Mallorca - Issue No. 2154
15 - 21 October 2026
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Mallorca I No. 2154 I 15 - 21 October 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal PM - 140 - 2004 - ISSN 2488-1686
Circus comes to town PALMA’S streets became a stage for acrobats, jugglers and spectacular performances at the weekend as the city welcomed the sixth edition of Palma Circ. The free festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, bringing contemporary circus to public spaces across the capital and giving residents and visitors the chance to enjoy a varied programme without paying for a ticket. With performances ranging from traditional circus skills to dramatic displays of fire and light, the event offered an alternative way to spend the weekend while celebrating the creativity of modern circus. Saturday’s programme began at Plaça de Francesc Garcia i
Orell, where audiences could enjoy three performances throughout the morning. Génesis opened the entertainment at 11am, followed by Jump y Olé at noon and Mongolia Legacy at 1pm. Rather than taking place inside a traditional circus tent, the shows brought the action directly into public spaces, allowing families and passers-by to discover the performances while exploring the city. One of the weekend’s highlights was Circ de Nit, which took place at Plaça de Pere Garau at 9pm on Saturday. The evening spectacle, titled Vórtice, fuego y luz en movimiento, combined fire, light and movement to create a more dramatic circus experience, extending
Credit: Facebook/PalmaCultura
Free festival featuring a packed programme of entertainment
the festival’s entertainment into the night. Sunday’s activities
moved to Ses Voltes, where the programme began with Circ Obert, a
showcase dedicated to circus schools and their students. Running from 11.30am to 12.30pm, the session gave young performers an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and share their enthusiasm for the performing arts. The entertainment continued with Dynamic Explosion at 1pm, followed by Circular Circus at 4pm and Soul of Art at 5pm. The festival concluded with Gran Hotel at 6pm, bringing two days of performances to a close. By spreading the programme across several locations, Palma Circ brought cultural entertainment beyond conventional theatres and into the heart of the city. Free admission also helped make the festival
accessible to families and visitors looking for an affordable weekend activity. The event highlighted the diversity of contemporary circus, combining physical skill, theatrical storytelling and visual spectacle while providing a platform for emerging performers. Circus fans will have another opportunity to enjoy the art form in Palma later this year, when Circo Stromboli is scheduled to present Elfs, el gran sopar de Nadal at Teatre Municipal in December.
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15 - 21 October 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Tourism cash boost Billionaire’s boat Credit: Shutterstock/MazurTravel
New stats reveal Mallorca enjoyed a summer of rising tourism revenue
on the island fell by 0.8 per cent. Ibiza and Formentera saw the strongest hotel revenues among the destinations analysed, reaching €225.10 per available room, up 9.5 per cent despite a 2.4 per cent fall in total demand. Menorca also experienced mixed results, with hotel revenue per available room rising by one per cent to €186.70, while tourism demand dropped by 2.8 per cent.
Exceltur said established holiday destinations were increasingly focusing on higher-value tourism rather than simply attracting more visitors, as high occupancy levels limit opportunities for further growth. However, the outlook suggests the pace of expansion could slow, with Balearic tourism businesses forecasting sales growth of just 1.1 per cent during the final quarter of 2026.
Credit: Lurssen
MALLORCA and the Balearic Islands enjoyed a summer of rising tourism revenues, with hotels making more money even as visitor demand slipped, according to a new industry study. Tourism businesses across the islands increased their sales by 4.8 per cent between June and August compared with summer 2025, while hotel revenue per available room climbed by 7.7 per cent, according to the latest tourism outlook report from Spanish tourism association Exceltur. The figures suggest the islands are generating more income from holidaymakers without relying on increasing visitor numbers. Mallorca recorded hotel revenue of €170.10 per available room, a 9.2 per cent increase year-on-year. However, overall tourism demand
Spotted off the coast of Andratx
A FLOATING palace worth more than €460 million has been spotted off the coast of Mallorca, bringing a spectacular display of billionaire luxury to the island’s waters. The 142-metre superyacht Nord was seen near Andratx on Thursday, October 8. The vessel belongs to Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, the main shareholder of steel giant Severstal, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Built by German shipbuilder Lürssen and delivered in 2021, Nord is among the world’s largest and most expensive private yachts. Valued at upto $500 million, it boasts an extraordinary collection of luxury features. These include a swimming pool, a beach
club at sea level, a cinema, a spa, a sauna and a fully equipped gym. The yacht also has a helipad at the bow, alongside a second helicopter landing area with an enclosed hangar. Nord can accommodate up to 36 guests in its spacious suites and carries an assortment of watercraft on board. Two powerful engines, each producing almost 5,000 horsepower, give the vessel a cruising speed of around 15 knots and a top speed of approximately 20 knots. The sighting adds to the Balearics’ association with some of the world’s most extravagant superyachts, with Mallorca continuing to attract attention as a destination for vessels owned by the ultra-wealthy.
Backing Calvià’s bid CALVIÀ is gaining heavyweight backing in its bid to become European Capital of Tourism 2027, with Mallorca’s government, hotel groups and business organisations throwing their support behind the municipality’s ambitions. The resort municipality has been selected as one of eight finalists for the European title. Among those supporting the campaign are Balearic Tourism Minister Jaume Bauzá, Consell de Mallorca president Llorenç Galmés and representatives of the Balearic Islands Tourism Strategy Agency (AETIB). The hospitality sector has also rallied behind the bid, including Meliá Hotels International, the Palmanova-Magaluf Hoteliers Association, the Santa Ponça Hoteliers Association and PIMEM Restauración. Meliá chief executive
Credit: AjuntamentdeCalvia
Heavyweight backing for Calvià’s bid to become European Capital of Tourism 2027
Gabriel Escarrer highlighted Calvià’s personal significance to his family, with his father among the pioneers of the area’s tourism development. He praised the municipality’s efforts to evolve beyond its traditional holiday offering towards a model focused on sustainability, quality and greater added value. Calvià is competing in the category for destinations with populations between 25,000 and
100,000. It was shortlisted from a field of 40 candidates representing 17 countries. The other finalists are Calais in France, Geestland in Germany, Ibiza, Nova Gorica in Slovenia, Sandanski in Bulgaria, Selçuk in Turkey and Zadar in Croatia. The municipality will present its case in Strasbourg on October 20 before defending its candidacy in Brussels on November 18 and 19.
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15 - 21 October 2026
Check your bill
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Digital invoice deadline The countdown begins Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock
NEWS
Credit: 1 Media / Shutterstock
LOYAL CUSTOMERS PAYING MORE
Spain’s self-employed have until around October 2028 to switch to electronic invoices.
Some customers pay far more than others with the same company.
SOME households in Spain are paying up to 30 per cent more for their energy than other customers of the very same company, according to consumer organisation OCU. Its analysis of real bills found that a tariff that looked like a good deal when it was signed can slowly turn into an expensive one after a series of price updates, while newer customers are of-
fered better terms. Yet most people don’t shop around. A new OCU survey of 2,813 members and supporters found 82 per cent hadn’t changed electricity or gas supplier in the past year, and almost a third of those staying put thought it wasn’t worth it because “they’re all the same.” OCU said they aren’t. Som Energia scored 96 out of 100 for customer satisfaction while Endesa
managed just 48, and three in 10 customers had run into a problem with their company, most often unclear information about tariff changes. The scores don’t reveal who’s cheapest, though, so OCU’s advice is to check the latest bill and compare the total yearly cost on the free comparator run by the CNMC (Spain’s energy regulator) before the winter bills start landing.
SPAIN’S self-employed and small businesses now have until around October 2028 to switch to electronic invoices, after Hacienda (Spain’s tax agency) published the order that starts the countdown on October 5. Larger firms with more than €8 million in annual turnover get a year less. It won’t be as simple as emailing a PDF though, because invoices will have to be sent as structured computer files that software can read automatically. Businesses that receive them will also have to report whether they’ve accepted and paid them, although the self-employed get an extra year on that part. Hacienda will offer a free online tool to create and send the invoices, so small businesses won’t have to pay for software. The rule only covers invoices between businesses with a customer in Spain, so sales to private individuals aren’t affected. With two years to go, it’s worth asking your gestor (accountant) now whether your invoicing system will cope. Photo credit: Manuel Milan/Shutterstock
A helping hand NEW SUPPORT FOR BUYERS SPAIN has created the TU CASA financing mechanism to help first-time buyers who can afford mortgage repayments but lack sufficient savings for a deposit. Under the scheme, the public loan can cover the lower of 20 per cent of the property’s value, or €50,000. It will be managed by the ICO and carries zero interest and no commissions. The €250,000 figure comes from combining an 80 per cent mortgage on a €250,000 property with the maximum €50,000 public loan. However, the scheme’s practical rules have not yet been finalised. A future Council of Ministers
agreement must establish the beneficiaries, limits, financing characteristics and application process. The property will also be subject to a maximum resale price. The public financing can be repaid over up to 10 years, with a grace period linked to the mortgage, subject to the final rules. Buyers will still have to meet the bank’s mortgage requirements and pay other purchase costs, including applicable taxes, notary and registration fees. The Royal Decree-Law entered into force on October 1, but must also be convalidated by Congress.
The scheme’s practical rules have not yet been finalised.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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15 - 21 October 2026
Community voices Gent, s’Arenal and Badies, according to the Llucmajor Town Hall’s events calendar. The gathering also featured contributions from Cugulutx, Sa Rondalla de Campos and musicians from Sant Joan, creating
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an opportunity for performers from different parts of the island to share their musical talents. The event formed part of Llucmajor’s October programme, which brings a range of cultural activities and community celebrations to the municipality. Choir gatherings offer singers the chance to perform for an audience, meet fellow music lovers and celebrate a shared passion that can bring generations and communities together. For older residents in particular, musical activities can provide valuable opportunities to socialise, maintain friendships and remain involved in local cultural life. Llucmajor’s programme reflects the importance of traditional music and community participation in Mallorca. Choirs and musical groups from across Mallorca united to play a role in preserving the island’s cultural identity.
Credit: Rostislav Glinsky
CHOIRS from across Mallorca came together in Llucmajor on Tuesday, October 13, for a musical gathering celebrating community, companionship and the joy of singing. The Trobada de Corals de Gent Gran, or gathering of older people’s choirs, brought together groups from Sant Joan, Bona
LOCAL NEWS
Part of Mallorca’s proposed system for regulating vehicles
FOREIGN property owners in Mallorca could be limited to one car per home under plans to tackle traffic congestion on the island. The proposed restriction forms part of a new vehicle regulation law approved by the Consell de Mallorca in June, which aims to control the number of cars entering the island and ease pressure on its increasingly busy roads. Under the plans, non-residents who own property in Mallorca would be exempt from the restrictions for just one vehicle per property, provided it is registered for tax purposes at that address. The measure is not a blanket ban on families owning multiple cars across Spain. Instead, it forms part of Mallorca’s proposed system for regulating vehicles brought onto the island,. The legislation has been approved by the island council and is progressing
One car rule through the Balearic Parliament for final approval. The Consell has indicated that restrictions could begin in summer 2027. The plans would also introduce limits on rental cars and a potential charge for vehicles entering Mallorca, with the aim of reducing congestion and encouraging more sustainable transport. Permanent residents whose vehicles are fiscally registered on the island would be exempt from the restrictions, alongside certain other categories, including some workers and people travelling for medical reasons. The proposals come as Mallorca continues to grapple with growing traffic volumes, particularly during the busy summer season.
Peguera prepares
PEGUERA is gearing up for a weekend of sporting action as the Challenge Peguera-Mallorca returns for its 12th edition on Saturday, October 17, bringing elite athletes, amateur competitors and spectators together for one of the island’s major endurance events. The middle-distance triathlon will see participants tackle a gruelling 1.9-kilometre swim off Playa de Torà, followed by a 90-kilometre cycling course through Calvià’s coastal and inland areas, before finishing with a 21-kilometre run along Peguera’s boulevard and beachfront promenades. There is plenty for residents and visitors to enjoy beyond the main race. Festivities begin on Thursday, October 15, with a Zumba masterclass, a spectacular Nit de Foc fire show and a
Credit: ChallengePeguera
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Gearing up for the 12th edition of iconic triathlon
rock concert. On Friday, October 16, the Junior Challenge, Challenge Women 4.3-kilometre race and inclusive Challenge4All 2-kilometre event will bring competitors of all ages and abilities into the action. Spectators can watch the athletes along the swimming course at Playa de Torà and cheer on cyclists and runners along the route, particularly around Peguera’s bustling boulevard and beach
promenades. However, visitors should plan ahead, as road closures and parking restrictions will affect Peguera and several surrounding areas throughout the weekend. On Saturday, roads in Peguera will be closed from 7am until 7pm. Full event details and traffic updates are available on the official Challenge Peguera-Mallorca website www. c h a l l e n g e - m a l l o rc a . com
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15 - 21 October 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Credit: Wikipedia
DIANE Kruger is heading to Mallorca this autumn, where she will receive the prestigious Evolution ICON Award at the 15th Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF), celebrating an outstanding career in cinema. Best known for her roles in “Troy”, “National Treasure” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds”, the German-born actress has built an impressive international portfolio. Kruger is no stranger to receiving awards and accolades. Her performance in Fatih Akin’s “In the Fade” earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, cementing her reputation as one of European cinema’s most compelling talents. Running from 28 October to 4 November 2026, EMIFF promises
Credit: lev radin, Shutterstock
Celebrating a cinema star Rail discount push
Existing travel discount could be extended to mainland rail journeys
Diane Kruger honoured in Mallorca
an exciting celebration of international filmmaking. This year’s edition will showcase more than 140 films and documentaries selected from over 1,500 submissions across 50 countries. Screenings, industry events and filmmaker discussions will take place across 13 venues. For film lovers keen to join the celebra-
tions, festival passes are already on sale, with individual screening tickets available from 15 October. A full festival pass costs €119 and includes access to the opening gala and screenings, although the closing gala is excluded. Discover the programme and secure your tickets at evolutionfilmfestival.com.
BALEARIC RESIDENTS could benefit from an extension of the existing travel discount to mainland rail journeys, following renewed calls for the subsidy to cover combined flight and train tickets. Lorena del Valle, the Balearic Government’s director general for mobility, supports the proposal, which aims to address the difficulties island residents face when travelling to destinations beyond Spain’s main mainland airports. Currently, eligible Balearic residents can receive a 75 per cent discount on qualifying flights between the islands and mainland Spain, including connecting flights within the country. However, passengers increasingly face the prospect of paying full price for onward rail journeys when direct
flight connections are no longer available. The issue has become more significant as Spain’s Sustainable Mobility Law seeks to reduce domestic flights on routes where a train journey takes less than two and a half hours. Improved rail connections have also made some domestic flight routes less competitive. León is one example of the problem, with flights from Madrid no longer available, while services to destinations including Zaragoza, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela have also been reduced. The Balearic Parliament has previously called for the residents’ discount to be extended to mainland rail travel, but the proposal has not yet been implemented.
Safety starts young
Credit: Consell de Mallorca
Never too young to learn fire safety.
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Calvia have been learning how to stay safe in an emergency as Mallorca’s firefighters bring fire prevention lessons into the classroom. The educational event, held on Wednesday 14, at the rugby ground car park in Son Caliu, formed part of the 21st Fire Prevention Week. Pupils took part in practical workshops covering fire safety and first aid, while also getting a closer look at the vehicles and equipment used by the island’s fire service. The initiative aims to help children recognise everyday hazards, understand how fires can start and learn how to respond when an emergency occurs. This year’s campaign places particular emphasis on smoke detectors and pre-
venting fires at home, highlighting the importance of early warning and simple safety measures. Organised by Fundación MAPFRE and the Professional Association of Firefighters’ Technicians, the national campaign runs until October 25, with emergency services across Spain taking part. The conclusion of Fire Prevention Week coincides with 15th Joan Cifuentes Emergency Services Fair on October 25. The event will feature workshops, equipment displays and live demonstrations, giving families further opportunities to learn about emergency preparedness and the people who help keep them safe.
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Double airport trouble Credit: Facebook/AjuntamentdeFelanitx
Felanitx celebrates folk
TRADITIONAL Mallorcan music, lively dancing and emerging young talent took centre stage as Felanitx celebrated its third Folk Festival over the weekend of October 10 and 11. Organised by Felanitx Town Hall, the twoday event brought performances to several locations around the town, including Plaça de la Constitució, Plaça de sa Font de Santa Margalida and l’Hospici. The festival opened on Saturday morning with a performance by the Xeremiers de S’Aula de Música at 11.30am, followed by the Glosadors de Mallorca, who showcased the island’s tradition of improvised verse. Singers Glòria Julià and Annabel Villalonga then performed an intimate concert. Saturday afternoon featured the debut of Te Folks!, a new local group made up of young musi-
15 - 21 October 2026
Credit: Shutterstock/Hadrian
LOCAL NEWS
Two separate in-flight emergencies in 24 hours
Music and dancing filled the streets
cians aged between 13 and 18. The programme continued with Catalan group Bufanúvols and folk performers Toc de Crida, before Els Revetlers brought the day to a close with a traditional ball de bot, Mallorca’s popular folk dance. Sunday’s closing concert took place at l’Hospici, featuring acclaimed Mallorcan group Pitxorines at 8pm.
Mayor Catalina Soler said the festival celebrated the wealth of emerging local talent while helping preserve traditional music for future generations. Organisers also highlighted the importance of giving younger musicians opportunities to perform, ensuring that Mallorca’s musical heritage remains a living tradition rather than a relic of the past.
TWO separate emergencies put air traffic controllers on alert at Palma Airport on Monday, October 12, after an aircraft reported a technical problem and another required urgent medical assistance. The incidents involved different flights and called for a coordinated response at Mallorca’s main airport, with controllers managing the aircraft as they approached Son Sant Joan. One of the planes, an Air X aircraft travelling from Faro, Portugal, to Palermo, Italy, developed a cabin pressurisation problem while flying near Menorca. The crew turned back towards Mallorca and carried out an emergency descent before preparing to land. At the same time, a second aircraft was dealing with a medical emergency involv-
ing a passenger on board. Airport emergency services were alerted as the flight approached Palma. Air traffic controllers coordinated the arrivals, directing the aircraft towards separate runways to help manage the two situations. The response allowed both flights to land safely. Cabin pressurisation problems can require aircraft to descend rapidly to an altitude where the air pressure is more suitable for passengers and crew. Although such incidents can be alarming, commercial aircraft are equipped with procedures to help crews respond. The two emergencies highlighted the role of air traffic controllers in managing unexpected situations while keeping other airport movements organised.
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Taste France in Spain Credit: GC X
FRENCH food and fresh produce are taking over traditional markets across Spain this autumn as part of a nationwide promotional tour. Organised by Taste France, alongside the French potato sector group CNIPT and fruit and vegetable organisation Interfel, the campaign aims to introduce shoppers to new ingredients through free pop-up events, expert cooking demonstrations and public tastings. Following successful launch events in Madrid, the tour headed to Seville’s Mercado de Triana on October 15 and will be there until October 17. The schedule continues at Barcelona’s Mercado del Ninot from October 22 to October 24. Later stops include Bilbao’s Mercado de la Rib-
SPANISH NEWS
Taste France hitting Spanish markets
era from November 12 to November 14, followed by Valencia’s Mercado Central from November 19 to November 21. The final leg takes place at Zaragoza’s Mercado Central from November 26 to November
28. Most market events run from 10am to 2pm. Visitors can sample seasonal fruit, vegetables while learning practical culinary tips to enhance everyday meals. Organisers hope the initiative
bridges the gap between everyday shopping and culinary discovery. Shoppers are advised to check local listings before travelling. For more information you can visit the Taste France website.
Supplement recalled SPANISH health authorities have ordered the withdrawal of a sexual performance supplement after laboratory tests revealed it contained sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, without declaring it on the label. Consumers who purchased the product are being warned not to use it. On October 7, 2026, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) announced the recall of El Toro, a liquid di-
etary supplement marketed by American Herb. According to the Catalan Food Safety Agency, the affected product comes in a 120ml container with a best-before date of December 31, 2027. The alert followed information provided by police in Asturias. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed that the supplement contained enough sildenafil to produce a pharmacological effect.
Credit : Anastassiya Bezhekeneva, Shutterstock
10 15 - 21 October 2026
Spain recalls a supplement containing a hidden Viagra ingredient.
Although marketed as a natural supplement, El Toro contains an undeclared medicinal substance and has not been authorised as a medicine in Spain. Sildenafil is commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, but it can pose serious risks for people with certain medical conditions or those taking incompatible medications. Authorities have not confirmed any injuries linked to El Toro. Spain’s Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN) has notified regional
authorities to ensure the product is removed from sale. Consumers who have El Toro at home should stop using it immediately. Anyone concerned about possible side effects should consult a healthcare professional. Symptoms, including chest pain, fainting or signs of a stroke, require urgent medical attention. The recall highlights the dangers of supplements containing undeclared ingredients.
SCENE Free music festival Sea fair MALLORCA’S music scene is gearing up for a lively autumn weekend as the Mallorca On Season Fest brings two days of free concerts, DJ sets and entertainment to Inca on October 16 and 17. The festival will take place at Cuartel General Luque. Friday’s programme will open with El Gran Sarao, kicking off the celebrations with music and dancing on the LOMUSIC Stage. Saturday, October 17, will feature performances across two stages, with a varied line-up combining live bands, artists and DJs. Spanish indie-pop band Cariño will be among the acts performing, alongside Karavana and Puño Dragón. Other names on the programme include
Credit: Facebook MallorcaOnSeason
On Season coming to Inca on October 16 and 17 INNMIR, Negre, Ritual Nepal, DJ Ferri, Sideways and Sr Secreto. The Raiguer Stage will host a separate programme featuring Estación de Sonido, Bita, Pep Tronik, DJ Tremen, Kill Beat and Love Is Indie Air, as well as DJs Ángel Oliveros and Tony Bustos. Food trucks and food and drink stalls will also be available, giving visitors the chance to make a
full afternoon and evening of the event. Organised by LoMusic with support from Inca Town Hall, the festival aims to keep Mallorca’s cultural calendar active beyond the summer season. Entry is free. Visitors are advised to check the official festival programme for performance times and the latest updates.
PORT D’ANDRATX is preparing for a weekend of boats, seafood, live music and family entertainment as the third Fira Marinera brings Mallorca’s maritime traditions to the waterfront on October 17 and 18. The free event will feature around 30 stands, a nautical exhibition, a second-hand boat market and craft stalls, alongside seafood specialities and activities celebrating the island’s connection with the sea. Visitors can also discover sailing and kayaking, while children will have workshops and activities to enjoy. Saturday’s programme includes an exhibition by Gabriel Verd Martorell exploring the theory that Christopher Columbus may have been Mallorcan.
MALLORCA
Credit: FiestasBaleares
Boats, seafood, live music and family entertainment in Port D’Andratx Live music will take centre stage from 5pm, with Batucada El Puntazo, La Granja, Rafa Sánchez of La Unión, Ramonells and Gin Tonics Band performing during a charity concert supporting the fight against breast cancer. Sunday, October 18, will bring further maritime activities, alongside fitness sessions, Pilates, salsa and bachata at Pont Saluet. Participants will be asked to make a €2 donation per activity to support
the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Sailing enthusiasts can also look forward to the second VisitAndratx Cruiser Trophy, while families can explore the waterfront stalls and enjoy the food and entertainment. With free entry and activities for different ages, the fair offers residents and visitors an inviting reason to discover Port d’Andratx and enjoy its coastal atmosphere this autumn.
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Property portal faces sanctions
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
The car conundrum I SOMETIMES wonder whether the people designing the future have ever actually lived in the present. Jaguar has just unveiled its new electric Type 01. It is sleek, powerful, very fast, stuffed with technology and starts at €190,000. It is also more than 5.2 metres long and about two metres wide, which means that, in Britain or indeed Spain, your first challenge may not be driving it. It may be finding somewhere to put the thing. Wonderful. So, after spending €190,000 on the car of tomorrow, you may have to leave the back end sticking out into today. This seems to sum up modern life rather neatly. Everything is getting smarter, faster and more sophisticated, while the ordinary human being is still trying to work out where the button has gone. Cars used to be fairly simple. You got in, turned a key, looked over your shoulder and reversed. Now you need a degree in electronics, three passwords, a touchscreen, and possibly a satellite before you can leave Carrefour. The new Jaguar doesn’t even have a conventional rear window. A camera does the job instead. Now, I’m sure the camera is marvellous. It will probably tell you the temperature in Shanghai and whether your milk is approaching its sell-by date. But I remain rather fond of that old-fashioned driving aid known as ‘looking behind you’. It also boasts more than 1,000 horsepower. A thousand! When I was young, having 100 horsepower sound-
ed exciting. A thousand horses is not a car, it’s the Grand National. And where exactly are we supposed to unleash all this power? Barcelona? You’ll be sitting behind a white van doing 23 kilometres an hour while your 1,000 horses paw the ground and wonder why they bothered getting up. Still, I must admit, it looks dramatic. And it is British designed, engineered and built, which is genuinely good to hear. Jaguar has always been one of those names that makes you think of style, glamour, and a slightly raffish chap arriving somewhere he perhaps shouldn’t. The new version seems aimed at younger, wealthy, technologically minded buyers, particularly in America. Good luck to them. They have bigger roads, bigger garages and, judging by the size of some American coffees, bigger cup holders. Here in Spain, we shall need a different accessory. A folding car. Perhaps that will be next. You arrive at Eroski, press a button and €190,000 worth of Jaguar concertinas itself neatly between a Nissan Micra and somebody’s battered Fiat. Until then, the future appears to be magnificent; electric, enormously powerful and sticking three feet out of the parking bay. 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.
Credit: Manuel Milan / Shutterstock
14 15 - 21 October 2026
One property portal’s adverts are under scrutiny in Spain.
SPAIN’S consumer ministry has opened sanctions proceedings against a major property website over rental adverts that may have misled people looking for a home. The portal hasn’t been named, and the case began with a complaint from consumer group CECU. It’s the first time the ministry has gone after a platform for its own conduct, rather than the landlords who place the adverts. If the case ends in a penalty, the fine could reach
€100,000, or four to six times any illicit profit. Rental adverts are meant to show the reference rent for the area, what was paid under the previous contract in the last five years, the legal cap in rent-capped zones, and whether the landlord is a large property owner. That’s the information renters need to spot an unjustified increase. So, if an advert doesn’t show it, it’s worth asking the landlord or agent before you pay anything.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Compare Funerals launches new app to modernise funeral planning in Spain COMPARE FUNERALS, the Sotogrande-based company that helped popularise direct cremation in Spain, has launched a mobile app designed to make managing a prepaid funeral plan simpler, and more personal. Developed over around 18 months, the app lets clients access documents, book appointments, update personal details, check payments and balances, change payment methods and refer friends for rewards, all from their phone. Its most distinctive feature, however, has nothing to do with paperwork. Clients can record a video message, securely kept and passed on to their loved ones after they have gone. The idea grew from one of
the realities of direct cremation, now chosen by around 85 per cent of Compare Funerals’ clients. Without a formal service, families can miss the chance to gather, remember and find closure. “At a time that feels right for them, a family could come together in the comfort of their own home and watch the messages their loved one chose to leave behind,” says director Jack Smith. “For me, this is the most important part of the app. If those final messages bring some comfort to a family, it has achieved something far more important than letting somebody check their payments.” The feature carries particular weight for the international community. Funerals
and cremations in Spain often happen far faster than expats are used to, and with relatives spread across the UK, Ireland, northern Europe and beyond, getting everyone here at short notice can be impossible. Compare Funerals believes saying goodbye no longer has to happen in one place or at one particular time. The practical benefits remain central. A prepaid plan means decisions are made in advance rather than left to grieving relatives, and having everything in one app makes that simpler still. We want clients to have more control and greater peace of mind, but we never want technology to replace the human side of what we do at Compare Funerals
The Compare Funerals app is available now on Apple App Store & Google Play . For more information, call 911 436 813 or visit www.comparefuneral.org.
FINANCE JAPAN and Australia have agreed to establish annual finance ministerial talks to strengthen cooperation on economic policy. The fiveyear agreement will cover a broad range of financial issues, reflecting closer economic ties between both countries.
Dividend pledge
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has repeated his promise to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress in November. The proposal could cost around $1.2T and would require congressional approval. Recent polls suggest many voters doubt the payment will materialise, while economists have warned about inflation risks.
Heating relief
CYPRUS is seeking EU permission to cut heating oil duty below 2.1 cents a litre as energy costs squeeze households. Nicosia wants greater fiscal flexibility to fund support measures, joining countries including Spain, Italy and Greece. EU governments are pressing Brussels for more room to tackle rising energy costs.
Bond pressure
EUROPE’S recent bond-market turbulence strengthens the case for the European Central Bank to pause quantitative tightening, according to former ECB executive Lorenzo Bini Smaghi. Continuing to shrink its bond holdings could add pressure to borrowing costs. A temporary halt would allow markets to stabilise.
Solar savings
SOLAR power has saved Europe €37.4 billion in fossil-fuel imports since the Iran war began, according to SolarPower Europe. Rising solar generation has reduced reliance on expensive gas, cushioning households from energy shocks.
STAT OF WEEK
5.3%
EU tourist nights booked through major online platforms rose 5.3 per cent year on year to 258.8M between April and June 2026.
Building pressure EUROPE’S construction sector is expected to remain subdued in 2026, with sharp differences between national markets as high financing costs and weak housing economics restrain activity. EU construction output is forecast to grow just 0.5 per cent this year. Infrastructure investment, energy projects and Germany’s gradual recovery are providing support, but residential building remains under pressure from borrowing costs, expensive materials and economic uncertainty. Spain is among the stronger performers. Construction output is forecast to rise 3 per cent in 2026 after recovering from a fall of more than 25 per cent between 2019 and 2022. Housing permits nearly tripled between 2020 and 2024, although momentum is now easing, with permits falling almost 2 per cent in the second quarter. Spain also faces greater exposure to sudden cost increases because public contracts generally lack
Schneider deal
Credit: Maksim Safaniuk / Shutterstock.com.
Finance dialogue
euroweeklynews.com • 15 - 21 October 2026
Europe’s construction sector is expected to remain subdued in 2026.
price-adjustment mechanisms. Elsewhere, France is expected to contract 2.5 per cent this year, while Germany is forecast to return to growth after five consecutive years of decline. Poland is expected to remain broadly flat before improving in 2027. The UK is not included in the EU-specific forecasts in the research, so no comparable British construction growth figure is provided. Across Europe, infrastructure
remains the sector’s strongest support. Energy construction continues to benefit from renewable power and electricity-grid investment, while railway projects include high-speed investment in Spain and Portugal. Housing recovery looks slower, with EU building permits stabilising after rising around 15 per cent between summer 2024 and the end of 2025, across many major urban markets.
CRUISE companies are defending their environmental record as the industry responds to criticism over overtourism and emissions. MSC Cruises chief executive Gianni Onorato says cruises represented less than 2 per cent of travel packages sold globally in 2025, while cruise passengers account for around 3 per cent of daily visitors in Barcelona. The European industry supports more than 445,000 permanent jobs. Companies are investing in cleaner technology, including dual-fuel engines capable of using traditional marine fuel and cleaner alternatives. Of
Cruise challenge
Jobs record
Euro pressure
Italian deficit
FRANCE’S mounting debt problems are putting pressure on the euro as investors worry about high government borrowing, persistent budget deficits and political uncertainty. The common currency fell to a 17-month low, dropping around 0.7 per cent against the dollar. Investors are also watching the widening gap between French and German government bond yields, a sign that markets demand a higher premium for holding French debt. Growing borrowing costs could affect confidence across the wider eurozone. A weaker euro may help exporters, but it also makes imported goods and energy more expensive.
ITALY expects its budget deficit to rise above the EU’s three per cent reference level again in 2027 as Giorgia Meloni’s government uses new fiscal flexibility for defence and energy measures. Rome projects a deficit of 3.4 per cent of GDP, up from an earlier 2.8 per cent target, after an expected 2.9 per cent this year. Fiscal flexibility worth 0.6 per cent of GDP is planned for both 2027 and 2028, totalling about €29 billion. Public debt is forecast to reach 138.5 per cent of GDP in 2027 before easing slightly to 137.9 per cent in 2028.
AMERICA’S unemployment rate is approaching a record run of consecutive months below 5 per cent, despite signs that the labour market is weakening. Employers added just 29,000 jobs in September, well below expectations of around 90,000, while previous months were revised lower. Unemployment edged up from 4.1 per cent to 4.2 per cent, although labour-force participation remained steady at 61.8 per cent. Analysts describe conditions as low-hiring and low-firing, with selective weakness rather than a broad labour-market collapse.
327 ships operated by Cruise Lines International Association members, 30 now have dual-fuel engines, compared with one in 2018. MSC Euribia completed a four-day voyage from Le Havre to Copenhagen using biofuel in 2023, combined with measures to reduce fuel consumption. The industry is also attracting younger customers, with the average passenger aged between 35 and 54. Solo and multi-generational travel
Credit: Zigres / Shutterstock.com
BUSINESS EXTRA
15
Cruise companies defend their environmental record.
are growing, while limited European shipbuilding capacity is expected to constrain expansion.
SCHNEIDER Electric recently agreed to buy US software company PTC for around $22.6B, its largest acquisition to date, as the French engineering group expands its data centre and AI operations. Schneider shares fell nearly 10 per cent following the announcement, wiping close to €15B from its market value. The acquisition will add PTC’s product-design and lifec ycle -management software, strengthening Schneider’s industrial software business and its ability to deploy AI across customers’ operations.
EV levies BRITAIN is preparing to impose levies on Chinese electric vehicle imports, responding to pressure from the European Union. Brussels has warned that failure to act could exclude the UK from its Made in Europe scheme amid concerns it could become a route for Chinese exports into Europe. UK officials reportedly fear possible Chinese retaliation against Jaguar Land Rover, but believe exclusion from the European scheme would cause greater economic damage.
Greek flexibility GREECE is seeking greater EU fiscal flexibility to fund further energy support for households and businesses. Athens estimates around €700M in additional VAT revenue could help finance measures without counting towards its spending ceiling. Remaining fiscal space for 2026 is estimated at just €200M. Greece also wants €669M already spent on temporary energy measures excluded from fiscal rules. Further support for fuel and heating costs is expected as the government prepares for possible worsening conditions.
16 15 - 21 October 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 12 October
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 12 October
Net
3I Group.....................................2.363,00............2.388,00......... 2.349,00......... 328,71K Admiral Group.............................3.640,0..............3.670,0........... 3.632,0........... 126,5K Airtel Africa................................. 316,80...............317,60............306,60.......... 735,83K Anglo American...........................4.031,0..............4.052,0........... 3.949,0.......... 819,18K Antofagasta................................3.620,00............3.672,00......... 3.584,00......... 252,89K Associated British Foods.............1.825,0..............1.835,5........... 1.816,5.......... 218,69K AstraZeneca...............................12.028,0............12.124,0......... 12.014,0...........1,24M Auto Trader Group Plc................ 490,35...............494,50............465,90............2,62M Aviva........................................... 678,60...............679,00............668,60............1,48M B M European Value Retail.......... 253,60...............257,80............251,80............2,05M BAE Systems..............................1.828,52............1.838,50......... 1.800,50...........1,59M Barclays...................................... 428,75...............428,95............420,45...........17,55M Barratt Redrow............................ 293,29...............299,60............291,60............2,53M Beazley.......................................1.308,50............1.308,37......... 1.308,37.......... 58,38K Berkeley......................................3.210,0..............3.222,0........... 3.152,0........... 56,57K BP............................................... 581,20...............583,50............565,60...........23,46M British American Tobacco...........4.177,0..............4.180,0........... 4.074,0............1,11M BT Group.................................... 198,95...............199,15............195,45............3,08M Bunzl...........................................2.704,0..............2.708,0........... 2.638,0.......... 461,96K Centrica....................................... 148,55...............148,70............145,15.............3,2M Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.270,0..............4.272,0........... 4.216,0........... 78,98K Compass...................................... 30,61.................30,75..............30,30........... 424,28K ConvaTec Group......................... 215,00...............218,20............213,60............3,26M Croda Intl....................................3.341,0..............3.350,0........... 3.259,0........... 64,86K DCC.............................................6.440,0..............6.445,0........... 6.440,0.......... 473,27K Diageo.........................................1.622,0..............1.625,5........... 1.590,0............1,04M Diploma.....................................7.720,00............7.725,00......... 7.545,00........... 60,3K EasyJet........................................ 682,40...............682,80............678,40............2,51M Entain.......................................... 421,30...............424,40............411,70.......... 985,45K Experian......................................2.581,0..............2.595,0........... 2.535,0.......... 815,37K F&C Invest.................................. 348,40...............349,17............345,60............1,11M Frasers........................................ 836,00...............848,88............833,50........... 33,91K Fresnillo.....................................2.688,00............2.688,00......... 2.609,00......... 167,96K Glencore...................................... 570,30...............571,51............552,30...........13,53M GSK plc......................................1.758,50............1.773,00......... 1.750,18...........1,86M HALEON...................................... 343,50...............344,70............335,40............8,61M Halma..........................................3.484,0..............3.488,0........... 3.422,0.......... 276,47K Hikma Pharma...........................1.632,00............1.660,00......... 1.615,00......... 355,74K Hiscox........................................1.838,00............1.842,00......... 1.811,00...........1,16M Howden Joinery.......................... 749,50...............754,50............739,00.......... 288,62K HSBC.........................................1.393,00............1.394,00......... 1.368,40...........10,7M IAG.............................................. 422,80...............429,70............417,80............5,99M ICG PLC.....................................1.745,00............1.762,00......... 1.734,00...........1,03M IMI PLC......................................3.047,48............3.060,00......... 3.010,00......... 130,88K Imperial Brands..........................2.610,00............2.614,00......... 2.500,00............2,4M Informa....................................... 888,00...............896,20............860,00............2,41M InterContinental........................... 158,0.................159,3..............157,6............ 36,47K Intertek........................................5.895,0..............5.900,0........... 5.890,0........... 15,95K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 338,40...............339,50............327,55............5,03M JD Sports Fashion........................ 83,55.................84,00..............82,40.............2,52M Kingfisher.................................... 323,20...............324,60............319,50.............2,6M Land Securities........................... 602,50...............608,50............597,00............1,63M Legal General.............................. 288,00...............288,20............283,70............6,78M Lloyds Banking........................... 101,65...............101,70.............99,68............61,94M London Stock Exchange..............8.442,0..............8.514,0........... 8.318,0.......... 308,52K Londonmetric Property............... 172,50...............172,90............170,39............2,04M M&G........................................... 306,34...............306,60............302,76............1,24M Marks & Spencer........................ 395,90...............396,20............388,20.............1,7M Melrose Industries...................... 436,00...............447,80............431,80............1,76M Mondi.......................................... 773,33...............778,80............763,80.......... 234,92K National Grid..............................1.160,50............1.163,50......... 1.144,50...........1,94M NatWest Group........................... 648,60...............649,60............636,20............6,38M Next...........................................14.560,0............14.650,0......... 14.450,0......... 233,98K Pearson......................................1.271,50............1.290,50......... 1.241,00......... 634,35K Pershing Square........................3.756,00............3.760,00......... 3.706,00......... 105,85K Persimmon.................................1.220,0..............1.229,5........... 1.208,5.......... 757,58K Prudential.................................... 888,20...............889,80............867,40............6,76M Reckitt Benckiser........................5.104,0..............5.124,0........... 5.046,0.......... 718,32K Relx............................................2.616,00............2.669,00......... 2.593,00...........1,51M Rentokil....................................... 302,00...............302,60............294,60............2,94M Rightmove.................................. 473,30...............475,20............460,30.......... 663,69K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.006,0..............7.011,0........... 6.846,0.......... 589,34K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.375,00............1.392,40......... 1.359,20...........7,26M Sage...........................................1.030,00............1.047,00......... 1.019,50......... 503,85K Schroders.................................... 589,0.................588,9..............588,9............ 78,57K Scottish Mortgage......................1.629,50............1.630,50......... 1.618,50......... 800,54K Segro.......................................... 915,40...............915,60............898,80.......... 904,88K Severn Trent...............................3.088,0..............3.092,0........... 3.032,0.......... 132,26K Shell............................................3.770,5..............3.774,5........... 3.679,0............3,91M Smith & Nephew........................1.005,50............1.012,00...........993,00.......... 556,19K Smiths Group.............................2.732,00............2.745,00......... 2.698,00......... 683,01K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........7.090,0..............7.125,0........... 7.005,0........... 48,57K SSE............................................2.475,00............2.482,00......... 2.435,00...........1,31M Standard Chartered....................2.115,00............2.122,00......... 2.089,90...........2,97M Standard Life............................... 838,50...............841,00............796,63............5,05M Taylor Wimpey............................. 75,32.................76,34..............74,74............14,23M Tesco.......................................... 506,80...............507,20............476,90...........15,59M Unilever.......................................4.648,5..............4.654,0........... 4.576,5.......... 625,01K Unite........................................... 422,00...............442,40............416,00............1,99M United Utilities............................1.403,00............1.405,00......... 1.384,00......... 427,66K Vistry Group................................ 218,80...............223,80............216,00............1,59M Vodafone Group PLC................. 125,850.............129,000..........124,350..........17,84M Weir Group................................2.534,00............2.548,00......... 2.510,00......... 202,27K Whitbread...................................2.466,0..............2.474,0........... 2.446,0........... 144,9K WPP............................................ 376,40...............383,20............374,20............1,01M
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 161,82...............161,83............159,93.......... 275,28K Amazon.com............................... 258,34...............259,86............258,20.............3,6M American Express....................... 304,03...............304,08............301,00........... 233,4K Amgen........................................ 404,00...............411,84............404,00.......... 183,65K Apple........................................... 337,27...............337,65............335,90............3,39M Boeing......................................... 186,48...............186,49............184,25............1,67M Caterpillar.................................... 817,65...............817,85............807,00.......... 327,61K Chevron...................................... 210,88...............211,14............208,96............1,09M Cisco........................................... 117,13...............117,18............116,01............1,16M Coca-Cola..................................... 86,72.................86,80..............86,08.............1,18M Goldman Sachs........................... 883,99...............887,49............876,77.......... 212,41K Home Depot................................ 287,67...............287,84............282,84.......... 464,68K Honeywell................................... 207,35...............207,57............205,55.......... 109,39K IBM............................................. 223,26...............223,45............219,50.......... 554,92K J&J............................................. 254,09...............257,80............254,07.......... 571,38K JPMorgan................................... 328,80...............329,42............326,52............1,56M McDonald’s................................. 234,30...............235,03............230,20............1,01M Merck&Co................................... 140,47...............142,05............140,42........... 581,2K Microsoft.................................... 530,92...............533,51............528,52............2,59M Nike.............................................. 34,52.................34,53..............33,83.............4,85M NVIDIA........................................ 235,38...............235,39............233,71...........16,76M P&G............................................ 148,76...............148,87............147,05.......... 586,83K Salesforce Inc............................. 225,36...............227,95............224,52.......... 833,62K Sherwin-Williams........................ 314,30...............314,66............311,23.......... 137,09K The Travelers.............................. 363,85...............364,29............360,12............ 78,7K UnitedHealth............................... 372,20...............376,45............371,79.......... 475,11K Verizon......................................... 45,92.................46,20..............45,87.............2,15M Visa A.......................................... 375,75...............376,03............371,40.......... 503,09K Walmart...................................... 109,52...............109,79............108,56............2,15M Walt Disney................................. 105,38...............105,50............104,05.......... 505,82K M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 12 October
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced FlyE................................................................. 104,68 %.........................97,5M OLB Group....................................................... 58,32 %........................205,11M Xiao I ADR....................................................... 50,02 %.........................32,61M Jianzhi Century Technology ADR..................... 45,83 %.........................71,33M Pacira............................................................... 44,05 %.........................14,84M bioAffinity Technologies................................... 43,59 %.........................14,29M iPower.............................................................. 18,26 %.........................33,05M Murano Global Investments Plc....................... 19,95 %.........................62,65M Redhill ADR...................................................... 18,16 %............................ 1M Profound Medical............................................. 13,03 %..........................1,16M 5E Advanced Materials..................................... 12,78 %........................476,23K Shuttle Pharmaceuticals.................................. 12,54 %.........................86,81K Golden Sun Education....................................... 7,86 %...........................3,21M Gen Fusion Group............................................ 11,51 %........................193,46K Verde Clean Fuels............................................. 10,75 %..........................1,52K Enlivex Therapeutics........................................ 10,18 %..........................7,74M Alpha Modus Holdings...................................... 8,37 %...........................3,12M Profusa............................................................. 9,88 %.........................388,63K Yatra Online...................................................... 9,17 %............................5,4K M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined China SXT Pharma...........................................-85,31 %.........................20,29M Sunshine Biopharma........................................-40,41 %........................100,45M DarkIris............................................................-40,13 %.........................66,09M Mobilehealth Network Solutions......................-33,55 %........................437,39K Medicus Pharma..............................................-31,77 %..........................4,18M Pinnacle Food..................................................-29,19 %........................347,13K VCI Global........................................................-25,32 %...........................1,4M SHF Holdings...................................................-22,64 %........................600,14K AngioDynamics................................................-20,44 %........................731,61K Avalanche Trsry...............................................-18,37 %........................369,08K GMEX Robotics................................................-16,35 %........................388,66K Veea Inc...........................................................-16,24 %........................159,15K Baiya International...........................................-16,09 %..........................1,22M Dragonfly Energy Holdings..............................-15,80 %........................366,02K BUUU Group A.................................................-15,68 %........................101,13K Caribou Biosciences.........................................-15,18 %..........................4,32M Zeta Network....................................................-15,00 %.........................93,28K Lucas GC..........................................................-14,18 %........................210,06K Generation.......................................................-14,25 %........................832,67K M - Million Dollars
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE
Property confidence
EUROPEAN real estate investors are shifting attention from falling interest rates to economic stability and policy certainty. With borrowing costs remaining high, investment decisions will depend on long-term opportunities. Infrastructure spending on housing, transport and digital networks could help attract capital back into property.
Ukraine limits
UKRAINE could face restrictions on EU agricultural subsidies and market access if it joins the bloc. European Commission proposals would limit support for major products including wheat and grain, addressing concerns in countries such as Poland and Italy.
WEALTH is difficult to define because being rich depends heavily on income, assets, living costs and personal circumstances. A Charles Schwab survey found Americans believed an average net worth of $2.3M was needed to be considered wealthy. While that provides a useful benchmark, the amount required varies widely between countries, cities and households. Someone with a high salary in an expensive location may have less financial freedom than a lower earner living somewhere significantly cheaper. Economists often associate wealth with owning
Defining wealth Credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB / Shutterstock.com.
BUSINESS EXTRA
15 - 21 October 2026
Wealth is difficult to define.
assets that generate income, including investments, property or businesses. For
individuals, financial security may simply mean having enough resources to
Asset dilemma EUROPE is considering new ways to use more than €200 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine while limiting legal and financial risks. A proposal backed by 122 MEPs would transfer Russian reserves from Belgium-based Euroclear into a pan-European mechanism, spreading potential liabilities among EU members. The assets would remain Russian property but could
be withheld until war reparations are paid. So far, Europe has largely used revenues generated by frozen assets rather than principal. Around €3.8 billion of Ukraine assistance has come from these revenues. Supporters want access to larger funding streams, while critics warn of litigation, financial losses and damage to Europe’s reputation for protecting property rights.
comfortably cover lifelong needs. Building wealth generally involves increasing earnings, controlling spending and avoiding expensive debt. Investing surplus income can generate passive returns through shares, bonds, property or savings, while compound growth gives money more opportunity to increase over time. Location can also make a significant difference. Moving somewhere with lower housing, transport and everyday costs while maintaining income can increase disposable cash and investment potential. Ultimately, income alone does not determine whether someone is rich. Manageable debt, accumulated assets, financial resilience, purchasing power and the ability to withstand unexpected expenses provide a broader picture of personal prosperity.
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AI opportunity ARTIFICIAL intelligence could boost productivity across Europe, but excessive regulation risks limiting its benefits. Critics argue the EU regulated AI before fully understanding its potential, weakening European competitiveness. Automation is expected to affect routine white-collar jobs most, shifting employment towards services while creating new opportunities for innovation.
Money rules EU RULES allow banks to pay interest on everyday deposits but ban interest on electronic money, including under MiCA, with the digital euro expected to follow. Bruegel argues this effectively taxes money holders, particularly lower-income households. Researchers want the ban reconsidered, warning that interest-rate changes could shift funds between financial products and threaten stability.
18 15 - 21 October 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
Sexiest clam-paign
Photo credit: Yuto.photographer/Shutterstock
Organisers condemned the advertising as sexist
ITALIAN seafood company La Selvaggia specialising in clams from the Adriatic sea was expelled from Conxemar, Vigo’s major international frozen seafood trade fair, after using promotional leaflets featuring nude women alongside the slogan “not all clams are the same”. Organisers condemned the clam-paign as sexist and degrading, saying it conflicted with their principles of equality, dignity and respect. The company was removed from the event and barred from future editions, or in other words a clam-pdown. The advertising also drew criticism from Galicia’s political representatives. Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty TRAVELLERS between Spain and the UK face fewer choices for winter getaways as easyJet prepares to cut an additional 700,000 seats from its winter schedule. The move brings total capacity reductions to roughly 1.4 million seats as the budget carrier attempts to manage high fuel costs during the quieter trading period.
and Forestry also showed its ‘‘mussle’’ and said it had been unaware of the campaign and rejected it, distancing the official Italian delegation from the promotional material. La Selvaggia defended its approach by describing itself as presenting itself “without filters”. However, the campaign attracted criticism far beyond its intended audience and overshadowed the company’s seafood products. The incident has raised questions about acceptable advertising practices at professional trade fairs, where exhibitors compete for attention but also rely on commercial relationships and industry credibility.
Fewer flights The decision was reported on Wednesday, October 8 and applies to the winter programme running from October 2026 until late March 2027. Despite the reduced capacity, the cut represents roughly three per cent of easyJet’s usual 50 million winter seats
and equals about two days of normal operations. Removing unsold seats from the schedule does not mean existing bookings are automatically cancelled. Chief executive Kenton Jarvis stated the airline was trimming winter services to avoid buying expensive fuel following sharp price rises caused by the Middle East conflict. EasyJet has not yet released a breakdown of affected routes, meaning the impact on specific European or Spanish flights remains unconfirmed. Passengers with current bookings should monitor their accounts and emails before altering travel plans. If a flight is officially cancelled, passengers are entitled to choose between a full refund or rebooking under passenger rights regulations. Anyone who booked through a tour operator should contact their agent directly before purchasing alternative transport.
SPANISH NEWS - FEATURE
FROM COAST TO COAST LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA
Life in circles: Are we moving forward or just going around? OVER the past three columns, I’ve explored what it means to arrive in a new world and build a life overseas. One thing I’ve learned is that changing countries doesn’t necessarily change the patterns of life. Problems, routines, and everyday dramas follow us wherever we go - apparently, they don’t need a visa! Of course, moving abroad can change us profoundly, but the real transformation begins within. By embracing the unfamiliar, we discover new perspectives, learn a little more about ourselves, and sometimes realise that the greatest journey isn’t about where we go, but who we become. And just when we think we’ve figured it all out, life brings us back down to earth. Nothing is quite so important that we cannot learn to take ourselves a little less seriously, laugh at ourselves, and enjoy the ride. Because, whether we like it or not, sooner or later, we all have to pay the toll. You may think you know exactly where you are going, only to find yourself going around in circles - and sometimes, the person you were so desperate to get ahead of is right there beside you again. Perhaps that is life’s little joke: we spend so much time trying to get ahead, only to discover that some-
times we are all just going around together. Perhaps that is the real lesson of the roundabout. It reminds us to reflect, stay in touch with our inner circles, and remember that going around in circles does not necessarily mean we are getting nowhere. Unlike corners, circles do not trap us between two choices. They offer different angles, different possibilities, and, eventually, another chance to choose which way we want to go. And perhaps that is what life is really about. Not always knowing exactly where we are going, but being willing to take another turn, look at things from a different angle, and keep moving forward. After all, life is full of exits, wrong turns, unexpected detours, and the occasional person who seems determined to overtake you. Sometimes you get where you are going. Sometimes you go around again. And sometimes, after all that effort, you discover you were already exactly where you needed to be. So relax. Enjoy the scenery. And, if all else fails, stay in the right lane. This column has been occasionally and lovingly edited with a little help from AI. Credit: s_oleg/Shutterstock
Movaldi’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
EUROPRESS
www.euroweeklynews.com
Supermarket Boycott Photo credit: Marinissim/Shutterstock
years, forcing some households to reduce purchases of meat, fish, fruit, eggs, vegetables and dairy products. He points to figures on supermarket and food-manufacturing margins to argue that there should be greater scrutiny of how food prices are set, although margins alone do not explain all price increases. The proposed boycott would encourage consumers to shop at municipal markets, independent retailers, cooperatives and lo-
cal producers instead of large chains for a week. The idea follows Justicia Alimentaria’s separate campaign for a permanent basket of 100 healthy foods sold at cost price. The organisation wants any price reduction to come from retailers’ margins rather than lower payments to producers or public funding. The campaign is seeking support from consumer, health, social, agricultural, environmental and trade union organisations.
Credit : fizkes, Shutterstock
Spain’s New Eviction Rules SPAIN’S new housing regulations have already halted several evictions, with vulnerable households in Alicante, Valencia and Madrid among the first to benefit from protections introduced on October 7, 2026. According to Cadena SER, at least four evictions have been suspended since Royal Decree-law 29/2026 was published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE). In Alicante, a mother of three secured a court order allowing her family to remain in their home until December 31, 2030, after demonstrating financial vulnerability and a lack of alternative accommodation. However, the legislation does not introduce a nationwide ban on evictions. Protection depends on tenants’ circumstances, the type of legal proceedings and the property owner’s status. Certain cases involving property investment entities may be sus-
Spain’s new housing rules are already halting some evictions.
pended under provisions running until December 31, 2030. For other landlords, including private individuals, suspensions can last up to three years from the court’s decision, subject to legal conditions and periodic reviews. The decree also provides compensation for certain landlords and additional measures addressing rent arrears among economically vulnerable tenants. Nevertheless, evictions are still taking place. In Jaén, a family with two young children was evicted over unpaid rent, with the landlord claiming ap-
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Food prices have risen substantially in recent years
JAVIER Guzmán, director of Justicia Alimentaria, has proposed a possible week-long consumer boycott of Spain’s major supermarket chains to pressure retailers to make healthy food more affordable. The idea was raised in an opinion article published by El Salto on October 11; no nationwide boycott has been formally organised and no dates have been announced. Guzmán argues that food prices have risen substantially in recent
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proximately €20,000 in outstanding debt. Even after the replacement legislation was published, not every request to suspend an eviction succeeded. Tenants facing eviction should seek legal advice promptly and gather rental agreements, court notices and evidence of financial vulnerability. Landlords, including British property owners in Spain, should verify which provisions apply before proceeding. The new protections can delay evictions, but each case requires judicial assessment, meaning suspension is not guaranteed.
What is Home Insurance and why do I need it? HOME INSURANCE is a way to protect your home and belongings against fire, water damage, burglary or electrical damage, among others. In addition, you can have peace of mind with civil liability coverage for possible damage caused to third parties, protection against squatting or home assistance. Your home is one of your most valuable possessions so it makes sense to protect it against the risk of theft, damage and natural disasters. Home insurance can cover both buildings and contents. All home insurance policies are different. So please check the fine print to make sure you understand what’s covered, what your rights are and also your responsibilities should you need to make a claim. Línea Directa knows how important your home is, which is why it has created its new home insurance. NOW WITH THE NEW HOME INSURANCE, YOU PUT YOUR HOME INTO EASY MODE • Easy to understand what’s covered and what’s not. • Easy and fast in the service. • Easy to resolve any loss. What are the main advantages of Línea Directa Home Insurance? Because your peace of mind starts with having your home protected, here are some of the advantages we offer at Línea Directa.
COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION Covers both damage to the structure of the building (Building) and your belongings (Contents). • Water or electrical damage From a burst pipe to a power surge that damages your appliances, it would be covered. • Home assistance, such as the handyman service and maintenance We resolve your emergencies and minor household repairs. • Digital coverage in case of digital fraud and identity theft You can have 360-degree identity protection and comprehensive technology assistance. • Clean energy insured Your solar panels and electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid chargers are also protected. • Protection against squatting We support you throughout the process, with financial compensation and legal assistance. With Línea Directa you can adapt your Home Insurance whenever you need to, easily from the Customer Area or, if you prefer, by phone: increase or reduce sums insured, add optional coverages or update your personal details. If you renovate, move home or add new features such as solar panels or electric chargers for your electric or plug-in hybrid car, you can update the insurance to keep your home protected.
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FEATURE
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Locked in horror
White wonder
NEARLY 30 cinemagoers were trapped inside a screening room at Malaga’s new premium multiplex for almost an hour on Saturday, October 10th after an exit door jammed. The audience had finished watching “La Otra Madre” (Other Mommy) at MK2 Malaga Nostrum Premium when the door failed to open at around 11.55pm. A fire alarm triggered an evacuation message that looped for 40 minutes, causing distress. One viewer suffered an anxiety attack. Firefighters arrived after a note was slipped under the door. Their attempt to force the handle broke it, and officers eventually opened the exit with a square key. Although nobody suffered physical injuries, customers criticised staff for initially resisting requests for official complaint forms and withholding the required stamp. Management offered each affected customer one free ticket, a response they considered inadequate.
MORE than 5,000 people dressed in white gathered at Torrevieja’s market grounds for Fiesta Blanca, an evening of music, dancing and fundraising. The popular event attracted residents and visitors of many nationalities, celebrating the city’s international community while supporting a worthy cause. The event raised money for the fight against childhood cancer. €5 from every ticket was donated to the childhood cancer fund at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona. Belgian singer Christoff De Bolle was among the evening’s highlights, entertaining the huge crowd with live music and performances. As the celebrations continued on October 6, thousands enjoyed the festivities while supporting the charity’s work. Organisers thanked volunteers, sponsors, institutions and attendees for making the event possible. With more than 5,000 people taking part, Fiesta Blanca once again demonstrated how Torrevieja’s international community can unite to support a good cause.
Axarquia
Almeria
Mango King crowned
Two wheels, one cause
EVER wondered what a mango weighing more than a bag of sugar looks like? One Axarquia grower knows, after his giant fruit won him a Christmas Lottery ticket. Francisco Alarcon, from Benamargosa, was crowned El Rey del Mango de la Axarquia, or “Mango King of the Axarquia”, with a champion fruit weighing 1,595 grams, more than 3.5lb. Organisers initially planned one prize but expanded the awards after a strong turnout. Alarcon won local produce and a “decimo”, a tenth share of a ticket for Spain’s Christmas Lottery. Runner-up Jose Luis Quero, from Triana, weighed in at 1,587 grams, while Carmen Fernandez, from Benamocarra, took third place with a 1,460-gram mango. Both received baskets of regional produce. Mangos are a major crop on the eastern Costa del Sol, which accounts for nearly 90 per cent of Spain’s mango-growing land. This season’s harvest is forecast at 40,000 tonnes, worth around €60 million, down 30 per cent from 2025.
THE roar of engines echoed across Almeria at the weekend as motorcyclists showed solidarity with communities affected by July’s wildfires. On Saturday, October 10, more than 100 Guardia Civil motorcyclists took part in the 18th Virgen del Pilar Motorcycle Tour, travelling from Almeria city along the coast to Bedar, Lubrin and Arboleas. Setting off at 9.00am from Guardia Civil Headquarters, the group reached Arboleas at around 2.00pm. The annual ride celebrates the force’s patron saint while showcasing the province’s coastal views, mountain landscapes and local cuisine. The tour also brings national attention to the towns along its route, encouraging tourism and supporting local businesses. This year, however, its message of solidarity with wildfire victims and their families was especially poignant. Next, benefit concerts titled “Canciones del Pueblo” (“The People’s Song”) will take place in Bedar and Los Gallardos from October 16 to 18, with all proceeds going to wildfire victims.
Costa Blanca North
Costa Calida
Holiday spirit
Cheers and charity
CACTUS and Reina Mora performed at the Glorieta from 7pm until midnight, bringing rock, urban sounds and music in Valencian to the central square ahead of the main holiday. In the early hours of October 9, a traditional correfoc took to the streets. Starting at Plaza María Hervás at 12.30am, the procession travelled along Marqués de Campo towards Plaza del Consell, with drums, fireworks and showers of sparks. Performers dressed as devils and fantastical characters brought fire and theatrical flair to the celebration. The official ceremony followed at 10.30am in Plaza María Hervás, with speeches alongside performances by local musical and dance groups. Families enjoyed games and inflatables, while a giant paella for 1,000 people was served from 2pm. Friday evening featured a performance by Histeriia at the Glorieta, followed by a mascletà fireworks display in Plaza Jaume I. Denia celebrated traditions for all ages.
SAN JAVIER celebrated a taste of Bavaria as its annual Oktoberfest returned from October 9 to 11, bringing German beer, traditional food and live music to the municipality’s fairground. The threeday festival also raised money for three charities, showing solidarity with communities across the Costa Calida. The celebrations opened on Friday, October 9, with the traditional ceremonial tapping of the beer barrel. Live performances continued throughout the weekend, featuring Aparatus Band, Paloma Sin Basilio and La Calle, Antonio Micol, Bloody Mess, Karp Diem and more. Visitors enjoyed German favourites including sausages, roast chicken, ribs, pork knuckle and hamburgers. Three beers were available: a blonde beer brewed especially for Oktoberfest, traditional wheat beer and Paulaner’s Salvator. Proceeds went to Aidemar, Crece con Dabadá and La Huella de Carolina. The three charities support people with disabilities, people with autism and people affected by cancer, respectively.
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EUROPRESS
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Credit: Cattlaya Art/shutterstock
EARLIER this month, Italian officials intercepted a driver attempting to transport 377 exotic animals to Malta by car. Guardia di Finanza and customs officers uncovered the stash during routine vehicle checks at the port of Pozzallo in Sicily, where they discovered the vehicle contained 300 freshwater tortoises and 77 parrots packed inside boxes. Local health authority veterinarians examined the animals and confirmed the car lacked adequate space and temperature controls, posing severe risks to their health. Specialist CITES officers identified 76 of the parrots as protected species, including scarlet, green-winged, and blue-and-yellow macaws, along with
Credit:HiveRobots/IG
Exotic animals seized Robots take night shift
Humanoids created in Denmark
Animals seized in Italy
rose-breasted and white cockatoos. The estimated combined value of the birds was approximately €100,000. The Maltese driver was reported to prosecutors in Ragusa for transporting animals under cruel conditions and lacking required CITES documentation, a court in Ragusa sub-
sequently rejected a request to lift the seizure. All 377 animals were confiscated and transferred to a specialised breeding facility to receive appropriate accommodation and veterinary care. Authorities have not disclosed the origin of the animals or the intended recipient in Malta.
GROCERY shopping could soon feel like science fiction as Salling Group tests humanoid robots inside a Føtex branch near Copenhagen. Store employees typically spend hours unboxing heavy crates and stocking shelves, so supermarket leaders hope autonomous machines will soon take over these repetitive tasks. Danish tech start-up Hive Robots developed the artificial intelligence powering the hardware, which is built by Chinese manufacturer Unitree. Training sessions began in summer 2026, using remote controls to teach the machines delicate hand movements. Machine learning systems help the units handle fragile items like cereal boxes and glass jars without
dropping them. Developers expect these mechanical assistants to work independently by early 2027, focusing exclusively on night shifts while customer doors remain locked. Early tests reveal that artificial intelligence still operates slower than human workers and requires strict supervision. Strict safety regulations across Denmark must also adapt before androids can move freely around shoppers. Future upgrades could enable machines to scan use-by dates, identify empty shelf spaces, and tidy misplaced products. Executives believe this pilot project provides a practical glimpse into modern retail automation across Europe.
Silent whistles
DOGS can hear frequencies up to 45,000 Hz, while humans top out at 20,000 Hz. Silent dog whistles work by emitting high-frequency sounds (around 23,000 to 54,000 Hz) that are completely invisible to human ears, but sound loud and clear to a dog!
PETS
Bathroom companion EVER wondered why your cat suddenly appears at your feet the moment you head for the bathroom? You are not alone. For many cats, following their owner from room to room is perfectly normal behaviour, and the bathroom can be particularly interesting. Cats are naturally curious. A closed door can be enough to spark their interest, especially if they cannot see what is happening on the other side. If you shut the door, your cat may simply decide that whatever you are doing must be worth investigating. Your cat may also be following you because they enjoy your company. Cats can form strong bonds with their owners and may seek attention, affection or reassurance. If your cat regularly follows you around the house, the bathroom may simply be another stop on their daily tour. There is also the appeal of the bathroom itself. Cool tiles, sinks, dripping taps and unusual smells can provide plenty of stimulation. Some cats even enjoy drinking from a running tap.
Credit: iiyann/Shutterstock
FACT
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Cats are never far away, even when you’re in the loo.
In many cases, there is nothing to worry about. However, if your cat suddenly becomes unusually clingy or starts following you constantly alongside other changes in behaviour, appetite or
toilet habits, speak to your vet. Otherwise, accept your feline companion’s unexpected bathroom visits. Privacy is simply not part of the cat-owner contract.
Paws on trails TAKING your dog hiking can be a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors together, but a little preparation can make the adventure safer and more enjoyable for both of you. Before setting off, check that the route is suitable for dogs and matches your pet’s fitness level. A long, steep trail may not be appropriate for every dog. Pack the essentials. Fresh water and a portable bowl are must-haves, particularly on warm days. Bring enough food or treats for the trip, plus poo bags and a basic first-aid kit. A lead is essential, even on trails where dogs are allowed off the lead, as you may encounter livestock, wildlife or other walkers. It’s also worth
Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
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Take a trip along the trails.
checking your dog’s paws during and after the walk. Rough rocks, hot surfaces, thorns and other debris can cause injuries. Consider a dog-friendly paw balm or protective boots if your dog is comfortable
wearing them. Keep an eye on your dog throughout the hike. Heavy panting, slowing down, excessive drooling or difficulty walking can be signs that they need a break. Finally, respect the
countryside by keeping your dog under control and cleaning up after them. With the right preparation, hiking can become a wonderful way to explore, exercise and spend quality time together.
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MOTORING
ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK
Jaguar Type 01 – ninth life for iconic British marque AFTER an interminable lead-up, Jaguar’s new Type 01 all-electric coupe has finally appeared in production form. A genuine all-ornothing move meant to signal a new beginning for the legendary British marque. It’s fair to say many are of the view that it could also signal the brand’s demise. It has to be acknowledged that Jaguar needed to do something as it was selling fewer and fewer cars. Rival manufacturers were moving ahead with more modern and technologically advanced cars. Jaguar has gambled on a very radical solution, but one which has echoes of its past history. Type 01 certainly has a strong look, rather like an automotive version of 1960s brutalist architecture. The car is big at over 5-metres long and 2.5-metres wide and the side profile is, in this writer’s opinion, striking in a good way. The front and rear aspects of the car are where most doubts seem to be, with a slab front and at the rear no window, and a set of ‘strikethroughs’ across the full width of the car. It
will turn heads like few other cars on the road. Inside, there’s a minimalist vibe with a 610mm/24” OLED driver screen, a 178mm/7” mobile phone type screen for key functions, and the rear-view camera sits atop the dash within the sound bar for the car’s audio. Taller occupants may find headroom an issue with that swooping roofline, the car stands just 1.4-metres high. There’s a large ‘spine’ through the longitudinal centre of the interior, four indi-
vidual seats and a large panoramic glass roof. From an engineering point of view this is an impressive car. From a rear quarter panel that requires a press standing four storeys high - apparently modelling said it was impossible - to battery packaging, a 0.23 cd drag factor, a rigidity that betters a McLaren’s W1 hyper car and over 360 new patents. Developing over 1,000 PS, with the benchmark 100kph/62mph passed in just 3.2 seconds, there’s
a claimed range of over 645km/400 miles. There are two electric motors at the rear and one up front, allwheel-drive and four-wheel steering. The air suspension set-up, say Jaguar, provides a ride quality for which Jaguars have always been famed. Jaguar is aiming high in terms of target customers, those who would be considering cars from the likes of Bentley and Porsche. Priced from around €153,451/£130,000 traditional Jaguar buyers from the past are no longer the target customer. Type 01 (zero one to be correct) is bold, striking, and very marmite, which is what Jaguar wanted in order to attract wealthy customers for a true statement car. Other models are apparently in the pipeline from this unique platform; one has to expect some kind of SUV given current trends, and possibly a coupe. It’s striking enough to be a success, but sales and ultimate reliability will be the final arbiter. I hope it does succeed, because the Jaguar brand deserves to survive.
Self-employed drivers across Spain could soon be behind the wheel of a new car or van.
SELF-EMPLOYED workers and businesses in Spain can apply for new government grants worth up to €12,000 towards a new car or van, under the latest round of the Plan Auto+ scheme. The €50 million fund is aimed specifically at autonomos and companies, with €8 million of it reserved for the self-employed. Most autonomos can claim up to €6,000 for a
standard passenger car or €7,500 for a van, though those whose work qualifies for the EU’s Social Climate Fund can receive €7,000 and €12,000 respectively. Nationality is no barrier. What matters is whether the applicant is properly registered as economically active in Spain and up to date with their tax and Social Security payments, with the vehicle itself carrying the DGT’s ‘Zero
Emissions’ label. Applications opened on October 1 and close at 2pm on December 31, but the government has warned that money will run out on a first-come, first-served basis. With 26,416 British nationals registered as autonomos in Spain, that’s worth knowing if a new set of wheels is already on the cards, so it’s best to have paperwork ready well before the deadline arrives.
BUYERS of second-hand cars in Spain are being caught out by a tax that is not always worked out on the price they paid. When a car changes hands between two private individuals, the buyer must pay the regional transfer tax, ITP, before the vehicle can be put in their name. The catch is the figure the tax is applied to. Tax offices use official valuation tables published each December in the Official State Gazette, which give every model a value when new and then reduce it year by year, down
to a floor of 10 per cent after 12 years. Whichever is higher, the price on the contract or the official value, becomes the amount taxed. Someone paying €6,000 for a car valued at €8,000 in a region charging 4 per cent would face a bill of €320 (4 per cent of €8,000) rather than €240 (4 per cent of €6,000). A further fixed €55.70 payment goes to the DGT for the change of ownership, which must be completed within 30 days. Several regional tax agencies also publish free online valuation tools, so the official figure can be checked before any price is agreed. Credit: gg-foto / Shutterstock
Credit: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock
New autonomo car grants Spain’s used-car tax trap
The DGT’s draft plan aims to help drivers left waiting.
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SPORT
THE MALLORCA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS returned to Calvià on Saturday, October 10, bringing international women’s tennis back to the island for a week of competition on clay courts. The Vanda Pharmaceuticals Mallorca Women’s Championships, held at the Magaluf Sports Centre, is a WTA 125 tournament running until Sunday, October 18. The second edition features 32 singles players and eight doubles teams competing for the titles. Local interest was already building before the main draw, with Mallorcan player Cristina Díaz securing a wild card for qualifying after beating Isabel Adrover Gallego 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the pre-tournament Road to Vanda Pharmaceuticals event in Magaluf on October 10. Mireia Sagristá Bermejo was also awarded a qualifying wild card, giving local supporters further reason to follow the tournament. Qualifying matches continued on Sunday, October 11, before the main singles draw began on Monday, October 12. The tournament features international players competing for ranking points and prize money, with the singles final scheduled for Sunday, October 18, at 2pm.
Iconic women’s championships is underway in Calvia
Former world number three Gabriela Sabatini is returning as tournament ambassador. Alongside the on-court action, organisers have planned additional activities, including tennis clinics and gastronomic experiences at Mallorca Country Club. The event is supported by Calvià Town Hall and receives funding through the Balearic Islands’ Sustainable Tourism Tax Fund and the Fundació Turisme Responsable de Mallorca.
Inclusive challenge PEGUERA is set to add an important new chapter to the Challenge Peguera Mallorca programme this month, with the launch of Challenge4All, an inclusive two-kilometre race designed to bring people together through sport. Taking place on Friday 16 October, the event will see participants of all abilities take to a traffic-free urban course along Peguera Boulevard. The race starts on Carrer Ratolí before heading towards the finish line at the Challenge Peguera Mallorca arch in Plaza de Torà. Challenge4All is the result of a collaboration between the Fundación Calvià 365 and Esment, an organisa-
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Calvia
Credit: Consell de Mallorca
YOUNG people in Mallorca can embark on an unforgettable adventure as the Consell de Mallorca opens applications for the second edition of its Ruta Jacobea programme. Taking place in November 2026, the initiative invites residents aged 18 to 30 to experience the Camino de Santiago on a seven-day journey combining physical challenge, cultural discovery and new friendships. A total of 132 places Young people can take on the Camino. are available across four groups of 33 participants, departing on return flights from Palma, transfers, 1, 8, 15 and 22 November. Each group luggage transport, six nights in hostels, will walk approximately 114 kilometres full-board meals, guides and insurance. along the French Way, travelling from Pre-registration is open until 19 OcSarria to Santiago de Compostela over tober. Applicants must live in Mallorca, five stages. be aged between 18 and 30, hold valid Daily walks range from 19 to 29 travel documentation and be physically kilometres, so participants must be prepared for the challenge. Places will in good physical condition. An official be allocated through a public draw. Camino guide will accompany each Following the first edition in 2025, the group throughout the journey. programme offers another opportunity The cost is €202.50 per person, with for young island residents to explore the Consell de Mallorca covering 70% Spain on foot, make new friends and of the total expense. The fee includes experience the spirit of the Camino.
Credit: Instagram/Mallorcawomenschamps
Camino adventure Women ace the game
A race everybody can get involved in.
tion supporting people with disabilities. It forms part of the international RUNCHALLENGE project, which promotes greater participation for people with intellectual disabilities in sporting events. Around 150 participants are expected to take part in the inaugural race, with Paralympic medallist Juan
PALMA is preparing for a major martial-arts showcase as the fifth edition of the Ciutat de Palma Taekwondo tournament takes place on 17 October at the Velodrom Illes Balears. The event is expected to bring together around 800 athletes, turning the venue into a meeting point for competitors and taekwondo enthusiasts. Presented by Palma’s mayor, the tournament highlights the city’s commitment to sport and its ability to host events that bring together large numbers of participants. With hundreds of athletes expected to take part, the competition promises a lively atmosphere and an opportunity to celebrate the discipline, technique and determination that define taek-
Munar Martínez serving as its ambassador. The event is open to anyone aged 16 and over, whether they are experienced runners, beginners or simply prefer to walk. A maximum of 250 places & entry costing just €2, Challenge4All is making participation accessible while raising funds for local projects.
Taekwondo returns
wondo. Now in its fifth edition, the Ciutat de Palma tournament has become a fixture on the local sporting calendar. It offers competitors a chance to test their skills, gain valuable experience and share their passion for a martial art that combines physical strength, precision and respect. The event will put Palma in the sporting spotlight, welcoming participants and supporters dedicated to competition and sportsmanship.