Dep. Legal A PM 42-2025 - 140 - 2004 - ISSN - ISSN 3015-1309 2488-1686
Mallorca I No. 2115 I 15 - 21 January 2026 I FREE Newspaper
€1.16 million AI upgrade announced MALLORCA has announced a major upgrade to its passenger assistance and information services, featuring artificial intelligence, under a new contract running from 2026 to 2030. The public company will invest €1.16 million in the first two years, more than double the previous budget, to deliver faster, more reliable and accessible support. The service will provide 24-hour, year-round assistance for timetable queries, service changes and complaints, with an AI system offering instant answers in multiple languages. Information will be shared via station and onboard screens, public address systems, social media, WhatsApp and phone support.
MobLand
7 marathons, 7 continents
HOLLYWOOD TAKES OVER MALLORCA
IRISH actor Pierce Brosnan, best known for his role as James Bond, is filming the second season of Paramount+’s hit crime drama MobLand in Mallorca during the third week of January. Part of the series will be shot at Sa Fortalesa, on the Formentor peninsula, over four days. Brosnan plays Conrad Harrigan, the patriarch of a powerful Irish crime family based in London. Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren stars as the matriarch, Maeve Harrigan, while Tom Hardy plays the family’s mediator, Harry Da Souza. The three Hollywood stars are expected to share scenes against the stunning backdrop of Sa Fortalesa. Created by Ronan Bennett (Top Boy) and
executive produced by Guy Ritchie, the series expands globally in its second season, delving deeper into organised crime across Europe as the Harrigan empire faces the fallout from last season’s power struggles. Brosnan, 70, has described Conrad Harrigan as “a man torn between family loyalty and the brutal realities of the criminal world,” offering him a chance to explore a darker, more nuanced role.
Credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock
Trains get smarter
A powerhouse cast joins the drama.
MALLORCAN athlete and businessman Joan Pere Carbonell is preparing to take on one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges: running seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days. The effort goes beyond sport, as he seeks to raise funds for research into ichthyosis, a rare skin disease that affects his daughter. A member of Club ADA Atletismo Calvia, Carbonell will be the only Spanish runner in this year’s World Marathon Challenge. The event starts on January 31 and is limited to 60 participants worldwide, all selected through a strict process. He will leave Mallorca on Wednesday January 28, beginning in Antarctica with the opening marathon. The challenge was officially presented at Calvia Town Hall, where the municipality pledged full support to promote the initiative. After Antarctica, Carbonell will race in Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami, covering all continents in one week. He is funding the challenge himself, with all donations going directly to ichthyosis research via ictiosis.org/dona.
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LOCAL NEWS
15 - 21 January 2026
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Tourism has been the backbone of Mallorca’s economy since the 1950s.
SINCE January 1, guided tour groups in Palma are limited to a maximum of 35 people, down from 70, following the city’s new civic ordinance. The city council had considered delaying the reduction due to a shortage of professional guides, but legal advisers have ruled the measure must be applied immediately. Industry associations had requested a postponement until 2026, arguing that smaller groups would be harder to manage without enough certified guides.
The limit aims to reduce ‘bottlenecks’ in Palma’s narrow streets during peak tourist season. Initially, the council proposed 20 people per group, but after protests from the Balearic Association of Tourist Activities, the Proguides Association of Mallorca, and the Association of Travel Agencies, the maximum was raised to 35. Groups are now prohibited from using loudspeakers or megaphones, with audio guides recommended instead. Take-away businesses must also keep the surroun-
ding 25-metre area clean to reduce street litter. Tourism has been the backbone of Mallorca’s economy since the 1950s, drawing visitors with its beaches, climate, and historic towns. The Balearic Islands welcomed around 18.7 million visitors in 2024, including 13.4 million to Mallorca alone, boosting the economy but creating challenges of overtourism. The new rules reflect Palma’s attempt to balance tourism growth with the quality of life for residents.
PORT ADRIANO has launched the seventh edition of its annual photography competition, continuing its programme of year-round cultural activities. The contest, now established across Mallorca and beyond, drew nearly 1,000 entrants from Spain and abroad last year. This year’s theme is ‘Wabi-sabi’, a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, transience, and simplicity. Photographers Port Adriano. are encouraged to explore fresh ways of capturing the world, producing images that may school. A panel of judges, including be diverse in style and interpretation. representatives from Port Adriano, Entries can be taken anywhere, and collaborating institutions (EDIB, Foto each participant may submit up to Ruano, Photopills), and photography three photographs. Submission is free, and art specialists, will select the winthough images must meet basic quality ners. standards. The deadline for entries is The 20 best images, including finaMarch 30. lists and prizewinners, will be displaThe competition offers €3,000 in yed on the contest microsite on Port prizes. Three winning photographers Adriano’s website. will each receive €1,000, plus a PhotoFor further details, submispills licence. Additionally, the top pri- sion requirements, and entry guizewinner will gain access to a course delines, photographers can visit: provided by the EDIB photography www.portadriano.com/fotografia.
Credit: James Grewer / Shutterstock
Credit: Liilia Moroz / Creative Commons
Palma limits tours Photo contest returns
From €700 to €1,700 FIRST contract renewals of the year are already showing steep increases. The Balearic Islands are seeing significant rent hikes, with the PAH receiving several inquiries from tenants whose contracts expire this January
and who have been notified of unaffordable price rises. Many renters are now searching urgently for alternatives amid a severe housing crisis on the islands. One extreme case involved a flat in Palma, where
the rent jumped from €700 to €1,700 per month. The tenants were forced to give up renewing the contract because the increase was impossible to manage. The surge in prices reflects the combined pressures of high demand, limited housing supply, and Mallorca’s reliance on tourism and short-term rentals. Compared with the rest of Spain, rent growth in Mallorca is among the fastest in the country, while more affordable regions on the mainland face slower, more gradual increases. To address the situation, the Balearic Housing Department has introduced a fiscal deduction for landlords who limit rent rises to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Landlords who comply can deduct around €2,000 from their income tax automatically, without having to apply separately, providing an incentive to moderate rental increases in 2026.
NEWS
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Cost pressures rise SPAIN is entering 2026 with a complex mix of rising and easing costs across key areas of household spending. Housing remains the main pressure point, with rents forecast to rise between 3 per cent and 8 per cent as pandemic-era leases expire and landlords adjust prices. Property prices are also expected to increase by around 7 per cent, while mortgage repayments may rise later in the year as the euríbor stabilises. Utility costs present a more nuanced picture. While regulatory charges for electricity and grid fees are set to increase, overall electricity bills could fall by up to 10 per cent due to lower wholesale energy prices and increased renewable generation. Water bills, however, are expected to rise modestly in major cities. On the income side, public pensions will be revalued, with contributory pensions rising by 2.7 per cent and minimum pensions increasing by up to 11.4 per cent for some recipients. The minimum wage is also expected to rise, alongside modest increases for public sector workers. Public transport fares are likely to remain subsidised in major regions, helping to contain commuting costs. In contrast, airport charges are set to rise, potentially increasing flight prices. Overall inflation is expected to moderate, but essential costs will remain a central concern for Spanish households in 2026.
15 - 21 January 2026
Login labyrinth Access matters most
IN 2026, one of the biggest obstacles to everyday life in Spain is no longer paperwork - it is simply being able to log in. As public administration moves rapidly online, many procedures now assume residents already have Cl@ve or a working digital certificate. Without these, tasks such as renewing documents, responding to tax notices, dealing with Social Security, or downloading certificates can stall abruptly, often without explanation. Many people avoid digital identification until an urgent deadline forces them to confront it. Cl@ ve is not a single tool: Cl@ve PIN offers temporary codes for occasional access, Cl@ve Permanente functions like a permanent account, and the digital certificate allows electronic signatures and is mandatory for some processes. Websites rarely
indicate which level of access is required, leading to confusion and blocked procedures at critical moments. Registration is another bottleneck. Video identification is inconsistent, in-person appointments are hard to secure, and the most reliable option - a verification letter by post - is slow. The Cl@ ve app can also lock users out when phones or SIM cards change, and digital certificates must be downloaded and backed up on the same device. Most issues stem from small oversights: incorrect NIE details, using the wrong login, or assuming basic access suffices. In 2026, the difference between a quick online task and days of frustration often depends on whether your digital access actually works when you need it.
Smoother border checks ONCE you’ve used the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), your second trip is not meant to feel like starting over. The first crossing creates a digital border profile linking your passport to biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints. Future entries focus on verification rather than re-enrolment. You will still present your passport, but border authorities usually just confirm it matches the stored record. This may involve a quick facial scan, a fingerprint check, or both, depending on the airport, port, or land crossing. The aim is simple: prove it’s you, record your entry, and move on. In theory, this should make crossings faster. In practice, speed depends on staffing, working kiosks, and how smoothly the rollout is progressing. During
The EU Entry/Exit System will change how non-EU travellers cross Schengen borders.
the transition, you may still see passport stamps alongside biometric checks, reflecting parallel systems rather than absence from EES. Fingerprints are not always required; some borders rely on facial recognition, others on fingerprints. EES also records exits, creating digital proof you left the Schengen area on time. Extra checks can occur if you have a
new passport or long gaps between trips, as biometrics are linked to passport numbers. For most travellers, the key point is reassurance. After the first registration, EES mainly confirms identity rather than repeats the process. Allow extra time, expect some inconsistency during rollout, and keep basic travel records. The second trip should feel far less intimidating.
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Overdraft fees stopped SPAIN’S Supreme Court has confirmed that banks cannot charge both overdraft commissions and late-payment interest on the same debt unless the commission is linked to a separate and clearly identifiable service. The ruling resolves a long-running legal dispute over banking practices and reinforces existing principles on transparency and proportionality in financial contracts. The case originated from a conflict between Banco Santander and a corporate client who had been charged an overdraft commission while also paying interest for late payment on the same outstanding amount. The Supreme Court found that this practice amounted to an unlawful duplication of charges, as the bank failed to demonstrate that the commission corresponded to an additional service beyond the granting of credit. In its reasoning, the court drew a clear distinction between interest, which compensates a lender for the time value of money and the risk of non-payment, and commissions, which must remunerate a specific service actually provided to the customer. Where no such service exists, the commission cannot be justified. The ruling applies regardless of whether the customer is a consumer or a business, reinforcing its broad legal scope. Legal experts note that the decision may open the door for customers to challenge similar charges applied in the past, particularly where fees were imposed automatically.
eu r owe ekl yn ew s . c om The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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15 - 21 January 2026
Palma’s masked man IN recent weeks, Palma has been captivated by an enigmatic man dressed entirely in black, his face completely concealed. Every appearance sparks curiosity, leaving locals and tourists alike questioning who he is and what he wants. So far, the only trace of him online is a social media account called Tribux QR, which has become the sole window into his mysterious presence. Whenever he appears on the streets, spontaneous crowds form. Neighbours, curious passers-by and visitors stop, record and watch in awe, their numbers growing with each outing. Ordinary squares and streets are transformed into hubs of intrigue as people strain to glimpse the man whose motives remain unknown. In the videos he posts, the masked figure delivers a subtle but striking critique of modern life, highlighting the overuse of mobile phones and the way screens have replaced real human connection. ‘Put down your phones’, the reels seem to urge, though the purpose of his message remains unclear, leaving viewers both puzzled and intrigued. The phenomenon has now spread beyond Palma, with sightings in Inca and the Mallorca Fashion Outlet, and a tantalising hint suggests that something significant will happen on January 19. For now, the island waits in suspense, mesmerised by this silent, masked enigma.
LOCAL NEWS
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Battle for the right to rest AFTER a long struggle marked by noise complaints and reports to Palma City Council, the Associació de Veïns del Passeig Marítim de Palma has successfully defended residents’ right to rest. The council has revoked the café-concert licence of the Three Lions bar at number 3, Calle Gabriel Roca. The venue may reopen only if it reapplies for authorisation, fully soundproofs the premises, and follows a standard bar timetable, closing at midnight. Antonio Ruiz, president of the association, explains on January 13 that the licence was wrongly granted, as two venues cannot hold café-concert licences within 50 metres of each other, and the neighbouring Shamrock’s licence was approved first. Noise measurements in nearby homes reached
Credit: ILA-boy / Creative Commons
Excessive noise levels inside homes.
60 decibels at night, making the revocation necessary. Café Garito has also lost its licence due to inactivity and will need to reapply under new conditions if it reopens. Ruiz emphasises that these changes are the result of persistent effort by residents, who filed complaints and technical reports to defend their ri-
ght to peace. He believes gradual improvements will continue, highlighting new tenders for Bar Marítimo, the Roka restaurant at the former Pachá site, and redevelopment projects at Club de Mar and Muelle de las Golondrinas, aiming for a seafront that respects residents while offering quality venues. Dep. Legal PM - 140 - 2004 - ISSN 2488-1686
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New access road for housing development PALMA City Council’s Urban Planning Department has approved on January 13 a project to open a new connecting road to the Son Bordoy land, where the construction of up to 750 homes is planned. The intervention will involve upgrading the Camí de Viquet to accommodate the expected increase in traffic generated by future residents. The project also includes the creation of a pedestrian and cycle route, linking with surrounding rural paths and connecting to the Molinar roundabout. According to the council, the current proposal significantly reduces the impact envisaged in the 1998 General Plan, which originally planned for a road almost 20 metres wide. Instead, the approved design proposes a much narrower road, with space for pedestrians and cyclists and only a slight widening of the existing track. Cort has stressed that this approach minimises environmental impact while improving mobility in the area. The Balearic Government approved the overall urban development last June, with the project to be carried out by developer Pryconsa. Once completed, the new residential area is expected to house around 2,500 people. Of the 750 planned homes, more than two thirds will be affordable housing, including 150 publicly protected properties and 350 price-capped homes, alongside 250 free-market dwellings.
LOCAL NEWS
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Pony joins the police Credit: Bair175 / Creative Commons
Pensions increase
Contributory pensions to increase by 2.7 per cent.
SPAIN approved at the end of 2025, the revaluation of pensions for 2026, a measure included in the government’s latest Royal Decree-Law of the year aimed at safeguarding the so-called ‘social shield’. The decision will have a direct impact on 214,404 pensions in the Balearics. In general terms, contributory pensions will rise by 2.7 per cent, in line with inflation. In the Balearic Islands, this update will benefit 142,640 pensioners, who will see their payments increase from the start of the next fiscal year. The Minister of Inclusion and Government spokesperson, Elma Saiz, stressed after the cabinet meeting that this measure reflects a firm commitment to pensioners.
15 - 21 January 2026
“The government honours an unbreakable promise: to ensure that if prices rise, so too will the pensions of more than 9.4 million beneficiaries,” she said. Widow’s pensions will see an increase above the average. In the Balearics, 45,764 of these benefits will rise by more than 7 per cent, a significant improvement for households reliant on a single income. The largest increases will apply to the Minimum Living Income (IMV) and non-contributory pensions, which are set to rise by 11 per cent in 2026. In the islands, 26,000 recipients will benefit from this, reinforcing the role of these aids in protecting vulnerable households from economic and social hardship.
THE Son Reus Municipal Animal Protection Centre (CSMPA) has donated a pony to the Mounted Police Section of Palma’s Local Police, after rescuing the animal weeks ago wandering in public, at risk and showing signs of stress and disorientation. The four-year-old pony, named Panxo, has received veterinary care at Son Reus and will now join the horses housed at the Mounted Police headquarters in Bellver Forest, the Palma City Council confirmed in a statement. When found, Panxo had no microchip, preventing identification or tracing of its owner. Thanks to his high level of socialisation with people, the Mounted Police plan to use the pony for educational activities with children and teenagers in the future, as well as in parades and official events. Last year, the Mounted
Credit: Policía Palma / Facebook
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Máximus: the newest recruit.
Police Section welcomed Máximus, a four-year-old purebred Mallorcan horse. Once training is complete, Máximus will serve in patrol duties and participate in official ceremonies, helping to rejuvenate the unit’s equine team. He replaces Buscall, also a purebred Mallorcan, who passed away in De-
cember aged 21, after 19 years of service. Máximus is noted for his elegant appearance and high energy. Following his adaptation and training, he will become an active member of Palma’s Mounted Police, patrolling the streets of Ciutat and taking part in official events.
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SPANISH NEWS
Vulnerable eviction ban THE Spanish government has extended the ban on evicting vulnerable households without alternative housing until December 31, 2026, as part of its ongoing ‘escudo social’ protections. Approved through a royal decree‑law by the Council of Ministers, the measure now awaits parliamentary ratification. The extension maintains safeguards against disconnection of essential utilities, including electricity, gas and water, and ensures that the social electricity tariff (bono social) remains available at current discount levels for eligible households. The protections apply to families and individuals experiencing economic or social hardship, including those with dependents, people with reduced mobility, and victims of domestic violence under certain conditions. Vulnerability assessments consider income, household composition, and housing alternatives. Tenants unable to pay rent due to
financial distress benefit from a suspension of evictions and judicial ‘lanzamientos’. Compensation mechanisms for landlords affected by lost rental income are also retained, aiming to balance social protection with property owners’ interests. The extension followed political negotiations with EH Bildu, which supported prolonging the social shield measures ahead of debate in the Congreso de los Diputados. While critics argue that the moratorium may discourage rental supply, supporters emphasise its role in preventing homelessness and utility deprivation amid rising rents and housing shortages. As 2026 progresses, parliamentary discussions and potential legislative reforms will determine how these protections integrate with Spain’s wider housing strategy, affecting vulnerable families, landlords, and housing stakeholders alike. TESTIMONIAL
Heartfelt thanks Dear EURO WEEKLY Team, On behalf of ADINTRE Social Canteen, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the food you generously provided on December 31. Thanks to your support, we were able to offer a special meal on such a meaningful date, providing not only nourishment but also warmth, support, and hope to the people we serve. Gestures like yours make a real difference and strengthen our daily commitment to those most in need. We truly appreciate your generosity and the interest you have shown in our social work. It is an honour for us to count on the support of committed organisations such as EURO WEEKLY. Please accept our heartfelt thanks and best wishes. Kind regards, ADINTRE Social Canteen
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More than a meal ONE of the most exciting aspects of building a life in Spain is the gastronomic adventure you get to embark on. The Mediterranean diet is exquisite, famous for its light, fresh and tasty ingredients. When readers were asked which Spanish dish they could eat for the rest of their live the responses were revealing, and mouth-watering. Seafood emerged as one of the most popular choices, reflecting Spain’s coastal culture and the freshness many expatriates say they can’t find anywhere else. Janet Senior summed up the appeal perfectly when she wrote, ‘Gambas pil pil with a lovely crusty roll to mop up the oil’. A simple yet delicious dish. The prawns are served in a sizzling oil with plenty of garlic
Credit: Shutterstock, lunamarina
What Spanish dish would you exclusively eat?
and chilli, that is so delicious you can’t help soak up every last drop. Comfort food also resonated with readers seeking familiarity as well as flavour. Jacky Blender selected ‘Patata a lo pobre’, a humble mix of potatoes, peppers and olive oil. June Bedson chose the iconic ‘Paella’, loved for its endless local variations, with each
town and family adding its own twist. Tapas emerged not as one dish but as a way of eating. For many, the appeal lies in variety and sociability. Spanish food represents far more than sustenance. It reflects lifestyle, climate, social connection, and a slower pace of life that many expats embrace.
Vaping and energy drink ban Photo credit: Monkey Business Images/ Aleksandr Yu/Shutterstock
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40 per cent of Spanish teenagers have tried vaping.
GALICIA has become the first autonomous community in Spain to ban the sale, possession and consumption of energy drinks and vaping products for under-18s and will come into force on March 7. It applies to energy drinks containing 32 milligrams or more of caffeine per 100 millilitres, as well as all vaping products, including those without nicotine. Under the regulation, energy drinks are subject to age restrictions similar to alcohol, while vape products are regulated in line with tobacco rules. The law
also expands smoke-free zones around schools, health centres, public administration buildings and public transport stops. Advertising of these products will be restricted near educational and youth facilities, and retailers will be required to implement age-verification systems. Sanctions range from fines to educational or preventive measures. Health professionals have welcomed the move, citing concerns about rising consumption among adolescents. Studies suggest that more than 40 per cent of
Spanish teenagers have tried vaping, while energy drink use is widespread. Experts warn of potential health risks including sleep disruption, anxiety, cardiovascular stress and early exposure to addictive substances. Galicia’s decision has sparked a national debate about whether similar restrictions could be adopted across Spain. While some regions have introduced limited measures, a nationwide ban would require legislative action at the central level and coordinated enforcement.
No more spam calls UNWANTED commercial calls, long a daily irritation for phone users in Spain, have fallen dramatically in early 2026 thanks to stricter laws, better enforcement and simple consumer tools. The landmark new law, published on Friday, December 27 and now fully in force, marks a major shift in favour of customers. Companies must now use special prefixes (such as 800 or 900 numbers) to identify legitimate sales calls. Telecom operators can automatically block non-compliant attempts. Crucially, any contract agreed verbally during an unauthorised cold call - even from an existing provider - is declared null and void, stripping aggressive salespeople of their main incentive. Since Monday, June 2025, regulations have also banned the use of ordinary mobile numbers (beginning 6 or 7) for marketing or customer service calls. Operators are required to block spoofed international numbers pretending to be Spanish. The free Lista Robinson opt-out registry remains the most effective personal defence against legal sales calls. Individuals can register at listarobinson.es to block unsolicited advertising by phone, email, SMS and post. The block takes effect within two months, and companies must legally check the list before calling. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has imposed fines of €5,000 and more for breaches, with penalties for serious or repeated offences reaching up to €2 million. For millions weary of dinner-time pitches and fake alerts, 2026 could be the year Spain’s phones finally fall quiet.
SPANISH NEWS
SPAIN’S government has announced a new royal decree aiming to ease pressure on the rental market by offering tax incentives to landlords who keep rents unchanged when renewing long-term contracts. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled the proposal amid rising concern over housing affordability, particularly in urban areas where demand outstrips supply. Rather than imposing a mandatory rent freeze, the government is prioritising a voluntary, incentive-based approach, designed to stabilise prices while avoiding the risk of landlords withdrawing properties from the market, a consequence often seen with strict regulatory measures. Under the scheme, landlords who renew contracts without raising rents would qualify for a full exemption from personal income tax on rental income for the relevant tax year. The policy applies exclusively to primary residences, excluding short-term rentals and tourist apartments, which have been linked to price increases and reduced availability.
credit: Emergencias Madrid / X
Firefighters rescue residents after blast in Madrid.
shed flames affecting the kitchen and terrace of one flat. “The fire spread to some awnings on the façade but did not cause further damage inside other homes,” emergency services confirmed. A large volume of smoke was generated, which firefighters later ventilated. Residents were advised to remain
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Landlords to be paid
Explosion collapses Madrid AN explosion at around 4.10pm on Friday January 9 caused the partial collapse of a residential building in Madrid, killing one person and leaving another seriously injured. According to National Police sources at the scene, part of the façade floor structure collapsed at a property in Calle Azcoitia, near number 19. Emergency services confirmed one fatality and one person in a critical condition, while Madrid firefighters rescued four people from the building. SAMUR emergency medical teams also treated eight people for minor injuries at the scene. Early images suggest the explosion occurred on one of the upper floors of the building, reportedly the fourth floor. Madrid City Council firefighters extingui-
15 - 21 January 2026
outside their homes while safety checks were carried out. SAMUR treated a woman for minor burns to her hands and an anxiety attack, although she did not require hospitalisation. Madrid Municipal Police regulated traffic in the area and assisted with identifying affected residents.
Photo credit: OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES/Shutterstock
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Government hopes cooperation from landlords will stabilise the market. Officials argue that the measure is a pragmatic compromise, offering landlords a financial incentive while preserving flexibility, particularly for small owners who rely on rental income. The decree forms part of a broader housing strategy that also includes stricter oversight of seasonal rentals and room-by-room
contracts. While the government hopes cooperation from landlords will stabilise the market, analysts caution that in high-demand areas, incentives alone may not prevent rent increases. For expats renting long-term residences, the decree could offer more stability, though its impact will depend on adoption rates and regional implementation.
MALLORCA
RESTAURANT REVIEW A historic cantina
The menu is extensive, but thoughtfully put together. potato with wild asparagus impress with both flavour and finesse. Tuna tartar with avocado, mango and carasau bread is fresh and elegant, and the gratinated provolone with sobrasada adds a comforting, indulgent touch. Main courses continue to delight. The slow-cooked Iberian pork tenderloin with PX sauce and potato parmentier is tender and full of flavour, while seafood paellas and kamado-grilled fish showcase the kitchen’s
mastery of Mediterranean classics. Vegetarian options like vegetable-stuffed ravioli or seasonal paella ensure everyone is well catered for. Desserts such as dulce de leche flan or matcha and elderberry cheesecake offer a satisfying finish, complemented by a strong selection of Mallorcan and international wines and a tempting cocktail menu. Carrer dels Hostals, 4, Palma +34 971 209 546
THE annual Almond Blossom Rally is set for Saturday, January 31, promising an exciting day for motoring enthusiasts. Organised by Stan Hunter, this traditional car run aims to capture the early signs of the island’s almond trees in bloom. However, with flowering occurring later in recent years, attendees will be hoping for a glimpse of the delicate blossoms. Participants will gather at 10am at Restaurant Cal Dimoni near Algaida, accessible via the Ma-15E. Parking is available outside the restaurant and across the road. From there, the rally will explore the northeast of the island, travelling through Sineu, Santa Margalida, eastwards to Arta, and down the eastern coast to Porto Colom. The day concludes at Vall D’or Golf Resort, whe-
Credit: Artesia Wells / Shutterstock
Almond Blossom Classic Car Rally 2026. re a three-course lunch will be served from 1.30pm to 2pm. Guests can select from beef or tomato carpaccio starters, pork medallions or Portofino pasta mains, and pineapple and caramel cake for dessert. Drinks, including wine, beer, water, and coffee, are included. The cost is €45 per person for members and their co-driver, with non-mem-
bers paying an additional €25 per car. Registration is essential, and organisers request notification if plans change to avoid restaurant charges. For more information, or if assistance is needed with registration, email events@ ccc-mallorca.com. The Almond Blossom Rally promises a memorable outing for all car enthusiasts on January 31.
German violin virtuoso Credit: EuskadikoOrkestra / Creative Commons
Credit: Fervor Facebook
IN Palma’s old town, just steps from Plaza Mayor, Fervor Palma occupies a charming cantina dating back to 1890. The restaurant combines history and warmth with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, turning simple Mediterranean cuisine into a memorable experience. Its unpretentious décor of stone walls and soft lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere for both casual lunches and leisurely dinners. The menu showcases creativity and quality. Starters like bravas with aioli foam and Iberian ham croquettes are classic dishes elevated with care, while seafood options such as lacquered razor clams or grilled octopus on creamy
Almond rally returns
Frank Peter Zimmermann began playing the violin at the age of five. RENOWNED German violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann will take centre stage at the Auditòrium de Palma as the star guest of the Orquestra Simfònica de les Illes Balears (OSIB) on Thursday January 15 at 8.00pm. Widely recognised as one of the leading violinists of his generation, Zimmermann brings exceptional technical mastery and expressive depth to a programme spanning 20th-century repertoire. The concert opens with Maurice Ravel’s Ma mère, l’oye, a delicate and colourful orchestral suite inspired by fairy
tales, followed by Frank Martin’s Violin Concerto, in which Zimmermann’s precision and musical sensitivity shine. The evening concludes with Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, a virtuosic work that showcases every section of the orchestra under the baton of Finnish maestro Pietari Inkinen. Born in Duisburg in 1965, Zimmermann began playing at five and made his orchestral debut at 10. He regularly performs on the 1711 Stradivarius Lady Inchiquin, once owned by Fritz Kreisler. Tickets for this must-see concert start from €30 at the Auditòrium de Palma.
SPANISH NEWS
IT was announced recently that plans were in motion to organise a visit from Pope Leo XIV in the coming months. While no concrete date has yet been set, the Spanish government is said to be maintaining conversations with the Church to coordinate the trip. There are a lot of technicalities that go into planning an official visit from the Pope. Established protocol means the visit might not be officially announced until three months prior to the Pope’s arrival, as the Vatican tries to avoid cancelling due to unforeseen circumstances. What has been revealed, however, are the three cities expected to host the Pope. During a press conference in Rome, Archbishop of Madrid, Jose Cobo explained “The dates are not yet finalised, but I can say that the stops will be
Credit: Shutterstock, Riccardo De Luca - Update
Pope to visit Canary Islands
Pope Leo XIV.
Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.” He also shared that these cities were selected by “the Pope’s personal initiative.” Pope Leo XIV first mentioned visiting the Canary Islands in 2024, explaining his desire to visit the region stemmed
BARCELONA residents will be able to visit the Sagrada Familia at half price throughout 2026, as the basilica launches a year-long 50 per cent discount aimed specifically at locals. From January 1 to December 31, anyone officially registered as a Barcelona resident can buy any type of ticket at a reduced rate, a move designed to reconnect the monument
from the ongoing situation of migrants arriving by sea. The long process of organising a visit from the Holy Father has been in the works for a while, the visit first originated in May 2025, when King Felip VI personally extended the invitation.
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Royal scam SPAIN’S Fundación Princesa de Asturias figures, where scammers use recognisahas issued a public warning after detecble names to give legitimacy to false inting fraudulent online activity misusing vestment schemes or phishing attempts. the name and image of Princess Leonor. Experts note that impersonation scams According to the foundation, fake social have increased alongside the expansion media profiles and messages have been of social media platforms, where verificirculating, falsely linking the Princess cation standards can vary. The foundato financial offers and economic solicitation’s response highlights the importance tions. of digital vigilance and The organisation stressed that Prinreinforces the need cess Leonor, who serves as honorary for users to verify president of the foundation, does not sources carefurequest or manage financial contribully, particularly tions under any circumstances. Any when money or communication claiming otherwise is personal data is fraudulent. The warning aims to preinvolved. vent individuals from being misled into financial scams that exploit public trust in the Spanish royal family. The foundation urged the public to rely only on information published through its official channels or the Royal Household, and advised anyone affected to report incidents to the relevant authorities. The case reflects a broader pattern of identity fraud involFake social media profiles and messages have been circulating. ving public
Sagrada Familia discount with the people who live around it. The initiative coincides with two major milestones: the completion of the Tower of Jesus, the last of Gaudí’s central towers, and the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death. Standard entry tickets currently cost €26, guided visits €30, and
15 - 21 January 2026
Photo credit: OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES/Shutterstock
euroweeklynews.com
tower access up to €40. In 2026, residents will pay half of those prices, making the basilica far more accessible to locals who may have avoided it because of crowds or cost. The discount is not available through the usual online booking system. Instead, residents must
contact the reservations team directly by email and provide proof of residency. On the day of the visit, official identification or municipal registration will be required. Construction work is also reaching a historic phase. The Tower of Jesus, which will become the tallest structure of the basilica, has entered its final stage.
FINANCE UK house building slumped at its fastest pace since May 2020 in December, as Britain’s construction downturn stretched to a 12th month. S&P Global’s PMI edged up to 40.1 but stayed deep in contraction, highlighting weak demand, fragile confidence and stalled investment decisions.
Carillion fines
BRITIAIN’S Financial Conduct Authority has fined two former Carillion finance directors after they dropped appeals over misleading investors before the contractor’s 2018 collapse. The watchdog said both acted recklessly, failing to disclose serious financial problems as liabilities reached £7 billion.
Data arrest
SPANISH police have arrested a suspect over the theft of personal data belonging to 9.7 million Desjardins members. Quebec authorities say the Canadian citizen of Ecuadorian descent bought stolen information and used it in fraud schemes, with extradition proceedings now under way in Spain.
Services surge
SPAIN’S services sector closed 2025 with its strongest growth in a year, as the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 57.1 in December. Rising sales and hiring drove expansion, offsetting weaker manufacturing, though faster input cost inflation remains a concern for policymakers.
Hospitality fund
BA R C E LO N A- BAS E D 4Founders Capital has launched a €60 million hospitality fund focused on Spanish hotel real estate. Approved by the CNMV, the six-year vehicle targets around 15 hotels in Tier 2 cities, reflecting strong investor appetite for Spain’s hotel industry.
The total expenditure of international tourists visiting Spain in November increased by 5 per cent and reached €8,094 million.
Clarity Act
€355m investment in renewables SPAIN has launched a €355 million renewables manufacturing subsidy programme aimed at strengthening the industrial value chain linked to the energy transition, according to official and industry sources. The initiative has been introduced by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) and will be financed through Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), funded by NextGenerationEU. Grant management will be handled by the Institute for Diversification
Vice President Sara Aagesen.
and Energy Saving (IDAE). The programme represents the second call under the RENOVAL framework (RENOVAL 2) and is designed to support manufacturing capa-
city for clean-energy technologies. Results from the first RENOVAL call, announced in March 2025, saw more than €210 million allocated to solar PV manufacturing. Sunwafe received
€200 million for a planned 20GW wafer plant in northern Spain, alongside awards to MCPV and European Solar Cell Company (Escelco). MITECO states that RENOVAL 2 is intended to improve energy security, competitiveness and industrial decarbonisation, in line with the European Commission’s Clean Industry Pact. The programme signals continued public investment in Spain’s clean-energy manufacturing base, reinforcing the country’s role as a hub for renewable technologies within the EU.
Spain refunds €13bn+ SPAIN’S Tax Agency has refunded more than €13 billion to taxpayers following the conclusion of the 2024 personal income tax (IRPF) campaign, according to official figures released on January 2. By December 30, 2025, refunds totalling €13.094 billion had been paid to 15.6 million taxpayers, with 97.5 per cent of refund requests processed and 95.5 per cent of the corresponding amounts already paid. A total of 24.72 million tax returns were filed by the end of the year, representing a 2.4 per cent increase on the previous campaign. Around 65 per cent of all declarations resulted in a refund. The agency highlighted growing use of digital and assisted filing services, alongside continued
AI drives growth CES 2026 opened in Las Vegas on January 6, with technologies unveiled there expected to shape European markets within months. Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, the event highlights rapid advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital health that often influence EU regulation, manufacturing, and consumer products. CTA forecasts the global tech upswing will push US industry revenues to $565 billion in 2026.
Credit: geralt, Pixabay.
Building slump
STAT OF WEEK
euroweeklynews.com • 15 - 21 January 2026
Credit: Instagram @miteco.gob
BUSINESS EXTRA
10
Many taxpayers received a refund.
demand for in-person and telephone support. More than 47,000 amended returns were submitted after preventive warnings, helping taxpayers avoid future checks, interest charges and potential penalties.
Bizum payments First-time buyers
THE Andalucian Regional Government has added Bizum as a payment option for regional taxes and public fees, as part of its digitalisation drive. The system, available since December, allows payments of up to €1,500 per transaction, subject to individual bank limits. Taxes covered include Inheritance and Gift Tax, Property Transfer Tax, and Stamp Duty, along with administrative fees. Regional finance minister Carolina España said the move strengthens administrative simplification and brings public services closer to citizens by using everyday digital payment tools.
MORTGAGE approvals for first-time buyers in Ireland have reached record levels, accounting for almost 60 per cent of new loans, according to the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland. More than 30,000 first-time buyer mortgages worth almost €10 billion were approved in the 11 months to November, the highest since records began in 2011. However, overall mortgage approvals fell by 3.4 per cent year on year, with a notable slowdown in home-purchase lending despite strong growth in mortgage switching activity.
US legislation aimed at regulating the cryptocurrency market is unlikely to be passed before 2027, amid political disputes and the approach of the 2026 midterm elections. The proposed Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity (CLARITY) Act has stalled over disagreements between Democrats and Republicans, particularly on conflict-of-interest provisions. Analysts at TD Cowen warn the delay will prolong regulatory uncertainty, with potential knock-on effects for European crypto firms and investors operating across US markets.
UK consumers BRITISH consumer borrowing rose by the most in two years in November, according to data from the Bank of England, signalling resilient household demand before the autumn Budget. Net consumer credit increased by £2.08 billion, the strongest rise since November 2023 and above economists’ forecasts. Annual growth in consumer credit reached 8.1 per cent, its fastest pace since mid-2024. Alex Kerr of Capital Economics said expectations of tax rises had little impact on spending. Meanwhile, mortgage approvals edged down slightly to 64,530 in November.
UK forecast
BRITAIN enters 2026 facing cautious optimism, according to CNBC, with attention focused on interest rates, jobs, business confidence, and market activity. The Bank of England is expected to cut rates further, though inflation remains above target. Unemployment has risen to its highest level since 2021, adding pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves. While the FTSE 100 performed strongly in 2025, weak investment and a sluggish IPO market continue to weigh on the broader UK economy.
FINANCE
12 15 - 21 January 2026
euroweeklynews.com
LONDON - FTSE 100
Closing Prices 12 January
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3I Group.....................................3.106,00............3.132,00......... 3.077,00......... 146,85K Admiral Group............................3.078,00............3.080,00......... 3.044,00.......... 19,37K Airtel Africa....................................360..................363,6.............358,45........... 180,6K Anglo American..........................3.230,00............3.281,00......... 3.224,00......... 168,42K Antofagasta................................3.485,00............3.566,00......... 3.485,00.......... 81,91K Ashtead Group...........................5.418,00............5.444,00......... 5.382,00......... 118,92K Associated British Foods............1.848,00............1.860,00......... 1.834,00......... 125,98K AstraZeneca..............................14.196,00..........14.214,00....... 13.990,00......... 87,46K Auto Trader Group Plc................. 587,8...................597................582,2........... 282,61K Aviva............................................ 675,8.................680,4..............672,4........... 497,93K B&M European Value Retail SA.... 170,7................174,65............169,99.......... 452,09K BAE Systems..............................2.096,87............2.117,00......... 2.073,04......... 755,88K Barclays....................................... 467,6................468,15.............461,6.............9,41M Barratt Redrow............................. 382,7.................383,1..............379,5........... 181,32K Beazley......................................... 817,5...................822................. 815.............. 62,83K Berkeley.....................................4.012,00............4.041,60......... 4.002,00........... 8,16K BP............................................... 426,25................429,4..............425,4............... 2M British American Tobacco..........4.108,00............4.134,00......... 4.094,00.......... 156,4K BT Group.................................... 179,35................180,9..............178,9........... 694,04K Bunzl..........................................2.080,00............2.088,00......... 2.064,00.......... 37,92K Centrica....................................... 179,62...............182,25............179,55.......... 786,01K Coca Cola HBC AG.....................3.970,00............3.970,00......... 3.932,00.......... 15,08K Compass....................................2.366,00............2.376,00......... 2.348,00......... 349,05K ConvaTec Group.......................... 246,8................247,16.............. 246............. 104,92K Croda Intl...................................2.714,00............2.736,00......... 2.699,00.......... 29,83K DCC............................................4.376,00............4.456,00......... 4.362,00.......... 31,69K Diageo........................................1.648,50............1.660,50......... 1.635,00......... 508,45K Diploma.....................................5.665,00............5.675,00......... 5.645,00.......... 12,79K EasyJet......................................... 493,9.................500,4..............492,9........... 709,18K Entain........................................... 766,4.................775,8..............765,8........... 127,31K Experian.....................................3.488,00............3.489,00......... 3.456,00......... 101,17K F&C Invest.................................1.262,48............1.267,00......... 1.261,80.......... 32,73K Flutter Entertainment.................15.975,00..........16.120,00....... 15.680,00.......... 1,51K Frasers......................................... 692,5.................696,5............... 692.............. 12,54K Fresnillo.....................................3.708,00............3.728,00......... 3.654,00......... 215,11K Glencore...................................... 460,05................462,7.............453,55............8,18M GSK plc......................................1.890,00............1.890,00......... 1.870,50......... 269,07K HALEON....................................... 366,8.................366,8..............362,5........... 859,02K Halma.........................................3.694,00............3.708,00......... 3.664,00........... 26,1K Hikma Pharma...........................1.577,20............1.581,00......... 1.570,00.......... 23,58K Hiscox........................................1.391,00............1.396,00......... 1.380,00.......... 21,33K Howden Joinery........................... 846,5................851,04.............845,5............ 40,15K HSBC.........................................1.189,80............1.189,80......... 1.180,60......... 641,24K IAG.............................................. 411,75................422,4..............408,8.............3,58M ICG PLC.....................................2.080,00............2.094,00......... 2.074,00.......... 21,43K IMI PLC......................................2.618,00............2.628,00......... 2.610,00.......... 23,96K Imperial Brands..........................3.027,40............3.042,00......... 3.021,00.......... 58,09K Informa..........................................901..................901,2..............895,2............. 60,4K InterContinental........................... 135,1...................138................134,6............ 15,05K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
Intertek.......................................4.624,00............4.636,00......... 4.604,00.......... 12,39K J Sainsbury................................. 308,59...............312,16.............. 304............. 996,88K JD Sports Fashion........................ 85,16..................86,1...............83,34.............2,11M Kingfisher..................................... 323,3...................324................. 322.............. 143,2K Land Securities............................ 633,5................645,04.............632,5........... 298,49K Legal & General........................... 265,2.................266,2..............264,6.............1,18M Lloyds Banking............................ 99,91.................100,2..............99,32.............6,35M London Stock Exchange.............8.996,00............9.000,00......... 8.952,00.......... 39,65K Londonmetric Property................ 195,8.................197,8..............195,5........... 335,79K M&G........................................... 295,51..................296................294,4............ 416,6K Marks & Spencer........................ 343,56................352,7..............342,8.............1,47M Melrose Industries....................... 628,8.................630,2..............622,4............ 81,32K Mondi.............................................891....................904................. 888............. 188,84K National Grid..............................1.180,00............1.193,00......... 1.178,00......... 217,74K NatWest Group............................ 638,2................639,26.............632,6........... 891,46K Next..........................................14.395,40..........14.490,00....... 14.320,00......... 12,95K Pearson......................................1.081,50............1.085,00......... 1.065,00.......... 78,31K Pershing Square........................4.704,96............4.750,00......... 4.688,11........... 20,1K Persimmon................................1.390,10............1.402,10......... 1.387,00.......... 59,56K Phoenix........................................ 737,5...................741................732,5........... 198,95K Prudential...................................1.154,50............1.155,50......... 1.144,50......... 261,78K Reckitt Benckiser.......................6.182,00............6.196,80......... 6.166,00.......... 39,73K Relx............................................3.199,00............3.200,00......... 3.168,00......... 166,74K Rentokil........................................ 469,4.................469,7..............463,4........... 243,96K Rightmove................................... 516,8...................518................513,2........... 129,73K Rio Tinto PLC.............................6.030,00............6.070,00......... 6.000,00......... 409,26K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.286,50............1.304,00......... 1.286,50...........1,51M Sage...........................................1.102,50............1.105,50......... 1.090,00......... 191,44K Schroders.................................... 413,2.................416,8..............412,8........... 151,06K Scottish Mortgage......................1.202,76............1.207,50......... 1.199,04......... 224,28K Segro........................................... 729,4................734,04.............726,2............. 72,4K Severn Trent..............................2.832,00............2.903,00......... 2.825,00........... 35,9K Shell...........................................2.640,50............2.663,50......... 2.639,00......... 507,18K Smith & Nephew........................1.259,50............1.264,00......... 1.247,00.......... 62,91K Smiths Group.............................2.458,10............2.466,00......... 2.456,00.......... 31,32K Smurfit Westrock.......................3.170,00............3.198,00......... 3.161,00.......... 28,84K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........7.135,00............7.155,00......... 7.105,00........... 4,27K SSE............................................2.292,00............2.306,00......... 2.286,00........... 94,7K Standard Chartered....................1.787,50............1.788,00......... 1.763,00......... 234,94K Taylor Wimpey............................. 109,1................109,75............108,63............1,12M Tesco.......................................... 417,31................418,4..............413,2........... 706,32K Unilever......................................4.779,00............4.791,00......... 4.744,00......... 137,64K Unite............................................ 570,5................578,29.............. 569.............. 63,21K United Utilities............................1.210,50............1.234,55......... 1.210,00.......... 95,39K Vistry Group................................. 686,8.................688,2..............673,8........... 111,88K Vodafone Group PLC................... 101,3................101,45.............100,8.............2,85M Weir Group................................3.016,00............3.032,00......... 2.990,00.......... 94,43K Whitbread..................................2.610,00............2.635,40......... 2.602,00.......... 26,04K WPP............................................. 337,7.................348,4..............337,1........... 671,13K
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DOW JONES
Closing Prices 12 January
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 165,24...............166,25............163,95............2,31M Amazon.com............................... 247,38...............247,86............242,24...........34,56M American Express....................... 375,61...............384,89............373,83............2,77M Amgen......................................... 326,1................332,08............323,89............2,12M Apple........................................... 259,37...............260,21............256,22............. 40M Boeing......................................... 234,53...............235,14.............228,3.............8,62M Caterpillar.................................... 617,62...............619,15.............608,2.............1,82M Chevron...................................... 162,11................162,7.............159,94...........12,55M Cisco............................................ 73,88.................74,33..............73,33.............19,1M Citigroup..................................... 121,32...............121,74............120,15............7,57M Coca-Cola..................................... 70,51.................70,66..............69,12............19,64M Goldman Sachs........................... 938,98...............946,14.............932,7.............1,33M Home Depot................................ 374,64...............375,49............361,31............7,09M Honeywell................................... 207,38...............208,74............203,51............5,71M IBM............................................. 304,22..................307................. 302...............2,72M J&J............................................. 204,39................206,7.............204,01............6,15M JPMorgan................................... 329,19................331,9.............328,17............6,74M McDonald’s................................. 307,32...............309,52.............304,6.............2,97M Merck&Co................................... 110,53...............112,48............110,22...........11,04M Microsoft.................................... 479,28...............479,82.............472,2............18,49M Nike.............................................. 65,92.................66,54...............64,4.............18,47M NVIDIA........................................ 184,86...............186,34............183,67..........131,33M P&G............................................ 141,87...............142,33............140,83............9,53M Salesforce Inc............................. 259,94...............261,02............256,51............5,17M Sherwin-Williams........................ 353,28..................354...............342,74............2,43M The Travelers.............................. 281,96................286,2.............281,65............1,44M UnitedHealth............................... 343,98...............349,06............342,48............4,13M Verizon......................................... 40,46.................40,76..............40,29............32,11M Visa A.......................................... 349,77................354,7.............349,16.............4,9M Walmart...................................... 114,53...............115,46............112,26............21,9M Walt Disney................................. 115,88...............115,98.............113,9.............8,94M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 12 January
Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Rich Sparkle Holdings..................................... 258,88 %.........................2,94M GreenPower Motor Company........................... 51,04 %.........................77,46M Alpha Technology............................................ 46,96 %........................624,72K VCI Global........................................................ 40,98 %..........................7,88M TryHard Holdings............................................. 36,31 %........................202,54K Zentalis Pharma............................................... 31,69 %..........................12,4M Eastern International........................................ 30,25 %........................839,74K Zhibao Technology........................................... 30,05 %........................400,29K Syntec Optics Holdings.................................... 29,89 %..........................2,29M CG Oncology.................................................... 29,26 %............................ 7M M - Million Dollars
Most Declined China SXT Pharma...........................................-87,92 %........................113,04M Mingteng International.....................................-78,00 %........................318,72M Ping An Biomedical..........................................-67,93 %.........................42,91M Aclarion............................................................-41,49 %..........................2,44M Atlas Critical Minerals......................................-41,33 %........................183,09K Aquestive Therapeutics....................................-37,04 %..........................43,7M Beta Bionics.....................................................-37,04 %..........................8,29M Sharps Technology..........................................-27,03 %...........................5,7M Everbright Digital Holding................................-26,41 %..........................5,76M JetAI.................................................................-24,06 %.........................14,99M Atara Biotherapeutics Inc.................................-21,62 %........................852,26K M - Million Dollars
FINANCE
euroweeklynews.com
Silver and gold
SILVER and gold enter 2026 as cornerstone assets after rebounding from late-2025 selling pressure, analysts say. Saxo Bank’s Ole Hansen cites resilient demand, currency debasement fears and industrial needs, with gold near $4,478 (€4,120) and silver above $80 (€74) an ounce.
Seafood power
SPAIN has cemented its position as a global leader in canned fish and seafood exports, driven by Galicia’s dominant role in processing and production. The region underpins a highly specialised, export-focused industry prized internationally for reliability, scale and regulatory standards.
Nike Tech goes viral A GREY Nike Tech tracksuit has unexpectedly become one of the most talked-about fashion items online after images circulated showing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro being seized by US forces wearing the outfit. The photograph, shared by Donald Trump on January 3, quickly sparked memes, jokes, and a surge in demand for the popular athleisure set. Following Trump’s
Credit: Nike, X @TrumpDailyPosts
BUSINESS EXTRA
15 - 21 January 2026
Nicolás Maduro being seized by US forces wearing Nike Tech.
post, searches for ‘Nike Tech’ rose dramatically, according to Goo-
gle Trends. Data shared by intelligence platform PeakMetrics showed that
Lacking knowledge A SURVEY by housebuilder Barratt London suggests financial ignorance, rather than high rents or deposits, is the main barrier stopping young people from buying homes. Around half of UK adults want to improve their financial literacy in 2026, with 31 per cent planning to save for a deposit, rising to 52 per
cent among Generation Z. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z aspiring buyers say they do not understand the buying process, ranking this above saving for a deposit or securing a mortgage. Barratt London says better education could help young buyers onto the property ladder sooner.
mentions of Nike Tech on X exceeded 5,000 posts per day between January 3 and January 5. That represents a sharp increase from an average of around 325 daily posts recorded between November 1 and December 31. On TikTok, users posted AI-generated versions of the image, alongside parody ‘steal the look’ videos breaking down the cost of the outfit. The attention quickly translated into sales. According to GameReactor, the grey Nike Tech set priced at around €219 for the jacket and trousers combined - sold out in multiple sizes on Nike’s US website within hours. The grey colourway worn by Maduro was the first to disappear, with other colours seeing increased demand shortly afterwards. Nike declined to comment.
13
DIA growth SPANISH grocery retailer DIA strengthened its market position in 2025 after opening 94 new stores, exceeding expansion targets and lifting market share to 5.2 per cent, according to NielsenIQ. Growth was driven by convenience formats, logistics investment and a stronger focus on fresh produce, alongside wider online coverage across mainland Spain.
Renewable power SPAIN has launched a €50 million grant scheme to support renewable power and heat projects replacing fossil fuels, under the second round of the RENOCOGEN programme. The initiative, led by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, will fund up to 65 per cent of eligible costs, targeting lower emissions.
FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
14 15 - 21 January 2026
Borrowed fare to fame
euroweeklynews.com
Mystery cargo Credit: RMA&T X
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT PEOPLE think success arrives with a trumpet fanfare and a telegram. For me, it crept up quietly while I was freezing my backside off in a cheap garret overlooking the Paddington railway sidings. No phone. No agent calling. No manager banging on the door. Just the rattle of trains, a kettle that barely worked, and a somewhat lumpy mattress. My recording of Little Arrows had been doing the rounds for some three months and, as far as I knew, it had vanished without trace. Silence in this business usually means one thing - move on son. Every morning I’d buy (or obtain) a paper, more out of habit than hope. One day, there it was. As casual as the racing results. Little Arrows was number 13 in the Top 20. I read it three times, almost convinced it was another Leapy Lee. But no - it was me. Now don’t imagine I leapt into a
waiting car and headed for Mayfair. I was at rock bottom; I didn’t even have the tube fare. I had to borrow two shillings from a mate who lived across the road, just to get into town. That’s how glamorous pop stardom was in those days. I all but sidled into the MAM agency, feeling half daft and half desperate, and asked what on earth was going on. They looked at me as if I’d just come down from Mars - “Leapy,” they said, “we’ve been trying to get hold of you for weeks.” Of course, they had. Trouble was, I had no means of contact whatsoever. Not even a neighbour who cared. When you live in a garret by railway tracks, success doesn’t know where to actually knock. Then came the moment I’ll never forget. My first ever royalty payment. They sat me down, beamed politely, and handed me £500. I nearly fell off the chair. To a lad who had been counting coppers and borrowing shillings, it might as well have been a king’s ransom. Still in a daze, I decided the record company had to be my next foray. Same story.
Same puzzled looks. Same good news. This time they gave me £300 more. Suddenly, overnight, I was a man of means. By today’s standards, I was suddenly worth thousands. I subsequently did what any sensible pop singer would do. I went straight back to the mate who’d lent me the two bob… and threw a party that went on until the sun came up. Friends, laughter, music, drink - the lot. Not a penny spared. When fortune smiles on you, you need to share it. Little Arrows went on to sell three and a half million copies, and the rest, as they say, is history. But I’ve never forgotten that moment - standing in a grotty room by the railway, not even aware that my life had already changed. Success doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it waits patiently, while you borrow the fare to go and find it. Delighted to announce another couple of bookings in Torrevieja. All set for Valentine’s Day on February 14. See ya there. 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.
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People We Meet on Vacation TRULY good rom-coms are a dying breed, but Netflix’s new People We Meet on Vacation aims to resurrect a classic, comforting genre. The film, based on the novel of the same name, follows Poppy and Alex in dual-timelines. In the past time-line their friendship develops through yearly holidays around the world. In the current day, the long-time friends reunite for a wedding in Barcelona after a years-long estrangement. Three dimensional characters with palpable chemistry and plenty of humour and hijinx. A perfect film to see you through the winter days. etflix / X it: N ed Cr
Season 2
His & Hers Limited series gravitas to lines that could otherwise feel out of place. While the series doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it does drive it in a new direction, making for a gripping entertaining watch. etflix / X it: N ed Cr
NETFLIX’S newest thriller, His & Hers, starts on a suspicious note: one woman lying bloodied, another returning home to scrub the blood from her hands. The series follows Anna, a news anchor determined to breathe life back into her career by investigating a shocking murder case, and Jack, a volatile detective. The star-studded cast manage to bring
Ursa Major with suspicious cargo in blue.
RUSSIAN cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean in December 2024, sparking concerns over its secret cargo. The vessel went down 60 nautical miles off Cartagena after explosions in the engine room caused a severe list and hull damage, including a 50cm hole with edges bent inward, suggesting an external impact. Spanish rescue teams saved 14 crew members, but two remain missing. The ship now lies at a depth of around 2,500 metres. Investigations revealed the Ursa Major carried two undeclared heavy containers, each weighing 65 tonnes, holding components for VM-4SG nuclear reactors linked to naval propulsion systems. These items, possibly reactor housings or covers wrapped in blue, were not on the official manifest. The captain had declared only empty containers, spare parts and two Liebherr cranes. The Ursa Major, part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ for sensitive transports, had left St Petersburg bound officially for Vladivostok via an unusually long Mediterranean route. No radioactive contamination was detected, indicating the reactors lacked fuel. Russian sources called the sinking a possible terrorist act, while speculation points to efforts to block delivery.
INTERVIEW
Speaking European: Erno Van Doesselaar
Dutch yoga instructor Erno Van Doesselaar, originally from Amsterdam, has settled in Murcia Province after a life of frequent moves.
ture and especially the HE began teaching yoga healing power of sunriretreats abroad in 2025, ses and sunsets, also specialising in breath keeps him rooted. meditations, yoga He admits misNidra and sound sing Dutch stanhealing. After dards of infrasenjoying Andalutructure and tap cia’s countryside water quality, but and blue lakes, he considers the traholidayed in Made-off well worth it. llorca, but it was His love for sound Ibiza that instantly healing started in 1997 felt right. “Something Credit: Juan Rodriguez Pazos with a session that just clicked,” he re- Shutterstock / EVD deeply affected his calls. He spent seven Erno Van Doesselaar. body, mind and spiyears mostly on the island before personal circumstances rit. He trained in the practice and now weaves it into his retreats. He feels brought him to the mainland last year. A friend’s invitation led him to Los grateful when participants experience Alcazares in Murcia. He values Spain’s profound relaxation – some achieve open-hearted people most of all. “You total mental silence for the first time, can meet a stranger and have a spon- others connect emotionally with lost taneous, warm conversation,” he says. loved ones. “Everyone has their own The outdoor lifestyle encouraged by unique journey, but we all ground tothe climate, along with beautiful na- gether,” he says. “It’s magical.”
EUROPRESS
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15 - 21 January 2026
15
SWISS food and drink giant Nestlé has recalled a series of products for infants in several European countries including Spain due to the possible presence of the Bacillus cereus bacteria, according to a report released by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN). This has been called one of the largest product recall campaigns in Nestlé’s corporate history. The bacteria can produce a toxin called cereulide, which can cause severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea when consumed. These food poisoning symptoms can be quick to develop and the bacteria are unlikely to be destroyed by cooking the product (including using boiling water to make the milk). Nestlé stresses that other products that have not been listed in the recall are safe to consume and has offered
Photo Credit: Lucy Wolski / Unsplash
Formula fumble Low-cost airlines update 2026 hand luggage sizes, fees and restrictions.
Baggage breakdown Nestlé recalls baby formula across Europe.
refunds to those who have purchased affected products. The list of recalled Nestlé items in Spain include Alfamino, Nan, Nan Total Comfort, Nan Optipro, Nan Supremepro, Native, Nidina and Nidina Comfort Digest products. Concerned parents or guardians should check the lot number of their products and confirm if they are safe to consume through
https://www.nestlebebe.es/reti rada-preventiva. Customers can look for the corresponding code on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or the base of the outer box and on the side or top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas. It is notable that in some countries, the affected products go under different names. In the UK, for example, the recalled products are known as SMA.
WITH a cold snap hitting Europe, residents are already planning their 2026 travel, and with some low-cost airlines updating hand luggage rules, it is important to know what can be brought on board to avoid delays, extra fees, or denied boarding. Irish carriers Ryanair and Aer Lingus are both revising their policies. Ryanair allows one small bag under the seat for free, while Aer Lingus permits a larger carry-on plus a personal item. Arriving with a bag exceeding size limits, even slightly, can be costly. Ryanair’s free personal bag must now measure 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, up from 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. Bags must fit
under the seat; oversized items may be refused at boarding or incur a €70 fee (plus VAT on domestic flights) and placed in the hold. Aer Lingus allows two 10kg bags on European flights. Travellers can add a 10kg bag to a booking from €9.99 if not already included. Otherwise, bags can be checked in at desks or kiosks in Dublin, Shannon, and London for free. Taking a 10kg bag to the gate without it booked incurs a €35 hold fee. Small personal items such as handbags, laptop bags, or baby changing bags remain free. The size limit has increased to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, up from 25cm x 33cm x 20cm.
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Europe on track
Thongs, rebajas, and airport tears
Credit : Facebook - European Youth
16 15 - 21 January 2026
A story of sales, love, and airport hugs that hit harder than any rebaja. FROM COAST TO COAST LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA
Happy 2026, everyone. Credit: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock
JANUARY. I hope you’re enjoying it - although… wait. Where did it go? I swear it arrived, waved, and vanished before I even blinked. I haven’t hit a single rebaja this year, and already I feel it: full-blown FOMO. Curiosity and suspicion battle in my brain. Are sales really sales? Or just a trick to make us buy things (or thongs) we’ll never use? In Spain, we take this to Olympic levels. First sales. Second sales. Then… ‘las terceras rebajas’. Prices so low that whatever is left either won’t fit, won’t suit you, or comes in radioactive green or aggressive orange. And yet… your inner rebajas voice whispers: Buy it. Don’t miss out. You don’t need it now - but what about five years from now? That’s how good intentions end up folded in a drawer or how retail optimism convinces you to buy a thong you’ve never worn. Existential consumerism is exhausting. This year, I resist. I don’t need it. I won’t buy it. Maybe next week. I’ll just check… if the prices are really reduced. But winter, for me, isn’t about sales. Winter is about airports. Airports. Emotional crossroads. Joy and heartbreak collide a few metres apart. Arrivals explode with smiles, tears, and signs in questionable handwriting. Departures move slower. Hugs last longer. Words re-
peat: Text me when you land. Call me. I’m lucky. My family visits from California - usually once a year if we’re lucky. And it’s not just the joy of seeing them through the doors - it’s the anticipation. Cleaning… and pretending you did. Buying their favourite food. Changing linens so everything feels warm and safe. Waiting for someone you love is magical. Friends and family turn your town into a holiday. You walk the streets you always walk - but with them, it’s like discovering the world again. Anyone who loves and is loved should never let it go. Only when it disappears do you realise the loss that hollow ache in your stomach. I’ve seen people regret distancing from parents for no reason - simply because being right felt more important than being loving. I’m old school. I’ll bring the mariachi to the airport to welcome my loved ones. And yes - I’ll cry like it’s opening night at the opera when it’s time to say goodbye. Same building. Different scenes. Same life. Because when you love, you hurt but it’s beautiful. You hug harder. Bone-crushing hugs. You say I love you one more time, because once that plane takes off… you never really know. So here’s to airports everywhere where joy and sadness pass with carry-on luggage. And as I told a friend: I won’t wish you wealth, health. I’ll wish you luck. The Titanic passengers were healthy, wealthy… but luck was the one thing they didn’t have.
Movaldi’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Young Europeans travelling by train as part of the DiscoverEU programme.
TURNING 18 already feels like a doorway into adulthood. For 40,000 young Europeans this year, it also comes with a much bigger one: a free train pass to explore the continent for up to a month. The European Commission has confirmed the latest winners of its DiscoverEU programme, which allows 18-year-olds to travel across Europe between March 1, 2026 and May 31, 2027 at no cost. Almost 4,000 of the passes went to young people in Spain, placing the country among the best represented. Launched in 2018, DiscoverEU encourages young Europeans to move beyond their borders, meet new people and experience how connected Europe is. This year’s edition coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Schen-
gen area, the border-free zone that makes such travel possible. Interest remained huge, with nearly 247,000 applicants, including more than 18,000 from Spain. Winners can travel freely by rail for up to 30 days, choosing their own routes and stops. They also receive a European Youth Card, offering discounts in 36 countries on transport, accommodation, food and leisure. The programme is open to those born in 2007 in EU countries or Erasmus+ states. Germany had the highest number of successful applicants, followed by France, Italy and Spain. Since its launch, over 430,000 young people have travelled via DiscoverEU, gaining independence, confidence and friendships.
Smoke, sorrow and sudden riches in Spain! NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
LAST summer, when flames tore through La Bañeza in Castilla y Leon during one of the worst forest fires in Spanish history, the rain arrived with the timing of Spanish bureaucracy: far too late. The blaze devoured 55,000 hectares of woodland, claimed three lives and forced 8,000 people from their homes. It was, by any measure, a dreadful year. By Christmas, however, the village’s fortunes staged a dramatic reversal. El Gordo, Spain’s famous Christmas lottery I’m sure you’ve all read about, emptied its bulging pockets over La Bañeza’s 10,000 residents, delivering €468 million instead of smoke and ash! The mayor, Javier Carrera, spoke of a ‘cascade of emotions’, a polite summary of shock, relief and tears. Nearby Villablino, still mourning
five men killed in a mining accident last March, also held winning tickets and now faces a multimillion-euro windfall too. Among the many superstitions surrounding El Gordo is a tradition of buying a ticket in a place that has suffered a tragedy on the basis lightning doesn’t strike twice and good luck follows bad. Now, after a terrible year, fortune has smiled on the unlucky residents of La Bañeza and Villablino. Well, they say every cloud has a silver lining and this multimillion-euro windfall is certainly a well-deserved silver lining in 2026 for all these devastated villagers! Finally, many thanks for all your website messages! 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.
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FEATURE
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• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers • Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca North
TORREMOLINOS established its position as the leading sports tourism destination on the Costa del Sol in 2025, recording sharp growth in athletic visitors and economic impact. The town welcomed 6,444 athletes last year, a rise of 1,985 on 2024, an impressive 44 per cent increase. This surge generated €4.4 million in total economic impact from sports tourism, up 86 per cent from €2.2 million the previous year. The number of foreign teams using municipal facilities climbed 24 per cent to 277 squads, mostly from across Europe and competing in football, swimming, athletics, and multi-sport events. These groups produced 34,395 overnight stays in local hotels, a 28 per cent increase. Revenue from hiring out council sports venues jumped 45 per cent to €344,651, with the Virgen del Carmen III swimming pool proving the most popular. Football clubs continued to favour Torremolinos for pre-season and training camps.
ARNE SOETEN, founder of Costa Blanca homeless charity Project 4 All, faces a possible custodial sentence over an unpaid €387,000 confiscation order in the Netherlands. Supporters warn that imprisonment could dismantle one of the region’s key lifelines for vulnerable people. After more than a decade helping those on the margins, Soeten risks losing the ability to continue his work. Project 4 All offers food, shelter, warmth and guidance to homeless and marginalised individuals across the Costa Blanca. Largely volunteer-run and donation-funded, the charity fills gaps left by public services, particularly in areas affected by economic inequality. Supporters say Soeten’s situation stems from financial impossibility rather than criminal wrongdoing, and that jailing him would punish not just him but the people who rely on the charity. Friends and volunteers describe him as a figure who restores practical support, dignity and hope.
Costa Calida
Costa Blanca South
CARTAGENA experienced an exciting Sunday this January, filled with community gathering and support, sportsmanship, and personal bests; the eighth edition of the Vista Alegre - Sierra Gorda Mountain Race kicked off the Cartagena City Council’s Carthago Mountain League, a renowned athletic competition that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The Carthago Mountain League, along with the Carthago Running League, are annual events in the municipality wherein participants can gain points in each race. At the end of the events, the participants are classified and the prizes are awarded, sparking the participation of athletes in these difficult, but satisfying challenges. The grand winners of the race were Óscar de Francisco Ortiz and Lorena Ríos Gutiérrez, making their mark as skilled and passionate athletes in this monumental race that has become a tradition in the Cartagena community.
ELCHE has come alive with its patron saint celebrations, the 2026 San Antón Festival, and the event is in full swing with music, laughter, liveliness, and tradition in the beautiful Costa Blanca hotspot. The festivities, which began on Friday, January 9 and will last until Sunday, January 18 are one of the most anticipated activities of the year, closing out the holiday season in Elche and attracting thousands to its events and activities. Following a busy Christmas season in Elche, in which hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists participated, residents barely got time to reflect on the holidays before the 2026 festival calendar kicked off with the long-awaited patron saint festivities. The festival, which honours the patron saint of animals and those who make espadrilles, a typical form of Spanish summer footwear, began with a procession with the saint and a mass, reflecting the deep traditional and cultural roots of the festival.
Axarquia
Almeria
MALAGA Province celebrated its finest culinary talents at the Premios Academia Gastronómica de Malaga, held on a glamorous gala evening at the Gran Hotel Miramar in the capital. The event honoured eight outstanding restaurants, professionals, and producers for their contributions to the region’s economy, business, and tourism through exceptional cuisine. The night’s top honour, the best chef award, went to Víctor Hierrezuelo. Based at El Chiringuito in the rural Axarquia village of Sedella, the young chef combines deep Malagueña traditions with modern techniques. Trained in renowned kitchens including Arzak and Bardal, he has elevated his family’s historic bar into a destination that showcases local ingredients and family recipes with a contemporary spin. The Premio José Luis Barrionuevo al Mejor Restaurante was awarded to El Puerto in Casabermeja. This family-run venue was praised for its unwavering dedication to classic coastal cuisine.
THE streets were alive with laughter and joy on Sunday January 11, as Albox held the 19th ‘Maria Carmona Memorial’ San Silvestre race. Despite initially being postponed due to the rain, the appeal of supporting the local community, whether through competing or cheering, drew the biggest crowd to date, with close to 430 runners registered. Esther Gálvez Jiménez of the ‘Club Atletismo Sur Este’ and Fernando Casado Sobrino of the ‘Club Cuellar Stone’ were crowned champions, finishing their respective races in first place. They received handcrafted trophies, made by the local pottery workshop, Luis ‘El Puntas’. This prize not only celebrated the winner’s impressive achievements, but highlighted local tradition and craftmanship. Over 160 children competed in the event, making it the most family-friendly edition of the race. The event also doubled as a charity drive. Non-perishable food was collected and donated to Caritas branches in Albox.
Top for sports tourism
Mountain milestone
Best of the best
Expats back Arne
Festive fervour
San Silvestre success
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Arty the Burmese: Cat-sitters find him artful if unpredictable ARTY is a young and handsome rescue Burmese cat who’s recently joined three other Burmese in a household full of feline character. Together they form a lively troupe of indoor cats, each with quirks that keep cat-sitters endlessly entertained. Arty’s standout party trick? He somehow predicts which room you’re about to enter and beats you to it - every single time. Artful, yes, but also mischievously clever. Sometimes he darts in at ankle height like a furry lightning bolt; other times, he springs up to your shoulder, vaults off the doorframe, and makes a theatrical leap into the room. Unpredictable? Entirely. Graceful? Always. Arty combines gymnastic flair with enough cunning to keep even the most seasoned cat-sitter alert. Intelligent, sleek, and delightfully dramatic, Arty is the kind of cat who reminds you why felines deserve their mystique. Could you care for a cat like Arty? He’s confident you could - and probably should. HouseSitMatch: Where humans behave and pets thrive
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register as a homeowner or sitter. 2. Join for just £89 / €99 a year approx). 3. Create your profile with photos. 4. Sitters apply, you chat via video, and - bam - matchmaking success. Reader Discount: 20 per cent OFF your first year with code: 20EUROWEEKLY The Fair Exchange: Homes, pets and happy hearts If you fancy a housesit adventure (or need sitters yourself), visit Hou seSitMatch.com and join our community of pet lovers. Lamia Walker – Founder Get in touch: +44 (0)7772 142742 Rated on Trustpilot - 4.8 / 5 Excellent “I can highly recommend House SitMatch.com as a very trustworthy house-sitter site. I have had some lovely people come and stay at my house and look after my cats from as far away as Canada. They are always checked.” - Client, May 9, 2025 Register online via our website HouseSitMatch.com
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SCIENTIFIC research increasingly confirms that free-roaming domestic cats pose a major threat to wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and small mammals. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become unexpected tools for researchers, allowing documentation of predation events in urban areas. Studies have recorded over 550 verified predation instances from user-shared content, complementing fieldwork and revealing previously unmonitored impacts. Globally, domestic cats have preyed on more than 2,000 species, with at least 347 classified as threatened or near threatened. Free-ranging cats have contributed directly to at least 63 verte-
Photo Credit: Klimek Pavol/Shutterstock
Domestic cat threat
Regions like the Canary Islands are especially vulnerable.
brate extinctions, particularly on islands where native fauna lack natural defences. Urban environments, with dense cat populations, intensify cumulative predation pressures. In Spain, regions like the Canary Islands are especially vulnerable due to high endemic bio-
diversity and the presence of cats in protected areas. Conservationists emphasise the ecological cost of allowing cats outdoors and advocate keeping cats indoors as the most effective mitigation. Scientific consensus warns that balancing pet ownership with wildlife protection
is increasingly urgent, as urbanisation and biodiversity decline intersect with domestic cats’ instinctive predatory behaviour. Policymakers and citizens are urged to consider responsible practices to minimise ecological harm while continuing to enjoy companion animals.
Fast fashion pets A BIRMINGHAM animal charity has rescued a three-year-old cat that was offered for sale on the app Vinted for just £30. Abi Left, founder of Left Paw Cat Rescue in south Birmingham, spotted the prohibited listing and arranged to collect the animal. The cat was scared and hiding but otherwise healthy. The original owner handed over the pet without any checks or questions. “She didn’t do any checks; she was just very happy to give her cat to me.” The seller saw nothing wrong with the ad, despite Vinted’s clear rules banning live animal sales. Ms Left said the low price showed the owner placed “no real value on its life.” The cat is now safe in foster care. Ms Left said this was not her first intervention in similar online sales, highlighting pets’ vulnerability on such platforms.
Credit: Left Paw Cat Rescue
PETS
euroweeklynews.com • 15 - 21 January 2026
Cat sold via Vinted app.
Pet abandonment remains a serious problem. In 2024, the RSPCA recorded 22,503 cases in the UK, while Cats Protection dealt with over 26,000 cats given up or dumped. Earlier in 2025, a dog rescue on the Costa del Sol told the Euro Weekly News of the problem of fashionable pet ownership. One has been the Belgian Malinois due to its popularity in TikTok videos performing incredible leaps. Often young people don’t understand these animals are expensive to keep and take many months of training to perform those feats and so, often discarded, like fast fashion.
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Hyundai Ioniq 9 - space, style and quality By Mark Slack I HAVE commented before in these pages that the designers of EVs seem to be competing to produce the most striking, brash and ‘out there’ designs possible to make their cars stand out in an ever-increasing automotive EV crowd. A good case in point is the Hyundai Ioniq 9, a genuinely large machine that feels particularly spacious, not necessarily a given with large cars, utilising the interior space very effectively. From a style point of view, which is obviously subjective, the feedback on my Ioniq 9 test model was not entirely positive. The feedback changed for the interior though, where without exception everyone thought it not only spacious and comfortable but extremely tactile, premium and stylish. Externally the Ioniq 9’s looks are much improved with lighter paint
finishes and the same can be said of the interior too. Light interiors always tend to look classier but very effectively make an interior feel light and airy too. The range starts from €74,930/£64,995 with three trim levels, the top-line version costing €90,610/£78,595. All bar one version offers seven seats with a six-seat model providing two individual chairs in the middle seating row. Standard fare across all models includes three zone climate control, smart cruise, power tailgate, wire-
less phone charging, powered, heated and folding door mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel, power front seats, automatic flush door handles plus auto lights, wipers and dimming mirrors. My test model was the Ultimate version and adds such niceties as a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front and middle row seats plus ventilated front ones too. A head up display (very useful and easy to read), a superb Bose sound system and rear
Margin of error
privacy glass. Finished in Biophillic Blue Pearl with a light interior the moment you opened the door it genuinely looked a million dollars in terms of style, feel and quality. All Ioniq 9 models have a 110kwh battery and the lead-in version with rear-wheel-drive develops 218PS, the top-line version develops 427PS. My 307PS all-wheel-drive test version, offers a potential range of 372 miles, although in real-world-driving I’d suggest a more realistic range would be in the order of 300 miles. That’s still a very useable range. Considering the size of the Ioniq 9 the handling is surprisingly good, although you aren’t going to be powering along twisting cross country routes. Comfort is the key and you couldn’t really want for anything such is the level of
Facts at a Glance Model: Hyundai Ioniq 9 Ultimate AWD Engine: 110 kwh battery, 307PS Gears: Automatic Price: €84,755/£73,496 Performance: 0 to 100kph/62mph 6.7 seconds. Maximum speed 199kph/124mph Range: Combined driving 598km/372 miles Emissions: 0 g/km Co2 Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets standard equipment. If you like the look, want a genuinely impressive interior, and let’s face it you spend most of your time inside a car, then the Ioniq 9 is an example of where a manufacturer still puts quality above cost.
Credit : rafa jodar, Shutterstock
Motorway toll rises
Photo credit: Bigflick/Shutterstock
ROAD TEST
The changes apply to state toll motorways.
A speed camera warning sign on a Spanish road - knowing your rights could save you from an unexpected fine this summer.
IF you’ve ever received a speeding ticket after a Spanish road trip, you may not actually have to pay it. A little-known rule in Spanish law allows thousands of drivers to contest fines using the ‘margin of error’ built into the system. All Spanish speed cameras, whether fixed or mobile, must apply a legal correction to their readings because they are not fully accurate. Fixed cameras must allow a 5
per cent margin of error, while mobile units require 7 per cent. If this adjustment is not shown on the fine, the penalty may be invalid. For example, if you are recorded at 126 km/h in a 120 km/h zone by a mobile radar, applying the 7 per cent margin brings your legal speed down to about 117 km/h - below the limit. If your ticket does not reflect this correction, you can appeal. To challenge a
fine, check the paperwork carefully. If the margin isn’t applied, send an appeal within 20 days citing Order ITC/3123/2010 and include a copy of the ticket. Many holidaymakers have successfully used this rule, particularly during the summer when speed traps increase. It’s not about evading the law, but ensuring it is correctly applied. A quick calculation could save you unnecessary fines.
MOTORWAY toll prices across Spain have risen this month, following confirmation by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. The approved update means drivers using toll roads will face increases ranging from 2 per cent to a maximum of 4.68 per cent, depending on the motorway and whether it is state-managed or run under a private concession. The changes apply to state toll motorways and form part of the annual tariff revision system, which takes inflation and concession contracts into account. The decision was approved by ministerial order after agreement by the Council of Ministers. The highest increases, set at 4.68 per cent, will affect several concession-operated routes, including
the AP-9, AP-46 and the AP-7 Alicante– Cartagena section. Other privately operated motorways will see rises of 3.64 per cent, including the AP-6, AP-53, AP66 and sections of the AP-7. By contrast, motorways managed by the state-owned company SEITT will see a uniform 2 per cent increase. These include the R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, M-12 and several radial routes around Madrid. Night-time toll exemptions between midnight and 6am on these roads will remain in place. To soften the impact, the government will allocate €15 million in subsidies this year, continuing a programme introduced to limit toll rises during periods of high inflation. Without this support, increases would have been higher.
24 15 - 21 January 2026
SPORT
euroweeklynews.com
Seafront sprint Cycling challenge Credit: Club Marathon Mallorca / Facebook
Credit: Challenge Ciclista Mallorca / Facebook
The Challenge 2025.
SNIP Marina Portitxol. for safety, with medical services and police support ensuring a secure environment for runners. Entries are open until Friday January 16, with fees ranging from €12 to €18 depending on the race and registration date. Minors can participate free of charge, provided they have parental consent. Participants will recei-
ve a commemorative medal, and trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. The organisers emphasise that taking part demonstrates both sporting spirit and community support for those affected by FOXG1-related conditions, making this event a highlight in Palma’s athletic calendar.
ALL eyes will be on Mallorca as they once again become the epicentre of international cycling. Between January 24 and February 1, Mallorca will host the Garden Hotels & Resorts Cycling Challenge. The 2026 event will celebrate the 35th men’s cycling race, and the third women’s cycling race, as announced by Manual Hernandez, director of Unisport Consulting who organised the event. Some of the best cy-
clists in the world will come together to be part of the Challenge. The women will go first, with their races being held from January 25 to 27. The men will follow from January 29 until February 2, during which time five trophies will be contested. Competitors will be hosted by Garden Hotels-Luxcom, Mallorca Cycling Challenge’s main sponsor as they reaffirm their commitment to cycling and sports. Avid fans will have the
opportunity to follow along with both the women’s and men’s Challenge being broadcast on Eurosport and Teledeporte, as well as on the Max and Discovery platforms. IB3, a regional television channel, will also stream the finishes. Executive Minister of Tourism for the Council of Mallorca, José Marcial Rodríguez highlighted the importance of such events as a “necessary tool to change, improve and strengthen the identity of this island.”
Race to victory A WINNER of the ninth Puerto Portals Dragon Winter series will soon be crowned as the fleet returns for the third and final round. The championship will resume from January 23 to 25 and promises to be a thrilling finale. The current favourite to win is Jan Eckert’s Gringko Racing. The Swiss boat accomplished an impressive comeback in the second round with two backto-back victories. He now leads the overall standings in the ninth Puerto Portals Dragon Winter Series. He hasn’t clinched the victory quite yet, however. There’s still time and opportunity for Ben Kolff’s Swiss Juiper and Michael Zankel’s Portuguese Easy, second and third in the standings, to come out on top.
Credit: Shutterstock, Andrey Bayda
RUNNERS of all ages and abilities are set to take part in the sixth ‘SNIP’ Marina Mallorca Portixol Palma on Sunday January 18, a charity event supporting the FOXG1 Spain association. Organised by Club Marathon Mallorca and promoted by Elitechip, the race will take place along Palma’s scenic seafront, with the start and finish at Moll de Troneras, next to the Rosa de los Vientos. The event features a variety of distances to suit all participants. Adults can compete in the 15km or 10km races, while the 5km race caters to those seeking a shorter challenge. Children’s races are also included, with distances ranging from 200m to 1,500m. All courses are closed to traffic and marked
An exciting battle to crown a champion. Going into the third round, Gingko Racing leads with 22 points, followed by Jupiter with 28 points, and Easy is third with 29 points The ninth edition of the Puerto Portals Dragon Winter series brought together 42 boats from a dozen countries, a real indicator of its
bench-mark status for this category in Europe. By the end of the championship, which began back in November 2025, competitors will have raced in 18 total races, all taking place on a windward-leeward course in the Bay of Palma, Mallorca.