Mallorca 26 Jun - 2 Jul 2025 Issue 2086

Sail sets - show begins

THE newly renovated Club de Mar‑Mallorca is set to make waves as it hosts the 28th edition of the Super yacht Cup Pal ma. From June 25 to 28, 11 stunning super yachts will gather in the Bay of Palma for four days of world class racing and Mediterranean celebra tion.

This year’s regatta is more than a competition, it marks a new chapter for one of Spain’s most iconic marinas, following a €60 million investment that has transformed the marina with modern facilities and improved infrastructure. The up graded venue will provi de an exceptional setting for the event, with yachts moored stern to in the heart of Palma, creating an intimate and vibrant

atmosphere.

Among the standouts are Cervo, a striking 39 m Tripp design known for its elegance and speed; Rose, the 24 m Wally ai ming to defend its back to back titles with de termination; Sveam, a sleek new Jaudenes Y8 making its Palma debut; and the 35 m Gelliceaux, a first time competitor with a strong racing pe digree.

Adding flair are four Baltic 68 Café Racer sloops Hormar, Pink Gin Verde, Ganesha, and Open Season all compe ting in their own highly anticipated class. Classic elegance comes from the Hoek designed yachts Vijonara, Atalante, and the newly launched Lin nea Aurora, showcasing timeless style and crafts

manship.

With live music, dock side dinners, and perfect sailing conditions fore cast, the Super yacht Cup Palma blends high per formance with relaxed island charm. More than just a regatta, it’s a cele

bration of craftsmans hip, community, and the enduring draw of the sea. As the sails rise and the sun sets, one thing is clear: Mallorca is back at the centre of the su per yacht world, so don’t miss out on it!

Palma, Spain’s gold mine

PROFITABLE Palma continues to climb the ladder when it comes to tourism. When it comes to desirable holiday destinations around the world, Mallorca is hard to top – and a new study carried out by Italian re searchers shows that Mallorca is now Spain’s number one most profitable city for holiday flats, with an ave rage annual income of €48,100 a year for homeowners. Location, location, location, as they say.

The study, carried out by a group of Italian resear chers using data from Airbnb listings and AirDNA, showed that Palma generates more income for their owners than any other Spanish city, even beating out places like Ibiza and Barcelona, at €4,000 a month on average for homeowners. This is in spite of the fact that Mallorca’s holiday lets are extremely seasonal, and the holiday flats remain practically empty during the off season.

Though Palma is the most profitable, it’s actually not the most expensive per day – €229.36 per day to Ibiza’s €276.11. Amazingly, the study showed that the prices meet or exceed those of luxury hotels across Europe.

Mallorca • No. 2086 • 26

- 2 July 2025 FREE

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

A new study shows Palma is the most profitable Spanish city for holiday flats.

Superyachts will gather in the Bay of Palma.

Summer camps kick off

Roof of airport collapses

HOLIDAYMAKERS cheated death on Tuesday June 24 after a roof collapsed and glass and debris crashed onto the floor of arrivals near the luggage pick-up area of the island’s airport at 4.30pm local time, several news outlets reported.

The emergency alarm was activated in the arrivals hall following the incident, and passengers were evacuated to another part of the airport, The Sun reported.

A ‘loud bang’ was heard before pieces of glass and roof material tumbled to the ground.

The news outlet said airport workers told them after the incident that it was a ‘miracle’ no one had been seriously injured. An investigation into the near miss was underway.

The Spanish airports authority, AENA, blamed

the collapse on debris from construction work falling onto a glass roof near the entrance to the baggage claim area, which partially brought down the roof.

“People in charge of the airport are already analysing what happened to adopt the appropriate measures and to determine responsibilities if necessary,” an airport spokesperson told reporters at the scene.

One English-speaking wo-

man could be heard saying, “Oh my God,” as a cloud of dust rose from the ground where part of the roof had fallen, Metro added.

Another airport employee told local press that “Neither employees nor passengers could breathe, and many people were slipping because of the dust on the ground.”

The staff member added: “Having to work in these sorts of conditions is disgraceful.”

Jetting off to Palma

visit Palma, which is quickly filling up as the lively ling and busy with activity.

Mallorca continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Even wealthy visitors such as famous director Steven Spielberg, former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, and the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, are stopping by for a swim and a soak

But whether on a low-cost airline or in a million-euro yacht, Mallorca proves again and again to be a draw for anybody

easyJet has opened some new routes to and from Mallorca.

Photo Credit: Andy Holmes via Unsplash

Passengers at the Palma de Mallorca International Airport were escorted to safety.

Credit: Solarpix -241

Higher support for jobseekers

Monthly unemployment subsidy rises

SPAIN has updated its unemployment subsidy rules, raising monthly support from €480 to €570 for eligible recipients. This increase, effective in 2025, is tied to a rise in the IPREM index, used as a benchmark for public aid.

The change affects specific groups: people who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits, job seekers over 45 without family responsibilities, part-time or temporary workers, and those meeting inco me and residency requirements. It does not replace the main unemployment benefit, which is based on prior salary, but applies when those benefits are unavailable or have ended.

Though modest, the €90 increase offers practical relief amid rising living costs. For many facing precarious employment, this subsidy is not a bonus but a monthly budget. It can cover essential expenses - rent, utilities, food, and medication - and reduce the risk of falling further behind financially.

For many in Spain, subsidies aren’t extra help - they’re the monthly plan.

Check your work history

A review could save your pension

IF you’re working in Spain, your pension might not be as secure as you think. A quick online check of your vida laboral - your official work history record - could save you serious trouble later.

Most people rarely review this document, often only digging it out for a mortgage or job paperwork. But it quietly tracks your entire working life in Spain: job titles, contract dates, employers, how many days you’ve contributed to Social Security, and under which regime - employee, self-employed, agriculture, and so on. It even notes if you were officially registered during holidays or unemployment.

Getting it is simple. The vida laboral is available online 24/7 through the Social Security website (TGSS). Log in using your digital certificate, Cl@ve, or SMS (if your phone is registered). If not, use the ‘Te Ayudamos’ service to upload your ID and get access.

To qualify, individuals must reside legally in Spain, be registered with SEPE, have income below 75 per cent of the minimum wage, and not receive other contributory benefits. If you’re already on support, the increase applies automatically.

While not a full solution to labour instability, this adjustment acknowledges the realities many face between jobs - where a small increase can mean the difference between staying afloat and slipping through the cracks. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, it’s best to check directly on the official site or speak with your local employment office.

https://sede.sepe.gob.es/portalSede/en/

Why check it? Mistakes - like missing contracts or wrong dates - can reduce your pension or unemployment benefits. You may not realise until it’s too late to correct them. If something’s wrong, request a fix through the ‘Rectification of work history report’ section online.

Treat your vida laboral like a bank statement. Check it regularly - especially after changing jobs or going freelance. A five-minute review today could protect your future pension.

https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/ Inicio?changeLanguage=en

Spain’s rental registration Bizum payment risk

New short-term rules from July 2025

SPAIN’S new short-term rental rules require all hosts to obtain a unique registration code from July 1. This applies to anyone renting out property or even just a room on a short-term basis, whether through Airbnb, Booking.com, or other platforms. The rule aims to increase transparency and crack down on unli-

censed rentals, following regulations introduced by the European Union.

To comply, hosts must gather key documents including the cadastral reference number, property address, rental type, maximum guest capacity, and any existing regional licences. Applications are submitted online through the Colegio de

Registradores website, which offers an English version, or your local council’s website. After applying, hosts typically receive their registration code within a few days.

This code must be displayed on all rental listings. Failure to do so will result in listings being removed and could lead to fines or bans. Even those with regional registrations must register nationally, as the system creates a single national database. The code itself is generally free, although some regions may charge for additional paperwork.

The new system benefits both hosts and guests by promoting legal rentals and reducing disputes. Hosts are advised to apply early, check local rules for extra requirements, and stay updated on changes. Spain’s new rental law is designed to make the market fairer and safer for everyone involved.

Colegio de Registradores : https:// www.registradores.org/

Trouble for accidental transfers

YOU’RE out for coffee when your phone buzzes with a Bizum notification showing €70 received from an unknown sender. There’s no note, no explanation - just an unexpected digital gift. In Spain, doing nothing in this situation can lead to legal trouble. Courts have ruled that keeping money sent by mistake, even passively, can be punishable.

As Bizum rapidly becomes the default payment method in Spain, more people are treating accidental transfers like windfalls rather than liabilities. The app’s simplicity - instant payments via phone number without IBANs or delays - has made it indispensable for everything from rent to raffles. But this ease also causes frequent mistakes, with money sent to wrong or outdated contacts.

Many believe that if the money wasn’t theirs to begin with, they can ignore it. However, Spanish law is clear: money sent by mistake does not belong to the recipient. Keeping it may result in legal action based on unjust enrichment or misappropriation.

Ignoring requests to return the funds can be seen as bad faith, increasing legal risk - even for small amounts like €50. While Bizum offers quick, frictionless payments, accidental transfers carry serious consequences. In a world of instant transactions, the best move is to pause, verify, and return money that isn’t yours before regrets and reparations set in.

Credit : Charles-McClintock Wilson, Shutterstock Spain’s new short-term rental law requires hosts on platforms like Airbnb to get a unique registration code - without it, listings will be illegal from July 2025.

THE Guardia Civil is celebrating another successful year of the Mallorca Live Festival, during which they once again reinforced security and safety for all the Festival attendees.

The Mallorca Live Festival 2025, celebrated in Magaluf, was a booming success, and saw massive crowds draw in to witness stars such as Bad Gyal, Massive Attack, and headliner Iggy Pop. There were reportedly 37,000 exci ted attendees, and overall, things went off without a hitch: the show ran smoothly, and there was a ge neral positive atmosphere for the three days the festival ran.

Specifically, the security operation focused on maintaining control of crowds, making sure everyone was behaving

in an orderly fashion, and ensuring the vigilance of drone usage during the event. The Specialist Police in Aeronautical Management and Operational Safety team (or PEGASO, as they are known in Spanish) made use of equipment such as drone detectors and jammers. Namely, early on June 15, an unauthorised aircraft was detected near the festival, and officers were able to identify the pilot, who was issued reports for violations related to air and public safety. Because of the special units and care the Guardia Civil put into making sure the event was safe and enjoyable for all, Mallorca Live Festival was once again a big hit and a massive draw to the beautiful, musical isle.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Safe, sound & singing Holiday like a footballer

and Georgina Rodríguez’s exclusive Mallorcan villa has been put up for sale. The incredible and secluded property, which spans 25 hectares of gorgeous Mediterranean land, is on sale for €75 million … making it one of the most ex-

pensive properties on the island.

The private villa, called Torre Del Sol, is located on the Tramuntana mountain range, and according to the official real estate website for the property, ‘offers a perfect fusion of luxury, privacy, and nature’. The villa is more than 5,500 metres squared in itself, but the property outside of the home is stunning.

Along with breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountain range and the Mediterranean, the villa has 29 individual bedrooms, each with its own design, 32 bathrooms, and a combination of different stylistic inspirations, such as interior design from

Bali, Mykonos, and Morocco. It also has a 20-metre, climatised infinity pool, a sauna, an indoor theatre, a volleyball court, and of course, a multifunctional sports area.

The villa is also surrounded by wonderful nature, with enormous gardens,

THE Balearic government has announced a landmark decision to legalise properties in the Tramuntana Mountains, even if they are situated on protected land. This change comes as part of an amendment to the administrative simplification law, passed after an agreement with the Vox party.

Previously, there was no statute of limitations for illegal construction on protected rustic land in the Tramuntana. Under the new amendment, regulations in force at the time the property was built will apply. For example, properties constructed before 1991 may now be eligible for legalisation, even if located in areas of special natural interest (ANEI). The law introduces an eight-year statute of limitations for illegal construction or use, counting

fruitful trees, and even animals - it has an area with alpacas, ponies, and chickens. All in all, for any buyer who is lucky enough to be able to afford the stunning property, it would definitely be the place to spend a Mallorcan holiday in style.

from the date the construction began.

The decision has sparked controversy. The Council of Mallorca’s Territorial Defence Agency has raised legal concerns about the amendment’s validity. Opposition parties argue that the move undermines environmental protections, and some town halls remain reluctant to approve legalisations, citing the Tramuntana’s protected status since 1972, when it was declared a ‘picturesque landscape.’

One municipality particularly affected is Pollensa, where many properties could now qualify for legalisation under this new framework. As this law moves forward, the debate continues over balancing property rights and environmental conservation in the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez’s Mallorcan villa is up for sale.

Photo Credit: The Agencyre –Mallorca

The Guardia Civil celebrates another successful year protecting attendees during Mallorca Live.

Photo Credit: Mallorca Live Festival

Artisan awards

THE Council of Mallorca has launched a brand new edition of the Artisan Awards, with a bigger fund for prizes than ever: €39,000. This year, which marks the 12th edition, officials have added new sub-categories for the gastronomic art that can be presented, bringing the grand total up to 12 categories.

The two new sub-categories added are part of the gastronomy category of the competition. Gastronomy-related artisanal entries are now divided into short-shelf-life entries and long-shelf-life entries.

However, the general rules for the gastronomic category remain the same: it must be traditional, and must promote healthy eating. The prize for each of these categories is €4,000. The categories are judged on various criteria including creativity, excellence, and tradition. This edition will also take sustainability into account, highlighting it as an important factor of artisanal creation. The most valuable of the categories is the Mallorca Craftsmanship Award, which carries a prize of €7,000. It’s fo-

llowed by the Traditional Craftsmanship Award and the Design Innovation Award, each carrying a prize of €5,000.

Said Antònia Roca, Vice President of the Consell de Mallorca, “Our purpose is to continue collaborating closely with the artisan sector to inspire and value Mallorcan artisanry between all of us, in its most traditional forms and at its most innovative and contemporary.”

The award applications will be open until July 24, and interested artists are invited to apply.

It’s officially rabbit season

MALLORCA has officially kicked off its rabbit hunting sea son! The season began on Sunday, June 22, and will run until December 7, with a possibility of being extended until December 28, with authorisation from the owner of the reserve where the rabbits will be hunted.

Rabbit hunting will be permitted on the is land using a shotgun, a bow, or a bird of prey, but without dogs or additional equipment. Traditional hunting with Ibizan hounds is also underway.

Hare hunting, on the other hand, will be permitted using birds of prey (namely falcons) and greyhounds, as is the norm from previous years. Hares can also be hunted with a shotgun, but only on the specific dates of August 17 and

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24, and only one hare per hunter a day will be permitted.

New rules this hunting season were also highlighted during a meeting held by Councillor Pedro Bestard and presidents of Mallorca’s hunting associations, namely the new permissions to hunt for wild turtle doves. Turtle doves may be hunted for four days total, those being August 24, 28, 31, and September 4, with a specific limit per hunter, per day. There has been a limit set for the whole country of Spain, which is unprecedented in hunting, and hunters will have to report turtle dove captures within a maximum of 15 minutes of shooting the animal.

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Council of Mallorca launches 12th edition of the Artisan Awards.

Mallorca has kicked off its rabbit hunting season, along with some new rules for hunters.

Photo Credit: MARIOLA GROBELSKA via Unsplash

Photo Credit: MARIOLA GROBELSKA via Unsplash

Manacor wildfire

A FIRE in the municipality of Manacor, forced train services to suspend, according to the Mallorca Fire Department and the Mallorcan Railway Services.

An alert was received at around 3.50pm on Monday, June 23, that an agricultural fire had started on the main road connecting Petra and Manacor, some 500 metres away from the mail road and the train line.

The Bomba Rural Pe -

sada, a team from Felanitx, jumped into action, as they were the closest to the emergency. However, there was a lot of wind and the fire caught quickly to the trees and scrubs in the area, so they had to call for backup and additional Manacor teams were deployed to help. Even though the fire was not directly on the train line, the train services had to be stopped in both directions until the firefighters could

get it under control.

The Mallorcan Railway Services sent out a message via social media at around 4.00pm of the suspension of the train line.

Around two and a half hours later, at 18.30, the fire was put out and the train service was reestablished. In total, the fire affected 0.7 hectares of land and brush. The fire was successfully put out by the firefighters of the Manacor Parks and the Bomba Rural Pesada.

Eco, but not so friendly

THE Palma City Council has announced that they will begin issuing fines in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) beginning on July 1. Cars with an A label will be fined for entering the LEZ, while cars with B, C, ECO and 0 Emission labels will be able to enter freely and without restrictions.

The implementation of the fine is part of an ongoing effort referred to as the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. The plan aims for 30 per cent of vehicles in the city centre, and 10 per cent across the municipality, to have eco or 0 Emission labels by the year 2030.

The first six months of 2025 served as a trial period for citizens to beco -

me aware of the implementation of the LEZ. A label vehicles include petrol cars made before 2001 and diesel cars made before 2006. The fine for entering the LEZ with one of these vehicles will be up to €200.

In the next phase of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, set to be put in place on January 1, 2027, this restriction will include B labelled cars, and from 2030 onwards, the restriction will include C labelled cars as well. It’s recommended for drivers to openly display their stickers, but the monitoring system in the LEZ will also be able to detect the number plates on cars entering.

Jetting off … or staying put?

PASSENGERS flying with easyJet to or from Mallorca are being warned that their trip may be delayed. Due to an international easyJet workers’ strike, flights may be delayed or even cancelled until after Friday, June 27.

The strike, which is organised by the USO worker’s union, has been underway since Wednesday, June 25 and has impacted 657 cabin crew members across 21 aircraft. The strike is affecting approximately 18 to 40 flights per day, and at

the Palma airport in particular, the easyJet worker’s strike has already affected a number of flights. This strike is a direct response to the failed negotiations regarding easyJet airline workers’ pay, which according to the USO is around minimum wage, and represents a salary gap that ranges from 30 per cent to 200 per cent compared to their other European colleagues.

In Spain and in Mallorca in particular, the USO proclaims that easyJet’s salaries are far removed from the socioeconomic reality of the community.

Apart from Palma de Mallorca, the strike will also affect flights going to and from Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante, and Malaga. easyJet urges concerned passengers to continue to check their Flight Tracker resources, and to still arrive on time for their flights, as the boarding and takeoff times may not be affected for all flights.

Palma will now begin fining vehicles for entering the Low Emission Zone from July 1.

Photo Credit: Matt Boitor via Unsplash

A wildfire in Manacor suspended the train services.

Photo Credit: Marcus Kauffman on Unsplash

Elegant, yet affordable

WITH an elegant and charming atmosphere, Cappuccino San Miguel is the perfect place to relax and have a scenic brunch, along with some delicious coffee. In a sunny plaza sprinkled with trees and bright flowers, Cappuccino San Miguel, also known as the Cappuccino Grand Café, is sophisticated yet cosy, and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and cocktails in a wide array of food and drink options.

Cappuccino San Miguel is the perfect option for a sublime meal, at any time of the day.

Mallorca’s Sant Pere

Their starters are traditionally Spanish, offering gazpacho, Iberian ham croquetas, and other light options. They serve a variety of different foods for the main courses, including seafood such as lobster and sushi, different pastas, fried foods such as fish & chips, and even pizza. For dessert they serve different cakes, pies, crepes, and ice cream - something for everybody.

Cappuccino San Miguel also has a divine collection of wines and Champagnes to pair with your food. The meals, while impeccably served and in a high-class atmosphere, are surprisingly affordable, with meals typically no more expensive than €20 per person.

Open from Monday to Thursday from 9.00 to 23.00, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9.00 to 23.30, Cappuccino San Miguel is positively perfect for any time of the day. It is located at Calle San Miguel 53, Palma, and is a touristic gem without the touristic pricing.

T. 971 719 764 cappuccinograndcafe.es

MALLORCA will soon be celebrating one of its most important annual traditions. On Sunday June 29, in the lively ports of Alcudia, Pollença, and Colonia de Sant Pere, local residents of Mallorca will celebrate the Festival de Sant Pere, a maritime event to celebrate their patron saint Sant Pere, and dedicated to preserve Mallorca’s rich history.

For generations, the sailing profession was deeply rooted in Mallorca. Sant Pere is the patron saint of sailors, and without fail, every year on June 29 he is celebrated with feasts, decorations, markets, and parties. Coastal

The queen of ceviche

SUMAQ, the Peruvian fine dining restaurant in Palma, is celebrating 13 years in business. But for its chef, Irene Gutiérrez Huamani, the story began nearly two decades ago. “I’m still here, every day, in the kitchen, with the same love and discipline,” she says.

Born in Santo Tomás, a remote village in Peru’s Cusco region, Irene arrived in Spain 20 years ago, hired by a Mallorcan businessman who became her mentor. After seven years learning the trade, she opened her own restaurant. She named it Sumaq - meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘delicious’ in Quechua - as a tribute to her roots and in gratitude to the person who gave her a chance.

towns will be ablaze with festivities, but inland towns such as Esporles and Buger will also be celebrating the holiday.

The boats will be festooned in the port for the occasion, and images and likenesses of Sant Pere will be all over the ports. There will also be parades, traditional Mallorcan dances like the ball de bot, and the Sant Pere market, which will be a great place to get souvenirs and locally-made trinkets and accessories.

Inland, Esporles and Búger will have outdoor festivities like an outdoor cinema, parties, charity markets, activities and games.

Her signature is the ceviche trilogy: the Nikkei, made with red tuna and soy reduction; the exotic version, with salmon and a mango and passion fruit leche de tigre; and the classic Peruvian, spicy, sharp and powerful. No one leaves without trying it. Other standout dishes include scallops au gratin with parmesan and lime, and crispy kataifi-wrapped king prawns. “A hundred per cent of the dishes are mine, from my life, from my story,” she explains.

Her main courses pay homage

Today, Sumaq is a national benchmark for Peruvian fusion cuisine. Irene runs it with total commitment: she’s in the kitchen day and night, opens seven days a week, and thanks each guest in person. “My greatest strength is hard work,” she says. The restaurant serves more than 3,000 dishes a month, and she is always ready to adapt her recipes to each customer.

to her Andean childhood, now reimagined with European finesse. The duck rice is served three ways - confit, magret and foie gras - with her own huancaína sauce, finished in the pan. The lomo saltado, the top-seller, features prime beef tenderloin, orange pepper, truffle, and is flambéed with cherry tomatoes and crisp fries.

in the pan. The lomo saltado, the yonnaise. It

The cod dish, one of her most personal creations, was born by accident. Preparing a 14-course dinner for friends, she improvised it using leftovers from ceviche: sweet potato, leche de tigre and

a grilled mayonnaise. It became the favourite. That same evening, she met Roberto Pons Rubio. “If you ever open a restaurant, do it with me,” he told her. Today, he is her best friend and business partner. He handles the operations; Irene, the soul - the food, the flowers,

the aesthetics. She’s written a memoirher life worthy of a Netflix series - selling 8,000 copies so far, in two editions. “I’m a fighter, and I’m never satisfied,” she says.

Her favourite dessert is made with lúcuma, a sweet tropical fruit with a deep personal meaning. “That fruit saved me from starving. I used to eat it when it fell from the tree. Now I serve it as mousse, ice cream, foam. It reminds me who I am, and where I come from.”

Photo Credit:

Cappuccino Grand Café

The Sant Pere celebrations in Mallorca will take place on June 29.

Photo Credit: Tomeu87 via Wikimedia Commons

Lottery luck

A BAVARIAN player from Schleswig-Holstein won €1,339,710 in the Eurojackpot using a €68 system ticket. Although he missed the second super-number, he still secured the substantial prize. This win adds to a series of recent million-euro jackpots in Schleswig-Holstein, including a €6.1 million prize in May.

Storm damage

IN Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia, a large ventilation pipe fell from the ceiling of a Rewe supermarket, injuring six people. The incident occurred during a storm, which likely caused the pipe’s support brackets to break. The store reopened days later, while an investigation continues.

EURO PRESS

Timely travel

OSLO Airport has been recognised as the world’s most punctual large international airport for May 2025, with 91.22 per cent of flights departing on time, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) was named the world’s most punctual airline, while Norwegian Airlines ranked fourth among European carriers.

Fillon fallout

PORTUGAL NETHERLANDS ITALY FRANCE DENMARK

Beaver boom

AFTER more than 500 years, the European beaver has returned to Portugal, signalling a major milestone in restoring the country’s river ecosystems. Once wiped out by hunting and habitat loss, beavers have been gradually returning from Spain since the early 2000s. In 2025, their presence was confirmed in Douro International Park.

Viral hit

NAPA’s Eurovision entry, ‘Deslocado’, has become a global sensation. Following the performance, the song surged to the top of music charts in countries including Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Luxembourg. It has gained more than 20 million streams on Spotify and inspired more than 200,000 TikTok videos, totalling over 880 million views.

Rider suspended

DANISH dressage rider Carina Cassøe Krüth has been banned from a major competition following a controversial animal welfare case. A video showing alleged inappropriate training methods led to a report to the Danish Equestrian Federation’s disciplinary committee. As a result, the rider was not allowed to participate.

Recovery rewards

DENMARK has launched a 12-week programme to help young people aged 15–29 overcome opioid addiction. The initiative combines cognitive behavioural therapy with motivational interviewing. Participants receive a 200 DKK (around €27) gift card for every two sessions they attend, aiming to boost engagement.

Tax backfire

THE NETHERLANDS’ recent hike in cigarette taxes aimed to reduce smoking rates has led many smokers to purchase tobacco abroad, circumventing the higher domestic costs. While the tax increase was intended to deter smoking, it has inadvertently encouraged cross-border tobacco shopping, posing challenges to the policy’s effectiveness.

Strange case

AMSTERDAM police arrested a homeless man for public urination, discovering he carried €13,400 in cash, including over €1,900 in small change. Unable to explain the source of the money, the American man was suspected of money laundering. As an undocumented foreign national, he was deported to the United States.

IRELAND

BELGIUM NORWAY GERMANY

Weight loss

A SURGE in Ireland’s exports in early 2025 was driven by US demand for weight loss drug ingredients, especially for Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro, made near Cork. March exports hit a record $25bn, 400 per cent higher than 2024. The pharmaceutical sector benefits from rising global demand, but anticipates impacts from potential US tariffs.

Wildlife watch

A WHITE-TAILED eagle was found poisoned in County Kerry, prompting a Garda investigation. The species, reintroduced in 2007 after extinction, has faced several poisoning incidents. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activity to protect these protected birds and support ongoing conservation efforts.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Finnish plates

FISH consumption in Finland has declined, dropping from 17kg per person in 2023 to just under 11kg in 2024. This decrease is attributed to rising prices and shifting preferences, with increased consumption of oats and meat, particularly poultry. The trend reflects changes in Finnish eating habits, influenced by economic factors and food policies.

Data breach

FINLAND experienced its largest ever data breach in 2024, exposing personal information of up to 300,000 people in Helsinki’s education sector. Hackers exploited an outdated VPN server to access sensitive data, including health and child protection records. No identity theft cases have been reported so far.

Trash Queen

FARIBA VANCOR, Sweden’s self-proclaimed ‘Queen of Trash’, has been sentenced to six years in prison for leading one of the country’s largest environmental crimes. Her company, Think Pink, illegally dumped 200,000 tonnes of toxic waste across Sweden. Ten others were convicted, and several must pay massive damages for clean-up.

Midsummer mission

FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Vidar Jöngren cycled 400 km in one day to raise money for Suicide Zero, a suicide-prevention charity. His campaign, titled ‘400 km for Suicide Zerofor everyone who won’t celebrate Midsummer again’, raised more than SEK 140,000 (€12,000), far exceeding his SEK 5,000 (around €430) goal.

FORMER French Prime Minister François Fillon was sentenced to a four-year suspended prison term for embezzlement related to a fake job scandal involving his wife, in which she was paid from public funds for a parliamentary assistant role that she did not perform. He was also fined €375,000 and banned from holding public office for five years.

Netflix alliance

NETFLIX and French TV group TF1 have struck a ground-breaking deal to stream TF1’s live channels and on-demand content starting summer 2026. This marks Netflix’s first partnership to offer traditional live TV, aiming to broaden its audience and attract advertisers while helping TF1 adapt to changing viewing habits.

Sneaky streams

IN 2024, 38 per cent of Italians engaged in audio and video piracy at least once, according to a study by Ipsos and Fapav. The report revealed around 295 million acts of piracy last year, causing a loss of approximately €2 billion to the economy and endangering some 12,100 jobs.

Divine duo

POPE LEO XIV is not only the first American-born pope but also shares a surprising family connection with pop icon Madonna. A genealogical study led by Henry Louis Gates Jr on the PBS show ‘Finding Your Roots’ revealed that the two are ninth cousins, several times removed, through a shared ancestor born in 1590s Quebec.

Unexpected arrival

A HOUSEHOLD in Leuven received an unexpected surprise when a live scorpion emerged from a parcel containing a mail-order swimming pool. The nine cm-long scorpion was safely captured by the Animal Rescue Service. It was in good condition and has been transferred to a wildlife rescue centre for further care.

Digital detective

AN AI-controlled smart lawnmower was stolen in Ostend, but ended up solving its own disappearance. It was equipped with GPS and a camera, it took photos and monitored suspicious activity in ‘Sheriff’ mode. With help from the manufacturer, police tracked its location and found the mower hidden in a neighbour’s garden shed.

Credit: Shutterstock / Victor Jiang

It’s not their fault

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

CONTRARY to the popular opinions of some who regret the human ageing process, I think the last thing I would want to be in this day and age would be a teenager. Heaven only knows how most of today’s youngsters are going to cope with the ‘slings and arrows’ of the real world when they finally realise that they are actually responsible for their own well-being and survival!

With the Nanny state they are being raised in becoming more and more prevalent by the day, I can see them becoming utterly reliant on their robotic communicators, expecting them to solve just about any problem that happens to arise - allowing the Orwellian nightmare of brain-dead zombies, totally unable, or even willing to make a single decision for themselves finally reaching its manifestation.

To tell the truth I think vast majorities of them are already there. It’s actually not their fault. It’s the so-called adults who have decided to interfere

with just about every aspect of their young lives.

Just recently the ‘Nannies’ delivered a real humdinger. In order to avoid accusations of rape among students, they have suggested a series of requests to be implemented and replied to at every step of the ‘petting’ process. EG. May I walk with you? May I hold your hand? Do you mind if I put my arm around you? Would you be willing to let me...!? well I think you can probably imagine the rest!

Personally, I can’t think of a worse passion killer than that scenario. In my day, the girl soon let you know whether you could ‘touch’ something or not. You often came up against some resistance; but then a young lady wouldn’t want you to think she was ‘easy’ would she?

Whatever the case, ultimately your own judgements usually prevailed, leading to a satisfactory outcome for both parties. I also notice it’s always the female point of view they are discussing. Implying of course the ageold misconception of the young that it’s only the boys who ‘want it’; utter nonsense. ‘Yes of course you can darling,

you really didn’t need to ask!’

It’s also no surprise to me that this charter of robotic authority is leading to more and more outbreaks of violence in our young, often utterly confused offsprings. The UK is experiencing acts of teenage unrest spread at an alarming rate.

It is however very noticeable, to those of us that reside here, that although Spain has some problems with young offenders, it is nothing like the enormous criminal issues confronting a number of other cultures at this time.

I firmly believe that a great deal of this lays in the simple fact that the Spanish family unit is still as strong as ever. Both love and respect are firmly entwined and practised. From Grannies and Grandads, down to the youngest of broods.

Although I do feel they spoil some of their kids something rotten, it is infinitely better than chucking them out to survive, with no preparation, guidance or sense of decency whatsoever. Thanks for the mail. Keep em coming.

Keep the faith - Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

INTERVIEW

The photographic journey of Małgorzata Wakuluk - Speaking European

In less than a year, Polish photographer Małgorzata Wakuluk has built a new life in Castell de Castells, a quiet mountain village in Alicante.

DRAWN by intuition and a need for change, she arrived wi thout plans or Spanish, yet quickly found belonging through light, community and photography. Her work, grounded in emotion and social context, reflects a sensitivity to the human condition.

What began as a leap into the unknown became an embrace of slower rhythms, shared rituals and everyday tenderness. “I needed connection,” she says - “small gestures, real encounters,” she said to Euro Weekly News. In nearby Pego, she was welcomed by a women’s group and town hall, who trusted her to capture intimate portraits of local women. At the exhibition, visitors were moved: “That’s what I call a career - connection, emotion, human closeness.”

Credit: Małgorzata

Her home is Castell de Castells, a pueblo of around 400 people.

tes and leads the Polish Women Photographers collective, with an upcoming exhibition in Pego blending her roots and her new home.

Retired from institutional jobs, Małgorzata now lives her work. “Photography teaches me attentiveness and wonder - it magically opens people’s hearts.” She reframes ‘career’ as human reciprocity, not fame.

Instant help, one tap

BARCELONA plans to launch a new panic button app by 2026, allowing users to alert emergency services with a single tap. The app will instantly share a user’s live location and activate nearby public and private CCTV cameras, offering responders immediate visual context before arriving on scene. It aims to speed up emergency response, reduce blind spots, and enhance urban safety.

The project, managed by the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), spans 36 municipalities. It builds on a pilot in Cornellà using local firm Einsmer’s platform. The city expects to award the public tender by summer 2025, with €6.1 million in development funding already secured. Annual operating costs are projected to reach €14 million through 2030.

Supporters see it as a modern safety tool, especially for vulnerable indi-

Barcelona’s new app taps into existing CCTV networkssafety or surveillance?

viduals. Critics, however, warn it raises privacy concerns by linking geolocation with real-time surveillance. Questions remain over who accesses footage, how it’s stored, and whether users can truly opt out.

Officials claim compliance with EU data protection laws, though governance of third-party footage remains unclear. As one of the largest planned deployments of such tech in Europe, Barcelona’s rollout may set a precedent - highlighting the growing tension between public safety and digital privacy.

Beyond photography, she mentors, cura-

As she approaches her first anniversary in Spain, she remains in motion - camera in hand, heart open to the invisible moments that reveal life at its most honest and unguarded.

Wakuluk

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

JPMorgan CEO

JPMORGAN has appointed Maricé Brown as CEO of its UK private bank, effective Q3, following Oliver Gregson’s departure, FN London reports. Brown currently heads JPMorgan Private Bank Mexico. A spokesperson said she brings “deep experience and strong leadership skills to the UK market.” The move reflects broader leadership reshuffles across JPMorgan.

Bonds in demand

SPAIN’S government bonds are gaining popularity as the yield spread over German bunds narrows, reflecting renewed investor confidence, Investing.com reports. JP Morgan analyst Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou noted: “Peripheral bonds are now outperforming core bonds.” Spain’s 3.2 per cent GDP growth and stable fiscal outlook are fuelling the rally.

Power link

THE European Investment Bank will invest €1.6 billion in a 400km subsea power line linking Spain and France, set to double electricity capacity by 2028, Euractiv reports. EIB Vice-President Ricardo Mourinho Félix said: “This project is key to strengthening Europe’s energy resilience and solidarity.”

Expanding fleet

SPANISH airline Iberia will expand its long-haul fleet from 45 to 70 aircraft by 2030, investing a huge €6 billion, mainly from its own funds, Investing.com reports. CEO Marco Sansavini said the move supports new direct routes to Toronto, Philadelphia, and Monterrey.

Delays slammed

ULTRA-FAST EV charging firm Zunder says building a hub in Spain can take “twice as long” as in France due to red tape, MobilityPlaza reports. B2B Director Alberto Herrero added: “We can’t afford mistakes… If we don’t sell energy, we close.”

STAT OF WEEK

CaixaBank

reveals that the blackout caused a 34 per cent fall in consumption spending by Spanish households that day (April 28).

Telefónica deal struck

TELEFÓNICA has agreed to sell its Ecuadorian subsidiary to Millicom Spain for €330 million, continuing its strategic retreat from Latin America under chairman Marc Murtra.

The sale of Otecel, which operates as Movistar Ecuador and holds 28 per cent of the local mobile market with five million customers, was announced on Friday June 13 and is subject to regulatory approval.

In a statement, Telefónica said the deal is part of its plan “to optimise its portfolio and progressively reduce its exposure in Latin America, focusing on key markets and generating sustainable value” (cited by El Cronista).

Since Murtra became president, Telefónica has divested €2.33 billion in Latin American assets, including:

• Argentina: €1.19 billion (Grupo Clarín)

• Peru: €900,000 plus €1.2 billion

assumed debt

• Uruguay: €389 million (Millicom)

• Colombia: €368 million (Millicom)

• Ecuador: €330 million (Millicom)

Millicom CEO Marcelo Benítez said the deal reflects “long-term

Asos’s new CFO

ECOMMERCE giant Asos has named Aaron Izzard as its new chief financial officer, effective from the end of June 2025. He will succeed Dave Murray, who is stepping down after more than a year in the role.

Izzard, currently Asos’s director of group finance, has been praised for his role in the company’s cost-efficiency programme. According to Retail Gazette, he helped reshape the group’s resource allocation strategy and supported recent refinancing efforts.

Asos CEO José Antonio Ramos Calamonte said: “Aaron has a strong track record of delivering operational efficiency and strategic thinking which will be key to continuing our successful transformation.”

Asos recently reported its first-half results for fiscal year

Lending hits a high

BUSINESS lending by UK

high street banks rose to £4.6 billion in Q1 2025, a 14 per cent year-on-year increase, according to UK Finance cited by Financial Reporter.

The biggest boost came from small businesses, with lending up nearly 30 per cent, and loan approvals up 37 per cent.

Shawbrook’s Neil Rudge warned, “The real issue isn’t the availability of capital - it’s the appetite for it.”

confidence in Latin America,” calling Ecuador “a dynamic and growing digital market within a stable, dollarised economy.” Spanish banks remain cautious. Renta 4 maintained a ‘hold’ recommendation, noting the deal could pave the way for more exits, such as Chile or Mexico.

2025, which showed a decreased loss despite a decline in revenue. The company had a positive adjusted EBITDA of £42.5 million, up from a loss of £16.3 million at the same time last year.

TSB for sale

SABADELL is exploring a sale of its UK arm, TSB, as it faces mounting pressure from a hostile €11 billion (£9.4bn) takeover bid by domestic rival BBVA.

Sabadell acquired TSB from Lloyds Banking Group for £1.7bn (€2bn) in 2015. But after more than a year battling BBVA’s aggressive takeover push, the Catalonia-based lender appears ready to offload its British division, which has 5 million UK customers, 175 branches, and over 5,000 staff.

Sources told the Financial Times that potential buyers - including Barclays, NatWest, Santander UK, and HSBC - have received sale documents.

WOLLETTE will launch WollettePay, a direct account-to-account (A2A) payment system, in Q4 2025, according to Fintech News.

The service aims to simplify open banking with instant, one-tap payments using biometric verification and encryptionno need for entering card details.

CEO Henry Orunkoya said: “We are giving consumers and merchants a payment experience that is finally as simple as it should be.”

REVOLUT will soon roll out an AI-powered financial assistant to help users make smarter money decisions, according to Bloomberg. UK CEO Francesca Carlesi confirmed the launch at a Bloomberg event in Milan on June 17.

The tool will offer personalised financial guidance, with a gradual rollout planned across 2025.

Revolut’s user base hit 52.5 million in 2024, with CEO Nik Storonsky saying they’re “just getting started.”

Spanish economic president quits

THE president of Spain’s Central Economic and Administrative Court (TEAC), José Antonio Marco Sanjuán, has resigned after being accused of receiving payments in exchange for cancelling tax claims from businessmen.

Sanjuán stepped down on June 17, citing ‘personal reasons’. The resignation came shortly after reported claims from an anonymous businessman that he allegedly paid over €100,000 for favourable treatment.

Reports say Sanjuán is considering legal action. He will be replaced by José Ignacio Ruiz Toledano, a seasoned tax inspector and former president of Madrid’s regional economic court.

NEWABLE, the only nonbank lender in the UK’s Export Finance Guarantee Scheme, has halted new loans, delivering a blow to small exporters, according to GTR.

A UKEF spokesperson confirmed: “Newable has informed customers that it has paused new applications to UKEF’s General Export Facility.”

The firm was removed from UKEF’s participant list on June 9, despite having backed 529 SME deals worth £28 million (€33 million) since 2021.

Telefónica, Madrid.

Credit: A08, Shutterstock

Asos.

3I Group 4.022,99 4.024,00 3.971,00 56,35K

Admiral Group 3.406,2 3.416,0 3.399,7 12,1K

Airtel Africa 170,69 170,80 168,00 120,88K

Anglo American 1.993,8 2.003,0 1.991,0 77,8K

Antofagasta 1.686,52 1.695,50 1.686,00 38,7K

Ashtead Group 4.417,5 4.424,0 4.386,0 19,66K

Associated British Foods 2.066,0 2.072,0 2.059,0 40,85K

AstraZeneca 10.376,0 10.394,0 10.310,0 60,16K

Auto Trader Group Plc 805,20 807,20 800,44 66,27K

Aviva 621,00 622,00 617,58 450,06K

B&M European Value Retail SA 264,60 265,50 263,10 526,92K

BAE Systems 1.899,00 1.911,48 1.885,50 394,64K

Barclays 322,75 323,10 320,47 1,91M

Barratt Redrow 461,98 464,30 459,31 255,17K

Beazley 928,50 928,50 922,00 68,57K

Berkeley 3.856,2 3.878,0 3.798,0 26,95K

BP 390,50 393,36 389,23 4,19M

British American Tobacco 3.626,5 3.636,0 3.617,0 107,12K

BT Group 190,20 191,85 190,10 852,32K

Bunzl 2.290,0 2.290,0 2.254,0 32,33K

Centrica 166,53 166,90 165,05 663,73K Coca Cola HBC AG 3.850,0 3.858,0 3.846,0 8,82K Compass 2.511,00 2.511,00 2.480,00 138,35K

ConvaTec Group 286,80 288,41 282,20 222,98K

Intl 2.976,0 2.984,0 2.964,9 8,16K

4.632,0 4.642,0 4.600,0 10,92K

UK rate freeze

UK inflation held at 3.4 per cent in May, keeping core rates above target. Economists expect the Bank of England to hold interest rates at 4.25 per cent, with energy price volatility further complicating decisions, cited by The Times.

Lessons for the UK

A HOUSE OF LORDS committee urges the UK to emulate Singapore’s fast track fintech policies and low tax model to boost growth. While sandbox reforms exist, lawmakers say the UK needs more urgent implementation to stay competitive.

BBVA says buy Bitcoin

SPANISH bank BBVA is now formally advising its wealthy clients to allocate up to 7 per cent of their investment portfolios to Bitcoin, marking a major shift in how traditional banks view digital assets.

“With private customers, since September last year, we started advising on Bitcoin,” said Philippe Meyer, head of digital & blockchain solutions at BBVA Switzerland, during the DigiAssets conference in London. He added, “The riskier profile, we allow up

Direct Line takeover

AVIVA is expected to complete its £3.7 billion (€4.35 billion) takeover of Direct Line Insurance on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

The deal will create a major player in the UK motor insurance market, with over 20 per cent market share. It includes Direct Line’s brands Churchill

and Green Flag. However, the merger has sparked concern. Aviva previously announced that around 2,300 jobs could be at risk.

Direct Line is currently undergoing a £100 million cost-cutting programme under new CEO Adam Winslow, who took over in March.

to 7 per cent of portfolios in crypto.” (Cited by Bitcoin Magazine).

BBVA’s private wealth division now recommends 3 to 7 per cent in Bitcoin, depending on the client’s risk appetite. While many banks execute crypto trades on request, it’s rare for a global institution to formally recommend buying Bitcoin.

Meyer explained that even small allocations can boost returns: “If you look at a balanced portfolio, if you introduce 3 per cent, you already boost the performance. At 3 per cent, you are not taking a huge risk.” BBVA began offering Bitcoin trading and custody services in 2021, but this is the first time it’s giving direct advice to invest. Back in 2015, the bank said institutions that understand Bitcoin would “lead the new monetary system.”

Cirsa IPO in Madrid

BLACKSTONE owned Spanish gaming group Cirsa plans a €460 million IPO on Madrid’s stock exchange later this year. Proceeds aim to fuel expansion and reduce debt, with Morgan Stanley and Barclays as lead coordinators, as reported by Reuters.

UK Fintech deal numbers are set to drop by 28 per cent in 2025, as investors prefer fewer, larger deals. Fifty-eight deals were recorded in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 52 per cent drop from Q1 2024, as reported by Fintech Global.

BBVA advises clients to buy Bitcoin.

When the King invites... the wrong Patricia

THE Spanish Royal Household is facing criticism after mistakenly inviting the wrong Patricia Fernández to a high-profile event marking 40 years since Spain joined the European Economic Community. The ceremony, held at the Royal Palace in Madrid and presided over by King Felipe VI, was attended by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other senior officials. It was intended to celebrate Spain’s European journey, with a guest list that included figures linked to EU institutions.

However, an invitation meant for Patricia Fernández, a cultural communicator and expert on human rights and European values, was mistakenly sent to a lifestyle influencer with the same name. The mix-up quickly drew attention on

Madrid’s costly shade

social media after users noticed the error. The intended guest expressed her disappointment, calling it ‘a very unpleasant situation’, while acknowledging that it had been a genuine mistake.

The influencer, known online as Patriwhitehouse, said she had received an official invitation in

her name and attended in good faith. She defended her presence, noting her work on sustainability and that she was born in 1985 - the year Spain signed the Accession Treaty. She denied any wrongdoing and urged calm: “Sharing the same name is not unusual.”

Spain’s nightlife under scrutiny

SPANIARDS treasure the tradition of sitting down to dinner just before midnight and indulging in churros with hot chocolate well into the early hours, a quintessential aspect of the country’s renowned nightlife. However, a statement by Yolanda Díaz, the communist deputy prime minister, once again sparked controversy by suggesting that these habits are out of sync with the rest of Europe. This ignited a heated debate with Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Spain’s popular female politician, defending the nation’s unique approach to nightlife, accusing Díaz of advocating a ‘socialist puritanism’ that would encroach upon its cherished freedoms.

The disagreement reignited memories of the historic slogan ‘Spain is different’ from the Francoist era, highlighting the enduring divide over cultural

MADRID’S iconic Puerta del Sol, renovated just two years ago, is back in the spot light - this time for spending €1.5 million on temporary textile canopies to provide shade during soaring temperatures above 35°C. The project involves 26 large fa bric panels stretched across the square, su pported by steel masts anchored to redesigned granite benches. The contracts were split between installation (€475,530 to Carpas Zaragoza) and bench modifications (€996,172 to Licuas). The canopies, in muted tones, cover 2,700 m² and will remain until the end of summer.

Despite the effort to improve public comfort, many locals and business owners criticise the solution as expensive, improvised, and temporary. Social media has echoed frustrations, with calls to plant trees instead. However, Puerta del Sol sits atop a

dense network of Metro and rail infrastructure beneath a thick concrete slab, making tree planting structurally unfeasible without costly reengineering. Strict heritage regulations also restrict major alterations. City planners maintain canopies are the only short-term option, though experts advocate for greener, longer-lasting solutions like vegetated shade structures, which provide cooling and air purification but require greater investment and maintenance. The current fabric canopies offer no environmental benefit and will be removed after summer.

This controversy highlights the challenge Madrid faces balancing heritage preservation, heat mitigation, and sustainability in a warming climate. For now, the capital’s centre remains a sun-baked expanse with an expensive parasol - and no trees in sight.

New benefit plan

identity.

Díaz criticised the late opening hours of Spanish establishments, calling it ‘unreasonable’ and labelling the disparity with the rest of Europe as ‘absurd’. She proposed measures to rationalise working hours. In response, Ayuso, known for her conservative stance and for reopening bars and restaurants early during the pandemic, emphasised Spain’s distinctiveness and vibrant nightlife as essential for employment and vitality.

Meanwhile, the Spanish hospitality industry rejected Díaz’s comments, stressing the appeal of Spain’s late-night culture which, it claimed, fits in with evolving trends across Europe. What’s your view? And finally, just to add that your ongoing messages to my website are greatly appreciated! Delighted both my column - and novels - resonate with you!

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.

THE Spanish government has proposed a bold new universal child benefit scheme that could see families receive €2,400 per child per year, aimed at reducing child poverty and supporting families nationwide.

Known as the Prestación Universal por Crianza, the plan would offer €200 per month for every child under 18 residing in Spain, regardless of parental income or employment status. All children must be legally registered and hold residency to qualify.

Backed by the Ministry of Social Rights and the left-wing Sumar coalition, the proposal is part of a broader push to align Spain’s welfare system with those of northern European countries. Spain currently ranks among the highest in child poverty within the EU, and this initiative

is seen as a vital investment in long-term social equity and childhood well-being.

Unlike past schemes, this benefit is entirely universal and unconditional, drawing inspiration from successful models in Germany and the Netherlands.

However, the measure has not yet passed into law and remains dependent on inclusion in the

2025 General State Budget, still under negotiation. If approved, it could be implemented as early as 2026.

While critics worry about the financial impact, supporters argue that the social and economic returns - reduced inequality, better health and education outcomes - make it a transformative policy for Spain’s future.

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

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

On the left, the fashion influencer with no connection to humanitarian work, known as Patriwhitehouse; on the right, the actual human rights advocate who was meant to attend the event, Patricia Fernández.

City planners argue that, in this case, canopies are the only viable short-term solution.

Photo by Shutterstock.

New plan is aimed at reducing child poverty.

Photo credits: Freepik

Costa del Sol Sporting space

TORREMOLINOS has opened the El Palmeral ‘Javier Imbroda’ indoor sports pavilion in El Pinillo, further expanding its sports facilities.

The €1 million project, co-funded by Malaga Provincial Council and Torremolinos Town Hall, covers 2,000 square metres and features a multi-sport court for indoor football, basketball, judo, and rhythmic gymnastics, showed off by young athletes at the opening. The venue includes changing rooms, restrooms, a reception, and a first-aid room.

Malaga Provincial Council President Francisco Salado, Andalucian Regional Government President Juanma Moreno, Torremolinos mayor Margarita del Cid, and Imbroda’s family attended the inauguration. Salado highlighted the council’s €10 million investment in sports infrastructure for smaller municipalities last year, with Torremolinos receiving €1 million as part of aid for larger towns, promoting healthy lifestyles across communities.

Axarquia

Even AI says Axarquia

MALAGA is one of the best places to be in summer. Marbella, Nerja, Torremolinos, even Malaga City, they’re all packed. Lots of people, lots of sun, busy beaches, and prices to match.

But if you look a bit further east, things are different.

EWN got curious and asked ChatGPT where the most affordable coastal towns in the province are. The answer came back quickly: Axarquia. Specifically, Torre del Mar, Caleta de Velez, Torrox, and Algarrobo-Costa. All in the same part of the coast, a bit quieter but still right by the sea.

But it’s not just about saving money. The beaches are nice, the towns aren’t overcrowded, and everything feels more local. The food’s great, the weather’s just as good - you get the full Malaga experience without the high-season prices.

Axarquia might not be the most famous part of the coast, but if you’re looking for sea, sun, and a fair deal, it’s definitely worth a look. And yes, even ChatGPT said so.

Costa Blanca North Final flip or flop

HENRY MOORES has spent the past few months doing something most would consider mad - walking from Manchester to the Mediterranean coast in flip-flops. Yes, flip-flops. And he’s not stopping there.

The 84-day journey is part of an extraordinary effort to raise money for a children’s cancer charity. So far, Moores has raised an impressive £41,000 with Gift Aid - and has garnered support from people across the UK and beyond. But now, with his feet nearly at the sea’s edge in Denia, on Spain’s eastern coast, he’s facing a final hurdle: how to cross the Mediterranean to Ibiza in a way that’s as memorable as the rest of his adventure.

“I originally thought about rowing a coastal boat from Denia to Ibiza,” Moores explains in his Facebook profile, “but it turns out getting the right permits is more complicated than I imagined.”

Now, the finish line is in sight but with no clear path to reach it.

Costa Blanca South Alicante Bonfire Festival

THE Alicante Bonfire Festival was a huge success! With 94 points, the first prize in the Special category for 2025 was the Baver - Els Antigons bonfire, a gorgeous and stylistic monument by artists Paco Torres and Paco Camallonga. The prizes were awarded on Friday, June 20.

The artwork was a swirl of colourful characters and stylistic shapes. With bright yellows, reds, purples, and pinks, and soft gradients, it was not only visually appealing, but incredibly well-made as well. In second place was Sèneca Autobusos with 91 points, and Diputación Renfe with 79 points.

In the Children’s category, Florida Portazgo stole the show and spectators’ hearts. Created by artist Manuel Rubio, the artwork, named Fuerza, gained a whopping 84 points in the competition.

The Alicante Bonfire Festival is held every year at the summer solstice festival, or Sant Joan as it is known in Spain, and is a huge draw for crowds of tourists and residents alike.

Almeria

Tourism boosts Mojacar

MOJACAR has officially received a regional grant as part of its status as a Municipio Turístico (Tourist Municipality), a recognition awarded by the Junta de Andalucia. While this may sound like another bureaucratic label, it carries real significance, especially for the community, neighbours and population that calls this corner of the Costa de Almeria home.

The grant is part of a €4.4 million funding package distributed across Andalucian towns with tourist designation. For Mojacar, this means additional investment in local infrastructure, cultural heritage, accessibility, and technological improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

But it’s not just tourists who benefit. Everyone living in Mojacar, many of whom choose the town for its unique blend of tradition, climate, and community stand to gain from better-maintained public spaces, clearer signage, improved accessibility for those with mobility needs, and potentially less strain on local services during peak seasons.

Costa Calida Theatre breaks records

CARTAGENA’S iconic Roman Theatre has welcomed more visitors than ever before, setting a new record with more than 112,000 people visiting between January and May. That’s a 2 per cent rise on last year’s figures, which were already the highest since the pandemic.

But it’s not just the numbers making headlines, work is also moving ahead on the next phase of excavation, with a €2.2 million project set to restore key areas of the site and bring even more of its hidden history to light. The funding comes from the EU’s Next Generation programme, which supports projects that boost tourism and protect heritage.

Mayor Noelia Arroyo called 2025 a landmark year for Cartagena. For the first time, the Roman Theatre and the Amphitheatre will both be under excavation at the same time, with plans to allow the public to visit even as the work continues.

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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 house-sitter or a homeowner on Hou seSitMatch.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!

Wildlife woes for pets

LIVING in the Spanish countryside offers plenty of open space and fresh air for pets, but rural life also brings them closer to local wildlife. From curious foxes and snakes to wild boar, birds of prey, and even pine martens, encounters can range from fascinating to risky if not carefully managed.

Keeping your pet safe starts with awareness.

Dogs off-lead in wooded areas might chase or confront animals like boar or badgers, leading to potential injury. Cats, especially outdoor roamers, may cross paths with snakes, including the Montpellier or ladder snake - non-lethal but capable of a painful bite. Birds of prey, such as eagles and large owls, have also been known to snatch small

pets in remote regions. To reduce risks, always supervise pets when outdoors, especially near dense brush or at dawn and dusk

when wildlife is more active. Secure gardens with fencing where possible, and avoid leaving food out that may attract unwanted

Al dente dog travel

GOOD news for dog owners who hate leaving their pets behind - Italy has approved a new regulation allowing dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic ights.

As of May 2025, dogs under 10kg may travel inside the cabin, provided they’re in an airline-approved soft carrier. Some airlines are even trialling pet-friendly rows for larger dogs to sit beside their owners. While hygiene and safety remain priorities, emotional comfort is also being recognised.

This move re ects a wider European shift towards recognising animals as sentient beings. Italian carriers such as ITA Airways, Neos, and Volotea (which also operates in Spain) have embraced the change, seeing it as a win for animal welfare and customer satisfaction.

Traditionally, ying with dogs can be distressingespecially for large breeds

placed in cargo holds, a practice linked to stress and even fatal outcomes. Italy’s new policy puts well-being and safety at the forefront. With around 11 million dogs in Spanish homes, many hope Spain will follow. More pet-friendly ights could support tourism, help rescue organisations, reduce road tra c, and align with Spain’s 2022 recognition of animal sentience.

Airlines like Iberia or Vueling could lead the way, trialling routes between Madrid and Barcelona. If Italy can do it, why not Spain?

TIP Measuring a dog’s collar

IT’S important to make sure your dog’s collar fits correctly. Measure the base of your dog’s neck. Make sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. This helps prevent it from being too tight or too loose. Choosing a collar with an adjustable sizing is best.

Shutterstock Jim Cumming

visitors. With a few sensible precautions, pets and wildlife can coexist peacefully in Spain’s beautiful countryside.

Photo credit: Pawmaw

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All-New Nissan MICRA EV revealed

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

IT is one of those models that has been a first car for many, a ‘down-sizer’ car and economical urban runaround since the early 1980s when it was first launched. The all-new, sixth-generation version of the MICRA will return to the B-segment this year as a fully-connected, pure EV. With zero-emissions the new MICRA will stay true to its history which has underpinned its popularity and success across five generations and more than 40 years.

Its arrival signals the next major step in Nissan’s plan to introduce four new fully electric models by 2027 as part of its push towards electrification. These include the all-new MICRA, followed by the Nissan LEAF, Nissan JUKE, and a A-Segment model, as well as the upgraded third generation of Nissan’s unique e-Power technology - to be rolled out on the best-selling Nissan Qashqai.

Designed at Nissan’s Design Europe (NDE) in London, the new MICRA has a refreshed and distinctive new exterior look.

All new MICRA grades will come with 46cm/18inch wheels, with three di fferent options depending on grade: ‘active’ wheel covers, ‘Iconic’ and ‘Sport’ alloy wheel designs. That large wheel dimension, combining with the dark wheel arch trim, contributes to the new MICRA’s strong and solid stance on the road. Headlamps protrude slightly from

At the rear, the taillamps are defined by a simple but ornate LED light design - boasting circular lighting elements.

Some 14 exterior colour combinations will be available in Pure White, Elegant Silver, Mystery Black, Noble Marine, Authentic Blue, and Rebel Red. Depending on grade, two-tone colour options give the buyer the choice to combine the body colour with either a black or grey roof, ensuring there’s a specification and distinctive look for drivers of all tastes.

the numberplate to the bonnet. On unlocking the car, the lights perform a short choreographed ‘welcome wink’ where the front lights pulse from left to right and then right to left.

Stand out, get stopped

EVERY summer, Spain’s roads fill with holidaymakers heading off with surfboards, packed boots, and hopes their air conditioning holds out. But one sight is guaranteed: the Guardia Civil, conducting roadside checks from the Costa del Sol to the rural backroads of Castilla-La Mancha.

Most drivers know the usual reasons for being stopped - expired MOTs or signs of drink-driving - but there’s one lesser-known factor: the colour of your car. Specifically, bright yellow.

According to some ex-officers, yellow cars are far more likely to get flagged down. Not the soft lemon of an old Fiat, but the bold, ‘canary at a rave’ kind - common on flashy 90s hatchbacks and sporty mo -

dels. In a sea of grey SUVs, a bright yellow car stands out instantly during checks. Red cars aren’t immune either. While often associated with flashy drivers, data suggests they’re involved in fewer accidents - possibly because they’re so visible.

And sleek black

cars? They may seem discreet, but at night, their shine and tinted windows can attract attention too. Should you repaint your car before driving in Spain? Not at all. If you’re legal and sober, you’ve little to worry about. Just don’t expect to go unnoticed in a yellow car.

Front and rear seat upholstery varies according to grade but offers customers three distinct trims to suit their preference - Modern, Audacious, and Chill. To simplify options for customers, the new MICRA will only be available in a five-door configuration - making the most of its long wheelbase to give easy entry and exit for all occupants.

While primarily designed as a car for the urban environment, the 52kWh battery and a 407km/253-mile real-world range.

Spain to host two Grands Prix

IN a major boost for Spanish motorsport, Formula 1 has confirmed that Spain will host two Grands Prix in an upcoming season. Madrid will join the calendar with a brand-new event, while Barcelona will retain its place under a revised title. Madrid will take over the Spanish Grand Prix designation with a new hybrid street circuit in the city’s northeast, centred around the IFEMA exhibition centre near Barajas. The 5.47-kilometre layout, designed by Italian firm Studio Dromo, will feature 22 turns and is expected to yield lap times of around one minute and

Construction is already underway, with the venue initially set to accommodate 110,000 spectators daily, expandable to 140,000. Organisers stress accessibility, noting proximity to Madrid’s international airport and extensive public transport links. It is estimated 90 per cent of attendees will use public transport. The €80 million construction contract was awarded to a consortium led by Acciona and Eiffage. Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz Jr have both praised the circuit.

Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain on the

the new title of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The Madrid race will serve as the final European round before the overseas phase. Spain last hosted two races in one season over a decade ago.

The expansion reflects F1’s growing popularity in Spain, driven by the success of Alonso and Sainz. CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed both cities have long-term value for the sport.

The Madrid venue prioritises sustainability, operating on 100 per cent renewable energy and using recyclable materials - part of Formula 1’s net-zero

Messi or Ronaldo?

SPECULATION is growing around the possible return of the Super Ballon d’Or, a unique award presented only once, in 1989, to Alfredo Di Stéfano. Designed to honour the best footballer of the past three decades, the award has resurfaced in football debate following a France Football post asking who would deserve it today.

Attention has naturally focused on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated the sport for over 15 years. Messi leads Ronaldo in Ballon d’Or wins, eight to five. He has scored 865 goals in 1,106 appea rances and holds a record 45 trophies, including six European Golden Shoes. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has netted 938 goals in 1,250 appearances and has 34 senior trophies to his name.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is sche duled for Sep tember 22 at Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet, with nominations

announced from August 13. Thirteen awards will be presented, and Manchester City’s Rodri is expected to pass on his crown.

Though rumours suggest a Super Ballon d’Or ceremony could happen in 2029, no official confirmation exists. Other names like Rodri, Modric, Benzema, Kaka, Cannavaro and Ronaldinho have also been floated as contenders.

For now, the Mes-

Most expensive player

GERMAN midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverku sen has become the most expensive player in British soccer history after Liver pool signed the deal for his transfer worth £116 million (approximately €135.4 mi llion or $156 million).

The German footballer’s deal has exceeded the previous most expensive player transfer agreement in the Premier League, Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo, for whom Chelsea placed a price tag of £115 million (about €134.2 million or $146 million)

der his belt, including being the German league’s youngest goalscorer when he netted in a defeat against Bayer Munich.

In his first words posted by his new football club on X after the announcement, Wirtz thanked the team for their support. “Thank you for your support, and I am looking forward to playing with them and achieving big things,” Wirtz said. “So, yeah, I am really happy to come and sorry for the long wait.”

The German footballer, 22, who debuted with Leverkusen on May 18, 2020, two weeks after his 17th birthday, has several records un-

According to FootyStats, Wirtz has played a total of 225 professional matches, scored 67 goals and accumulated 69 assists.

“Wirtz is arguably one of the best out-and-out attacking playmakers in the world right now,” former scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen told ESPN. “It’s no surprise he’s been courted by the biggest clubs in world football. He’s likely to be the defining attacking footballer for the next decade.”

Messi and Ronaldo. Who should get a second Super Ballon d’Or if there is one?

Photo credits: The Sporting News

Florian Wirtz during an interview published by his new team.