December 28 at age 91, leaving an estate estimated at €65 million, including properties in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Paris, and income from royalties. Her estate, largely intended to fund the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, is now contested by her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, under French inheritance law, which guarantees children a reserved portion.

Assets already donated to the foundation, including La Madrague, remain protected. Bardot’s wealth spanned real estate, jewellery, intellectual property, and cash, with the foundation historically funded through donations, auctions, and asset sales. Her philanthropic work focused on animal welfare, including campaigns against seal hunting, bullfighting, and factory farming. The legal dispute reflects both Bardot’s family tensions and the intersection of inheritance law with lifetime gifts.

Bardot’s memoir previously described her son in harsh terms, resulting in litigation and strained relations, occasionally mitigated later through personal contact. Legal analysts anticipate a lengthy court process to balance statutory inheritance rights with her charitable intentions. The foundation remains operational, continuing animal protection initiatives, and lifetime donations ensure ongoing funding. The estate exemplifies the challenges of reconciling personal legacy, philanthropy, and family obligations, while Bardot’s contributions to animal welfare remain central to her public legacy.

Photo credit: Brigitte Bardot Foundation

FEATURE/EUROPRESS

20 8 - 14 January 2026

Bardot’s memoir previously described her son in harsh terms.

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PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 8 - 14 January 2026 SPONSORED BY

Odin is a shoe connoisseur - House-sitters beware MANY dogs like Odin enjoy the sniff of a bit of shoe leather. He’s a real shoe connoisseur. The older and more worn the better, small shoes, big shoes, boots sometimes, and to be honest it doesn’t have to be leather. Anything that looks like a shoe will do. They smell interesting, they are portable and a great accessory to the dog about town. And they keep him busy parading around with this latest find.

Like most dogs, Odin also enjoys company - especially when his owners travel. Ideally, someone who doesn’t mind sharing their shoes (briefly), enjoys the company of a Labrador, and understands that ‘drop it’ is merely a suggestion.

So, house-sitters… do you like Labradors?

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HAVE you ever taken your dog on a ‘sniffari’ and wondered why they’re pooped after just a short stroll? It turns out, there’s real science behind the sniff. Dogs experience the world through their noses - and sniffing isn’t just casual curiosity. Every sniff sends a flood of information to their brains, from identifying other animals to picking up scents we can’t even imagine.

Unlike humans, a dog’s olfactory system is incredibly complex, processing thousands of smells at once. When your pooch pauses to investigate every lamppost, leaf, or patch of grass, they’re essentially working their brains as hard as we would on a crossword marathon. That’s why a slow, meandering sniffari can be far more exhausting than a fast-paced run.

Sniffing also provides mental stimulation, helping to reduce bore-

Credit: Lorenzooooo / Shutterstock

Sniff, sniff, tired

Sniffing reduces boredom for dogs.

dom, anxiety, and even destructive behaviours at home. So next time your dog stops to investigate yet another patch of scents, think of it as

a workout for their mind - and a sign they’re having a fantastic adventure.

For owners, embracing the slow pace of a

sniffari can be surprisingly rewarding too: you see the world from their nose’s point of view and enjoy a little mindfulness along the way.

‘A Day in the Life’

Paul McCartney apparently said in an interview in 2013 that he added a frequency that only dogs can hear to the end of the Beatles’ song ‘A Day in the Life’. So the next time you play that song, watch your dog! It may even be true! Now that’s an amazing dog fact don’t you think?

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22

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ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack AUDI will celebrate a very special anniversary next year: 50 years of the five-cylinder engine. First introduced in 1976 in the second-generation Audi 100, currently the 2.5 TFSI in the Audi RS 3 continues the great tradition of five-cylinder engines. Audi’s five-cylinder engines have cult status and are deeply rooted in the Audi DNA. The first five-cylinder engine powered the Audi 100 (C2) in 1976. The four-cylinder engines of the time were not sufficient for the plans and Audi engineers therefore discussed using inline five-cylinder and six-cylinder engines in the early 1970s. The latter were ruled out due to space constraints and the unfavourable weight distribution. As a result, they opted for the inline five-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 2,144 cc, delivered 100 kW (136 PS). A modern fuel injection system increased efficiency and power delivery. Deliveries of the Audi 100 5E began in March 1977.

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Audi power - celebrating 50 years of the five-cylinder engine

Audi launched its first diesel version back in 1978: a naturally aspirated diesel with a displacement of two litres and 51 kW (70 PS).

One year later, the first five-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharging made its debut - another pioneering

achievement by Audi. With 125 kW (170 PS) and 265 Nm of torque, it powered the new top model, the Audi 200 5T. The five-cylinder gasoline engine in the original 1980 Audi quattro reached even greater heights. Featuring turbocharging, intercooling, and

permanent all-wheel drive, it formed a powerful technology package for both racing and the road.

At the start of sales, it had a power output of 147 kW (200 PS). After Audi secured the World Rally Championship title in 1982 with this car Audi

introduced the Sport quattro powered by a newly developed four-valve, five-cylinder light-alloy engine with 225 kW (306 PS).

This made the Sport quattro the most powerful car ever offered by a German company for use on public roads up to that time.

Since 2021, the Audi RS 3 has been equipped with a modified version of the five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI, which is more powerful than ever before. It enables the compact sports car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The five-cylinder’s throaty sound makes for a highly evocative driving experience. Its signature sound is created by the odd number of cylinders and the unique firing sequence 1-2-4-5-3, which alternates between cylinder pairs adjacent to each other and further away that gives the 2.5 TFSI a very distinctive note.

Drivers in Spain must keep to the right lane except when overtaking, warns the DGT.

thorised left-lane cruising.

There are exceptions.

Drivers may briefly change lanes to avoid obstacles, allow a vehicle to merge, or prepare for an exit. Right-lane overtaking is permitted if the vehicle ahead signals a left turn or in urban areas with marked lanes for different directions. Outside these cases, the rules are strict: overtaking on the right on

motorways and dual carriageways is prohibited.

For the DGT, the focus is safety. 2025 data shows the deadliest accidents often involve vehicles leaving the road or colliding head-on, frequently linked to unpredictable lane changes.

The message is simple: right lane to drive, left lane to overtake - or risk a €200 reminder.

THE mandatory introduction of connected V16 emergency beacons has sparked heated privacy debates among drivers on social media.

Many motorists fear the devices’ geolocation features will enable the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) to track vehicles constantly. Officials and the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) have strongly rebutted this, insisting beacons transmit location data only when manually activated in an emergency - and anonymously.

The compact flashing amber light replaces traditional warning triangles. Once switched on and placed on the vehicle roof, it sends the position to the DGT’s 3.0 platform, alerting authorities and warning other drivers via signs or apps.

Experts stress no continuous tracking occurs. The beacon, equipped with IoT technology and a SIM card, remains dormant until activated.

The AEPD confirmed signals stop when the device is switched

Credit: DGT

DRIVERS in Spain have been reminded that cruising in the left lane is not only bad manners - it is illegal. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) reiterated that motorists must travel in the right-hand lane on motorways and dual carriageways unless overtaking. Remaining in the centre or left lane without reason can incur a €200 fine, a long-established rule often ignored in practice.

The DGT says lane discipline is crucial for safety. Keeping the right lane for regular driving and the left for brief overtakes makes traffic more predictable, smooths merges, and reduces risky manoeuvres.

Overtaking on the right in response to left-lane ‘blockers’ is also illegal and more serious: it carries a €200 fine plus four licence points, compared with no points for unau-

Credit : Mundofoto, Shutterstock

Left lane warning V16 transmits?

V16 beacon barely visible.

off, creating no movement history.

Data includes only location and a technical identifier, unlinked to any personal details. No registration is required when buying a beacon.

Designed for safety, the system aims to prevent secondary accidents. Around 25 people die yearly in Spain while placing triangles; the V16 allows signalling without leaving the vehicle.

DGT officials ruled out using beacon data for fines, as it is not legally permitted. Yet some drivers remain sceptical, citing visibility concerns and risks of staying inside a stranded car.