Mallorca I No. 2155 I 22 - 28 October 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal PM - 140 - 2004 - ISSN 2488-1686
A big swing for charity PALMA’S international superyacht community has raised an incredible £55,000 (around €65,000) for charity after coming together for a day of golf, networking and fundraising at Golf Son Quint. Organised by the Superyacht Charities Foundation, the annual tournament brought together professionals from across the maritime industry, combining friendly competition with a shared commitment to supporting charitable causes in Mallorca and beyond. Participants took part in a two-person Texas Scramble competition before enjoying a barbecue, prize-giving ceremony and charity raffle. Live coverage was provided by Wave Mallorca, helping bring the event to a wider audience across the island. This year’s island beneficiaries are Yachting Gives Back and Fundació Joves Navegants, two organisations working to make a positive differ-
Credit: SuperyachtCharities
The event raised a whopping amount for charity.
ence in the local community. The tournament forms part of Superyacht Charities’ wider fundraising programme, which stages events in the UK, Palma and Antigua. Over its 11-year history, the foundation has raised and donated £1.3 million to charitable causes. Its events provide an opportunity for professionals from the international yachting industry to build connections
while raising vital funds for organisations supporting people in need. The foundation also supports local causes through its Cash4Causes fund, extending its reach beyond individual fundraising events. Organisers expressed their gratitude to the businesses supporting this year’s tournament, including Peninsula Yacht Services, Howden, MIMO Connect, Divergent Yachting, Ar-
rival Yachts, Bluewater Yachting and Astilleros de Mallorca. The foundation also receives year-round backing from four dedicated Administrator Sponsors: DSNM, Yotspot, Diver-
gent Yachting and Peninsula Yacht Services. Their financial support enables the charity to employ an administrator who assists its volunteer trustees in organising and delivering four annual fundraising events. The trustees themselves work entirely on a voluntary basis and receive no fees for their involvement. This combination of volunteer commitment and sponsor support helps keep the foundation’s operating costs low, allowing an impressive 97 per cent of the proceeds raised to go directly to its chosen charitable beneficiaries. The money raised in Palma highlights the generosity and community spirit of an industry that brings together
people from across the world. Beyond the golf course, the tournament demonstrates how businesses and individuals within the superyacht sector can use their networks and resources to support worthwhile causes. With its annual events continuing to raise funds across several international destinations, Superyacht Charities is helping turn the maritime community’s collective efforts into practical support for charities. The latest tournament was a resounding success, proving that when Palma’s international yachting community comes together, it can make a meaningful difference to lives across the island and further afield.
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LOCAL NEWS
Prohens in the Port Credit: Instagram/MargaProhens
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The Balearic president attended a charity event in Port d’Andratx.
PORT D’ANDRATX came alive with music, market stalls and a strong spirit of community as Balearic president Marga Prohens joined a charity event raising awareness of breast cancer on Saturday, October 17. A large crowd gathered to enjoy live music in a wonderful atmosphere, with outdoor bars adding to the lively waterfront setting. Market stalls offered a range of handcrafted items and other goods, giving visitors the chance to support local sellers. The event brought together volunteers, residents, businesses and artists for an afternoon of solidarity organised with the support of Andratx Town Hall and the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). Prohens thanked everyone who had contributed their time and energy, highlighting
how breast cancer affects countless families, touching mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues. She also stressed the importance of research, improved treatments and healthcare professionals in increasing survival rates, while encouraging women to attend screening appointments and seek regular check-ups. The president highlighted progress in the Balearic Islands’ early detection programme, revealing that more than 32,200 women took part in breast cancer screening in 2025, a 20 per cent increase on the previous year. Prohens urged residents to keep breaking the silence and prioritising their health, as Port d’Andratx united behind a cause that has touched so many lives.
Emotive rescue A POLICE OFFICER’S embrace of a frightened dog on a Mallorca motorway has drawn widespread online praise while casting light on Spain’s pet abandonment crisis. On Sunday, October 11, Palma Local Police stopped traffic on the Ma-19 motorway near exit 12 to rescue a large stray dog. Motorised unit officers were responding to a drink-driving crash at around 8.30am when colleagues spotted the animal running loose on the carriageway. After taking hold of the dog for its safety, officers found no collar or microchip. One officer knelt beside the distressed animal, holding it gently to offer comfort until collection. Palma Local Police shared an image of the moment on social media, noting that “protecting others also means this” as they ap-
Credit: Policia de Mallorca
Cop tries to ease fears of dog on motorway.
pealed for the owner to come forward. The rescue reflects a broader national issue. Figures from Fundación Affinity reveal Spanish shelters have taken in 169,268 dogs and 116,452 cats during 2025, which is an average of nearly 783 animals arriving daily. Though slightly down on 2024, rescue organisa-
tions report heavy strain. Previous data indicates three out of four animals lack microchips, hindering efforts to reunite lost pets with families. Charities continue to urge owners to update registration details, stressing that unwanted litters and house moves drive high rates of strays across the country.
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22 - 28 October 2026
Tax savings in sight
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Autumn adjustment October’s clock change Credit: Daniel Myjones / Shutterstock
NEWS
Credit: Carlos_Pascual - Shutterstock
LANDLORDS AWAIT RULING
Spain’s clocks are due to change again this October, with no permanent fix yet in sight.
Renting out a property in Spain?
BRITISH homeowners who rent out property in Spain could soon pay less tax as the country’s Supreme Court reviews current regulations. Judges are examining whether non-European Union residents should be allowed to deduct rental expenses such as repairs, maintenance, and insurance from their taxable income. Currently, British landlords pay Non-Resident Income Tax at 24 per cent on gross rental earnings, with no allowance for costs. By contrast,
EU residents pay 19 per cent and can deduct eligible expenses. For a UK owner earning €12,000 annually with €4,000 in expenses, the proposed change would reduce their tax bill from €2,880 to €1,920, saving €960 each year. The legal challenge stems from a US resident renting out a Barcelona flat. Spain’s tax authority blocked expense deductions, but the National Court ruled in the owner’s favour, finding the restriction violated EU
principles on the free movement of capital. State lawyers appealed, leading the Supreme Court to accept the case. If upheld, the decision could benefit non-EU landlords worldwide. However, no final judgement has been delivered yet, and the current rules remain active. Tax advisers encourage property owners not to assume a refund is guaranteed until the court issues its definitive ruling, but to check with their Spanish accountant in any case.
SPAIN’S clocks go back from 3am to 2am on Sunday, October 25, the same ritual Pedro Sánchez wanted to scrap for good. Last October the prime minister called the twice-yearly change “obsolete” and asked Brussels to abolish it, arguing it barely saves energy and disrupts sleep. Nearly a year on, the Council of the EU still has not agreed a common position, and the European Commission has instead published clock-change dates running all the way to 2031. The dates are provisional rather than a permanent fix, but for now they are the only long-term schedule that exists. Part of the difficulty is deciding which time to keep. Spain’s geography puts it in the same natural time zone as the UK and Portugal, but General Franco moved the clocks forward in 1940 to align with Germany, and the country never went back. Sleep experts favour permanent winter time as healthier, while the tourism industry prefers summer time for the extra evening light. Until ministers agree, none of it changes what happens this month. The UK also sets its clocks back on October 25.
Credit : Quisquilia, Shutterstock
Monthly deduction changes FUTURE PENSION FINANCING WORKERS in Spain will face a slightly higher Social Security deduction from January 1, 2027, to help finance the national pension system. However, for most employees, the monthly difference will amount to only a few cents per month. Under the Intergenerational Equity Mechanism (MEI) introduced in 2023, the employee contribution rate will rise from 0.15 per cent in 2026 to 0.17 per cent in 2027. This forms part of a scheduled legislative increase rather than a new tax. For an employee with a €2,000 monthly contribution base, the deduction increases from €3 to €3.40 per month, adding €4.80 annually. Those with a €1,500 base will pay €2.55 monthly, while workers
on €2,500 and €3,000 will pay €4.25 and €5.10 respectively. Employers bear most of the overall burden. The total MEI rate reaches 1 per cent in 2027, with employers paying 0.83 per cent. Their contribution does not reduce net salary. Funds collected enter the Social Security Reserve Fund to support future pensions, though individual payouts do not increase as a result. Further rises are set for 0.18 per cent in 2028 and 0.20 per cent in 2029. Appearing on payslips as MEI or Mecanismo de Equidad Intergeneracional, the deduction may be offset by pay rises or tax adjustments.
Workers in Spain will see their MEI contribution rise from January 2027.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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22 - 28 October 2026
PEGUERA came alive on Saturday, October 17, as hundreds of athletes and spectators gathered for the 12th Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, bringing international sporting excitement and a boost to the Calvia resort. The middle-distance triathlon featured a 1.9-kilometre swim, a 90-kilometre cycle and a 21.1-kilometre run, with enthusiastic crowds cheering competitors along the coastline and at the finish line near Tora beach. Slovenia’s Matevž Nunar claimed a dramatic victory in the men’s professional race, overtaking Germany’s Alexander Kull during the final kilometre. Nunar finished in three hours, 42
Triathlon thrills Island floods Credit: AjuntamentdeCalvia
Welcome boost for autumn tourism.
minutes and 38 seconds, just 21 seconds ahead of Kull. Britain’s Jack Hutchens took third place. Switzerland’s Cathia Schär defended her women’s title despite suffering stomach problems during the running section. She finished in 4:10:13, ahead of Germany’s Caroline Pohle
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LOCAL NEWS
and Laura Jansen. The four-day programme, running from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18, also featured relay races, inclusive sporting initiatives and activities for children, including Sunday’s Junior Aquathlon. More than 650 volunteers worked alongside local sports clubs, police and municipal services to deliver the event. Challenge Peguera-Mallorca also supports the island’s efforts to attract visitors beyond the summer season. According to Calvia Town Hall, more than 85 per cent of participants travel from outside the Balearic Islands, bringing visitors to local hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops.
MALLORCA’S streets were transformed into fast-flowing rivers as torrential rain battered the island, flooding roads, disrupting traffic and even causing part of Palma Airport’s ceiling to collapse. The storm, linked to weather system DANA Adam, brought intense downpours to western Mallorca on Monday, October 19, with Andratx, Calvia and Palma among the worst-affected areas. Dramatic footage showed water rushing along streets, while flooding around Andratx and Port d’Andratx overwhelmed parts of the road network. Water also affected commercial premises, with images from a Palma shopping centre showing rainwater streaming down internal columns. In Calvia, motorists faced difficult conditions near the Eroski supermarket in Son Ferrer, while roads around Peguera, Santa Ponsa and Portals Nous were also affected. Authorities monitored flood-prone areas in Palmanova and Magaluf as emergency teams responded to incidents across the island. The downpour also caused a partial ceiling collapse at Palma Airport. Aena confirmed that sections of plasterboard fell in a corridor serving office and storage areas after water leaked into the building. The affected area was
Credit: Facebook/AjuntamentdeAndratx
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Streets turned into fast-flowing rivers.
cordoned off while repairs were undertaken. The storm caused lengthy traffic queues, including a six-kilometre tailback on the approach from Andratx to Palma’s Via de Cintura. Several TIB bus services were temporarily suspended. By Tuesday morning, roads and airports across the Balearic Islands had returned to normal operation.
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22 - 28 October 2026
Night trains incoming MALLORCA is planning to introduce night-time train services at weekends and before public holidays from 2027. Balearic president Marga Prohens announced the proposal during a regional
parliament debate on October 20, highlighting the need for safer, more accessible public transport.The services aim to help people attending concerts, parties and evening events travel home safely. However,
routes, departure times and service frequencies have not yet been confirmed. The announcement comes alongside plans to invest a further €25 million in Mallorca’s TIB interurban bus network during the final quarter of 2026. The funding is expected to provide 24 additional buses, introduce new routes, increase service frequencies and expand night buses. The government says previous investment of €150 million has helped increase interurban bus services by 50 per cent. Meanwhile, several railway expansion projects are progressing across the island. The proposed line to Llucmajor is at the basic design stage, while the extension to Alcudia is approaching a second public consultation. A potential railway serving Artà and Capdepera is also being explored, with €5 million from the tourism tax allocated for a mobility study.
LOCAL NEWS
Ready to cheers WINE lovers are being invited to raise a glass in Palma as the Raïm Wine Fest returns to Parc de la Mar and Ses Voltes on Saturday, October 24, for a full day celebrating Mallorca’s homegrown wine industry. The festival will bring together 58 wineries belonging to Vi de la Terra Mallorca, offering visitors the chance to discover local wines, meet producers and explore the island’s rich winemaking heritage in a lively waterfront setting. Running from midday until 1am, the free-entry event promises more than just wine tasting, with live music, food and wine workshops, and gastronomic activities designed to showcase the flavours and traditions of Mallorca. With the cathedral and Parc de la Mar providing a striking backdrop, the
Credit: Instagram/ajuntamentdePalma
Raïm Wine Fest returns to Parc de la Mar and Ses Voltes on Saturday, October 24.
festival offers an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to sample wines made from local grape varieties while supporting the island’s producers. The event also highlights the growing importance of Mallorca’s wine sector, with local vineyards increasingly attracting attention for their distinctive varieties and
Mediterranean character. Whether visitors are seasoned wine enthusiasts or simply looking for a different way to spend a Saturday in Palma, Raïm Wine Fest promises a relaxed atmosphere in which to discover new favourites, enjoy live entertainment and celebrate the island’s food and drink culture.
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SPANISH NEWS
An unlikely mascot THE Guardia Civil’s elite rapid-response unit has an unusual symbol: a wild boar named Iratxo, whose association with the force dates back to 1981. The animal is linked to the Unidad de Acción Rural (UAR), which includes the Grupo de Acción Rápida (GAR). The units are associated with demanding operational work, and the boar has become a distinctive emblem connected to their identity. Iratxo also draws on Basque mythology, in which the name is associated with a mischievous mythological being. The choice reflects a regional cultural ref-
The tradition has continued for decades.
erence rather than the more familiar imagery of an eagle or lion often used by military and police organisations. The wild boar is known for
its strength, resilience and determination, qualities that help explain its appeal as a symbol for a unit undertaking difficult operations.
The tradition has continued for decades, making Iratxo a recognisable part of the unit’s history and identity. It offers a more unusual glimpse into the customs and symbolism that can develop within specialist security forces. While the Guardia Civil is associated with its uniform, vehicles and official insignia, traditions such as this provide a connection to the people serving within its units and the history they share. Iratxo’s place in that tradition shows how a regional legend can become part of the identity of a modern operational force.
Seafood vending machine DRIVERS in Vigo can pick up frozen seafood from vending machines in selected car parks, offer-
ing a different option for shoppers who want to take home fish and shellfish without visiting a tra-
ditional fishmonger. The machines are operated by Welgood Technologies, which has installed 19 vending machines across eight car parks. Seafood is available at five of those locations. The concept brings a familiar Spanish food-shopping staple into an unexpected setting. Instead of buying a snack or drink from a vending machine, customers can purchase frozen seafood while parking their car or running errands. Frozen products can offer convenience for households that want to keep ingredients ready for meals, although shoppers still need to follow storage and preparation instructions to maintain food safety. The
machines form part of a broader trend towards automated retail, in which technology allows businesses to sell products outside conventional shop opening hours and without the need for a staffed counter at every location. Welgood Technologies also offers vending machines for pet products, extending the idea beyond food for human consumption. Whether the seafood machines will spread beyond Vigo remains to be seen. Their expansion would depend on factors such as demand, operating costs, suitable locations and the practical requirements of keeping frozen products at the correct temperature. Photo credit: Pavel105/Shutterstock
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Photo credit: Guardia Civil on Instagram
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The machines are operated by Welgood Technologies.
SPANISH NEWS
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Mercadona changes labels Horse lorry overturns
Photo credit: Eurostartruckers on Facebook
Credit : NestorMN, Shutterstock
MERCADONA is redesigning food labels across thousands of products in Spain, introducing larger lettering, clearer nutritional information and easier-to-follow cooking instructions. The supermarket chain says it has already improved packaging on approximately 4,000 products, with plans to exceed 6,000 during 2026. The changes follow customer feedback calling for more readable and accessible product information. One of the biggest improvements is larger font sizes, making ingredient lists, nutritional tables and preparation instructions easier to read. Mercadona is also introducing more consistent nutritional tables, helping shoppers compare calories, sugar, fat, protein and salt across
Mercadona is introducing clearer food labels across its product range.
different products. Some packaging now includes nutritional values per portion, alongside the standard information per 100 grams or 100 millilitres. Cooking instructions are also becoming more visual, with icons illustrating oven, microwave and air fryer preparation methods. However, the changes are being introduced gradually, meaning customers may encounter both old and redesigned packaging in stores. The updated labels do
not necessarily indicate changes to the products themselves or their nutritional composition. Customers with allergies or intolerances should continue checking ingredients and allergen information carefully, particularly when ordering online, as website images may not reflect the latest packaging. For shoppers across Spain, the redesign aims to make everyday grocery shopping simpler without changing how products are purchased.
The lorry was returning from Zaragoza.
A TOTAL of 10 horses belonging to renowned rejoneador Diego Ventura were injured when the lorry transporting them overturned on the A-5 motorway near Trujillo, in Caceres province. Two horses, Brillante and Fouto, suffered particularly serious injuries. The other eight horses also sustained injuries of varying severity. The lorry was returning from Zaragoza after Ventura’s final bullfight of the season at the Feria del Pilar on the evening of Sunday, October 18. Ventura was not travelling in the vehicle. The accident happened at kilometre 266 of the A-5, near Santa Cruz de la Sierra, as the vehicle travelled towards Badajoz. The cause of the crash had not been established in initial reports but it is believed that
the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Freeing the horses from the overturned lorry proved difficult because internal partitions separated the animals during transport. Ventura’s manager, Andrés Caballero, went to the scene, where staff received help from members of Portuguese rejoneador Rui Fernandes’s team, who were travelling behind them with their own horses. Ventura later arrived. The lorry driver suffered minor injuries. A Guardia Civil traffic officer was taken to Caceres University Hospital after being kicked in the knee by one of the horses while trying to move it away from the road. The A-5 towards Badajoz was closed during the recovery operation.
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Safer taxis for women
Credit: Bumble Dee - Shutterstock
Safer taxis in Helsinki.
WOMEN-ONLY taxi services are expanding in Finland as passenger safety concerns prompt female travellers to seek alternatives when travelling alone. Two specialised firms now operate in the country, while ride-hailing app Bolt introduced an option allowing female passengers to request female drivers. The trend follows an investigation by Finnish broadcaster Yle, which revealed over 100 criminal reports involving suspected sexual offences by taxi drivers in Helsinki since deregulation in 2018. A regional survey further found that 43 per cent of local women experienced safety issues on public transport. In early 2026, four founders launched WOWO (Women to Women) to address these worries. Operating via an app, the service connects female passengers
with female drivers for trips ranging from late-night rides home to airport runs. A second dedicated firm, Naistaxi, also entered the market, while female drivers themselves report safety benefits after experiencing harassment from male clients. Finland’s Equality Ombudsman approved the business model, ruling that women-only taxis are permissible because passenger safety concerns justify extra options for vulnerable travellers. Similar initiatives are taking root across Europe. Uber introduced female-driver options in Spanish cities in February 2026, while Bolt launched its Women for Women option in Brussels in March 2026. Ireland introduced LadyCab in December 2025, alongside established platforms in France and Portugal.
EUROPRESS - FEATURE
TINY invasive electric ants have established colonies along Spain’s southern coast and in France, raising concerns over public health and local ecosystems. The ants got their nickname from their penchant for electrical sockets. Native to Central and South America, the ants measure just 1–2mm long. Despite their minuscule size, they deliver painful bites that cause intense discomfort and potential allergic reactions. They also blind pets, destroy native insect species, and disrupt local wildlife. The species was first discovered in Spain, in Marbella in 2018. A 2024 study revealed that the infested area in Marbella expanded from 5.7 hectares in 2018 to 16 hectares in 2023. Further Spanish populations have been identified in Benalmadena, Estepona, Calahonda in Mijas, La Marina in Alicante, and Los Cristianos in Tenerife. Meanwhile, French authorities are fighting eight known infestation sites in southern departments
Electric bugs
“Electric” ants taking over in France and Spain.
including Var and Marseille. Five of these sites were discovered after officials launched a dedicated reporting platform on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Experts believe the pests entered Europe via imported potted plants. Eradication is notoriously difficult because surface ants represent only a fraction of any colony. French
specialists are deploying targeted poison baits, which worker ants carry back to queens. However, experts warn that low winter sightings do not indicate success, as cold weather reduces activity. A full assessment of European containment efforts is expected in spring 2027.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Autumn is the new summer as expats wait out the heat SUMMER may be over, but travellers are showing no sign of staying put, with some in the industry seeing more activity in September and October than over summer. Travel insurance provider Staysure Expat says sales were quieter than usual over the summer but picked up in September. Website visitors were up 13 per cent on September last year, with sales up 10 per cent. “A number of factors have played a part,” said Caroline Lips, Head of Marketing at Staysure Expat. “Geopolitical events, including the conflict involving Iran, disrupted travel patterns and led people to change their destinations and how long they stayed away. “Heatwaves and wildfires were also a factor. Traditionally, our expat customers escape the Spanish heat and return to coo-
ler home countries. This year there were days when London was hotter than Marbella, so many stayed put, enjoying their pools and air-conditioning. “Now we’re seeing flexible travellers not tied to school
holidays, such as silver nomads, digital nomads, younger travellers and golfers, moving their plans later in the year, when it’s more comfortable for sightseeing and sport.”
Credit: Masudah - Shutterstock
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Staysure Expat is not alone. In the European Travel Commission’s Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel report (Spring/Summer 2026), 75 per cent of respondents said the changing
climate has affected how they travel, with many changing when they holiday and seeking milder destinations. Virtuoso’s 2026 Luxe Report found 45 per cent of respondents say climate change is causing clients to travel differently, with 76 per cent travelling in shoulder or off-peak seasons. Declaring “fall is the new summer,” Virtuoso reports autumn 2026 bookings up 59 per cent and sales up 69 per cent. “I’ve lived on the Costa del Sol since 2013 and have seen the tourist season stretch into September and October,” added Caroline. “Hire cars are still on the roads and restaurants and beach clubs are still busy. It’s my favourite time of year, so it’s no surprise more visitors are choosing autumn, and I expect the trend to continue.”
For more travel advice for expats in Spain, France and Portugal, visit the Staysure Expat blog or follow @staysureexpat on Instagram and @staysureexpat on Facebook.
SCENE MALLORCA film fans can enjoy Hollywood musicals and family favourites under the stars as the popular Cine con Coche drive-in cinema returns to Port Adriano on Friday October 23 and Saturday, October 24. The event, organised in collaboration with the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, will bring four films to the marina in El Toro, Calvia, offering an alternative to a traditional cinema trip. Tickets cost €15 per car, allowing up to four people per vehicle, making it an affordable option for families, couples and groups of friends. Friday’s programme begins at 7.30pm with La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, followed by Moulin Rouge! at 10pm,
MALLORCA is getting a taste of Bavaria as Santa Ponsa prepares for 10 days of beer, traditional German food and live music this autumn. Oktoberfest Santa Ponsa returns from Friday, October 23, until Sunday, November 1, transforming the fairground beside the windmill into a Bavarian-style festival tent for its third edition. Visitors can tuck into German favourites including grilled pork knuckle, spit-roasted chicken, white sausages with pretzels and sweet mustard, and Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional shredded pancake dessert. Vegetarian dishes and alcohol-free drinks will also be available. Beer lovers can order a one-litre stein of original
Credit: PortAdriano
Drive-in cinema
Oktoberfest returns
Four films over two nights. the extravagant musical romance featuring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Both films will be dubbed into Spanish. Saturday’s screenings start at 7.30pm with Happy Feet, the animated adventure about a penguin with a talent for dancing, before A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, closes the event at 9.30pm. The latter will be shown in its original version with
Spanish subtitles. Screenings will take place in Port Adriano’s central square, allowing audiences to watch from their cars against the backdrop of the marina. Organisers recommend no more than two people per vehicle for the best view, despite tickets allowing four occupants. Cars taller than 1.5 metres are not permitted, and spaces are limited.
MALLORCA
Credit: Imperial Properties
Beer, traditional German food and live music. Munich Hofbräu beer for €14.90, while the kitchen is scheduled to serve food daily between 1pm and 9.30pm. Live entertainment will bring the festival to life, with Austrian party band ZWIRN, showband Happy Bavarians and schlager singer Mia Weber among the announced performers. DJs, traditional Bavarian music and audience participation will add to the atmosphere. Guests can also try their
hand at festival challenges, including stein-holding competitions and the traditional nail-driving game. A dirndl costume contest will give visitors the chance to show off their Bavarian-inspired outfits. The event takes place at the fairground on Frente de la Molina in Santa Ponsa, near the motorway exit, with parking available nearby. Admission is listed as free, although table reservations may carry a charge.
FINANCE INVESTMENT in startups in Spain has reached €3.827 billion to date, growing by 49 per cent since last year. Madrid and Barcelona lead as investment hubs, attracting €1.153 billion and €1.175 billion, respectively, between January and September. Despite strong figures, deals have fallen by 5 per cent.
London debut
AIRTEL MONEY’S £5.3 billion stock market debut has provided a welcome boost to the London Stock Exchange, marking its biggest listing in five years. Shares were priced at £1.96 each, with the sale potentially raising £582 million. The flotation could restore investor confidence and encourage more companies to list in London.
Beauty impact
OXFORD ECONOMIC’S “Impact of Beauty” report highlights the growing economic role of salons in Britain. With more than 190,000 sites nationwide, the sector supports employment, business activity and commercial property occupancy. In smaller centres, salons account for around a fifth of leisure businesses, underlining their importance to local economies.
Streaming cuts
NETFLIX is cutting approximately 1,000 jobs, around 6 per cent of its global workforce, amid slowing growth and viewer engagement concerns. The largest round of redundancies since 2022 will mainly affect product, technology, legal and human resources teams.
Crypto hack
A REPORTED security breach involving Ledger cryptocurrency wallets suggests spyware chips may have been implanted within the supply chain, potentially compromising 24-word security keys. An estimated €89 million is suspected to have already been stolen.
STAT OF WEEK
2.54 %
The annual IRAV rate for the month of September is 2.54 per cent, the highest rate since this indicator began to be calculated in November 2024, according to INE.
Egg-spensive times EGGS have always been the star of the breakfast table, but with protein-maxxing at the centre of current health and fitness trends, their popularity has skyrocketed. As have prices. In the last year, the cost of an egg has risen by almost 23 per cent. An April study by Euronews put the price of a carton of 12 large eggs in Spain at €2.87. While this is on the cheaper-side of the aisle, compared to other EU countries (prices exceeded €6 in Switzerland), it is still double the price of eggs a decade ago. Egg prices tend to fluctuate, especially following outbreaks of disease. Poland, one of the EU’s largest egg exporters, recorded 52 Newcastle disease outbreaks since January, thinning flocks by 3.77 birds. High temperatures can also shrink production, causing price increases.
EUROPE’S cost-of-living squeeze is forcing households to make tougher financial choices, with holidays, hobbies and eating out increasingly competing with essential bills. The result is “funflation”, as discretionary spending becomes harder to sustain on household budgets already stretched by everyday costs. Eurostat’s latest figures show that in 2025, 27.5 per cent of EU residents could not afford a week-long holiday away from home, while 12.1 per cent could not afford to participate regularly in a leisure activity. Meanwhile, 8.5 per cent could not afford a meal
A painful winter
DIESEL prices are set to remain painfully high until well into 2027, warns the International Energy Agency (IEA), as supply shortages continue to squeeze global markets. Disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East and attacks on Russian refineries have slashed fuel availability. In September, net diesel exports from the Middle East and Russia plunged by 60 per cent year on year. Global diesel demand also fell by 1.1 million barrels per day in the second quarter, reaching 28.5 million barrels daily. Even as refinery production recovers, replenishing depleted stocks will take time, keeping prices elevated.
Defence loan
Credit: Richard Oses Photography, Shutterstock
Startup skyrockets
euroweeklynews.com • 22 - 28 October 2026
Eggs cost twice as much as 10 years ago.
Despite rising prices, demand is soaring. Data from the EFE Agro confirms this craving for eggs isn’t only an online trend. Spaniards are buying 4 per cent more eggs than in 2025, totalling 17 million extra kilos. Gen-Z and Millennials are largely responsible for the increase in consumption. Eggs are a great source of protein.
Each one has about 6 to 7 grams, so they’re an ideal bulking snack. Eggs as a source of protein goes beyond the dinner table, cosmetic companies are also incorporating them into products, helping to grow the global egg proteins market from €8.2 billion in 2026 to €12.67 billion by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Fun-flation containing meat or fish every other day. The figures point to a growing divide between covering basic expenses and maintaining quality of life. When rent, energy, groceries and other necessities absorb a larger share of income, leisure is often where households cut back first. For consumer-facing businesses, that pressure could mean fewer restaurant visits, shorter breaks and reduced spending on entertainment.
Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
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No money for fun.
IMF forecasts
Trade friction
SPAIN’S economy is set to outperform major European rivals, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which upgraded its growth forecast for 2026. The country’s GDP is expected to expand by 2.5 per cent, four-tenths of a percentage point higher than previously predicted. Spain is forecast to outpace the United States, at 2.3 per cent, while France and Italy are expected to grow by 0.4 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively. However, growth is projected to slow to 1.8 per cent in Spain in 2027 due to the burden of high energy prices and weak consumer confidence.
THE UK has rejected EU pressure to impose tariffs on Chinese electric and hybrid vehicles, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisting that trade decisions must serve British interests. While Brussels has introduced duties of up to 45 per cent on Chinese electric cars, the government is prioritising Britain’s export-led automotive industry and the risk of Chinese retaliation. Reynolds said tariffs remain under review, as tensions over trade threaten to complicate efforts to strengthen UK-EU relations.
THE European Union has granted Spain a €1 billion loan to strengthen its defence capabilities and purchase military equipment under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. Signed in October, the long-term, low-cost loan aims to improve military readiness and bolster Europe’s Mediterranean flank. However, Spain ranks third from the bottom among recipient countries by allocation, sharing its position with Finland. Only Greece and Denmark receive smaller amounts.
Overseas buyers FOREIGN buyers continue to play a notable role in Spain’s property market. In the first half of 2026, non-resident foreign purchasers accounted for 22,610 home sales, representing 6 per cent of all transactions. Meanwhile, Spain recorded 353,557 property sales overall, down 7.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. The figures highlight the continued presence of overseas buyers despite a slowdown in the wider housing market.
Fuel savings changes RISING fuel prices are prompting more Spanish families to switch to electric and plug-in hybrid cars, with filling a tank now costing over €100. A Mutua Madrileña study found that fuel savings are the main reason for choosing an electrified vehicle, cited by 51 per cent of buyers, followed by environmental awareness (32 per cent). Eight in 10 households buying a plug-in car now use it as their main vehicle, despite concerns about purchase prices and battery range.
14 22 - 28 October 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 19 October
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 19 October
Net
3I Group.....................................2.370,00............2.435,00......... 2.367,00......... 105,14K Admiral Group.............................3.788,0..............3.792,0........... 3.756,0............ 7,48K Airtel Africa................................. 282,60...............284,40............281,83........... 40,74K Anglo American...........................3.988,0..............4.030,0........... 3.984,0........... 49,94K Antofagasta................................3.409,00............3.446,00......... 3.351,00........... 31,7K Associated British Foods.............1.926,5..............1.933,0........... 1.920,0............ 9,98K AstraZeneca...............................12.354,0............12.468,0......... 12.344,0.......... 90,53K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 541,60...............547,60............541,60........... 52,12K Aviva........................................... 710,40...............712,00............703,40.......... 381,94K B M European Value Retail.......... 278,40...............283,20............277,00.......... 428,06K BAE Systems..............................1.955,00............1.979,50......... 1.947,00.......... 160,1K Barclays...................................... 422,85...............427,40............422,45............2,16M Barratt Redrow............................ 310,00...............310,00............307,00........... 74,45K Berkeley......................................3.340,0..............3.340,0........... 3.300,0..............670 BP............................................... 618,90...............621,30............618,70............1,36M British American Tobacco...........4.456,0..............4.466,0........... 4.449,0.......... 102,64K BT Group.................................... 209,20...............209,50............208,50.......... 151,39K Bunzl...........................................2.844,0..............2.852,0........... 2.840,0........... 12,12K Centrica....................................... 149,65...............150,20............148,50.......... 271,51K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.434,0..............4.438,0........... 4.398,0............ 6,68K Compass...................................... 32,67.................32,83..............32,38............ 77,17K ConvaTec Group......................... 236,60...............236,60............234,60........... 96,26K Croda Intl....................................3.628,0..............3.628,0........... 3.595,0............ 5,87K DCC.............................................6.445,0..............6.445,0........... 6.435,0............ 12,9K Diageo.........................................1.783,0..............1.784,5........... 1.775,0.......... 190,65K Diploma.....................................7.840,00............7.870,00......... 7.840,00............ 3,4K EasyJet........................................ 683,23...............683,80............683,00........... 48,69K Entain.......................................... 434,10...............438,80............431,90........... 88,27K Experian......................................2.845,0..............2.852,3........... 2.830,0........... 39,66K F&C Invest.................................. 342,40...............345,00............342,40.......... 117,53K Frasers........................................ 868,50...............869,50............853,50............ 2,54K Fresnillo.....................................2.713,00............2.714,00......... 2.682,00.......... 16,13K Glencore...................................... 587,31...............590,40............578,50............1,32M GSK plc......................................1.864,00............1.871,00......... 1.860,50......... 165,16K HALEON...................................... 376,60...............377,20............375,70........... 732,2K Halma..........................................3.382,0..............3.414,0........... 3.382,0........... 16,35K Hikma Pharma...........................1.663,00............1.666,00......... 1.648,00.......... 45,44K Hiscox........................................1.864,00............1.869,00......... 1.837,00.......... 17,81K Howden Joinery.......................... 774,50...............780,00............771,50........... 33,48K HSBC.........................................1.409,40............1.418,00......... 1.409,00......... 235,75K IAG.............................................. 408,50...............410,80............408,10.......... 537,16K ICG PLC.....................................1.777,00............1.786,00......... 1.777,00........... 7,86K IMI PLC......................................2.958,00............2.968,00......... 2.954,00............ 6,9K Imperial Brands..........................2.835,00............2.859,00......... 2.825,00.......... 98,63K Informa....................................... 881,80...............884,40............879,80........... 20,96K InterContinental........................... 166,7.................167,4..............166,1............. 6,85K Intertek........................................5.915,0..............5.920,0........... 5.910,0..............696
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 352,20...............352,80............350,55........... 81,06K JD Sports Fashion........................ 93,66.................93,80..............93,00........... 415,58K Kingfisher.................................... 341,30...............347,00............340,00.......... 183,91K Land Securities........................... 649,00...............650,00............647,00........... 75,06K Legal General.............................. 297,40...............297,90............296,60.......... 796,75K Lloyds Banking........................... 103,85...............104,40............103,75............2,85M London Stock Exchange..............8.820,0..............8.866,0........... 8.728,0........... 30,98K Londonmetric Property............... 178,29...............180,00............178,20.......... 211,06K M&G........................................... 311,90...............312,80............311,10.......... 191,27K Marks & Spencer........................ 408,70...............410,40............406,62.......... 164,28K Melrose Industries...................... 479,00...............484,90............477,80............ 38,1K Mondi.......................................... 747,00...............752,40............744,80........... 19,96K National Grid..............................1.210,50............1.218,00......... 1.208,00......... 468,56K NatWest Group........................... 655,20...............660,60............654,80........... 282,5K Next...........................................15.370,0............15.395,0......... 15.277,1........... 3,69K Pearson......................................1.380,00............1.389,00......... 1.377,00.......... 33,91K Pershing Square........................3.820,00............3.840,00......... 3.812,00........... 2,59K Persimmon.................................1.257,0..............1.257,0........... 1.245,5........... 29,57K Prudential.................................... 898,00...............904,60............897,20.......... 130,49K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.570,0..............5.570,0........... 5.536,0........... 34,79K Relx............................................2.927,00............2.952,00......... 2.923,00......... 176,21K Rentokil....................................... 316,00...............316,70............315,10........... 120,4K Rightmove.................................. 540,00...............543,00............539,40........... 69,17K Rio Tinto PLC..............................6.785,0..............6.813,0........... 6.756,0........... 65,31K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.332,40............1.344,40......... 1.331,60......... 746,85K
Company
Sage...........................................1.123,00............1.129,00......... 1.118,00.......... 30,06K Scottish Mortgage......................1.552,50............1.558,00......... 1.549,50......... 114,71K Segro.......................................... 907,60...............907,60............902,40........... 22,51K Severn Trent...............................3.202,0..............3.216,0........... 3.194,0............ 7,91K Shell............................................3.957,5..............3.978,0........... 3.957,0.......... 189,18K Smith & Nephew........................1.084,00............1.085,00......... 1.079,50.......... 50,94K Smiths Group.............................2.672,00............2.696,00......... 2.670,00.......... 15,68K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........7.325,0..............7.340,0........... 7.310,0............ 3,31K SSE............................................2.549,00............2.570,00......... 2.547,00......... 116,55K Standard Chartered....................2.097,00............2.118,00......... 2.097,00.......... 84,72K Standard Life............................... 912,00...............912,50............903,50........... 92,78K Taylor Wimpey............................. 77,60.................77,74..............76,46........... 428,44K Tesco.......................................... 536,36...............537,00............533,40.......... 628,06K Unilever.......................................4.927,0..............4.940,0........... 4.908,3........... 75,83K Unite........................................... 443,00...............449,60............443,00............ 12,4K United Utilities............................1.487,00............1.493,00......... 1.480,00.......... 17,59K Vistry Group................................ 235,80...............236,20............233,40........... 53,04K Vodafone Group PLC................. 121,550.............121,900..........121,400.......... 745,4K Weir Group................................2.628,00............2.648,00......... 2.592,00........... 29,8K Whitbread...................................2.600,0..............2.610,0........... 2.583,0............ 9,62K WPP............................................ 409,70...............412,70............408,90.......... 101,73K
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 164,75...............167,95............163,50............2,56M Amazon.com............................... 250,00...............255,54............248,60...........40,43M American Express....................... 313,59...............319,85............312,40............3,39M Amgen........................................ 432,49...............438,82............431,39............2,57M Apple........................................... 343,46...............347,82............340,46...........59,95M Boeing......................................... 190,21...............191,93............187,67............7,31M Caterpillar.................................... 730,76...............742,98............728,69............2,87M Chevron...................................... 224,99...............225,31............220,41............8,72M Cisco........................................... 107,39...............110,00............107,14...........15,89M Coca-Cola..................................... 93,90.................93,90..............92,81............23,09M Goldman Sachs........................... 881,26...............909,87............876,81............2,38M Home Depot................................ 309,63...............314,66............308,32............7,04M Honeywell................................... 211,41...............213,50............210,66............2,94M IBM............................................. 232,14...............236,98............230,25............6,96M J&J............................................. 255,56...............257,55............254,00............6,55M JPMorgan................................... 339,72...............344,40............337,52............8,42M McDonald’s................................. 242,97...............245,85............241,88............7,27M Merck&Co................................... 145,95...............147,79............145,61...........11,23M Microsoft.................................... 529,05...............543,82............524,43...........24,85M Nike.............................................. 37,13.................37,87..............36,91............30,99M NVIDIA........................................ 214,13...............218,68............213,32..........121,25M P&G............................................ 159,35...............159,98............157,56...........13,53M Salesforce Inc............................. 240,70...............251,94............237,26............8,35M Sherwin-Williams........................ 335,20...............343,64............331,76............1,79M The Travelers.............................. 389,54...............390,91............368,63.............3,2M UnitedHealth............................... 401,43...............412,37............395,52............8,11M Verizon......................................... 44,79.................45,06..............44,37.............19,9M Visa A.......................................... 402,61...............404,74............399,73............6,78M Walmart...................................... 118,81...............119,48............118,07...........20,62M Walt Disney................................. 110,59...............112,69............110,01............8,64M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 19 October
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Exascale Labs.................................................. 72,79 %........................171,62M ATA.................................................................. 50,71 %........................300,25K Lianhe Sowell................................................... 46,09 %.........................27,47M Brag House Holdings....................................... 44,44 %.........................568,8M Cytosorbents Crp............................................. 34,31 %........................684,83K Origin Agritech................................................. 32,51 %..........................1,64M Sangrix............................................................. 26,78 %........................160,66M Iambic Therapeutics......................................... 25,91 %..........................2,96M Xcel Brands Inc................................................ 23,21 %.........................17,36M Actuate Therapeutics........................................ 22,00 %........................926,16K Rubico............................................................. 21,81 %.........................67,85M Huize................................................................ 20,98 %..........................7,09M Alaunos Therapeutics....................................... 20,64 %.........................32,22M Upland Software Inc......................................... 19,93 %........................197,35K XChange TECINC DRC..................................... 18,34 %........................396,41K Murano Global Investments Plc....................... 16,46 %..........................2,73M Future Vision II Acquisition.............................. 16,32 %..........................8,85K Elite Express Holding....................................... 16,04 %.........................47,54K Retension Pharmaceuticals.............................. 15,23 %.........................208,9K M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined MDxHealth ADR...............................................-65,77 %.........................17,31M Fractyl Health...................................................-62,74 %..........................15,1M Robin Energy...................................................-59,79 %........................831,43K Republic Power................................................-48,31 %........................852,41K SMX Security Matters......................................-47,50 %.........................10,83M 22nd Century...................................................-46,56 %.........................27,27M Top Wealth Holding.........................................-42,15 %.........................17,86M Revelation Biosciences....................................-36,34 %........................637,09K Zhibao Technology...........................................-33,50 %..........................1,16M BitFuFu.............................................................-31,30 %........................876,89K WF Holding......................................................-31,25 %........................121,05M Founder Group.................................................-30,93 %.........................91,73K Bradbury Capital..............................................-28,80 %........................482,29K YY Holding.......................................................-27,99 %..........................1,68M Stardust Power................................................-27,23 %........................137,77M Moleculin Biotech............................................-24,32 %..........................1,19M Jaguar Health...................................................-23,20 %........................887,99K Americas Car-Mart...........................................-22,96 %.........................331,4K Conexeu Sciences............................................-22,53 %........................664,47K M - Million Dollars
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FINANCE
Coffee King
GREGGS, the go-to place for a sausage roll, has overtaken Costa Coffee as the biggest branded coffee operator in Britain. The budget bakery opened 37 new shops in 2026, expanding its network to 2,737 total outlets. Profits are also up 20 per cent, with Greggs reporting £76 million pretax profit so far in 2026.
Inflation spikes
SPAIN’S European Union-harmonised annual inflation rate rose to 5 per cent in September, up from 4.6 per cent in August, marking its fastest increase since February 2023. Higher fuel and air travel costs drove the acceleration. Core inflation climbed to 3.1 per cent, while national consumer price inflation increased to 4.9 per cent.
Supermarket squeeze SPAIN’S supermarkets are facing mounting financial pressure as the conflict in the Middle East drives up costs, threatening to add further strain to the food supply chain. The sector has accumulated more than €130 million in additional energy costs since the conflict began, according to ASEDAS, Spain’s association of supermarket and self-service retailers. The extra burden amounts to between €20 million and €25 million a month. Electri-
Credit: Hitra, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
22 - 28 October 2026
War puts pressure on supermarkets.
city adjustment costs have risen by 53 per cent compared with October 2025, whi-
le diesel prices have climbed by 35.5 per cent, increasing the cost of transporting
Pay rise demands SPAIN’S largest trade unions are calling for a 7 per cent increase in the national minimum wage in 2027, taking monthly pay above €1,300. The UGT and CCOO unions want the minimum wage to rise from its current €1,221 to around €1,306 gross per month, paid over 14 instalments. This would mean an extra €85 a
month, or nearly €1,196 more annually. Union leaders argue that higher wages are needed to protect workers’ purchasing power as living costs continue to rise. The proposal will form part of wider demands ahead of a planned general strike on November 11. The government has yet to decide on the increase.
goods from suppliers to shelves. Packaging is also becoming more expensive. Plastic raw material costs have increased by 25 per cent over the past year, adding to operating expenses. Despite these pressures, supermarkets are working to contain price rises for shoppers. Spain’s annual food inflation stood at 2.7 per cent in September, compared with overall inflation of 4.9 per cent. However, keeping prices competitive could become increasingly difficult if the conflict continues and costs remain elevated. For consumers, the outlook remains uncertain. Households may increasingly turn to cheaper brands and budget alternatives to manage their grocery bills, while supermarkets face the challenge of balancing affordability with rising operating costs.
15
Airline acquisition LUFTHANSA will acquire a 44.9 per cent stake in Portugal’s TAP Air Portugal for €1.2 billion, beating rival Air France-KLM’s €850 million offer. The deal values TAP at €2.55 billion, while the Portuguese state retains majority ownership. The investment strengthens Lufthansa’s transatlantic network, particularly routes connecting Europe with Brazil.
Trade secrets APPLE and OpenAI face a high-stakes legal battle over alleged trade secret theft. Apple claims OpenAI improperly obtained confidential information through former employees, while OpenAI disputes the allegations. The case could have significant implications for employee mobility, intellectual property protections, and competition in the rapidly growing AI industry.
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
No till, no problem
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
Photo credit: ACHPF/Shutterstock
16 22 - 28 October 2026
Christmas comes early I DON’T know about you, but I’m beginning to think Christmas has lost its calendar. Here we are in October, still wandering about in shirtsleeves, and already Father Christmas is trying to get through the door. The first warning came when somebody mentioned El Corte Inglés. For those who don’t know it, El Corte Inglés is Spain’s great department store, the sort of place where you go in for a pair of socks and come out wondering whether you need a new television, a frying pan and a holiday. There are two branches in Palma and plenty more across mainland Spain, so there’s no escaping them. And apparently the Christmas machinery is already beginning to crank into life. Christmas decorations, trees, baubles, lights, hampers... October has barely got its coat off and December is already elbowing its way to the front of the queue. Whatever happened to anticipation? The supermarkets are just as bad. One minute they’re selling suntan lotion and barbecue charcoal, the next the mince pies are stacked six feet high and you’re being emotionally blackmailed by a chocolate Santa before Halloween. When I was young, Christmas seemed to arrive about a week before Christmas. That was part of the excitement. Decorations went up, cards dropped through the letterbox, somebody found the tinsel in the loft and Dad start-
ed swearing because none of the fairy lights worked. Now Christmas begins just after the summer holidays. By November we’re exhausted with it. We’ve heard the songs 600 times, eaten three boxes of Christmas chocolates and started avoiding shops because every mechanical reindeer within 50 miles is playing Jingle Bells. Spain used to offer some resistance. You could sit outside with a coffee in late autumn and almost pretend winter had been cancelled. But capitalism is a determined beast. If there’s a chance of selling a six-foot illuminated snowman in a country where it’s 24 degrees, somebody will take it. Mind you, I’m not entirely complaining. There is something rather cheerful about Christmas lights. People become slightly nicer. Shops smell of cinnamon. Grown men start buying ridiculous jumpers with flashing Rudolph noses. And at my age, I’ve decided you should never complain about anything that gives you another excuse for a party. So, if El Corte Inglés wants to start Christmas in October, let them. By next year they’ll probably start in August. And the year after that, Santa will arrive just behind the Easter Bunny. At least he won’t need the sleigh. He can come on a lilo. 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.
The technology is supplied by Techtail
CATALAN convenience-store chain Big Fish has opened its first airport shop at Barcelona-El Prat, bringing its automated shopping model to Spain’s airport sector. Big Fish operates small shops selling ready-to-eat food, drinks, snacks and other convenience products. Designed for quick purchases rather than full supermarket shopping, they operate 24 hours a day. The new 60-square-metre shop is in Terminal 2’s international departures area. Customers enter using their mobile phone number and bank card, then select products and leave without scanning items or paying at a conventional till. Cameras, sensors and computer vision identify what shoppers take or return, and calculate the bill automatically. The technology is supplied by Techtail, another Grupo Moure business, which also owns Big Fish. Shoppers can browse shelves and handle products rather than buying from vending machines. The opening brings the chain’s Spanish network to 10 stores. The shop secured its airport location through a tender awarded by Aena. No further airport openings have been confirmed, making Barcelona-El Prat the company’s first move into airport retail.
Credit: GC
Thief takes wrong turn
Guardia Civil HQ in Granada.
A SUSPECTED shoplifter in Granada turned a getaway into a swift arrest after running straight into the entrance of the Guardia Civil headquarters. The 19-year-old was arrested following an incident at a local store on Friday, October 16. According to the Guardia Civil, the event began around midday when the young man tried to steal items from a shop. A shop assistant spotted him and attempted to stop him, but the suspect pushed her violently and fled. Several store workers chased the suspect through the streets. An off-duty Guardia Civil officer who had just finished his shift witnessed the pursuit near a roundabout close to the force’s
main building. The off-duty officer turned around to assist the pursuing workers. Desperate to escape, the suspect ran towards the nearest entrance, which turned out to be the main doors of the police headquarters. The off-duty officer and the guard on duty at the front gate immediately detained him. The suspect faces charges of robbery with violence or intimidation. Authorities have not disclosed the value of the stolen goods or whether the shop assistant sustained injuries during the altercation. In the end, the suspect saved officers the effort of a prolonged pursuit by delivering himself directly to their doorstep.
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20 22 - 28 October 2026
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FEATURE
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Mayor salutes Brits
Golfing gold
THE Mayor of Mijas, Ana Mata, praised the local British expat community for its continuous dedication to local charities during the annual Royal British Legion march on October 17. The procession began at Butibamba Park and made its way through La Cala de Mijas. The event officially launched this year’s Poppy Appeal, the annual fundraising drive that provides vital practical and financial assistance to serving military personnel, veterans, and their families. Attending the event, Mata commended the British residents for their charitable contributions, charity fundraising, volunteering efforts, and close ties to the town. She said that international residents play a crucial role in supporting local social initiatives across Mijas and praised their sustained commitment to the wider community. Mata also expressed her gratitude to the Royal British Legion for ensuring that the service and sacrifices of Armed Forces members are honoured.
THE Orihuela Costa has been turning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with local golfers, entertainers, businesses and volunteers all getting behind local charity Maria and the Pink Ladies. The latest show of support came at Zenia Boulevard on October 17, where Maria and her team were joined by performers and supporters for a day dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. The celebrations came as Maria and the Pink Ladies revealed another impressive boost in the fight against cancer. Two local golf fundraising efforts have brought in a combined €9,126, with Club de Golf Villamartin raising €2,691 and golfers at Villamartin Golf at the Hub contributing a further €6,435. The money will support the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC) and its work.
Axarquia
Almeria
Season’s first snow
Race against the rain
THE first proper snow of the autumn has arrived on Sierra Nevada’s high ground, turning the upper slopes white ahead of the 2026/27 ski season. Snow started falling on October 17 above 3,000 metres and intensified on October 18, bringing flakes down to Borreguiles at 2,700 metres. Resort operator Cetursa confirmed that higher zones received over five centimetres, with steady snowfall above 2,600 metres. While lower levels in Granada province faced yellow warnings for heavy rain and cooler temperatures, the highest peaks gathered the white cover winter-sports enthusiasts anticipate. Cetursa shared images of the white upper mountain as staff complete final preparations for the season. Lifts remain closed until the planned opening around November 28, but early natural snow provides a welcome boost for teams preparing snow-making machinery and slopes.
LA DESERTICA, one of Almeria’s most anticipated sporting events of the year, returned on October 17 with thousands of runners ready to race across Almeria. But unfortunately, not everyone was able to cross the finish line as extreme weather forced a cancellation mid-way through the competition. Every year, La Desertica attracts a high calibre of athletes. Each of them faced a gruelling challenge. Runners would travel 71 kilometres, cyclists more than 100 kilometres and pass through 15 municipalities. Once the race reached the Poniente and Andarax regions, the rain became a problem, and the activation of a red alert forced an immediate cancellation. Videos shared to social media show roads along the route flooded. Athletes had to carry their bikes through rapid waters with the help from Spanish Legion members. Organisers acted quickly to ensure the safety of all participants. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Costa Blanca North
Costa Calida
Floods wreak havoc
Diving discoveries
COMMUNITIES across Spain’s Marina Alta region have been left dealing with flooded streets, damaged infrastructure and dangerous coastal conditions after severe weather brought torrential rain and powerful waves to the area. Jàvea was among the worst-hit towns, with more than 300 litres of rain per square metre recorded during Storm Adam. Floodwater inundated roads, disrupted traffic and made several routes impassable. The effects were also serious in El Verger, Els Poblets and Pego. Four people had to be rescued in Pego as the extreme conditions put lives at risk, while officials visited affected communities to assess the damage. In Denia, the Mediterranean Sea surged onto the road at Marineta Cassiana beach, dramatically transforming the seafront. Flooded roads, transport restrictions and damage to public spaces have affected everyday life across the region.
PLANETA AZUL, a locally famed diving centre, is now celebrating its 30th anniversary in Cabo de Palos, and its director, diver Miguel Ángel García Gallego, has stated that Cabo de Palos is, “by far, the best diving spot in Europe.” The glowing review is especially significant coming from García Gallego, an experienced professional who has dived all over the world, including in the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Pacific Ocean. García Gallego made the meaningful claim on a local radio programme, Más de uno Murcia, calling the Region of Murcia’s coastline an “oceanographic blessing.” According to García Gallego, the seabeds are particularly rich because of the currents entering through the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea, mixing and causing an increase of nutrients. The expert states that this causes a “constant parade” of different kinds of marine wildlife, including cetaceans like sperm whales and fin whales.
• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •
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Growing pains
22 - 28 October 2026
THINK cats cannot be trained? Think again. While they may not be as eager to please as some dogs, cats can learn simple commands and useful behaviours. The secret is understanding what motivates them and keeping training short, positive and fun. Start with one simple command, such as their name or “come.” Choose a quiet room and use a small, tasty treat as a reward. Say your cat’s name or the chosen command, and when they respond or move towards you, immediately reward them. Repetition helps your cat connect the sound with the desired behaviour. You can also teach commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “touch,” using treats to guide your cat into position. For example,
cat is different. Some will happily perform tricks for treats, while others may need more patience. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your cat may surprise you with just how much they can learn.
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PUPPIES may look like smaller versions of adult dogs, but their nutritional needs are quite different. Choosing the right food during those early months helps support healthy growth, strong bones and steady development. Puppy food is specially formulated for growing dogs. It generally provides more energy and higher levels of nutrients, including protein and fat, than standard adult food. It also contains carefully balanced vitamins and minerals to support developing bones, muscles and other body systems. Adult dog food, meanwhile, is designed to maintain an already developed body, rather than fuel rapid growth. Feeding an adult formula to a young puppy may not provide the right balance of
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Commanding cats
You can teach an old cat new tricks.
End while your cat is still interested, rather than waiting for them to wander off. Never shout, punish or force your cat during training, as this can make them anxious and less willing to participate. Remember, every
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Puppy nutritional needs
AS dogs grow older, their needs can change, and the routine that worked for them in their younger years may no longer be quite right. Making a few thoughtful adjustments can help your senior dog stay comfortable, active and content. Start by considering exercise. Older dogs may tire more quickly or develop stiff joints, so several shorter walks can be easier than one long outing. Let your dog set the pace and allow plenty of time for Fun doesn’t end, it just changes. sniffing and exploring. Gentle indoor games can also pro- Changes in appetite, mobility, weight, vide mental stimulation without put- drinking, toilet habits or behaviour should be discussed with your vet ting too much strain on their body. Sleep often becomes more impor- rather than simply being put down to tant too. Make sure your dog has a getting older. Most importantly, follow your dog’s comfortable, supportive bed in a quiet area where they can rest undis- changing needs. A slower walk, an turbed. If getting upstairs or onto fur- extra nap or a little more reassurance niture has become difficult, consider can make a big difference. Growing older does not mean the fun stops, ramps or steps designed for pets. Regular veterinary check-ups are it simply means finding new ways to also important as your dog ages. enjoy everyday life together.
hold a treat just above their head and slowly move it backwards. As they naturally sit to follow it, give the reward and introduce the word “sit.” Keep sessions short, ideally just a few minutes at a time.
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Puppies need to eat different to fully grown dogs.
nutrients for their developmental stage. Size matters too. Large-breed puppies have different growth requirements than smaller breeds, so look for food specifically designed for your puppy’s expected adult size where appropriate. So, when should you make the switch? There is no single age that suits every dog.
Smaller breeds often reach maturity sooner, while larger breeds can continue growing for longer. Your vet can advise when your puppy is ready to move to an adult formula. Choosing the right food at each stage gives your dog a strong nutritional foundation as they grow from playful puppy to healthy adult.
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ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK
Audi A6 Avant e-tron – quiet, refined, premium and a decent range AS regular readers may know, I’m quite fond of a traditional estate car, and they have been somewhat thin on the ground with the continuing rise in popularity of SUVs. However, there’s a good array of estates now on offer for buyers who don’t want to join the ubiquitous SUV club. German car maker Audi, along with its VW, Skoda and SEAT/Cupra garage mates, has long produced some first class, proper estate cars. They are also now offered, of course, in EV form with both hybrid and full electric. The Audi A6 Avant e-tron is a perfect case in point. While more of a tourer than traditional load lugging estate, it still offers a very decent load capacity. There are four options - Sport, S-Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung - with e-tron, performance and quattro versions in all models except the Vorsprung. My S-Line Performance trim, with €914/£775 optional Malpelo Blue metallic paint finish brought the total price tag to a not inconsiderable €88,432/£74,935. What does that buy you? Well, for starters a very striking, good looking and practical estate car. There
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
is an excellent standard equipment list that includes such things as tri-zone air conditioning, powered and heated
sports front cloth, and artificial leather seats, auto dimming rear view mirror, powered, heated, folding auto dim-
Costly car raffle Helicopters grounded Photo Credit: TheGrefg / YouTube
Credit: DGT
A MANAGEMENT company has been fined €750,000 for holding an unauthorised raffle for a luxury car owned by a popular Spanish YouTuber, breaching gambling regulations, according to Spanish authorities. The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 announced the fine on October 9. Although officials did not name the influencer, details reportedly link the case to a competition organised by EBR Management and promoted by David Cánovas, better known as TheGrefg. The raffle offered a Tesla Model S Plaid owned by the influencer, modified to resemble Lightning McQueen from Pixar’s Cars. It ran from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2025, and was promoted through TheGrefg’s social media accounts, with entry available to people using Spanish IP addresses.
FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Audi A6 Avant e-tron S-Line Performance Motor: 367PS – 380PS with launch control – 565Nm of torque with a 94.9kwh battery Gears: Automatic Price: €87,516/£74,160 Performance: 0-100kph/62mph 5.4 seconds, top speed 209kph/130 mph Economy: Range in combined driving 689km/428 miles – subject to driving style, conditions and climate Emissions: 0 g/km
ming door mirrors, LED lights with main beam assist, auto lights and wipers plus, usefully for an EV, a heat pump. There’s 367PS on offer, 380PS with launch control, 100kph/62 mph passed in a whisker under 5.5 seconds and a suggested range of 689km/428 miles in combined driving. Behind the wheel it feels a quick car, and one in which you could make good progress across the busiest of roads. I’m not quite sure there’s a need for launch control on such a car and suspect most owners would never use it, because in standard form it’s more than quick enough. On the road, it’s a very quiet and refined drive, tyre noise gets a bit noticeable at motorway speeds, and it’s comfortable too. With a premium feeling interior, it’s a nice place to be and is relaxed in cruising mode with the ability to entertain on cross country routes. Even in entry-level trim, the A6 Avant e-tron isn’t a cheap car, but all trim versions are well-equipped. Although not possessed of an especially head-turning style it’s one of those cars that is understated, classy and stylish. A perfect example of ‘if you know, you know’.
DGT Pegasus helicopters to stay grounded. Spanish authorities fine company €750,000 over unauthorised luxury car raffle.
Participants had to buy a digital wallpaper from EBR Management for €1, with each purchase providing one entry. A total of 376,850 entries were recorded. The vehicle was valued at more than €75,000, although reports said the owner had claimed it cost approximately €120,000. The company had not obtained the authorisation required under Spain’s Gambling Regu-
lation Act to organise the raffle. EBR Management challenged the decision, arguing the competition was a random draw rather than a regulated raffle. The Ministry rejected the appeal, maintaining that specific authorisation was required. TheGrefg subsequently stressed on social media that the penalty was imposed on the company, not him.
TRAFFIC surveillance helicopters in Spain have reportedly been grounded at three bases after Eliance, the private company awarded a contract worth over €51 million to operate them, entered preliminary insolvency proceedings. The contractor informed its roughly 230 workers of the financial filing, which aimed to protect operations. However, according to the CCOO trade union, aircraft based in Malaga, Seville and Santiago de Compostela are no longer flying. The union warned over a year ago against awarding the contract to the firm, which recorded losses of €24 million last year and previously faced public-sector contract cancellations, including Galicia’s emergency medical service in March 2025. The deal with the Directorate-General for
Traffic (DGT) aimed to double annual flight hours to roughly 5,500. Instead, the service interruption leaves large regions without aerial monitoring and compounds existing DGT struggles with ageing aircraft, obsolete parts and staffing shortages. The grounding comes as traffic enforcement spending faces increased public attention. Spain’s speed cameras generated a record €246.8 million in fines in 2025, up 14 per cent from 2024. Furthermore, on Tuesday, April 14, the DGT awarded contracts worth around €1.02 million for new mobile radar equipment for Guardia Civil patrol cars. With aerial coverage halted, questions remain over the management of public service contracts and the DGT’s contingency plans.
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SPORT
Futsal for all ILLES BALEARS PALMA FUTSAL is taking the excitement of professional futsal beyond the court, bringing its players and sporting values directly to children across Mallorca through a new season of its community initiative, On Tour by Blanc i Blanc. The project will visit six municipalities this season: Muro, Esporles, Arta, Inca, Felanitx and Palma. By the end of the campaign, the initiative will have reached 25 municipalities across the island, underlining the club’s growing commitment to its local community. More than a chance to meet sporting heroes, each visit offers schoolchildren an opportunity to connect with the entire first-team squad through games, activities, dancing and fun with the club mascot. The aim is to
Credit: Illes Balears Palma Futsal
Illes Balears Palma Futsal go on tour.
create memorable experiences while encouraging values such as effort, respect, teamwork and camaraderie. Club president Jose Tirado believes the initiative reflects the club’s wider role in Mallorcan society, allowing children to meet world-class athletes while learning lessons that extend far beyond futsal. Blanc i Blanc, the project’s main sponsor,
continues to support the initiative alongside the Consell de Mallorca and participating local councils. With professional sport serving as a powerful educational tool, Palma Futsal is proving that success is about more than results. By bringing players closer to young fans, the club is inspiring the next generation, one municipality at a time.