Dep. Legal MA-422-2006 - ISSN 2953-42536
Axarquia I No. 2115 I 15 - 21 January 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Community effort
A-7 motorway hope
NERJA’S iconic cross atop Pico del Cielo has been proudly restored after vandalism toppled it just before Christmas Eve. Thirty-five dedicated volunteers - hikers, trail runners, and local sports enthusiasts - completed a challenging operation to repair and re-erect the landmark. Originally installed in 1971, the cross stands at 1,508 metres in the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, only 6km from Nerja. The summit is Nerja’s toughest and most popular with 1,200 metres of elevation gain. The act of vandalism, discovered on December 24, sparked widespread outrage. Nerja Town Hall, under Mayor José Alberto Armijo, swiftly condemned the incident and vowed to restore the em-
Credit: Maria Narvaez FB
INCLUDING A TOUCHING GESTURE
Club Deportivos Playas Torre del Mar.
blem, calling it “a symbol of Pico del Cielo and a symbol of the town’s natural, tourist, and heritage.” The community response was rapid and coordinated by groups including Kapurro’s Team-Entrenamientos and Club de Montaña La Gineta de Nerja. Volunteers, among them María Narváez (manager of XBike Nerja), carried
heavy materials - tools, cement, sand, water, and metal reinforcements entirely on foot up the demanding trail. At the summit, the team cleared debris, strengthened the base with new iron and concrete, and carefully raised the cross back into place. In a touching gesture, each participant placed a stone at the site,
symbolising their personal role in reviving it. The hoisting moment brought ‘goosebumps and a few tears’, followed by silent contemplation. While painting and reinstalling the traditional mirrors are still pending, the swift restoration highlights the deep community bond with its mountains.
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 Restaurante El Puerto in Casabermeja. This family-run venue, founded in 1990, was praised for its unwavering dedication to classic coastal Malagueña cuisine, delivering impeccable fried seafood, simply prepared fresh fish, and the highest-quality local produce. The Prize Sabor a Malaga for the best local product
Credit: Transportesgob - Instagram
Improvements to A-7.
Credit: AGM FB
Best of the best
THE Spanish government is moving forward with ambitious solutions to alleviate the notorious daily traffic bottlenecks on the A-7 motorway through Axarquia, particularly at the eastern entrance to Malaga capital. Deputy Government Delegate Javier Salas has announced that current studies are exploring multiple complementary measures rather than a single fix. The artery road that links Axarquia coastal towns has long suffered extreme congestion. Among the positive proposals are the addition of a third lane with a potential extra bus lane system, the construction of a new perimeter motorway to decongest eastern Malaga Province, and the introduction of flexible lanes. These plans are aimed at preventing widespread disruption from accidents and peak-hour jams along this key coastal route. Salas described the plans as the start of a “second transformation in infrastructure” for the province, with the eastern mobility study results due before summer.
Victor Hierrezuelo won the night’s top honour.
recognised Maychoco, an artisan bean-to-bar chocolate workshop in Benajarafe founded by Mayte Sánchez. As Andalucia’s first of its kind, it controls every stage from sustainably sourced cocoa beans to handcrafted bars. Maychoco incorporates distinctive Malaga ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil from Finca La Torre creating signature flavours like chocolate with orange and olive oil or white chocolate with mango and sea salt.
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Hockey championship finale TWO HUNDRED hockey players will descend on Rincon de la Victoria over the weekend as they compete in the final phase of the Andalucian Indoor Hockey Championships. Taking place on Saturday, January 17 at the Ruben Ruzafa Municipal Indoor Pavilion, the best men’s and women’s teams in the hockey honour division will battle it out in a Final Four format. Club Hockey Pechina (Almeria), CH San Fernando (Cadiz) , CH Alcala (Jaen) and Malaga-Rin-
Indoor hockey championship at the weekend. con de la Victoria will compete in the women’s category. Meanwhile, in the men’s category, CD
91-Rincon de la Victoria, CH Alcala, CD Malaga 91, and RH Privé Benalmadena 1985 will compete.
Ski days SIERRA NEVADA ski resort is offering special promotions this month to help visitors beat the post-Christmas ‘cuesta de enero’ January uphill) and enjoy excellent snow conditions in the early weeks of 2026. The resort, run by Cetursa, is taking part in the international Día de la Nieve celebrations on Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18. Organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS) since 2007, the initiative aims to introduce families and beginners to snow sports. Limited-availability offers for the weekend include: Family Forfait: €52 for one adult plus €39 per child Non-skiers Borreguiles Pack: €21.50 per person (children must be accompanied by an adult) for bar access
The mayor of Rincon de la Victoria, Francisco Salado, stated that hosting the hockey championships “is a source of pride” for the community. The event is sure to bring an electric atmosphere to Rincon de la Victoria as the players and their families share their passionate sporting spirit. Admission to the event is free. Organisers and competitors welcome fans of the sport, and anyone else looking to witness an exciting sporting spectacle, to cheer the teams on in what will be a thrilling finale.
Credit: SN FB
15 - 21 January 2026
Credit: Shutterstock, Myk Crawford
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Borreguiles, Sierra Nevada. Trineo Mirlo Pack (snow tubing/sledding): €30 per person (adult supervision required for children). Bookings can be made online at sierranevada.es, with existing pass holders able to recharge their cards at these rates. The popular Día del Esquiador deal also returns, providing a full-day ski pass for just €52 per person
on Wednesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 28. With good snow, milder-than-usual temperatures and plenty of sunshine, January remains an appealing time to visit. All promotions are available via the official website sie rranevada.es. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.
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.
LOCAL NEWS
15 - 21 January 2026
A NEW website for U3A Axarquia has gone live, giving members and newcomers a clear guide to its expanding programme of activities. The site, U3Ax.com, launched on January 12 and brings together full details of every group alongside a monthly calendar designed to help with planning leisure time. Membership for 2026 is currently set at €5 per person, and enquiries about joining or about any of the groups can be made by email at U3axmail@gmail.com. Several groups have seen changes as interest conti-
Credit: U3A
New U3A website
Launch day for the U3A website.
nues to grow. The weekly Games group now meets on Tuesday afternoons at Mena Golf in Laguna Beach, having moved from Mondays. The Art group meets every Wednesday afternoon at La Azotea in El Morche, with basic materials provided for newcomers. The History group meets once a month at Media Caña Dep. Legal MA-422-200 - ISSN 2953-42536
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on El Peñoncillo, where illustrated talks are presented. The same venue also hosts the monthly Discussion group, covering a range of suggested topics. Food and learning feature strongly too. Norma organises a monthly Munch Bunch meal, a Writers’ Workshop and a Lecture and Presentation group. Judy coordinates the Monthly Meal Deal, which selects a local restaurant once a month for a good-value menú del día. Other regular activities include Petanca at Mena Golf, a Reading group in Algarrobo, Meditation sessions twice a month, Mahjong every Thursday, and a monthly Coffee Morning on the last Thursday at 11am.
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Urban fitness boost Credit: Ayuntamiento de Velez-Malaga
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VELEZ-MALAGA Council, through its Sports Department, has expanded and upgraded the calisthenics area in Parque María Zambrano, reinforcing the town’s position as a provincial hub for this growing urban sport. The initiative responds to the requests of local enthusiasts and the Club de Calistenia Unbroken Workout, who regularly use the facilities. The renovation introduces four high paCalisthenics area in Parque María Zambrano. rallel bars and a competition-style freestyle pull-up bar, He also emphasised the council’s comenhancing opportunities for exercises mitment to listening to user feedback such as dips, static holds, leg raises, and supporting emerging sports that and dynamic routines. These addi- promote healthy lifestyles. tions aim to improve strength, stabiliVelez-Malaga further strengthened ty, coordination, and overall control of its calisthenics profile by hosting the the upper body, while catering to the provincial Calisthenics Cup last year increasing popularity of calisthenics and will participate in the Circuit Proamong residents. vincial again in the near future. With Manuel Gutiérrez, councillor for these upgrades, the town continues Sports, highlighted that the improve- to promote active use of public spaces ments allow users to diversify their while positioning itself as a key centre training using only their body weight. for urban sports at a provincial level.
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LOCAL NEWS
15 - 21 January 2026
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Jason Elliott.
JASON ELLIOTT, originally from Yorkshire via Italy and Alicante has arrived in the heart of a vibrant music scene in Axarquia. Leading The Jamsters, a talented collective known for spontaneous, high-energy gigs, they’re packing venues weekly and building a thriving gig circuit that showcases the best local talent from the province. After four years together, the band only held their first proper rehearsal a couple of months ago. There’s no pressure to gig constantly, Jason and The Jamsters control what, when, and where they play, keeping the focus on enjoyment. How’s the scene in Competa, where you’re based? “Really good. Lots of great bands coming up from the coast.” The Jamsters regular-
ly pack out La Carpintería (capacity ~140) once a month. After 25 years in Spain, Jason’s fluent Spanish enables collaboration with local and expatriate musicians, drawing players from as far as Fuengirola and Madrid. A successful businessman at UK-based British Recycled Plastics, Jason’s music roots trace back to the UK post-punk scene, where he promoted concerts and worked on events like the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival. What drew him to Competa? The lifestyle: “Ski in Sierra Nevada mornings, paddle surf in the Med in the afternoons.” Catch Jason and The Jamsters live at Chiringuito Mambo, Torrox Costa, Saturday January 17, 7.30pm. Arrive early - the gig will fill fast!
A SERIOUS crack in the Rules viaduct has forced the immediate closure of one lane on the A-44 motorway towards Motril and prompted major repair works for the structure. The crack, around 30 cm wide, appeared in an expansion joint at kilometre point 173 (Granada to Costa Tropical direction), about 500 metres beyond the recently opened Acebuches-Ízbor diversion. Wide enough for a vehicle wheel to fit inside, it posed an immediate danger. From Wednesday, January 14, until Friday, February 27, 2026, the A-44 will be completely closed in both directions between junction 167 (Ízbor) and junction 175 (Vélez de Benaudalla). During the six-week closure, contractors will install new pile supports, transfer loads from the
Credit: Ministerio de Transportes
Credit- Jamsters FB
Jason of the Jamsters Bridge cracking up
Rules viaduct A-44 closed.
existing pile 4 to a new pile 5, carry out work on both the north and south abutments, resurface the asphalt, and replace and adjust expansion joints. Traffic will be diverted at junction 167 onto the national road N-323, linking to the A-346. Authorities say the alternative route has been prepared
to reduce disruption as much as possible. Motorists travelling between the Granada basin / Sierra Nevada area and the Costa Tropical are advised to plan their journeys in advance, leave plenty of extra time, and follow the signed diversion routes during this period.
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SPANISH NEWS
15 - 21 January 2026
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More than a meal Heartfelt thanks TESTIMONIAL
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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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
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.
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
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.
AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST de Verdiales, followed by ALGARROBO has announced dancing throughout the the full programme for its deeday courtesy of Onda ply cherished 2026 patron Sonora and Miguel saint festivities in honour Botana. At 2pm, reof San Sebastián. sidents and visitors The celebrations are invited to a free officially began on tasting of wine and Friday, January 9, with traditional migas, the traditional ‘bajada’ organised by Cortijo the ceremonial descent Paco. and transfer of the saint’s Tuesday, January 20 statue from its hermitage to at noon in the town hathe Church of Santa Ana. AcCredit: Ayuntamiento de Algarrobo ll’s assembly hall, the 17th companied by the Agrupación The ‘bajada’ of San San Sebastián prizes will Musical Bentomiz from Arenas, Sebastian. be presented, honouring the event followed Holy Mass local individuals and organisations for their and marked the start of the fair. outstanding dedication and achievements. After a quieter interval, the main public Mayor Natacha Rivas described the fesevents take place this weekend in Parque tival as “one of the most heartfelt in our de la Escalerilla. On Saturday, January 17, town,” highlighting its enduring connecMecamela and DJ Luigy will perform from tion of faith, tradition, and intergenerational 8pm. Sunday, January 18, begins with a community spirit. morning pasacalles parade by a Panda
Up close, far away
PAHUNA NEPALESE and Indian Restaurant in Torrox Costa offers a warm welcome and genuine Himalayan-inspired cuisine. The menu combines classic Indian favourites - such as rich chicken tikka masala, tender lamb rogan josh, and fluffy garlic cheese naan - with distinctive Nepalese dishes bursting with bold spices and fresh herbs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are plentiful, ensuring something for every diner. Everyone praises the freshness, generous portions, and perfectly balanced flavours, often describing the food as among the most authentic on the coast. Complimentary starters add a thoughtful touch, while the attentive, friendly staff provide personalised guidance for dietary needs. Set in a charming spot
Credit: PN FB
San Sebastián festival Pahuna Nepalese RESTAURANT REVIEW
Pahuna Nepalese in Torrox Costa. surrounded by palm trees and gardens, the restaurant features cosy indoor seating and pleasant outdoor areas, including covered options. It feels relaxed and unpretentious - ideal for casual meals or special occasions. Quality comes at reasonable prices, with a popular menu del día around €10.50 and mains that offer excellent value. Generous servings and
high standards make every visit feel rewarding. Pahuna is located at Avenida Esperanto 86, Torrox Costa, a short stroll from the seafront with nearby parking. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy periods. Call +34 951 811 645, email info@pahu nanepaleserestaurant.com, or visit pahunanepaleseres taurant.com.
Credit: GB Instagram
Night in Havana
Works of Germán Bandera.
THE Museo de Nerja has launched its 2026 exhibition programme with El arte de desaparecer (The Art of Disappearing), a free-entry showcase by acclaimed Malaga-born artist Germán Bandera. The display runs until Sunday, March 15. Born in Malaga in 1962, Bandera trained in painting at Sevilla’s Faculty of Fine Arts. His diverse career includes teaching drawing, illustrating books, creating comic strips, and painting murals in Sevilla and Malaga. Inspired by French philosopher Pierre Zaouï’s
essay on discretion and disappearance, the exhibition is split into two sections: De cerca (Up Close) and De lejos (From Afar). In De cerca, vibrant, crowded scenes evoke carnival energy. Individual figures merge into the collective mass, exploring how personal identity fades within the crowd. A striking interactive element allows several paintings to be rotated in any direction, with no fixed ‘correct’ orientation or signatures, inviting visitors to interpret freely. De lejos shifts to sere-
ne, expansive landscapes - empty fields and countryside paths, including stretches of the Camino de Santiago. Human presence vanishes entirely, leaving the quiet beauty of nature and a contemplative sense of the self dissolving. The exhibition is on show in the Sala Ana María Márquez at the Museo de Nerja, Plaza de España 4. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, except Mondays. Admission is free. This thoughtful display marks a compelling start to the museum’s year.
ACCLAIMED Cuban salsa trio Timbalito Street will bring the vibrant rhythms of Havana to the Costa Tropical this weekend. The group performs at the popular venue La Cochera in La Herradura on Sunday, January 18, starting at 8pm. The evening begins earlier with a salsa workshop at 6pm, open to dancers of all levels - from complete beginners to seasoned performers keen to refine their steps. Founded in 2011 by Cuban pianist and tres player Lino Díaz, Timbalito Street blends classic Cuban Son with salsa, Latin jazz and echoes of legends such as Buena Vista Social Club and Celia
Creedit: TS FB
Timbalito Street.
Cruz. Díaz leads on piano, tres and vocals, joined by powerhouse singer Lupe Amador - celebrated for her electrifying voice and commanding stage presence - alongside multi-instrumentalist Fernando Wilhelmi on flutes, saxophones and güiro. La Cochera, a beloved spot for live music on the coast, is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and late-night energy. The venue promises to transform
into a lively Cuban fiesta, complete with drinks, food and an irresistible tropical spirit. Doors open ahead of the workshop, offering locals and visitors alike the perfect post-holiday chance to dance and celebrate authentic Cuban culture. The venue is located at Paseo Andrés Segovia 45, La Herradura. This promises to be an unforgettable night of high-energy music and movement.
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SPANISH LIVING
15 - 21 January 2026
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Credit : Cris Canton, Shutterstock
BIZUM, already a daily habit for millions in Spain, is preparing its biggest change to date. By mid-2026, it plans to launch Bizum Pay, a digital wallet designed to turn the app from a person-to-person transfer service into a broader payment tool for everyday use. If the rollout proceeds as planned, users will be able to pay online and in physical Bizum plans to launch a digital wallet allowing in-store shops directly from their payments from 2026. bank account using the same app. participating institutions. That means The move marks a clear shift in Bi- one app and a single interface, with zum’s role. Until now, it has focused on more choice at the point of payment. instant transfers between individuals, A notable part of the plan is resilienlimited online shopping payments and ce. Bizum says Bizum Pay is being dedonations. With more than 30 million signed to keep working during disrupactive users, over 4.2 billion transac- tions such as power cuts or network tions processed and support from 40 outages, addressing weaknesses seen Spanish banks, Bizum already has sig- in many digital payment systems. nificant scale. Bizum Pay aims to use Beyond Spain, Bizum is also pursuing that reach to compete in the in-store a European strategy through the Eupayments market. ropean Payments Alliance. Users can The new wallet will allow payments at already send money to Italy and Portuphysical tills either through direct bank gal, with further countries expected to payments or by adding bank cards from join.
SPAIN’S pension system is facing major changes, combining higher payments for retirees with tougher rules for workers. While the news favours pensioners, the reforms underline the strain created by an ageing population and record public spending. From January, pensions will again rise in line with inflation. Most contributory and civil service pensions will increase by 2.7 per cent, affecting around 13 million payments. The biggest rises are for those on the lowest incomes. Minimum contributory pensions will go up by just over 7 per cent, while non-contributory pensions and the Minimum Living Income will rise by 11.4 per cent, with the aim of moving payments closer to the poverty threshold. Someone receiving the average retirement pension of just over €1,500 a month will gain about €570 over the year.
Credit : Mehaniq, Shutterstock
Bizum’s next step Quiet shift ahead
Spain’s pension changes in 2026 will affect millions of retirees and workers.
These increases come at a cost. Pension spending reached almost €190 billion in 2025 and is expected to exceed €200 billion in 2026, driven by longer life expectancy. To fund this, workers and employers will pay more. The maximum contribution base will rise to around €5,101 a month, affecting higher earners most. The Intergenerational Equity Mechanism will
increase to 0.9 per cent of salary, and the solidarity contribution on income above the ceiling will also become steeper. Retirement itself is being pushed back. In 2026, those with less than 38 years and three months of contributions must wait until 66 years and 10 months to retire. Pension calculations also begin to change, adding flexibility but more complexity.
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.
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. Photo credit: MGARCIA_CREATIVE/Shutterstock
The protections apply to families and individuals experiencing economic or social hardship.
FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
euroweeklynews.com
15 - 21 January 2026
15
ADVERTISING FEATURE
I never planned to become an alcoholic - but I’m not ashamed to say I am one “I’M 62, a business owner. I have four children: two daughters from my second marriage, aged 27 and 29, and two sons from my first, aged 37 and 39. I grew up in a happy home, but it was also a very social one. My dad had a bar at home, complete with rows of miniatures. There were regular parties, and as a child I’d often play the role of barman; even before I turned 10. My first drink came not long after that, and I began drinking regularly by the age of 15. At first, it was social, just drinking with friends, or wine made at home with my wife from those old Boots kits. But by my late 20s, drinking had become a constant part of my life. When my first marriage ended, I moved in with a friend in Chelmsford, and our lives revolved around bars, clubs, and late nights. I started experimenting with recreational drugs (ecstasy,
speed, cocaine, weed) but that didn’t last long. Alcohol was my real problem. By my 40s, I was drinking every day. Mornings, evenings, it didn’t matter. I had three drink-driving bans, yet I was still functioning, still working. I convinced myself I was in control, but deep down I knew that wasn’t true. I lied to doctors about how much I was drinking and tried all sorts of tricks (slowing down, taking days off, diluting my drinks) but nothing worked. My rock bottom came around the age of 50. I was living alone in a flat above a supermarket, isolated and cut off from everyone, even my children. Then I met the woman who is now my wife. Her father had been an alcoholic, and she recognised the signs straight away. She told me she would walk away unless I got help. She was the first person who ever called me an alcoholic, and she was right.
I contacted The Priory in Chelmsford about treatment, and they suggested I attend an AA meeting held on-site. I went along the next morning. I had no expectations, no idea what I was walking into, but it was the start of something life changing. My first meeting was in April 2013, and my sobriety date is January 1, 2014. It took three relapses in those first nine months before I finally surrendered. At first, I just sat quietly and listened, attending meetings four times a week. After that final relapse over Christmas, I got a sponsor, began sharing, and started to read AA literature. I began doing service (starting with the teas) and, gradually, I began to feel part of something. I went through the 12 Steps quite quickly the first time, and in hindsight, I wish I’d taken it slower. They’ve become a daily part of my life now, a real toolkit for living. I’m not religious, but I do
have a higher power. At first, it was my late father, but now it’s more spiritual, something I can’t fully explain but deeply feel. One of the greatest blessings of recovery has been that my daughter also found AA. It’s created a bond between us that goes beyond words. We can speak honestly and openly, and it’s a relationship I treasure. Life today isn’t without challenges, but it’s calmer, more meaningful. I understand myself better. I’m reliable, trustworthy, and present. I never intended to become an alcoholic, but it’s not a label I’m ashamed of; it’s part of who I am, and it’s given me a life beyond anything I imagined. AA works. Don’t let anyone’s opinion, fear of stigma, or the idea that it’s religious put you off. If alcohol is destroying your life, ask yourself - what have you got to lose?”
There are meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, with friendly people who will understand, held daily throughout the Costa del Sol. Meetings are free to attend, and anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol is welcome. Call the English-speaking AA helpline for support: +34 600 379 110, or visit the website for help and information: www.aacostadelsol.com
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
Credit: SuPatMaN - Shutterstock
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.
Unsolicited calls and what to do about them.
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 optout 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.
HE began teaching yoga pecially the healing power retreats abroad in 2025, of sunrises and sunsets, specialising in breath also keeps him rooted. meditations, yoga He admits missing Nidra and sound Dutch standards of healing. After eninfrastructure and joying Andalutap water quality, cia’s countryside but considers the and blue lakes, he trade-off well worholidayed in Math it. llorca, but it was His love for sound Ibiza that instantly felt healing started in 1997 right. “Something just Credit: Juan Rodriguez Pazos with a session that deeclicked,” he recalls. He Shutterstock / EVD ply affected his body, spent seven years mostmind and spirit. He traErno Van Doesselaar. ly on the island before ined in the practice and personal circumstances brought him to now weaves it into his retreats. He feels the mainland last year. grateful when participants experience A friend’s invitation led him to Los profound relaxation - some achieve total Alcazares in Murcia. He values Spain’s mental silence for the first time, others open-hearted people most of all. “You connect emotionally with lost loved can meet a stranger and have a sponta- ones. neous, warm conversation,” he says. The “Everyone has their own unique jouroutdoor lifestyle encouraged by the cli- ney, but we all ground together,” he says. mate, along with beautiful nature and es- “It’s magical.”
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18 15 - 21 January 2026
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.
Mallorca
Almeria
MALLORCA has announced a major upgrade to its passenger assistance and information services with 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 budget of the previous contract, aiming to provide faster, more reliable and accessible support for all travellers. The new service guarantees 24hour, 365-day assistance, covering queries about schedules, service changes, and complaints. It also introduces an artificial intelligence system to deliver instant, automated answers to frequently asked questions, accessible in multiple languages and for passengers with disabilities. Information will be shared through multiple channels, including station screens, onboard monitors, public address systems, social media, WhatsApp, and direct phone support. Coordination with the TIB bus service will ensure consistent information for passengers using multiple modes of transport.
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
Trains get smarter with AI
Expats back Arne
Festive fervour
San Silvestre success
• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •
FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
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.
Pensioners prescription costs PENSIONERS in Spain have reported unexpected increases in prescription costs, prompting concern about potential reforms. Under the current Sistema Nacional de Salud rules, pensioners contribute 10 per cent of prescription costs up to
a monthly cap based on income. Those earning above €100,000 pay 60 per cent. Sudden pharmacy charges have been explained by annual income reassessments, updated medicine prices, or proposed legislative reforms under the draft Medicines
Law, which is expected to continue through 2026. The draft legislation seeks a more progressive contribution framework, introducing additional income brackets and adjusting co-payment percentages. Its objectives are to reduce costs for lower-income pensioners and align contributions with income for higher earners. While the reforms are under consultation, no legal changes have yet been enacted, and current 10 per cent - 60 per cent contributions remain in effect. The government emphasises that any changes will be gradual and transparent, avoiding sudden shocks. Pensioners are advised to monitor their usual contribution patterns and consult the SNS or Seguridad Social for clarification. The draft Medicines Law reflects a broader commitment to equitable and sustainable pharmaceutical provision, aiming to protect vulnerable pensioners while ensuring proportional contributions across income levels.
euroweeklynews.com
Thongs, rebajas, and airport tears
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
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. Happy 2026, everyone. Credit: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock
20 15 - 21 January 2026
Movaldi’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
21
PETS
euroweeklynews.com • 15 - 21 January 2026 SPONSORED BY
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
This is where HouseSitMatch comes in - quietly effective, big impact. Homeowners find trusted sitters to secure the home, water the plants, and offer first-class room service to resident pets. Sitters enjoy free accommodation (plus the delight of furry companionship). Everyone wins: money saved, homes cared for, and pets thoroughly pampered. Travelling in 2026? Time to register: 1. Visit HouseSitMatch.com and
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.
FACT
Driving cats crazy
IT’S believed that catnip produces an effect similar to LSD or marihuana in cats. The effects of nepetalactone - the chemical in catnip that triggers a stimulant-like reaction (rolling, rubbing, hyperactivity) - normally wears off after around 10 minutes. Some cats are not sensitive to it and overuse leads to tolerance.
CLASSIFIEDS AWNINGS
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BLINDS SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@ solarshadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (287972)
CHARITY New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email: info@ nlcnerja.com Website: www. nlcnerja.com Facebook:www. facebook.com/nlcnerj CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/ kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)
CHURCH SERVICES THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy
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Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House 951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail. com. ST BARNABAS IERE Church, meets at Lux Mundi Centre, Avd Moscatel, Torre del Mar, every Sunday from 11am. More info call Jon 447738 148 306 (300065)
MOTORHOMES LOOKING for motorhome or caravan. Fair price paid in cash. Tel 688 335 497 (350312)
MOTORING
FOR SALE WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English,
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MOTORS WANTED WE BUY high quality vehicles, also customs. No obligation offer. Tel 688 335 497 (350312)
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15 - 21 January 2026
23
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 crui-
se, power tailgate, wireless 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
Margin of error
Bose sound system and rear 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
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 you couldn’t really want for anything such is the level of 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
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
The 14th Provincial Winter Swimming Circuit. ALMUÑECAR played host to the second round of the 14th Provincial Winter Swimming Circuit on Saturday January 10, drawing a total of 203 swimmers from across Granada. The event brought together athletes of all ages, from Prebenjamín to Masters, representing 10 local clubs including Armilla, Corcheros, Las Gabias, Ogíjares, Baza, Albolote, Alhendín, Huétor Tájar, Salobreña and Villanueva Mesía. The competition, organised by the Andalucian
Swimming Federation and supported by the Granada Provincial Council, ran smoothly and showcased a high standard of sport. Across the day, swimmers competed in 396 individual races and 61 relay events, with strong participation from both male and female athletes. Events were tailored to each age group. The youngest participants swam 25-metre freestyle and butterfly races, alongside 4×25 metre freestyle relays. Older categories, from Alevín through to Masters, took
part in 50-metre butterfly, 100-metre medley, and 4×50 metre freestyle relays. Luis Aragón, Almuñecar’s Sports councillor, praised the competition, saying it “promotes sports practice, perseverance, and the values of effort, while also reinforcing Almuñecar’s profile as a city dedicated to sport.” He also expressed gratitude to the participating clubs, the federation, referees, and technical staff, whose efforts were essential for the smooth running of the event.
RUNNERS and trail enthusiasts are gearing up for the 13th edition of the CxM Trail Desafío La Capitana, set to take place in the picturesque municipalities of Rincon de la Victoria and Torre de Benagalbon. The annual mountain race offers three distances to suit different levels: a challenging 26km with 1,700 metres of ascent, a 17km route with 800 metres of elevation, A tall challenge. and an 11km course for younger runners. tape, flags, and volunteers, and The event kicks off January 18, strict cut-off times are in place to from the Playa de Torre de Benagal- ensure safety. Organisers also rebon, with all races finishing at the serve the right to alter routes or tiPabellón Deportivo Municipal Rubén mes in response to weather or other Ruzafa. Participants are reminded factors. that preparation is key: participants With stunning coastal and mounmust be over 18, however teenagers tain scenery, La Capitana promises aged 15 to17 can run shorter distan- a memorable challenge for both ces with parental consent. Safety is seasoned trail runners and youna priority, and runners are required ger athletes seeking adventure. Reto carry at least 500ml of water, gistrations are filling fast, so those though a litre is recommended. keen to test themselves should seThe course is clearly marked with cure their place soon.
Credit: Shutterstock, Pavel1964
Credit: Shutterstock, Microgen
Winter swim circuit Mountain challenge