Mallorca 19 - 25 June 2025 Issue 2085

Power in giving

ON Saturday June 14, representatives of the Cala Nova Cancer Charity were delighted to host a small cocktail party.

They invited all of the presidents of the Cancer Charities they support as well as representatives of the British Consul and volunteers and helpers from the shop to celebrate a donation of €46,000.

The money had been raised from sales at the shop that the Cala Nova Cancer Charity operates as well as from a series of fundraising events held over a period of months.

Ricardo Moreno the President of the AECC in Palma received a cheque for €20,000 as did Jaime Coll the President of the Children’s Cancer organisation Aspanob.

Further cheques were presented to Bronwyn, President of Cancer Support (a support system for foreign residents suffering from cancer) and Marie from Dime Palliative Care with both charities receiving €3,000 each.

Whilst guests enjoyed

a nibble or two as well as a glass of cava or wine (either with alcohol or without) the news that His Majesty King Charles III had named Angela McGrath (who will receive the British Empire Medal) in his latest Birthday Honours List was shared with guests.

Thanks were also given to those volunteers who had dedicated so much time to the charity shops as well as those who had donated so many items

over the years for sale.

What is so impressive about this charity is the fact that each year it manages to find additional properties in which to create ‘pop-up’ boutique shops especially around

Christmas time when residents of Palma are able to obtain reasonably priced but innovative gifts, ideal for friends and family with a close eye on items suitable for children.

HOLLYWOOD icon Steven Spielberg has officially kicked off his holiday in the sunny isle of Mallorca! Spielberg, whose iconic résumé includes smash hits such as Jaws, E.T. the Extraterrestrial, and Jurassic Park, recently anchored his impressive superyacht in the waters of Mallorca and has been enjoying the island ever since. Joining him are his wife, actress Kate Capshaw, and British Oscar-winning actor Daniel DayLewis, with whom they have sustained a friendship since 2012, and his wife, Rebecca Miller.

After touching down in Son Sant Joan on his private jet, Spielberg made his way to the marina in Calvia, where he headed down to Andratx on his superyacht. There, he and his wife picked up their guests, DayLewis and Capshaw, and set off to cruise in style.

Scenic Mallorca continues to be a magnet for celebrities and wealthy visitors, who love to show off their impressive superyachts in the port or enjoy the scenery on the island.

Mallorca • No. 2085 • 19 - 25 June 2025 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO

Steven Spielberg enjoys his holiday in Mallorca.

Photo Credit: Nicole Pankalla via Pixabay

The four charities received their cheques.

Credit: Cala Nova Cancer Charity

A new proposal

THE Council of Mallorca has proposed a new rule to limit the overcrowding of roads on the island. Following in Ibiza’s footsteps, the council has proposed a new law which will regulate the new vehicles coming into the island, and establish a maximum number of cars that can come in. Along with this, the law will impose a ‘deterrent’ fee which will discourage people from bringing more cars onto the already-overcrowded island. The law is proposed to only be in effect for one or two years, until the overpopulation of cars is decreased and the overcrowding of Mallorca’s roads is under control. According to the Council’s calculations, there is an overpopulation by anywhere from

93,000 to 122,000 cars in Mallorca.

The law, if approved, will affect mostly non-residents and services such as ‘rent-acar’ on the island, who will be subject to a maximum quota. Private cars arriving via shipping companies will also be subject to a fee, and non-residents will only be allowed one vehicle as long as they pay taxes in Mallorca. Residents will be virtually exempt, as long as the taxes on their cars are paid on the island. Anyone not complying with the new law could face sanctions from €300 to €3,000.

In addition, the Council suggested restricting access to certain areas of the island to further avoid overcrowding.

Plan for 750 homes

THE Counsel of Housing, Territory and Mobility of the Government of the Balearic Islands has approved a major new construction project in Palma. The Son Bordoy urbanisation, covering 112,000 square metres between El Molinar and the Llevant road (Ma-19), has been in preparation for 15 years.

The approved plan includes 750 new homes: 250 free from government price constraints, 150 publicly subsidised, and 350 price-capped. The government expects the development to attract around 2,250 new residents and help ease Mallorca’s housing crisis. The project is expected to take 19 months to complete.

Of the total area, 84,000 square metres will be allocated to housing, with the remainder designated for commer -

cial use and communal facilities. Planned amenities include play areas for children, public spaces for social and commercial events, a school, and a sports area.

The project is led by Pryconsa, a Madrid-based real estate firm also responsible for developing the Son Güells urbanisation. Homes in Son Güells, now on sale from €429,000 and

due for delivery in 2027, will include two to four bedrooms, green areas, a swimming pool, play areas and communal spaces. While most of Pryconsa’s developments are in Madrid, the company has acquired land in various locations, including Palma. The government aims to improve the housing market and boost local employment.

Fine for buying on the street

HOLIDAYMAKERS from the United Kingdom and other parts of the world are being warned against purchasing anything at all from street vendors, because doing so could make you eligible for a huge fine that will surely ruin your vacation.

According to the new law put into force in Palma, British and other tourists could face fines of up to €750 (approximately £630), which makes the old but popular proverb truer than ever: ‘Lo barato sale caro’, which loosely translates into ‘the cheaper option often turns out more expensive’ or ‘you get what you pay for’.

It’s understandable that thousands of tourists are tempted to purchase drinks, food items, and even clothes and wearable accessories from street vendors, but be aware that this could now come with a fine or even an arrest attached to that purchase.

The new rule addresses several issues, including vandalism such as graffiti, posters, leaflets, public gam -

bling and betting, fraudulent begging and sexual solicitation, artistic performances, guided tours, littering, public alcohol consumption, group gatherings, street vending, motorhomes, nudism, balconing, and the use of scooters.

Another new law being introduced is regarding electric scooters. Riders will now be required to demonstrate that they have civil liability insurance (with a minimum coverage of €120,000) and must also wear an approved helmet.

This year, refrain from buying anything from street vendors.

The Council of Mallorca has proposed a new law to limit cars coming into the island.

Photo Credit: Aleksandr Popov via Unsplash

The Government of Baleares has greenlighted a new construction project for Palma.

Credit: Bárbara Ellen De Fernandes via Unsplash

Spain issues heat warning

Alerts now in English

FOR years, expats and tourists in Spain had to guess whether the heat was merely uncomfortable or dangerously high. That has now changed. Spain has launched an English-language version of its official heat alert website, just as the country braces for one of its hottest summers on record. The colour-coded alerts are localised and finally accessible to millions of English speakers who live in or visit Spain.

The National Health Ministry’s heat risk platform, previously available only in Spanish, now offers full English access - partly thanks to pressure from the British Embassy in Ma drid. With temperatures already triggering alerts in parts of southern Spain, this update will provide vital warnings to those most likely to miss them, such as tourists, students, and new arrivals.

Tracking the heat in a language everyone understands.

Inheritance Tax in Spain

Exemptions could apply

INHERITING property, a business, or life insurance in Spain often raises questions about Inheritance Tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones). While it can apply, a range of exemptions means many heirs - particularly close relatives - may pay little or no tax.

Inheritance tax rates vary significantly across Spain’s regions. In recent years, many autonomous communities have reduced or removed the tax for immediate family members. In Madrid, for example, children, spouses and parents benefit from a 99 per cent tax reduction. Inheriting €100,000 from a parent could result in just €1,000 in tax. Other regions, such as Asturias, may not offer the same relief for more distant relatives.

Spanish law broadly favours direct family, with the aim of preserving homes and businesses across generations. Heirs inheriting a primary residence from a close relative - or long-term cohabitant - may claim exemptions of up to €122,606.47. Family businesses may qualify for up to 95 per cent tax relief if operated for at least 10 years.

The system divides the country into 182 zones, each based on local climate norms. Alerts range from green (no risk) to red (high risk to health and life), and include advice on hydration, sun exposure, and recognising symptoms of heat-related illness.

Tourists from cooler countries often underestimate the heat, and many expats don’t follow local forecasts. With nearly six million foreign residents and tens of millions of annual visitors, this bilingual platform is a timely public health measureand could save lives.

https://www.sanidad.gob.es/en/excesoTemperatu ras2025/meteosalud.do

Some life insurance payouts are also partly exempt, depending on the policy and region.

If tax payment is an issue, it can often be settled using funds from the inherited estate. With careful planning and professional advice, inheritance tax in Spain can be manageable for many families.

For more detailed information on inheritance tax in Spain, you can visit the official website of the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria): https://sede. agenciatributaria.gob.es

Supreme Court halts fines New rental rules

Spain ends automatic tax penalties

SPAIN’S Supreme Court has dealt a significant blow to Hacienda’s practice of issuing automatic fines for deductible expenses. In a ruling in May, the court decided that tax authorities can no longer impose blanket penalties simply because a taxpayer cannot fully prove their deductible costs.

For years, Hacienda handed out sanctions broadly, using standardised wording and treating all cases alike. The Supreme Court, however, now requires that every penalty be individually justified. The tax office must prove the taxpayer acted with ‘culpability’ rather than penalising based on lack of documen -

Judge Francisco José Navarro Sanchís emphasised that “the mere lack of proof for an expense does not automatically mean the taxpayer is to blame.” The ruling recognises that tax law, particularly around deductible expenses, often involves interpretation. A genuine effort to comply, even if mistaken, should not lead to automatic sanctions.

Under Article 179 of Spanish tax law, sanctions apply only when there is culpability. Taxpayers who act with due diligence and reasonable understanding may be exempt. Hacienda must demonstrate why a mistake justifies a penalty.

This ruling ends the era of generic fines.

Hacienda must now provide detailed explanations and evidence for each penalty. However, taxpayers must still maintain proper records.

Court clamps down on tenants

SPAIN’S Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling aimed at curbing abuse of tenant protections, closing a legal loophole that allowed non-paying tenants - often dubbed inquiokupas - to delay eviction for months or even years. The ruling now requires tenants to pay all outstanding rent before they can appeal an eviction order.

The change targets a growing problem: tenants who begin with a valid lease, then stop paying rent and resist eviction by claiming vulnerability. Since the pandemic, Spanish law has strongly protected vulnerable tenants, making it difficult for landlords to regain possession of their properties. Some tenants exploited the system, avoiding rent while dragging out legal proceedings through appeals.

Previously, many tenants could appeal without paying what they owed, leaving landlords stuck in a costly, drawn-out process. The court has now clarified that under Article 449.1, tenants must pay outstanding rent before an appeal is even considered, regardless of legal aid or hardship claims.

For landlords, this offers new hope of quicker resolutions and fewer rent-free holdouts. For tenants, it’s a clear signal: financial hardship must be addressed early and transparently. The ruling draws a firmer line between genuine need and abuse - bringing long-awaited balance to Spain’s rental system.

JACK GLEESON, known for his role as the infamous Joffrey Baratheon in HBO’s smash hit series Game of Thrones, is one of the many celebrities enjoying Mallorca this summer.

The Irish actor, 33, visited Can Prunera, the most important modernist house in Soller, and enjoyed its beautiful gardens as well.

talked about as one of the program me’s greatest acting performances, even among other staggeringly ta lented stars such as Peter Dinklage, Charles Dance, and Lena Headey.

The Can Prunera is conside red the most important Art Nou veau-period house in Soller, and in 2010, the house underwent a res toration, including the original furniture of the period, which is still inside.

Gleeson called the house an ‘oasis’, in a busy town like Soller, and was particularly impressed by the beauty of the museum.

Gleeson skyrocketed to fame when he played Joffrey in Game of Thrones, a television adaptation of George R R Martin’s hugely popular A Song of Ice and Fire book series. The character, a spoiled, arrogant, and ferociously cruel boy king, was interpreted so well by the comparatively kind-hearted Gleeson, that he is still

After playing Joffrey, Gleeson took a break from acting to focus on his studies in theology and philosophy, but enjoyed doing independent theatre and taking on small roles. Since 2023, he has re-entered the audiovisual industry.

Worthy of a King Traffic radar crackdown

SPEEDY drivers, it might be smart to slow down a notch. The General Direction of Traffic (DGT) has communicated the positions of new traffic radar systems on Mallorca’s

roads. This includes fixed radars which do not change positions and mobile radars which are mounted on tripods and can be moved according to necessity.

The radars measure the speed of passing vehicles, almost all in either direction, can sometimes photograph or record infractors, and can issue fines to speeders. As of the end of March 2025, Mallorca has over 60 active radars on their main roads to prevent speeding and keep the roads safe, especially with recent blockages and a spike in accidents due to overpopulation of the island.

Though many drivers are unsure if it’s legal to

know where the radars are, the answer is actually yes: under the Traffic Law approved in 2022, any public information regarding the radars is completely legal. However, using radar detectors, radar inhibitors, or even carrying them in your vehicle, although

EASYJET’S workers are taking a stand: the USO union has called for the airline’s cabin crew to go on strike beginning on June 25, 26, and 27 at the company’s bases in four major Spanish cities, one of which is Palma. The strike is expected to cause delays and even cancellations.

The strike will aim to better the working conditions and salaries for the cabin members, who according to the USO’s calculations, are making “around minimum wage,” according to USO spokesperson Pier Luigi Copello. “This represents a salary gap ranging from 30 per cent to 200 per cent compared to their European colleagues.”

easyJet union officials claim that easyJet’s salaries are “far removed from the country’s socioeconomic reality,” hinting at the spike of the cost of living in Mallor-

they’re turned off, is illegal. It’s also illegal to use your phone to check that information while driving. In Spain, speeding on a road is considered a serious offence and could result in a fine of €100 to €600, depending on the speed of the infractor.

ca in recent years.

The strike will affect over 650 cabin crew members and 21 aircraft in total. Crew members will also go on strike in Barcelona, Alicante, and Malaga.

Jack Gleeson has visited Can Prunera in Soller.

The DGT has announced new positions of speed radars on Mallorca’s roads.

The USO union has called for a strike for easyJet workers.

President of Cala Nova (Mallorca) Cancer Care charity shop Angela McGrath awarded British Empire Medal

HIS Majesty King Charles III has awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) to Angela McGrath, President of the Cala Nova Cancer Care charity shop, for services to charity fundraising in Mallorca.

Since opening the shop in Cala Nova in 2011, Ms McGrath and her dedicated team of volunteers have touched the lives of countless cancer patients and their families.

Her perseverance and tireless work have allowed the shop to raise and donate more than half a million euros to various cancer charities in Mallorca.

• The British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, said:

“The best part of the UK-Spain partnership are the people who make it better. Angela is one of those, through her dedication, compassion, and support for cancer patients and their families in Mallorca.

“She is an example to us all and I am delighted that she has been honoured with a British Empire Medal.”

• Angela McGrath said:

“Fourteen years ago, I opened the Cala Nova Cancer Care charity shop with two of my closest friends, Eileen and Anna

Lisa, in remembrance of friends and family who had been touched by cancer. I am so honoured to receive this award on behalf of our charity shop, which would not be what it is today without all our amazing volunteers and the support from donations we receive. My dream is that one day a cure will be found to help ght this terrible disease.”

Angela McGrath’s BEM is listed in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours 2025.

Photos of Angela McGrath attached.

Since opening the shop

UNFORTUNATE news for the previous ATP Mallorca Tennis Champion, and for the fans who had hoped to see him: Alejandro Tabilo, a Chilean tennis player who was returning to Mallorca to defend his title, has withdrawn from the ATP Mallorca Tennis Championships 2025 due to injuries.

The left-handed Tabilo had been suffering from a bone edema, or accumulation of fluid within the bone marrow, in his wrist for some time. During the Czech open semifinal, he has also sustained a grade 3 tear in his right rectus abdominis muscle.

As of the writing of this article, Tabilo is ranked 55th, and the sad turn of events will cause him around 350

Tabilo’s sad setback

to 400 points in the coming week, which could potentially demote him from the list of the 100 best tennis players in the world.

Tabilo has also withdrawn from Wimbledon, where he also did well last year, reaching the third round.

“We still don’t know when we’ll be able to return, but we will work hard and strive for

it to be as soon as possible. I hope you can understand and continue to support me.

See you upon my return!” said Tabilo, staying ever-positive despite his painful situation.

However, there will be plenty of other fantastic players with a thirst for victory. As they say, the show must go on.

RCD Mallorca renews commitment

THE football club RCD Mallorca and the Reial Mallorca Foundation have renewed their agreement with the Mallorca Integra Foundation to continue collaborating on joint projects and programmes for the community, such as LaLiga Genuine and Cambiando Miradas.

The agreement was signed at the newly refurbished Son Moix Stadium, by RCD Mallorca’s CEO of Business, Alfonso Díaz, and the co-founder of the Mallorca Integra Foundation, Aurora Sampol. The Foundation was founded in 2002 and aims to create spaces for diverse groups and people in need, including children, disabled people, young people at risk of social exclusion, and elderly people.

RCD Mallorca and the Mallorca Integra Foundation, and aims to promote inclusion for aspiring players of all ethnic and developmental backgrounds. During the courses, students can also meet RCD Mallorca players and interact with them.

LaLiga Genuine is a project that aims to make football accessible for people with developmental disabilities. With a motto of ‘sharing before competing’, the project prioritises sportsmanship and inclusion over winning.

Cambiando Miradas is an assortment of awareness courses organised by

This follows RCD Mallorca’s announcement of significant improvements to their beloved home stadium, making it more accessible for community and fan events. The new improvements include an official RCD Mallorca store, a public access area, and a sports pub.

Mallorca’s captivating coves

WITH a stunning coast and cool blue water, Mallorca has no shortage of magical coves to visit. Although the island will be teeming with life this summer, there will no doubt be an abundance of beautiful and remote areas of the island to explore and bask in the beauty of. While some coves are more remote than others, all of them are worth a visit to cool off in what is promising to be a scorching summer.

The first is considered one of the best places for a holiday, the Mesquida Cove. The cove is located

in the northeast of Mallorca, between Capdepera and Arta, and boasts white beaches, crystalline blue waters, and it even allows visitors to scuba dive!

The next is much more

remote: located near the town of Santanyi, in the south of Mallorca, the Moro Cove is a gem of the island and considered by many to be the best cove on the island. Surrounded by virgin earth and vegetation, Moro Cove is a sparkling blue gem of a beach.

Finally, Varques Cove in Manacor, in the east of Mallorca, is another must-visit jewel of the island. A paradise where visitors can snorkel among the fish and the rock formations, the summer may not be complete without it.

Three must-visit coves in Mallorca this summer.

Photo Credit: Melisa via Pixabay

Photo Credit: RCD Mallorca

Former champion Alejandro Tabilo has been forced to withdraw from the ATP Mallorca Open due to injuries.

RCD Mallorca renews its agreement with the Mallorca Integra Foundation to promote inclusivity in football.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Vivacious verbenas

ANYONE in Mallorca in June will have the enviable opportunity to go to Mallorca’s verbenas, or street shows! The shows, which take place at the end of June, are when the local neighbourhoods come alive with music, food, drink, and festivities to celebrate the beginning of summer and holidays like Sant Joan, Sant Pere and Sant Marçal.

The Sant Joan festivities will kick off on June 21 , in various different neighbourhoods. In Son Servera, there will be a pop concert featuring Aftersuns, Los Inhumanos and DJ Jaume Colombàs in the Plaça des Mercat at 23.00. In Mancor de la Vall, there will be a show in the Plaça de l’Ajuntament, featuring the Orquestra d’es Pla at 22.30. In Deia, in the small town of Serra de Tramuntana, there will be a big show featuring EVA, Enrokats and DJ Stormi at 23.00. Finally, in Muro, to celebrate Sant Joan,

they will host the Flower Power Party in Plaza Major with DJs Juan Campos, Fideu and Biel Martorell, and the following day, they’ll host another verbena in the same place with Los Javaloyas, at 22.30.

There will be loads of activities before and after these dates, too. If you find yourself in Mallorca at the end of this month, make sure not to miss out on the merrymaking festivities in these charming local plazas and streets!

Mallorca is Tennis

TENNIS fans, get ready for some thrilling matches. From June 21 to June 28, Santa Ponça will be host to the ATP Mallorca Tennis Championships!

This particular event is a grass court tournament and will host some of the biggest names in tennis, such as Novak Djokovic, Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medevedev and local hero Jaume Munar, who the Mallorcans will surely support with unparalleled fervour. With the slogan, ‘In June, Mallorca is Tennis’, it’s sure to be emblematic of the bounding enthusiasm locals have for the sport.

The ATP Mallorca Tennis Championships are gearing up to be an exciting tournament.

Magical La Malvasia

FOUNDED in 2021, La Malvasia Mallorca has won over the hearts of the locals with its authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

La Malvasia offers traditional Mediterranean tapas, salads, or eggs prepared in different ways as a starter. Namely, the seasoned and saucy patatas bravas, the fried aubergine served with sweet honey, the traditional Mallorcan gazpacho, and eggs prepared Mallorquines-style are all great choices to elevate your tapas experience.

The main course menu is just as rich with savoury food, including diverse dishes of meat, seafood, and pasta. The ricotta and spinach ravioli, served with tomato and fresh basil, the fried Spanish calamari with alioli, the Iberican tacos with flavourful tzatziki sauce, and the steamed Galician mussels, cooked in white wine, are all fabulous choices for a main course.

Not only this, but the restaurant also offers vegetarian-friendly and vegan options, as well as a menu

of delicious cocktails for a relaxing evening or aromatic wines to pair with your delicious meal.

Open from 12.00 to 22.00 from Monday to Saturday, La Malvasia is the perfect place for a delicious lunch or dinner to relax after work or go on a romantic date night. La Malvasia can be found at Plaça del Mercat 15, Centre, 07001 Palma, Mallorca. T. 626 814 748 lamalvasiamallorca. com

A thrilling tournament

FOOTBALL fans, get ready for an exciting couple of days! From June 20 to June 25, Calvia will be host to the Mallorca International Football Cup! Not only this, it will also feature a very special guest: none other than the legendary Vicente del Bosque!

clude a Special Cup in which disabled players will be able to compete.

“This year we have one of our strongest fields yet,” said Edwin Weindorfer, CEO of e|motion sports, which organises the event. “It’s a fantastic mix of experienced names and rising stars. We’re looking forward to another unforgettable week of world-class grass-court tennis in Mallorca.”

be rising to a fever pitch in an exciting tournament full of twists and turns.

With the prize money almost at a whopping €600,000, and so many talented players facing off against each other, the tensions are sure to

The event will take place at the Santa Ponça Country Club in Santa Ponça, Mallorca. Tickets are on sale now; eager attendees are encouraged to get their tickets sooner rather than later, to get the best prices.

The tournament will include teams from all over Europe, including Freddie Academy from Sweden, SK Brann from Norway, KFUM Roskilde from Denmark, Villarreal Academy from North America, Võru FC Helios from Estonia, and El Pozo Murcia FS from Spain - over 90 teams from eight different countries, and a total of more than 1,500 talented young footballers from ages 10 to 16. Moreover, in the spirit of inclusivity in sports, the tournament will also in -

Special guest, ex-manager of the Spain national football team, Vicente del Bosque will be a particular treat to see for football enthusiasts. Regarded as one of the best football managers of all time, football fans from all over Mallorca are eager to attend the event and see the man himself.

The event, managed by the Vicente del Bosque Football Academy and supported by the Balearic Islands Football Federation and the Royal Spanish Football Federation, is expecting a huge turnout.

Here’s hoping all the athletes work hard, play hard, and most importantly, have fun!

La Malvasia serves delicious and traditional Mediterranean dishes.

Mallorca will kick off its Sant Joan festivities on June 21.

Lawrence Krowdeed via Unsplash

La Malvasia via lamalvasiamallorca.com

Planting evidence

A MAN has been arrested by the Guardia Civil in El Pedroso, Sevilla, after posting images of his marihuana plantation on social media. The photos prompted an investigation that uncovered a full-scale indoor grow operation inside his home.

Following surveillance and with judicial authorisation, officers raided the property, seizing 32 live cannabis plants, several in the drying stage, and around nine kilogrammes of processed marihuana ready for packaging and sale.

This action is part of a wider campaign by the Guardia Civil to combat small-scale cannabis cultivation and distribution in the Sevilla Province. Authorities have increasingly used social media to identify and in -

vestigate illegal grow sites, with recent cases demonstrating the method’s effectiveness.

In this instance, the suspect’s own images provided sufficient visual information for investigators to locate the site. After several days of monitoring, a warrant was secured to search the premises.

The suspect faces charges of drug trafficking and crimes against public health, as well as potential electricity fraud, since such operations often involve illegal connections to power the lighting and ventilation systems.

Officials noted that despite the casual nature of some online content, cannabis cultivation without proper authorisation remains a serious offence under Spanish law.

Barcelona reclaims future

BARCELONA was never meant to become a postcard, but that’s what it has become - known more for selfie sticks and Airbnbs in the Gothic Quarter than for its rhythm and grit.

In 2025, the city is marking a turning point: reclaiming its streets, slowing the pace, and prioritising quality over quantity in a new tourism strategy focused on balance rather than boom.

This shift moves beyond crowd control to address carbon impact and community preservation. Expect more visitor limits in hotspots like the Gothic Quarter, with timed entries during peak hours. A stricter crackdown on illegal rentals - once numbering around 10,000 -

Madrid on the rise

MADRID is changing. Once a quiet force in Southern Europe, it is now emerging as a magnet for global talent, capital and culture. Billionaires are moving in, Michelin stars are multiplying, and the soundscape is no longer purely local.

This is a cultural and demographic shift. While still recognisably Spanish in rhythm and charm, the city has become a haven for foreign wealth and young professionals. Madrid is not

trying to mimic London or Paris - it is stepping into its own role.

Now leading Spain in per capita income, the city draws families, professionals and entrepreneurs from Latin America, North America and across Europe. Locals note the faster pace, fuller streets and more international voices. In districts like Chamberí and Salamanca, global accents are common, and the city feels noticeably busier.

Luxury is rising: historic

buildings are becoming designer flats, five-star hotels are growing, and banks now serve clients with assets over €50 million. Property prices rose 24.3 per cemt in a year, and demand is spilling into new neighbourhoods. Yet Madrid maintains a balanced pace. With safety, strong infrastructure, worldclass healthcare and a milder climate, it is becoming not just an affordable alternative, but a smart choice - one still very much its own.

aims to ease pressure on housing, after rents rose more than 30 per cent in a decade.

An increased tourist tax will now directly fund sustainability projects, from transport and green spaces to heritage preservation. Off-season travel and lesser-known districts like Poble Nou and Horta are being promoted to disperse footfall and offer more authentic experiences.

At its core, this is a sustainability-led strategy backed by €50 million in EU funding. Travellers are encouraged to book early, expect higher prices, and engage more meaningfully. The message is clear: come to Barcelona - but come differently.

From classic façades to cosmopolitan crowds - Madrid’s identity is shifting with the skyline.

The action is part of a wider campaign.

Photo credits: Freepik

Animal injustice

ANIMAL rights activists exposed severe animal abuse at the Elsfleth slaughterhouse through undercover footage. Despite revealing shocking mistreatment, a court has now ordered them to pay €98,000 in damages to the slaughterhouse - a controversial outcome following their efforts to uncover cruelty.

GERMANY IRELAND

Wild chase

A 41-YEAR-OLD driver on Germany’s A52 near Dorsten crashed into a guardrail after losing control of his Mitsubishi. Attempting to evade police, he climbed over the barrier and swam across a nearby pond to obscure his trail. Authorities deployed a helicopter and a tracking dog before finding him soaked and he was arrested.

EURO PRESS

Child support

CHILD-RELATED benefits in Ireland have lifted around 157,000 children out of income poverty and 94,000 out of consistent poverty, according to a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute. The study highlights the significant impact of cash supports like Child Benefit and in-kind supports such as childcare subsidies and free school meals in reducing child poverty and deprivation.

Tackling toxicity

FRANCE will show the British Netflix series

Adolescence in secondary schools to tackle toxic masculinity and online misogyny. The drama follows a 13-year-old’s radicalisation and violence. The Education Ministry will offer five modules to students 14 and older, aiming to raise awareness about social media’s harmful effects.

Dignity defended

GISÈLE PELICOT, survivor from the mass rape trial, has settled a privacy case against Paris Match, which published unauthorised photos of her and her partner. Her lawyers accused the magazine of ‘having learnt nothing’ from the trial. As part of the settlement, Paris Match will donate €40,000 to groups supporting sexual violence victims.

PORTUGAL NETHERLANDS ITALY

Seabed clean-up

VOLUNTEERS recently cleared around 200 kg of trash from Quarteira beach seabed, removing items like fishing gear, cans, glass, plastics, and rope. Thirty divers participated, joined by local environmental groups, boosting both beach cleanliness and public awareness about protecting marine environments.

ID fraud

A 53-YEAR-OLD man was arrested at Vila Real de Santo António while trying to enter Portugal via ferry using stolen identity documents. The operation, led by the GNR’s Coastal and Border Control Unit and supported by Spanish authorities, confirmed the fake ID and led to his detention by the judicial court.

NORWAY

Green innovation

BERGEN, uses an advanced underground pneumatic waste system to transport trash via vacuum tubes, reducing traffic, pollution, and fire risks. Since 2007, it has connected more than 10,000 homes, boosting recycling by 15 per cent and saving $22 million in waste collection costs, serving as a model for urban waste management.

Arctic damage

TOURISTS stacking stones in Arctic Norway are harming fragile ecosystems and ancient Sami cultural sites, especially in Saltfjellet National Park. Despite regulations banning this practice, it continues, damaging landscapes and heritage. Experts call for greater awareness and stricter enforcement to protect these vulnerable natural areas.

FRANCE DENMARK

Historic rebuild

THE controversial Nyborg Castle project has officially resumed after a four-year pause. The €44 million restoration includes a new museum wing, ring wall, and raised watchtower. Completion is expected in 2028, following environmental assessments and legislation.

Data insights

DENMARK is monitoring opioid use by analysing wastewater from six major cities, providing an objective measure of legal and illegal opioid consumption. Tests occur twice yearly over a week to track trends and target prevention and treatment efforts. This complements existing data in the government’s strategy against substance abuse.

Grid delay

POWER grid expansion plans in the Netherlands are facing delays of up to 10 years in some regions due to surging electricity demand from heat pumps, EVs, and business electrification. Grid operators have paused new high-demand connections, and despite major investments, officials warn of possible outages starting as early as 2026.

Biting costs

A SHARP rise in dental avoidance in the Netherlands - caused by high costs - has led to worsening oral health, increased use of painkillers, and more expensive emergency treatments. Unions and charities urge restoring adult dental care to the basic health package, arguing prevention is ultimately more cost-effective.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Production pivot

FINNISH passports will no longer be made in Finland, as Thales, the company producing Finnish passports since 1987, is moving manufacturing to Poland, cutting 160 Finnish jobs. Personalisation and marketing will stay in Finland to keep personal data secure. Officials say the change won’t affect passport delivery times.

Time’s up

GREENPEACE activists climbed the clock tower of Helsinki Central Railway Station on unfurling a nine-metre ‘Time to resist’ banner as part of a global campaign. They remained at the site and handed out flyers until police arrived. The protest highlighted concerns over corporate influence and environmental policies.

Secret summit

THE GRAND HÔTEL in Stockholm was fully booked for the Bilderberg Group’s annual meeting, bringing together influential political, economic, and intellectual leaders from Europe and North America. Swedish police implemented special security measures to ensure the event’s safety, highlighting the importance and exclusivity of the gathering.

Swimsuit smuggler

A MAN in his 20s was caught in Stockholm hiding 42 chocolate cakes in his swimsuit during a theft attempt. Police described the act as systematic and serious. Rising chocolate prices, up over 20 per cent since last year, have prompted some retailers to add theft alarms to confectionery products.

Luxury lift

THIS summer, Uber is launching helicopter and boat services along Italy’s Amalfi Coast from July 26 to August 23. The Uber Copter offers private helicopter rides between Sorrento and Capri for €250 per person. Uber Reserve also lets travellers book rides in advance, easing airport and coastal transfers on busy weekends.

Mega project

ITALY plans to begin building the world’s largest suspension bridge this summer, linking Sicily to the mainland. The €13.5 billion project aims to boost the local economy by reducing travel time and creating jobs. However, critics highlight environmental concerns, high costs, and Italy’s history of unfinished infrastructure projects.

BELGIUM

Wildlife shield

OSTEND has established the first permanent coastal protection zone for seals at Klein Strand, installing a wooden fence from the Western to Eastern breakwater to prevent disturbances. Volunteers, sheltered by a beach cabin, previously monitored dogs and visitors, ensuring seals can rest undisturbed.

Media literacy

ACCORDING to a report by Artevelde University College, Flemish youth increasingly recognise fake news, with greater awareness since the pandemic. However, only about 3 per cent can identify all false stories, and distrust is rising - 34 per cent of 18-24 year olds express low trust in news.

Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa

Way to earn respect

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WHAT on earth is going on with the British police force? They continually gripe about being undermanned and ill equipped. They moan about being so weighed down with work they have been forced to downgrade ‘risk assessment’ of crimes to a ridiculous level and are constantly moaning that they simply ‘can’t cope’ with the latest crime figures. As legitimate as these claims may be, the precious plod does seem to find the time to, dance around maypoles, thread their boots with rainbow laces and appear in a whole host of police reality programmes!

Well, whereas laces and prancing about may not be very time consuming, I can assure you reality programmes most certainly are. There are a dozen different cop shows running at the moment, from Cops in the Sky to the most recent which concerns endeavouring to seize criminal’s assets. Well, I’ve done a number of reality programmes (including a few I would rather forget!) and I

can assure you they take forever. Every five minutes you see on the screen can take hours to shoot. The retakes alone can be unbelievably time consuming. How can these ‘overworked’, rushed off their feet officers of the law, possibly find the time to be ‘reality stars’?

Another thing these shows are inclined to do is eat into the respect the public should hold for its upholders of law and order. Any aura of mystique or invincibility is stripped away by these programmes, which often show the utter contempt a small number of individuals have for the upholders of law and order.

With the wide publicity television creates, public disorder and criminal acts are then copied by other members of toe rag society, who would normally be wary of the unknown consequences their actions could bring. Respect for the law is obtained by solving crime and putting away the bad guys, not strutting around like the jumped-up, ego-tripping American TV robo cops. Let’s all get back to the true reality.

The fact is that glamourising the police doesn’t do one iota toward rooting out criminals. Posing on Telly and sig-

ning autographs simply doesn’t hack it. It’s time the powers that be put a complete ban on all Cop reality shows. Let’s restrict their TV appearances to announcements of successful conclusions to crime investigations. Now that’s the way to earn respect.

‘Oh, to be in England now that April’s here’ - well June anyway. Those immortal words from the pen of Robert Browning have never been more evident than my last few days of yet another quick sojourn to the ol’ country. My previous visit dumped me in the middle of the coldest spell for years, with people shuffling around liked iced up Eskimos. Not this time however. The beast from the east has been replaced by the shimmering sunshine of the south. The embankment of the Thames was quite magnificent, with sunlight bouncing off the water and terraces abounding with the blossoms of late Magnolias and lightly clad Londoners, all celebrating the fact that summer has most definitely arrived. Will it last? Probably not - Your Spanish vacation will be waiting! Keep the faith Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

New way of life in Vejer de la Frontera - Speaking European INTERVIEW

Like many others seeking a warmer, more connected lifestyle, Scott and Liesl made the leap from Stockholm to southern Spain last year - and they haven’t looked back.

SCOTT first discovered Vejer de la Frontera through a school exchange trip.

“I came with my stu dents and didn’t expect much,” he says. “But the people, the sunshine, and the relaxed way of life flows here stayed with me. It felt like how life should be.”

After two more visits, he was sure this was the place to call home.

Liesl quickly shared his feeling. “In Sweden, life was orderly but often isolating. We wanted sunshine - not just in the sky but in the warmth of the people and community.”

Drawn by the welcoming spirit and slower pace, they settled here with their child.

Yet, the move brought its challenges.

“Our first six months involved frustrating bureaucracy,”

Liesl admits. “It often felt like chasing a moving target, the paperwork is not easy.”

Language has also been a learning curve. “You really need Spanish,” Scott says. “But people here are kind and want you to belong.”

Now, almost settled, they feel the change has been worth it. “We wanted our child to grow up in a place that reflects who we are - energetic, open, maybe a little wild,” Liesl laughs. “Spain fits perfectly.”

Their story echoes that of many families searching for a new rhythm here in Spainone shaped by sunshine, connection, and a more human pace of life.

World’s oldest restaurant

IN Madrid, two historic taverns - Sobrino de Botín and Casa Pedro - are vying for the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest restaurant. Sobrino de Botín currently holds the title, officially recognised in 1987, with a founding date of 1725 and 300 years of uninterrupted service. Located near Plaza Mayor, it is famed for its roast suckling pig, slow-cooked in a centuries-old wood-fired oven. Literary figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and F Scott Fitzgerald were frequent guests.

Third-generation owner Antonio González notes Guinness requires evidence of continuous operation at the same site under the same name. Meanwhile, Casa Pedro, located on the outskirts of Madrid, claims it was founded in 1702. If verified, it would be 23

years older than Botín. The Guiñales family has hired a historian and found documents dating the tavern to at least 1750.

Casa Pedro, known for its rustic charm and wine menus, has served high-profile guests including King Juan Carlos I and King Felipe VI. Guinness rules out other historic restaurants like Paris’s Le Procope and Beijing’s Bianyifang for not meeting continuity criteria. For now, the title remains with Botín, but Casa Pedro’s claim continues to be investigated.

€1.14

billion investment

Both parties seem satisfied with the ambitious business venture.

NETFLIX co-CEO Ted Sarandos has announced plans to invest more than US $1 billion (approximately €1.14 billion) in Spain over the next four years. The announcement was made on June 10 at Netflix’s European Production Hub in Tres Cantos, Madrid, marking the company’s 10th anniversary in Spain.

Sarandos was joined by Netflix’s VP of content for Spain, Portugal, and Turkey, the Spanish minister for digital transformation Óscar López, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Sánchez has supported Spain’s growth in the audiovisual sector through the ‘Spain Audiovisual Hub’ plan, launched in 2021, which has already channelled US $1.8 billion into the industry.

Spanish productions have become a global success. In 2024 alone, Spanish content generated over five billion hours of global viewing, with eight titles ranked among Netflix’s top 10 non-English language hits. Series like Money Heist, Cable Girls, and Elite, and films such as the Oscar-winning Society of the Snow, were filmed at the Tres Cantos base - the EU’s largest, with 10 sound stages over 22,000 square metres. Netflix has produced over 1,000 Spanish titles since 2017, creating more than 20,000 jobs in over 200 locations. Sarandos praised Spain’s creative environment and said Netflix remains committed to deepening its partnership with the country.

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those

Inside the Sobrino de Botín restaurant.

Molly Grace

Credits: Molly Grace

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

AI fraud spike

FRAUD losses in the UK jumped 12 per cent last year to over £1 billion, driven by criminals using AI deepfakes and voice clones. Banks are being urged to deploy more adaptive AI tools to combat increasingly sophisticated financial scams and identity spoofing.

L’Oréal purchase

ON June 9, L’Oréal announced the acquisition of a majority stake in British dermocosmetics brand Medik8 - valued at around €1 billion - boosting its Luxe division. The deal, backed by JPMorgan and with Inflexion retaining a minority share, solidifies L’Oréal’s science-based skincare expansion.

China–Spain ties

CHINA’S VP Han Zheng opened a four-day visit to Spain on June 10, meeting King Felipe and PM Sánchez. Talks focused on Chinese investment in green tech, EV batteries, and hydrogen, while Madrid aims to boost tourism by 36 per cent from China this summer.

Abacum Series B

BARCELONA founded Abacum has secured a €52.5 million Series B led by Scale Venture Partners, with Cathay Innovation, Y Combinator, Creandum, Kfund and Atomico also investing. The business planning SaaS uses Agentic AI to unify financial data, accelerate scenario modelling and scale in the US, which now drives over half its revenue.

OfI revamp

THE UK has officially relaunched its Office for Investment, under joint leadership of Downing Street and the Department for Business and Trade. The revamped OfI will actively court high-impact foreign direct investment in tech, AI, green energy and scaleups - creating a more startup-friendly climate and supporting sustainable growth.

STAT OF WEEK

Spain’s tax agency has already paid €5.516 billion in refunds to 7,965,000 taxpayers.

Growth forecast cut

THE Bank of Spain has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast down from 2.7 to 2.4 per cent, citing global uncertainty and Trump tariffs as key reasons.

Governor José Luis Escrivá made the announcement on June 10, during a speech in Spain’s Congress of Deputies.

Escrivá linked the drop to weaker foreign demand and trade tensions driven by new US tariff policies. While Spain’s direct trade with the US is limited, some industries, including chemicals, are more vulnerable due to global supply chain exposure.

“The Spanish economy is experiencing a growth slowdown from rates above 3 per cent to around 2.5 per cent in the first half of 2025,” Escrivá explained.

In a potential worst-case scenario with continued tariff escalation,

growth could shrink by another 0.4 percentage points.

Meanwhile, the Bank projects average inflation to hit 2.4 per cent in 2025 – down slightly from the previous 2.5 per cent estimate. Unemployment is expected to hold steady at 10.5 per cent.

Escrivá also addressed the resig-

Startup raises €189m

SPANISH startup Multiverse Computing has raised €189 million ($217 million) to scale its breakthrough AI compression technology, CompactifAI, which shrinks large language models (LLMs) by up to 95 per cent with no performance loss.

The San Sebastian-based firm announced the Series B funding on June 12, led by Bullhound Capital, with support from HP Inc, Forgepoint Capital, Toshiba, and several public-private European investors.

CEO Enrique Lizaso Olmos said:

“What started as a breakthrough in model compression quickly proved transformative - unlocking new efficiencies in AI deployment.” (Cited by MultiverseComputing.com).

The tool, inspired by quantum physics, can cut AI inferen-

nation of economics director Ángel Gavilán, stressing it was unrelated to the bank’s recent annual report:

“I am delighted with Mr Gavilán. I would not have wanted him to have left,” Escrivá said. With global economic pressures mounting, do Spain’s revised targets still feel realistic?

ce costs by up to 80 per cent and run models on smaller devices like phones, drones, and even Raspberry Pi.

Compressed versions of Llama, DeepSeek, and Mistral are already live, with more to follow. According to Bullhound’s Per Roman, Multiverse is helping drive ‘European sovereignty’ in AI.

Deficit drop Spending review

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves unveiled the UK’s 2025 Spending Review, boosting defence, the NHS, and AI, while slashing foreign aid.

Defence gets an £11bn uplift, while the NHS gains £29bn a year, plus £10bn for digital upgrades. Reeves pledged £2bn for homegrown AI and £30bn for nuclear power.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office sees an 8.3 per cent cut, and asylum hotel use will end by 2029.

SPAIN’S budget deficit is forecast to fall from 3.2 to 2.8 per cent of GDP in 2025, according to the government’s Annual Progress Report.

The improvement is driven by VAT reversals, new fiscal measures, and stable expenditure. Revenue is expected to rise 6.3 per cent, outpacing nominal GDP growth.

However, structural challenges persist, with public debt projected to remain high at 101.7 per cent of GDP.

Defence spending will grow but is offset by cuts elsewhere. The report confirms Spain will meet EU fiscal rules – but just barely.

GIBRALTAR will raise its sales tax from 3 per cent to at least 15 per cent within three years under a new UK-EU post-Brexit deal, aligning with EU VAT rules to avoid unfair competition with Spain.

The agreement also shifts customs checks on all goods entering the British territory to Spanish authorities, mainly at Algeciras port.

Gibraltar’s airport will close to cargo, impacting logistics and fuelling costs for local businesses.

ZARA’S parent company Inditex reported a 6 per cent revenue rise in early Q2, but warned that currency fluctuations could cut sales by 3 per cent this year, up from the 1 per cent previously expected.

Shares dropped 6.4 per cent in early Madrid trading. Barclays analysts said the update “fails to dispel concerns on slowing growth.” Inditex expects global demand and FX volatility to weigh further on results in 2025.

Footballers in €3m crypto scam

TOP football players including Papu Gómez, Lucas Ocampos, and Iván Rakitic are under investigation in Barcelona for promoting a failed NFT project that allegedly defrauded investors of €3 million.

The company, Shirtum Europa SLU, used the players’ images to market $SHI tokens and NFTs, which never delivered value or utility.

Accusers claim funds vanished without explanation, and prosecutors are investigating fraud and misappropriation. Personal ties between Gómez and one of the promoters may complicate his legal exposure.

THOUSANDS of Poundland jobs are at risk after the retailer was sold for just €1 to US firm Gordon Brothers, former owners of Laura Ashley. The sale includes a restructuring plan and repayment of tens of millions to former owner Pepco Group, which retains a minority stake.

Up to 100 stores could shut across the UK and Ireland, putting pressure on the chain’s 16,000 workers.

Governor José Luis Escrivá.

Multiverse.

3I Group 4.129,00 4.141,00 4.109,00 36,33K

Group 3.300,40 3.307,20 3.286,00 12,87K

Airtel Africa 176 178 175,5 169,71K Anglo American 2.152,00 2.156,00 2.131,00 101,04K Antofagasta 1.815,00 1.821,00 1.804,42 52,44K Ashtead Group 4.298,00 4.299,00 4.270,00 35,23K Associated British Foods 2.042,00 2.047,00 2.035,00 16,85K

10.920,00 10.946,00 10.890,00 50,21K Auto Trader Group Plc 810,8 814,6 810,4 37,62K Aviva 606,2 607,13 603,6 288,56K

B&M European Value Retail SA

261,5 256,5 545,07K BAE Systems 1.946,00 1.953,50 1.940,00 411,08K

324,07 325,1 319,65 4,02M Barratt Redrow 473,3 475,9 471,4 83,27K

Beazley 921,5 927,5 918,5 51,38K

Berkeley 4.254,00 4.280,00 4.246,00 4,14K

BP 390,75 393,8 390,45 4,31M British American Tobacco 3.605,00

BUSINESS

EXTRA

VodafoneThree 5G

FOLLOWING its £16.5 bn merger, VodafoneThree has unveiled an £11 billion investment plan to roll out standalone 5G across 99.95 per cent of the UK by 2034 (up from 47 per cent). This will create 400 contact centre jobs now, plus 9,000 roles over the next eight years.

Summer hotel staff

THOUSANDS of hotel workers across the Canary and Balearic Islands threaten rolling strikes every Friday from July onward, protesting pay and conditions. Despite wage offers between 9.513.5 per cent, unions say they’re insufficient. The disruption could impact Spain’s crucial summer tourism, advising visitors to plan ahead.

BBVA has become the fourth-largest bank financing data centres in the US between January and May 2025, according to its Global Head of Sustainability and CIB, Javier Rodríguez Soler. Speaking at an event hosted by the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce in Houston, Rodríguez Soler reaffirmed BBVA’s growing footprint in the US, calling it the bank’s fastest-expanding corporate market.

He highlighted surging demand for energy due to electrification, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation - factors driving investment in infrastructure like power

BBVA ranks in US

Freixenet deal

FREIXENET workers have reached a preliminary deal with the cava producer to reduce planned layoffs from 180 to 156, including 32 early retirements, following union negotiations. The adjusted figure brings actual job losses down to 124. The agreement includes severance compensation of 50 days’ salary per year worked, with no

cap. A strike that began has now been called off after workers voted to accept the terms on June 4. Freixenet cites the ongoing three-year drought in Catalonia as the reason for severe operational disruptions. The company insists the cuts are ‘urgent’ to ensure long-term sustainability in the face of climate and supply challenges.

grids, renewable energy, and data storage. “Clean technologies are not only necessary - they are also a profitable option,” he stressed.

BBVA’s sustainability-focused strategy includes a new Houston hub and expanded operations in New York and Miami. The bank sees major opportunities in Texas, with $700 billion needed for power transmission and 800 gigawatts of renewable energy expected across the US by 2035.

Rodríguez Soler also underlined BBVA’s role as a bridge between Spain, Mexico, and the US, tapping into nearshoring trends. The bank aims to channel €700 billion in sustainable business by 2029, up from €304 billion since 2018.

The event was attended by Spain’s Economy Minister and marked the launch of a Spanish investment barometer for the US.

Snap UK leader

SNAP (the parent company of Snapchat) has appointed Jake Thomas as its new Senior Commercial Director for the UK, based in London.

Previously Head of UAE Operations since 2017, he’ll now drive Snap’s UK business and digital strategy, managing brand partnerships, monetisation models, and a high-performance commercial team.

SPAIN has the highest banking concentration in the EU. The top five financial institutions in the Spanish market account for a 69.5 per cent share. This is ahead of Italy (48.7 per cent), France (45.3 per cent), and Germany (33.4 per cent), according to European Central Bank data.

BBVA, Houston, Texas.

Credit: Brett Hondow, Shutterstock.

Oldest fingerprint found

ARCHAEOLOGISTS

are celebrating a rare discovery: a perfectly preserved Neanderthal fingerprint, believed to be around 43,000 years old. Found in central Spain at the Abrigo de San Lázaro site near Segovia - where some of the last European Neanderthals once lived - it may be the oldest and best-preserved Neanderthal fingerprint uncovered to date.

Although first discovered in 2022, the findings were only detailed in a report released this May. The dark orange-red fingerprint appears in the centre of a 20-centimetre rock, which archaeologists say resembles a human face - a phenomenon known as pareidolia. It is thought the Neanderthal may have noticed this resemblance and deliberately placed the

A 43,000-year-old Neanderthal fingerprint has been found in Spain.

mark where the nose would be. Non-invasive testing confirmed the fingerprint was made using ochre, a natural pigment containing ferric oxide.

The rock, larger than others in the same sediment layer, stood out due to the striking red

mark. Its layer has been dated to between 43,000 and 42,000 years ago, near the end of Neanderthal history.

Forensic specialists from Spain’s National Police used multispectral imaging to reveal fingerprint ridges, concluding it was likely left

Zaragoza: From Caesar to cathedrals and a bit of Goya

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

IF you’ve ever fancied visiting a city founded by the Romans, defended by poets’ heroines and blessed with not one but two cathedrals, Zaragoza in central Aragon is waiting for you!

Once known as Caesaraugustayes, that Caesar! - Zaragoza began as a ‘Celtiberian’ settlement before the Romans claimed it around the first century BCE. Since then, it’s hosted Visigoths, Moors and a very unwelcome Napoleon. Charlemagne tried to pop by in 778, but a Saxon uprising back home ruined his travel plans.

Heroism is in the city’s bones. During the Peninsular War (1808-09), the citizens held out magnificently against the French. Among them, María Augustín, the ‘Maid of Sara-

gossa’, gained eternal fame - and a shout-out from Lord Byron in his poem ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’.

Zaragoza boasts the grand Gothic La Seo Cathedral and the majestic Pilar Basilica, built on the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared according to legend in CE 40. You’ll also find Goya’s brushwork there.

Don’t miss the Aljafería Palace - an Islamic architectural gem - or the stately Renaissance palaces peppering the city.

Today, Zaragoza blends past and progress. It’s a thriving hub of industry, education and trade fairs, powered by Pyrenean dams and piped-in oil. From medieval towers to modern rail links, Zaragoza remains a city of enduring energy, history and eyebrow-raising stories. So, put on your walking shoes and get exploring!

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

Heartbreak at the gate

by an adult male Neanderthal.

While other Neanderthal prints have been found, this may be the first intentionally placed, potentially symbolic one - adding to growing evidence that Neanderthals engaged in symbolic thought.

A YOUNG woman has accused RyanAir of preventing her from seeing her dying grandfather due to a carry-on luggage dispute. Carmen Díaz, a TikTok creator (@carmendiazguadamuro), shared her story on June 10, alleging that her bag was deemed two centimetres too large to fit horizontally into the airline’s measuring box, leading to her being charged a €60 fee. Despite her bag fitting vertically, she was told she had to pay or be denied boarding.

Díaz, who had paid €285 for a one-way ticket from Brussels to Asturias, said she was trying to get there urgently before her grandfather passed away. After agreeing to pay

the fee, she was later told the gate had closed and that she had refused to pay, a claim she says was false and recorded incorrectly by staff. She was left unable to board, missing both the flight and the chance to say goodbye.

Díaz criticised RyanAir for lacking customer support and highlighted EU proposals that could grant airlines more freedom over luggage fees, potentially causing more confusion and similar incidents.

The video has gone viral with over eight million views, drawing widespread sympathy but also scepticism about RyanAir’s role. RyanAir has not issued an official response.

Depp and Cruz

JOHNNY DEPP is back in the spotlight, blending filming and tourism across Spain. The American actor, 62, has been seen on location in Barcelona, Teruel, the Canary Islands, and now Madrid, where he visited the Reina Sofía Museum with long-time friend and co-star Penélope Cruz.

The pair are currently shooting Day Drinker, a dark action thriller directed by Marc Webb, described as Depp’s most ambitious film since his defamation trial with Amber Heard.

Following the mixed reception of Modi, his second directorial work, Depp is back in front of the camera, sharing scenes with Cruz, Madelyn Cline, Juan Diego Botto and others. Set for release in 2026, Day Drinker involves a mysterious encounter between a waitress and a criminal aboard a boat.

While filming scenes in Vilanova

i la Geltrú and Tenerife, Depp also found time to shoot a Dior fragrance advert in Teruel and pose beside Picasso’s Guernica. The museum shared photos of the visit, which sparked online buzz. Depp was also joined by Argentine businessman Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez, who praised the visit as a powerful artistic moment.

Their connection reportedly grew during international film festivals throughout 2024.

Photo Credit: D. Álvarez-Alonzo ET AL/Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 2025

Depp and Cruz pose in front of Guernica at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Emergency service boost

MIJAS Council has approved a budget exceeding €1 million to enhance the municipality’s security and emergency services during its latest plenary session.

The funds will facilitate the purchase of body cameras, breathalysers, speed radars, surveillance drones, public road signalling systems, and upgrades to the police shooting range. Additional investments include maintenance of security systems in municipal buildings and improvements to the police headquarters’ garage ventilation. The budget also covers new uniforms, specialised supplies, enhanced weaponry, ammunition, and ongoing training programmes.

Councillor for Fire Department and Civil Protection, Francisco Jerez, praised the council’s commitment, noting the Fire Brigade will receive new intervention helmets, personal protective equipment, and a €150,000 technical project for a new fire station.

Axarquia

Safest beaches plan

TORROX has launched its innovative ‘by land, sea, and air’ beach surveillance campaign, a pioneering effort in Spain, running from June 14 to September 14, daily from 11.30am to 8.30pm. Over 40 professionals, supported by vehicles, boats, drones, and water rescue dogs, ensure safety along Torrox’s coastline. Mayor Óscar Medina unveiled the programme, stressing its trailblazing approach.

The service has been contracted for €502,000 from Provita Sociedad Cooperativa Madrileña, which includes a coordinator, 18 certified aquatic lifeguards, three emergency medical technicians, two jet ski operators, and five healthcare professionals. In July and August, five beach informants join to manage peak crowds.

Torrox is the first Spanish municipality to integrate water rescue dogs, trained by Global K9 Instructor, and weekend drones - one with flotation devices, another for surveillance and loud-speaker announcements. Accessibility is improved too with an amphibious chair, walkers, and crutches.

Costa Blanca North

From Alfas to the Everest

WHEN Akkal Bahadur Bohora left Nepal for Spain nearly two decades ago, he had no idea that one day he would carry the name of his adopted home to the top of the world.

But on Sunday May 19, at precisely 6.30am, he stood on the summit of Mount Everest - 8,848.86 metres above sea level - with a Spanish flag bearing the names l’Alfàs del Pi and l’Albir fluttering in his hand.

This was no ordinary expedition. It was the culmination of a dream forged through hardship, perseverance and deep personal transformation. For 10 years, Bohora had quietly prepared to scale the planet’s highest peak. On Friday 13 June, l’Alfàs del Pi honoured this extraordinary journey.

“I arrived in Spain with nothing,” Bohora told the mayor. “But this town gave me everything.” Through years of effort, he built a stable life and opened his own restaurant — yet never lost touch with his native Nepal.

Costa Blanca South Alicante eyes US

THE Valencian government is forging ahead with plans to establish direct flights between Alicante and the United States, a move which is likely to revolutionise the Costa Blanca’s tourism scene.

Led by Tourism Minister Marián Cano, a delegation from the Consell will head out west on a commercial mission to New York and then later to Atlanta with talks involving Delta Air Lines, to negotiate the possibility of a direct Alicante-New York route. The strategy hopes to tap into the extremely lucrative US market, which ranked the Valencian Community 14th among visitors in 2024, with 143,464 tourists. American travellers are considered particularly valuable due to their higher average spending and growing interest in sustainable tourism.

The new flights are expected to attract wealthier American tourists with greater purchasing power, shifting the focus from traditional beach holidays to immersive experiences all about the region’s rich culture, history, and gastronomy.

Almeria

Cuevas summer sparkles

CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA has officially launched Smart Verano 2025, a jam-packed summer agenda featuring over 80 cultural and leisure activities, promising an unforgettable few months for locals, families, tourists, and adventure-seekers alike.

Presented by Mayor Antonio Fernández and First Deputy Mayor Míriam Quintana, the announcement took place by the stunning Cala Invencible, framed by breathtaking sea views. The programme includes concerts under the stars, beachside cinema, family workshops, astronomy nights, guided routes, and much more to engage all generations.

“This is about living our town to the fullest,” said Fernández. “Our coastline is magical, but every village and pedanía will also shine with events that bring people together.”

Smart Verano 2025 also offers practical information on sports facilities, local trails, cultural resources, and unique recreational spots. Among the highlights: aquagym sessions on the beach and in the municipal pool, plus scenic hikes.

Costa Calida

Historic air show

HUNDREDS of thousands of people lined the beaches of the Mar Menor on Sunday, June 15, to watch the 2025 San Javier Air Show, a big event marking the 40th anniversary of Spain’s famous Patrulla Águila. People came from all over Europe to see what many called the most impressive air show Spain has ever hosted.

Crowds filled bars, restaurants, balconies, and every available spot along the beach. Speaker towers were set up along the coast from San Pedro del Pinatar to Los Alcázares, blasting music, updates from the organisers, and even live messages from the pilots. The atmosphere was incredible, and all eyes were on the sky!

King Felipe VI attended the show from the military officers’ club in San Javier. The event featured more than 30 aircraft from six countries. It started with a skydive display by Spain’s Parachute Acrobatics Team, followed by a dramatic demonstration from a firefighting plane.

PETS

Cats stay safe at home with the cat-sitter

“FROM the moment we joined HouseSitMatch we felt very comfortable with and important to the business. A personal service with both the administrators and our pet-sitters. We recently completed our first experience of leaving our cats and our home with HouseSitMatch sitters. Our sitters came as strangers and left as friends. It was the first time we had left our cats, but we were reassured by having the presence of our sitters so the cats did not have to leave their home. The security our sitters gave our home in our absence was an added bonus. Sitters through HouseSitMatch will be our first port of call for our next trip.”

Sandra Barton, cat owner HouseSitMatch saves you money

We promote collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win! HouseSitMatch is safe - all mem-

Patsy and Eddie are great companions, and love a cat-sitter when their owner travels away.

bers are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters come to care for your pets in

your absence.

Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.

If you’re planning travel this year, join now. Get organised today:

1. Register as a housesitter or a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos

4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match! How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

Need a pet-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

Licking logic

IT’S a common question among dog owners: why does your dog lick you, and what does it mean? Licking is a natural canine behaviour that can serve multiple purposes, and yes, it can be a sign of affection. Puppies often lick their mother’s face to communicate and seek comfort, and this behaviour can carry over into adulthood. When your dog licks you, it’s often their way of showing love, seeking attention, or even trying to comfort you.

However, licking can also be linked to anxiety or a desire for taste - perhaps you’ve got some intriguing food residue on your skin.

For some owners, constant licking can become a bit too much. To gently discourage the behaviour, try redirecting their attention with toys or a game. Avoid punishing them, as this can cause confusion and anxiety. Instead, reinforce calm behaviour with praise or treats when they stop licking. If the licking seems excessive or obsessive, a vet check is a good idea to rule out any underlying medical or behavioural issues.

Shear dilemma

WITH temperatures rising, many dog owners consider giving their furry friend a summer trim to keep them cool. But is cutting a dog’s hair the best way to beat the heat? Surprisingly, a dog’s fur is more than just a coat; it acts as a natural insulator, protecting them from both heat and cold. Double coated breeds like Golden Retrievers and Huskies rely on their undercoat to regulate temperature, meaning that shaving can actually disrupt their ability to stay cool. Instead of helping, it may expose their skin to sunburn or insect bites.

Fine features

A CAT’S whiskers are more than just cute facial features - they’renely tuned sensory tools essential to their daily life.

These specialised hairs, known as vibrissae, are deeply embedded in the skin and packed with nerves, allowing cats to detect even the slightest changes in their environment.

Surprisingly, cats don’t just have whiskers on their muzzle. They also appear above the eyes, on the chin, and even on the backs of their front legs. Whiskers help judge tight

Shutterstock / McLey

spaces, detect movement, and maintain balance. They can also re ect mood - forward-facing whiskers often mean a cat is curious or hunting, while attened ones signal fear or aggression. Each whisker is precisely spaced to match the width of the cat’s body, aiding navigation in darkness. Trimming whiskers can disorient a cat, so they should never be cut. Even more fascinating, whiskers can pick up air vibrations, making them excellent tools for hunting. In short, whiskers are vital, not decorative.

Even single coated breeds benefit from the barrier their fur provides against the suns rays.

Regular grooming, including brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting, is often more effective than cutting or shaving. This allows air to circulate, keeping your dog comfortable during warm weather. Ultimately, while a trim might be fine for certain breeds, it’s always wise to consult your vet or groomer to understand what’s best for your dog’s individual needs.

22 CLASSIFIEDS

BUY & SELL

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

CAR HIRE

LEOCAR, CAR HIRE. Free airport service and competitive e rates!. www.leocar.com. Mobile 0034 609 622 746 (312353)

FOR SALE/WANTED

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

MOTORING

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent

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

service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

OTHERS

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

BLINDS

MOTORING

Renault 4 E-Tech electric - reinvention of original

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

THE Renault 4 E-Tech electric, a modern reinvention of the iconic original, will be priced from £26,995 OTR when order books open here in the UK in July.

Available in three trim levels from launch - evolution, techno (£28,995), and iconic (£30,995), with the option of the electric ‘plein sud™’ canvas roof on the latter two, from a later date - Renault say the 4 E-Tech electric continues the original Renault 4’s sense of go-anywhere practicality, with increased ground clearance and suspension optimised for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

In the first of many nods to the original Renault 4’s design, the front grille is made from a single 1.45m-long piece and illuminated with a continuous surround (available from techno trim). Likewise, the original’s iconic three-part rear lights are given a new lease of life.

Other retro-inspired touches include the bonnet lines that continue to the bottom of the grille, the rear quarter window, the three lines sculpted into the doors that bring to mind the plastic protectors of the original, and the distinctive forms in the roof, now adorned with roof bars.

The boot space of 420 litres reveals various little touches such as the four lashing hooks, two bag hooks, rubber bands to hold objects in place, and storage compartments including a 55-litre underfloor area perfect for the charging cable. With the rear seat folded down boot space is extended to 1,405 litres.

Play store. On these models, the central screen is joined by a 10-inch digital driver information display.

Evoking the original, the ‘plein sud™’ electric opening canvas roof opens at the touch of a button or by voice control. Six body colours are available from launch, including an exclusive new shade - Hautsde-France Green - that pays tribute to the Île-de-France Blue of the 1960s.

The 52 kWh battery powers a 110 kW (150 hp, 245 Nm) electric motor that accelerates the Renault 4 E-Tech electric from 0 to 100kph/62mph in 8.2 seconds, with a driving range of up to 247 miles. The new One Pedal function (available from techno) optimises regenerative braking, decelerating smoothly when the driver releases the accelerator pedal and coming to a stop without the driver having to apply the brake.

Standard across the range is wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® connectivity, accessed via a 10.1-inch central

Spain’s most popular car

YOU might expect the top-selling car in Spain in 2025 to be a sleek Tesla or a premium electric model. However, the most popular vehicle is neither fully electric nor high-end. It is a full hybrid, combining fuel and battery power, requiring no charging stations. This reflects how Spaniards are approaching the green transition.

Hybrid sales are surpassing those of petrol, diesel, and fully electric cars. Brands like Toyota and Dacia lead the market with models such as the Toyota Corolla Yaris Cross and the Dacia Jogger, now common on Spanish roads.

Hybrids appeal because they self-charge through braking, qualify for eco incentives including tax breaks and access to low-emission zones, are more affor-

Credit: Leif Bergerson from Pexels via Canva.com

Spain’s top-selling car of 2025 isn’t a flashy SUV or electric vehicle.

dable than electric vehicles, and are simpler to use without waiting for a charge.

Despite EU climate goals and Spain’s push for electric vehicles, infrastructure remains insufficient outside major cities. Public chargers are scarce in rural areas, where car ownership is essential and electricity costs are high. Reports of rare but highly publicised electric vehicle fires have also shaken consumer confidence.

While EVs attract

headlines, hybrids dominate sales as a practical, cheaper, and safer alternative. With average wages below the EU norm and fluctuating fuel prices, affordability drives choices. Once mocked for their budget focus, brands like Dacia now outsell flashier rivals.

The hybrid may be neither flashy nor fully electric, but it suits the practical needs of most Spaniards - progress defined by convenience rather than prestige.

vices built-in, including Google Maps with charging-optimised route planning and a variety of apps from the Google

Already the recipient of the ‘Electric Car of the Year’ award in the TopGear. com Electric Car Awards 2025, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric further expands Renault’s already burgeoning EV line-up.

Leinster dominate

IN a rain-drenched Dublin, Leinster secured their first United Rugby Championship title in four years, overwhelming the Bulls with 19 points in the opening 23 minutes at Aviva Stadium.

More than 46,000 fans, roused by a Beach Boys tribute to Brian Wilson, witnessed Leinster’s dominance.

Leinster’s victory came from a fierce collective effort, particularly in the back row, where Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier scored two first-half tries. Ryan Baird’s 80-minute consistency and the forwards, led by Thomas Clarkson and Andrew Porter, dismantled the Bulls’ scrum. Leinster’s aggression in collisions and line speed stifled the Bulls’ predictable attacks, with fly-half Sam Prendergast tackling hard and rallying his team.

A key moment came

early when Johan Goosen fumbled a grubber from Jordie Barrett, leading to a scrum penalty. Conan’s try followed, sparked by Dan Sheehan’s break and Tommy O’Brien’s clean-out. Prendergast’s tough-angle conversion and tackle on Marco van Staden underlined Leinster’s intent. Barrett’s chip and perfectly timed kick made it 14-0 after 14 minutes. The Bulls’ errors, which led to Harold Vorster’s penalty, Grob belaar’s

neout, and David Kriel’s wayward offload, were forced by Leinster’s pressure. Van der Flier’s try from a maul sealed the first half.

Prendergast’s 50:22 kick and a penalty pushed the lead to 22-0, despite a sloppy phase. Leinster’s early dominance, scrum power, and relentless intensity ensured a deserved triumph, marking a significant milestone.

Ballon d’Or finalists

LIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated world football for over a decade, a reign that now seems nearly impossible to replicate. As the 2024-25 season draws to a close, no clear Ballon d’Or favourite has emerged, with the new Club World Cup set to play a decisive role.

Gerard Piqué recently backed Ousmane Dembélé for the award, expressing admiration for his former Barcelona teammate, whom he described as a brother. However, Piqué’s pick is Lamine Yamal, praising the 17-year-old for his extraordinary talent and drawing comparisons with Pelé after Yamal’s three Euro 2024 appearances matched the Brazilian legend’s record.

The award remains wide open, with

Hamilton looking

LEWIS HAMILTON, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has dismissed the idea that he urgently needs a strong result at the Canadian Grand Prix, despite a challenging start at Ferrari. Starting fifth at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where he shares a record seven wins with Michael Schumacher, Hamilton remains confident in his integration with the Maranello team, countering external views of problems.

Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari last season raised high expectations, but results have been modest. He secured a sprint win in China and a third-place finish in Miami’s sprint race, yet consistently has missed out on podiums.

Sitting sixth in the drivers’ standings with 71 points, he trails teammate Char les Leclerc by 23 points, who has earned three po diums in the last five races.

He says his team is still loo king for that ‘sweet spot’ in the motor.

three frontrunners: Yamal, Dembélé, and Kylian Mbappé.

Yamal led Barcelona to a domestic treble and a Champions League semi-final, registering 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches. His absence from the Club World Cup, however, could hinder his chances.

Dembélé, revitalised under Luis Enrique at PSG, has scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 49 games, guiding the club to its first European Cup. Mbappé, though less dominant this season, scored 43 goals in 56 matches for Real Madrid. He lifted the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup and could still become the first world champion in the Club World Cup’s new format.

for ‘sweet spot’

need for a defining result in Canada. “It looks a lot worse outside than it is on the inside,” he said, emphasising efforts to refine the SF-25 car’s setup. He noted constructive discussions with engineers to find its ‘sweet spot’, adapting his 18 years of experience to Ferrari’s methods.

Despite challenges, Hamilton is optimistic for a strong Montreal weekend, where he has historically excelled, indicating that Ferrari’s internal progress may soon bring results on

Speaking at a press conference, Hamilton rejected the

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the Ballon d’Or for over a decade.

Lewis Hamilton wearing the Ferrari shield.

Credit: Jay HiranoShutterstock.

Credit:

Leinster rugbyFacebook