A MARKET trader in Mallorca is under investigation after he was caught trying to sell a stuffed lion’s head at a local flea market. He told officers he found it in a rubbish bin - but the Guardia Civil isn’t convinced.
Stuffed lion head seized
cond-hand market stand. Local Police were doing the rounds at the flea market on Sunday, May 4, when they spotted the rather eye-catching ‘trophy’ and alerted SEPRONAthe branch of the Guardia Civil that deals with environmental and wildlife crimes.
A regular stallholder at the Mercat dels Encants in Consell, Mallorca, is being investigated by Spain’s environmental police unit, SEPRONA, after they discovered he was selling a stuffed lion’s head at his usual se-
When officers asked where the lion’s head had come from, the seller said he’d simply found it
dumped in a rubbish bin. He couldn’t provide any more details.
SEPRONA officers seized the stuffed head on the spot. Just having it in your possession is considered a crime under Spain’s protected species laws.
The best vermouth
brut - sa Pobla’s most iconic dish.
FROM the heart of sa Pobla to the top of the podium in London. Miss Vermut, a handcrafted Mallorcan liqueur, has just been crowned the world’s best semi-sweet vermouth at the prestigious World Vermouth Awards.
To that base, wormwood, orange and lemon zest, and a handful of
other botanicals are added, creating a vermouth that’s rich, smooth, and utterly unique.
Held in the UK capital, the competition celebrates the nest vermouths from across the globe, aiming to ‘highlight and promote vermouth excellence among both consumers and industry professionals’.
This award-winning drink is the result of a recipe as original as it is rooted in Mallorcan tradition. It’s made from Premsal Blanc wine, a local grape variety, infused with island herbs and spiced with the distinctive avours of arròs
Miss Vermut’s bold personality and local air have caught the attention of experts and judges alike. But back home, it had already made a name for itself.
In 2023, it was named the best vermouth in the Balearic Islands at the Premis Vinari, one of the most respected wine competitions in Catalonia. Since then, it’s become the house special at Casa Miss, the bar where it was born.
Classics on the road
Santiago Carneri WITH blue skies, engines purring and an eye-catching convoy of classic cars, this month’s ‘Late Spring Car Run’ was one of the most enjoyable outings the Car Club has seen in a long time. The event brought together 66 people in 33 vehicles.
Rare sightings like two AC Cobras turned heads, joined by seven Mercedes, six Porsches, a Morgan Plus 8, a number of MGs, and even a Ford Thunderbird.
One of the most enjoyable outings in a long time.
wine, beer and soft drinks, all with a stunning sea view.
The 60-kilometre route offered a lovely mix of relaxed driving and more technical stretches, especially the winding old military road (Ma1043).
Thanks to the port authority in Andratx, the cars were given access to a brand-new parking area right on the superyacht quay, just steps away from the restaurant. There, members enjoyed a fantastic three-course meal with free-flowing
A fun quiz about missing or misspelt road signs kept things lively along the drive. Local knowledge paid off, with Paddy Harrison and Louise Newby taking first prize for spotting a route instruction error that nobody else noticed.
The next Car Run will take place on Saturday May 31, so mark your diaries now. And don’t forget the ever-popular Sunset Picnic at Santuari de Cura in Randa, scheduled for Saturday June 21.
Isn’t the first strange case.
Semi-sweet Vermouth.
Phone help for Spanish taxes Book early to avoid delays Spain’s tech grant
FILING your Renta 2024 in Spain doesn’t have to mean forms or waiting rooms. This year, the Agencia Tributaria is offering a phone-based tax return service for those who prefer personal guidance over digital tools.
You can now file your income tax by phone - no need to visit a tax office. However, you must book your appointment in advance.
Booking and deadlines
The phone service started on Monday May 6, and appointments can be booked until Thursday June 27. If you owe money and want to pay by direct de bit, file by Tuesday June 25 to avoid penal ties.
Once booked, a Tax Agency representative will call during your chosen slot to help complete your return. Be ready - phone charged, documents at hand - and note the call may arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled. Missed calls may not be retried.
Who should use it?
The service is ideal for older adults, those in rural areas, or anyone preferring a human touch. Even if you’re tech-savvy, having expert help ensures accuracy.
How to Book
By phone:
• Call 915 530 071 or 901 223 344 (Mon–Fri, 9am–
section Via app:
• Use the Tax Agency’s mobile app
Book early for your preferred slot - and a stress-free tax season.
Lost job, no benefits?
IF you lose your job in Spain and haven’t worked long enough to qualify for full unemployment benefits, SEPE’s €3,000 subsidy could help. Known as the ‘subsidio por insuficiencia de cotizaciones’, it’s available to anyone who’s worked at least 90 days and becomes unemployed after November 1, 2024. You can even claim it if you have a part-time
job, as long as your hours stay below full-time level. The amount paid is linked to the IPREM index: 95 per cent for the first six months, then 90 per cent and 80 per cent after a year.
How long you receive payments depends on how long you workedfrom three months for 90 days worked, up to 21 months if you have family responsibilities.
To apply, you must register as a jobseeker, sign an activity agreement, and prove you don’t exceed income limits. Applications can be made online, in
person with an appointment, or by post. You’ll need your ID, bank details, proof of family dependents if relevant, and your latest tax return. EU citizens must show their NIE certificate; non-EU nationals must show a valid residence card.
If your family situation changes, you can extend your support - but you must notify SEPE within 12 months. The subsidy isn’t automatic, so applying within six months of unemployment is crucial. In an uncertain job market, this little-known help could make a real difference.
IF you’re self-employed or running a small business in Spain, there’s good news. The government is offering a €1,000 grant to help upgrade your computer. It’s part of an update to the Digital Kit programme, aimed at pushing freelancers and micro-businesses into the digital age. The grant is for freelancers and businesses with fewer than three employees, under Segment III of the Digital Kit scheme. The extra €1,000 must go towards buying a new computer with specific requirements: at least four processor cores, 2.9 GHz speed, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. It must also run a professional operating system with cybersecurity features. There’s a catch: for the first year, the computer technically belongs to the Digital Agent supplier. After 12 months, you can fully own it by paying just 15 per cent of the price. Applying is simple. Visit the AceleraPyme website, register, complete a short self-assessment, and select the ‘Secure Workstation’ option. Choose an official Digital Agent to handle the purchase. The €1,000 is deducted directly from the invoice, not paid to you. If you already received the initial €2,000 grant, you can still apply for the €1,000 top-up starting June 2025. The programme runs until June 30, 2025, with a €350 million budget.
https://www.acelerapyme.gob.es/en
A biometric future
PAYING with your face or fingerprint could soon be the new normal in Spain. Banks and major retailers are preparing to roll out biometric payment systems as early as 2026, meaning no more cards or phones needed. Instead, shoppers would register their fingerprint, face or iris with their bank - and use it to pay directly at the till.
No internet connection required, no PIN to remember, just a quick scan. The system is designed to be safer than traditional methods, with biometric data being unique and much harder to steal than a physical wallet or mobile phone.
A recent survey by Visa found that nearly half of Spaniards believe biometric payments are more secure, and 36 per cent say they would be happy to start using it within five years. Supermarkets, pharmacies and small shops are expected to be the first to offer the new payment option, needing only minor upgrades like biometric scanners. Given that millions already unlock phones and bank apps using fingerprint or facial recognition, the jump to full biometric payments might feel more natural than futuristic.
Spain’s move reflects a growing global trend towards ultra-secure, seamless transactions. If all goes according to plan, by 2026 your body could be your new wallet - no card, no phone, just you.
224 Online:
• Visit the Agencia Tributaria website - ‘Cita Previa Renta’
Old-style sheep shearing
THE football pitch at Ca’n Martina came alive for the Festa des Tondre, a vibrant celebration of traditional sheep shearing and Mallorcan culture.
The event honoured the age-old technique of shearing sheep by hand with scissors, just as farmers once did. Kicking off with a lively parade by xeremiers, the day offered hands-on demonstrations of manual shearing, showcasing how this essential rural task was carried out before machines.
Spectators also enjoyed a captivating horse show by Amics del Cavall de Santanyi, adding equestrian elegance to the festivities. A highlight of the celebration was the Combat de Picat, where talented singers delivered improvised verses rooted in folk tradition.
Later, the community gathered for a shared lunch, and the atmosphere remained festive with music by DJ Joan Rigo.
Sheep shearing, still practised throughout the year depending on cli -
mate and lambing schedules, is both a necessity and a tradition.
It’s even recognised as a competitive sport in various countries. Organised by Santanyi Town Hall alongside local residents and sponsors, the festival helps preserve this key element of rural heritage while offering entertainment for all ages.
The weekend also featured Es LlombART!, the village’s own Night of Art, transforming Es Llombards into a lively open-air gallery with exhibitions and performances across multiple disciplines.
Tracking sharks and rays
IMEDEA CSIC-UIB scientists are using electronic tagging to track sharks and rays in the Balearic Islands and identify key breeding areas. The goal is to locate marine sanctuaries where species like the marbled electric ray and smoothhound give birth and develop.
“With receivers anchored around the islands - like ears listening to the sea - we collect data whenever a tagged animal passes by,” explains marine ecologist Dr Josep Alòs, who leads the project. Specimens are cap-
tured with help from local fishers, tagged, and released to continue their natural behaviour.
The marine reserve in Palma Bay is the first recognised breeding sanctuary. Smoothhounds and bonjesuses (a local shark) visit its sandy shores to reproduce, returning year after year. Protecting these areas is vital, as they offer optimal conditions for spawning and rearing.
The marbled electric ray, listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, and the little-known smoothhound are key research species. Currently, 30 individuals are monitored, with a target of 100 by year’s end.
The Ratjada Project is funded by the Balearic Government and EU recovery funds.
Tracking individuals throughout their life cycles has been a challenge, but it is helping identify critical habitats. “Many species migrate along Mallorca’s coast and return in spring to Cap Enderrocat to breed,” says Alòs.
Free guided routes
THE much-loved Jane’s Walk guided routes are back in Palma from Friday May 9 to Sunday May 11, offering residents and visitors a fresh way to discover the city. Celebrating its 10th edition in the Balearic capital, this year’s programme features a broader and more diverse selection of walks than ever before.
Jane’s Walk is a global movement of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by the ideas of Jane Jacobs. It encourages people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, uncover overlooked corners of their cities, and use the simple act of walking to foster stronger connections among neighbours.
Anyone can lead a Jane’s Walk. The festival is not about tour guides or fixed scripts; it’s about people engaging with each other, learning from local knowledge, and experiencing their urban spaces in new ways.
Jane Jacobs (1916–2006) was a writer, urbanist and activist who promo -
ted a community-based approach to city-building.
Each walk in Palma is designed to offer a different perspective - whether historical, cultural, urbanistic or social - on the city. They are open to all, completely free, and require no prior registration. Simply turn up at the meeting point at the scheduled time.
For the full programme and further updates, visit janeswalkpalma.wordpress. com or follow @janeswalkpalma on Instagram and Facebook.
Specimen of common stingray or roughtail stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca).
Old-school sheep shearing by hand.
Credit: Ayuntamiento Santanyí
Jane’s Walk is a global movement of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by the ideas of Jane Jacobs.
Longest ‘Lego’ tunnel
THE construction of an astonishing 18 km-long tunnel known as Fehmarnbelt, and at that, a prefabricated road and rail tunnel, is underway beneath the Baltic Sea, linking Denmark and Germany.
The €7.4bn project, mostly funded by Denmark with €1.3bn from the European Commission, hopes to cut travel times and better Scandinavia’s connectivity with central Europe. Due to open in 2029, it will reduce the Rødbyhavn-Puttgarten journey from a 45-minute ferry to 10 minutes by car or seven by train and halve Copenhagen-Hamburg rail travel to 2.5 hours.
On Denmark’s Lolland island, the 500-hectare construction site features a factory producing 90 massive 217-metre-long, 73,000-tonne tunnel elements. These are towed
Credit: Femern
with Germany.
and immersed 40m into a seafloor trench with 15mm precision, a feat described as ‘Lego-like’ by Femern CEO Henrik Vincentsen. Unlike traditional tunnels, Fehmarnbelt’s elements rest on the seafloor due to soft clay and chalk bedrock. Although there has been intense opposition from ferry operators and German conservationists, who cited ecolo -
gical concerns for Baltic wildlife, a 2020 court ruling cleared the way for the construction. Mitigation includes a 300-hectare wetland reserve.
The tunnel, with dual road and rail tubes plus an emergency corridor, is expected to serve 12,000 cars and 100 trains daily, facilitating jobs and tourism in Lolland while cutting transport emissions.
Taking back brand
CHIARA FERRAGNI is re setting her course. After a wave of scandals, business losses and intense public scrutiny, the Italian influen cer has regained 99 per cent ownership of Fenice Srl, the company behind her fashion and beauty lines. It marks a turning point after the dama ging ‘Pandoro Gate’ scandal - Christmas cakes sold at in flated prices with misleading charity claims - which spar ked a fraud investigation.
Spain on €1,000
THINKING of swapping grey skies for golden sunsets? If your pension pot’s more piggy bank than jackpot, don’t despair. These four hidden gems in Spain might just be your golden ticket to budget bliss.
Spain ranks fifth on International Living’s Global Retirement Index, thanks to its sunshine, healthcare, and low cost of living. Even on €1,000 a month, you can live well - and we’ve found the places where your pen sion goes furthest.
Almuñecar, Granada is a standout. Set between mountains and the Med, this town offers affordable housing, a buzzing expat scene, and some of the longest beaches around. Snorkel in the morning, ski in the Sierra Nevada by afternoon, and toast the sunset with wine and tapas.
Costa Blanca, Alicante is sunshine central. It’s long been a favourite with British expats, and it’s not hard to see why. Coastal charm, palm-lined promenades, and a relaxed pace of life - all at prices far lower than back home.
Torrox, Malaga, boasts the best climate in Europe - 300 days of sun a year - and
Spain’s top retirement spots on €1,000 a month: Dream or reality? Sun, sea, and savings on a budget.
rents from around €600. Spacious, scenic, and well-connected to Malaga, it’s perfect for budget-conscious retirees.
Prefer inland charm? Palencia, Castilla y Leon, is Spain’s cheapest city. Just 90 minutes from Madrid, it offers 30 per cent lower living costs, tranquil parks, and historic beauty.
From beaches to budget-friendly cities, Spain proves retirement dreams don’t need millionaire means.
The backlash was swift: Ferragni lost over two million followers and saw key brand deals vanish. Behind the scenes, things were just as rocky. Fenice reported losses of around €10.2 million since the investigation began, and 2024 revenue dropped below €2 mi llion. Tensions also rose with her business partners. One, Paolo Barletta, began selling his stake; the other, Pasquale Morgese, opposed a crucial cash injection. Still, Ferragni and Barletta managed to push through a €6.4 million capital increase.
The business shake-up coincides with personal upheaval. Ferragni split from her
husband, rapper Fedez, following reports of infidelity. Their divorce was finalised last year. Now in full control of her brand, Ferragni faces a new challenge: rebuilding. She’s settled with consumer groups - donating €200,000 and paying a €1 million fine - but a court case looms in September. Still, with 28 million followers and a fresh start, she’s ready to try again.
New tunnel design linking Denmark
Credit: Shutterstock, Photo Veterok
ITALY
Pope’s tribute
THE final stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia will feature a symbolic start from Vatican City in Rome to honour the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. The race will begin with a neutralised segment passing through the Vatican before continuing with eight laps of a 9.5 km circuit in Rome.
Bakery blaze
A FIRE at the historic Pasticceria Cinque Lune in Rome caused significant damage to the establishment located near the Italian Senate. The owner, Claudio Ansuini, was safely evacuated and taken to the hospital for precautionary checks. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in Rome’s historic buildings.
PORTUGAL
Woman rescued
A 79-YEAR-OLD Italian woman reported missing from her home in Monchique was found alive on the morning of April 28. She had spent the night outdoors following a widespread power outage that affected parts of Portugal. The woman was located with only minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks.
Biodiversity lost
ENVIRONMENTALISTS in Portugal have raised concerns over the rapid expansion of olive tree plantations in the Alentejo region. The plantations are replacing diverse ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity, threatening local wildlife habitats and depleting water resources. Environmental groups are calling for stricter regulations.
NORWAY
Sugar-free ads
NORWAY has implemented a ban on marketing unhealthy foods, such as candy, soft drinks, ice cream, and energy drinks, to children under 18. This regulation prohibits advertising in cinemas, competitions, and the distribution of samples targeting young audiences. Violators may face fines and be required to withdraw marketing materials.
Polar bear pursuit
A DRAMATIC video from Pyramiden, Norway, shows a man narrowly escaping a charging polar bear. Captured during a ski expedition, the footage reveals the man attempting to deter the bear by firing a warning shot. When the bear continued its advance, he dropped his rifle and fled on a nearby snowmobile, narrowly evading the predator.
EURO PRESS
NETHERLANDS
Masterpiece scratched
A CHILD has caused damage to Mark Rothko’s Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, valued at €50 million, at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The incident occurred during an unsupervised moment, resulting in visible scratches on the unvarnished paint. The museum is consulting with experts to determine restoration options.
DENMARK
Baked justice
A WOMAN in Sweden has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for selling homemade buns and sandwiches in Facebook groups for several years. Despite repeated warnings and fines, she continued her unregistered business without an approved kitchen. Her lawyer stated that she is devastated and does not understand why her actions warrant a prison sentence.
Support gaps
A RECENT survey by the Danish Health Authority reveals that one in four managers lacks sufficient knowledge to support employees with mental health issues. In response, the Authority has released a new guide aimed at helping managers better assist staff experiencing mental health challenges.
IRELAND
Detained resident
A 54-YEAR-OLD Irish woman and long-time US resident, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon returning from Ireland where she had visited her ailing father. Despite holding a valid green card and believing her decades-old drug possession convictions had been expunged, the woman was arrested and is currently being held at an ICE facility.
Electric disruption
LAST week a major power outage affected more than 20,000 homes and businesses in Ireland, with Dublin’s Finglas area being the hardest hit. Other areas, including parts of Cavan, Leitrim, and Galway, also experienced disruptions. ESB Networks attributed the outage to a significant fault and restored electricity by late evening of the same day.
Credit: Shutterstock / YASEMIN OZDEMIR
The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam.
GERMANY
Urban overkill
IN Berlin, five zebra crossings were installed over just 80 metres on a quiet street, drawing public criticism and media attention. The planning decision, aimed at improving pedestrian safety, has been labelled excessive and confusing, prompting debate over the necessity and logic behind such measures.
Admin down
A CYBERATTACK on April 25 disrupted Berlin’s official websites, affecting access to district, Senate, and court portals. By the evening of April 28, only limited services had resumed. The outage significantly impacted administrative functions, including appointment bookings for local government services.
FRANCE
No tolerance
PRESIDENT MACRON condemned the recent murder of a Muslim man in a French mosque, emphasising that “France is no place for racism and hate.” He reiterated the country’s commitment to upholding religious freedom and combating rising anti-Muslim sentiment, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of such violence.
Suspects captured
A SERIES of coordinated attacks on French prisons in April has led to the arrest of 25 individuals. Investigations point to the criminal group DZ Mafia, with some suspects apprehended directly from their cells. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the violence and pledged support for prison staff.
Crisis concerns
FOLLOWING power outages in Spain and Portugal, Denmark’s emergency services have issued warnings about the country’s preparedness for similar events. Officials acknowledge that the country may not be fully equipped to handle extended power disruptions. The Danish Emergency Management Agency is reviewing current plans to enhance resilience against power outages.
Child protection
SWEDEN will lead a new Europol task force, GRIMM, to combat the recruitment of children by criminal gangs. These gangs use social media and encrypted platforms to target minors, offering money for illegal activities like drug trafficking. The task force includes several European countries and aims to work with tech companies.
FINLAND SWEDEN
TikTok tresspass
FINNISH police have observed a rise in break-ins at abandoned buildings influenced by the TikTok trend known as ‘urbex’. This trend encourages individuals to explore and document disused sites. Authorities warn that such actions are illegal and pose safety risks, urging parents to discuss the dangers of these activities with their children.
Historic heat
A STUDY reveals that the summer of 2024 in Finnish Lapland was the warmest in over 2,000 years, with average temperatures reaching 15.9°C. This surpassed the previous record set in 1937. The extreme heat, contributing to forest fires, was tracked using pine tree ring data, emphasising the growing impact of climate change.
BELGIUM
Healthy lunches
THE Flemish government has approved an annual budget of €70 million to support healthy meals in kindergartens and primary schools, equating to approximately €170 per child. Participation is voluntary, allowing schools to choose how to use the funds. The initiative aims to ensure all children have access to nutritious food.
Belgian bites
BRUSSELS has inaugurated a new Frietmuseum near the Grand Place, celebrating Belgium’s iconic fries. The museum offers an interactive journey tracing the potato’s path from Peru to its Belgian transformation. Founder Eddy Van Belle anticipates 150,000 visitors annually.
Ryanair late fee
MISSING your Ryanair flight will now be a lot more expensive. Starting from May 1, 2025, the airline will impose a €120 fee on late passengers who want to rebook onto the next available service.
The move, Ryanair says, is all about maintaining its punctuality record - and sending a strong message about respecting boarding times. Whether it’s a domestic or international flight, a promo ticket or a regular fare, the rule applies across the board, with no exceptions. CEO Michael O’Leary made it clear: “If you’re not at the gate on time, you’re delaying everyone else.” Ryanair already closes its gates 20 minutes before departure, but insiders say last-minute arrivals have surged in the past year, causing disruptions.
The €120 charge is designed to offset the real costs of rebooking and missed take-off slots. While some travellers support the idea - arguing that punctuality should be respected - others criticise the fee as unfair, pointing out that security delays or airport chaos are often beyond passengers’ control.
Travel groups warn that families, elderly travellers and those unfamiliar with airports could be hardest hit. Despite the backlash, Ryanair is unlikely to soften its stance. Known for its tough policies and nofrills approach, the airline clearly believes strict rules are the best way to keep flights running on time. So if you’re flying Ryanair soon, make sure you don’t miss your boarding call - or be ready to pay up.
Second-hand Picasso
AN earthenware dish designed and signed by Pablo Picasso in 1953, depicting a bullfight, was found at a second-hand shop in Antwerp, a local news outlet reported.
“It’s a beautiful work. It required knowledge and training to spot it, though,” Davy van Basteleare, the Kringwinkel Antwerpen’s auction manager, told VRT News.
The dish is in excellent condition, according to Kringwinkel’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Lander Janssens. It is white earthenware with brown-green decoration in engobe (clay or clay powder), enamel, and oxidised paraffin. On the back of the dish are two stamps: ‘Madoura Plein Feu’ and ‘Empreinte Originale de Picasso’.
“We quickly examine every item that comes in to check that it is still in order and saleable. So -
metimes we discover that certain items are valuable or unique. Our staff are trained to do this,” Janssens explained.
“We have, of course, made further checks, as of course anyone could put a stamp. But it turned out to be an original. It’s a relief design featuring a bullfight that was designed in 1953,” he added.
The Picasso-signed dish is part of a collection of 200 that were produced by the Madoura ceramics workshop in Vallauris, France. The dish has since been auctioned off for €12,600 to a person identified as Johan, who said he is happy with his purchase. The proceeds of the sale typically go toward helping people.
A Ryanair aircraft preparing for takeoff as the airline introduces a new €120 fine for late passengers.
Credit : Cristi Mitu, Shutterstock
A Kringwinkel Antwerpen second-hand shop employee with the Picasso-signed dish.
Photo Krinwinkel
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Group 3.238,0 3.270,0 3.226,5 33,05K Airtel Africa 169,60 171,20 169,30 325,18K
American 2.128,5 2.179,5 2.127,5 401,64K
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BUSINESS EXTRA
Forex fame
CURRENCIES DIRECT has been shortlisted for the 2025 Business Moneyfacts Awards in two major categories: Best FX Provider and Best Service from an FX Provider. This recognition highlights the company’s strong dedication to offering foreign exchange solutions
Brussels block BRUSSELS has indefinitely postponed the €25 billion fifth tranche of Spain’s Recovery Plan. EU sources state there is currently ‘no deadline’ to complete the required review needed to release the pending non-refundable transfers and loans from the Next Generation funds.
Valet parking vision
ROBOTIC parking systems are becoming more common around the world.
In Spain, they’ve been used for years in public car parks and even apartment buildings.
At Lyon Airport in France, a robot named Stan, made by Stanley Robotics, has been parking cars for six years. Stan works on its own, lifting and moving cars to save space.
It even parks them ba-
sed on the driver’s return flight, so the car is ready when the customer
lands. It’s also cheaper than regular airport car parking.
Netflix knockout
NETFLIX exceeded analysts’ expectations with its first-quarter earnings in 2025. The streaming service attributed its strong performance to ‘membership growth and higher pricing’, along with ‘the timing of expenses,’ which helped increase profitability.
Earlier this year, Netflix raised prices for most of its subscription plans in the US, Canada, Portugal, parts of Europe and Argen-
tina. These price increases played a key role in boosting profitability, with the company’s operating margin rising to 31.7 per cent, up nearly four percentage points from the same quarter last year.
However, Netflix noted that revenue from advertising still remains a small part of its overall income, with subscription fees continuing to be the main revenue driver.
In Seoul, Hyundai launched a similar system in an office building.
Their robots move cars during work hours and even have autonomous chargers that drive up and charge electric vehicles.
In China, robots are used to move illegally parked cars, although human officers still issue the fines.
Argentina is getting in on the trend, too. The company Stradot has created a robotic valet system, though it’s larger and more focused on use by car manufacturers and logistics companies rather than public or private car parks.
No matter what the size or style, one thing is clear: more and more, we’ll be trusting robots, guided by artificial intelligence, to take care of our cars.
Prat perfection
THE energy transition is also being played out in the skies. Barcelona’s El Prat’s most iconic airline is leading the way. Between 2023 and 2024, Vueling increased its supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel tenfold. In a single year, the airline went from 1,285 to 12,766 tons of green fuel to reduce its emissions.
Enterprise edge
THE Chinese community leads Spain’s Self-Employed Regime, making up 14 per cent of foreign self-employed members, with 66,515 workers. Fifty-five per cent of working-age Chinese citizens are entrepreneurs, versus 45 per cent who are employees. According to Spain’s Union of Self-Employed Workers (UPTA), they are the only nationality in Spain with more self-employed individuals than salaried workers.
A robot has been parking cars for years at Lyon airport.
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Barcelona target Lookman Earthquakes at Anfield
ANFIELD was literally rocking as Liverpool thumped Spurs 5-1 - seismologists recorded real mini-earthquakes during the goal celebrations. Mac Allister’s strike hit 1.74 on the Richter scale.
It wasn’t just Tottenham that got shaken by Liverpool’s title-winning 5-1 demolition on Sunday April 27 - the ground beneath Anfield quite literally trembled as the Reds clinched the title.
In a bizarre twist of football meets fault line, scientists from the University of Liverpool have confirmed that actual earthquakes were recorded during the match, thanks to a raucous crowd of 60,415 delirious fans.
Researchers claimed that ‘much like natural seismic events, these goals produced bursts of ground-shaking, triggered by the sheer passion of Liverpool fans’.
The most powerful quake hit at 24 minutes, when Alexis Mac Allister buried a beauty to put Liverpool 2-1 up - a moment that registered a 1.74 on the Richter scale.
The Kop’s favourite son, Mohamed Salah, wasn’t far behind. When the Egyptian
King struck in the second half, jubilation hit 1.60. Even Destiny Udogie’s own goal caused seismic sadness for Spurs, clocking in at 1.35.
Cody Gakpo added to the Richter ruckus with a tidy goal (1.03), while even Luis Diaz’s initially disallowed equaliser gave the Earth a polite nudge at 0.64.
While Tottenham were left in tatters, seismologists were busy checking their instruments.
The seismic sensors had been specially installed for the occasion by experts hoping to track fan-induced earth movement.
BARCELONA is preparing its summer transfer window and is ready for all scenarios in its search for attacking reinforcements.
Nico Williams, from Athletic Bilbao, remains the top target for the Blaugrana team, Catalan giants are keeping an eye on other players.
Spanish media report that Barcelona have identified Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman as a potential target for this summer.
The 27-year-old Nigerian forward is seen as a player who could strengthen the squad while still fitting into the club’s tight budget.
around €35 million, less than the price tag on Nico Williams.
Lookman has impressed for the Bergamo club this season, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists across 37 appearances. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s presence in UEFA Champions League and also for the successful Serie campaign.
Lookman’s situation in Italy may also play in Barcelona’s favour. Reports suggest a breakdown in his relationship with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has led the player to request a transfer. That internal friction could push down his market value, with estimates placing a potential transfer fee
A fast and skillful attacking player with massive international experience, Lookman fits Barcelona tactical requirements. The Nigerian has the advantage of being capable of playing anywhere across the frontline.
While Nico Williams remains the preferred option, Barcelona’s sporting department is making sure they have a strong Plan B.
Sweden stuns USA
A LATE-GAME surge and nerves of steel send Sweden into the gold-medal match against Canada
It was the kind of match that kept fans on the edge of their seats - a tense, hard-fought semi-final between two ice hockey powerhouses. But in the end, it was Sweden who edged out the USA in a dramatic 4–3 victory to book their spot in the U18 World Championship final.
“We played to win,” said national team head coach Thomas Paananen, after what was arguably one of the most nail-biting finishes of the tournament so far.
Things didn’t exactly go Sweden’s way in the opening minutes. Paananen admitted the team struggled to find their footing ear-
ly on. That gave Team USA an opportunityand they took it, opening the scoring less than five minutes into the second period.
But the Americans’ lead didn’t last long. The Swedes responded with calm determination, equalising soon after and shifting the momentum.
The third period delivered the drama. At one point, Sweden
faced a serious challenge, going two men down and playing 3-on-5 - a nightmare scenario in any hockey match.
With just under five minutes left on the clock, the USA narrowed the gap to 4–3, igniting hopes of a comeback. But Sweden kept their composure and closed out the match, sending them through to the final.
Barcelona players celebrating winning the Copa del Rey.
Liverpool fans cause seismic shock as Reds smash Spurs to clinch title.
Credit: Thomas McAtee, Shutterstock
Ademola Lookman.
Sweden beats the USA 4–3 in a thrilling U18 hockey semi-final.
Credit : Paolo Bona, Shutterstock