Axarquia I No. 2150 I 17 - 23 September 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal MA-422-2006 - ISSN 2953-42536
Malaga Airport expands MALAGA-COSTA DEL SOL Airport is getting ready for a bigger future, with British travellers at heart of plans for an €830 million expansion raising annual capacity to 36 million passengers. Spain’s government has approved the investment through DORA III, Aena’s airport planning programme covering 2027 to 2031. Malaga currently has room for around 30 million passengers, but the new project recognises the growing pressure on one of Spain’s busiest holiday gateways, particularly from non-Schengen visitors such as those arriving from the UK. Terminal space will increase from 80,000 to 140,000 square metres. A new non-Schengen pier is planned, together with centralised passport controls, more boarding positions, larger security areas and a redesigned baggage system. Shop-
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EXTRA CAPACITY AS MORE BRITISH VISITORS ARRIVE
More Brits arriving to Costa del Sol.
ping space will also rise by 41 per cent. Plans also cover new taxiways, better access roads and expanded parking, while Malaga’s existing two runways are expected to cope with demand for years to come.
British travellers are a major thought in why the airport needs that extra breathing room. More than three million passengers passed through Malaga in August alone, up 6.6 per cent on the same month in 2025. International traffic
accounted for 2.57 million of them, with the United Kingdom once again the airport’s biggest foreign market. A 747,000 passengers travelled between Malaga and the UK during August, putting Britain well ahead of Germany, Ita-
Algarrobo turns back time 300 PERFORMERS AND 60 HORSES RECREATE ITS HEROIC PAST ALGARROBO will travel back to 1811 as the Axarquia village stages the 12th La Quema de Algarrobo. Organised by the Asociación Histórico Cultural Quema de Algarrobo, with support from Malaga’s Diputacion, the fiesta commemorates local guerrillas proudly preventing Napoleonic troops from torching the settlement during the Peninsular War. Residents, known as ‘tiznaos’, will fill the streets in period costume together with craft stalls, workshops, a tapas trail, and live music.
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Players in the reenactment fiestas.
Historical recreations begin at 9pm on Friday, September 18, with the capture and theatrical burial of Marcos Loco. Saturday, September 19, features poetry recitals,
skirmishes, a river ambush with over 60 horse riders, and the central play at 10pm. Spanish rock band Seguridad Social performs at 11.30pm. On Sunday, Septem-
ber 20, a grand parade features over 300 participants from a dozen reenactment groups. Performances end at 5pm with La noche de El Melgares. Visitors should expect crowded streets and theatrical gunfire. Drivers should arrive early or park in Algarrobo Costa.
ly, France and the Netherlands. Brexit has plainly done little to weaken British appetite for the Costa del Sol, whether for holidays, second homes or regular family visits. Direct flights link Malaga with London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Leeds, giving British passengers direct access to the coast. Gatwick was Malaga’s busiest destination during June and July, handling almost 260,000 passengers, while Stansted, Luton and several other UK airports also were busy. Between January and August, Malaga handled 19.32 million passengers, 6.6 per cent more than a year earlier. For British holidaymakers, homeowners and families, the expansion means one thing: Malaga is preparing for more travellers from the UK in future.
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17 - 23 September 2026
LAS PROTEGIDAS, a residential area of Nerja, marks 15 years since its Veladilla de San Miguel was reorganised, with three nights of celebrations honouring patron saint Michael the Archangel. Festivities begin on Thursday, September 17, and run until Saturday, September 19, centred on Plaza de Andalucia. Thursday opens with a flamenco-bag workshop, limited to 50 places, followed by judging for the 14th Fachadas y Casas Puertas José Alaminos competition, rewarding
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Festival turns 15
LOCAL NEWS
Bridge brings in the visitors
Celebrating local tradition.
the best-decorated house fronts and doorways. Friday brings dance performances, speeches, music and the official
lighting ceremony. Saturday moves to the main square from mid-morning, with sign-ups for the children’s and youth Queen and King titles, a parade, and a concert from the town hall band. A homemade desserts contest follows, open to entrants aged 14 and over, with a junior category for three and four-year-olds. Afternoon and evening bring flamenco, folklore and fandango performances, a balloon release, a floral tribute to Saint Michael, Catholic Mass, prize-giving and a raffle. A closing concert ends the fiesta around 11.30pm. Organisers say the event unites residents and keeps local customs alive. Visitors are all welcome to attend without booking. Further details and scheduling are available on the Nerja Town Hall website.
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Not suitable for vertigo.
A STUNNING walking trail nicknamed ‘El Caminito del Rey de la Axarquia’ is drawing growing numbers of visitors, thanks to a swinging bridge and drops of 150 metres. Local tourism body APTA Axarquía reported a three per cent year-on-year rise in visitors to the wider region at the INTUR Viajeros travel fair, naming El Saltillo among the attractions behind the growth. Mayor Vicente Campos says the trail “attracts more visitors every year,” crediting it with new bars, guest houses and shops opening in Canillas de Aceituno. Weekend reports describe walkers arriving in their hundreds from Cordoba, Seville, Almeria and Granada. Starting near the El Pilar water spouts, the route passes the Maria
‘la Chofa’ viewpoint before following an old irrigation channel toward the Almercon reservoir. Metal walkways bolted to the rock face sit more than 150 metres above the Rio Almanchares gorge. A suspension bridge roughly 54 metres long, crossing at around 70 metres up, ranks among Spain’s longest hanging footbridges. Signage warns the route isn’t suitable for anyone prone to vertigo, and children under the age of 10 aren’t permitted. The shorter loop covers seven kilometres; the longer stretch toward Sedella runs 10 to 11 kilometres. Afterwards, Canillas de Aceituno offers roast kid goat and homemade black pudding as a well-earned reward.
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NEWS
17 - 23 September 2026
Classroom safety
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Pay trends shift
Spain adjusts base salary
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SPAIN TOUGHENS BULLYING RULES
The rise places Spain towards the lower end of the rankings.
Spain’s schools are under new pressure to respond to bullying faster than ever before.
CHILDREN across Spain have returned to school under tougher bullying rules that give teachers just 24 hours to tell parents about any reported case. The new national rules, finalised by the Education Ministry in August, also require every alleged bullying case to be investigated within 10 school days and monitored for six months afterwards, replacing a patchwork of different regional timetables. For the first time, the rules single
out deepfakes and doctored photos as a specific concern, meaning schools must now treat a manipulated video shared in a group chat with the same seriousness as bullying that happens face to face. Moving the bully to another school, rather than the victim, is becoming the standard punishment in several regions, alongside immediate psychological support for the child affected. Different areas across Spain are
also introducing their own set of individual rules. In Baleares, schools have introduced an anonymous way for pupils to report concerns, while Castilla y Leon has gone further still, cutting its family-notification window down to a single day. The changes affect more than eight million children in Spanish schools, with parents now able to expect a faster response if their child reports being bullied, whether online or in the playground.
SPAIN’S minimum wage increased by 3.1 per cent in 2026, reaching €1,221 gross per month in 14 payments, an increase of €37 a month. The rise places Spain towards the lower end of the EU rankings for minimum wage increases this year, despite the country having substantially increased its minimum wage since 2018. Eurofound data shows particularly large increases elsewhere, with Slovenia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lithuania and Hungary all recording rises above 10 per cent. Luxembourg increased its minimum wage by 2.5 per cent and Poland by 3 per cent, while France also recorded a modest increase. Spain’s relatively small percentage increase reflects its higher starting point. The minimum wage has risen from €735 a month in 2018 to €1,221 in 2026, an increase of more than 66 per cent. The 2026 rise adds €518 to the annual gross salary, taking it to €17,094, with around 2.5 million workers expected to benefit. The increase applies from January 1 and remains below the personal income tax threshold. Eurofound found that minimum-wage purchasing power increased in nearly every EU country in 2026 because wage increases generally exceeded inflation.
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Get your home autumn-ready PROTECTING YOUR SPANISH INVESTMENT SEPTEMBER is the month to give a Spanish home a proper going-over before the weather turns. The heat may not be finished, but summer dust, salt air and months of hard use are starting to show, and a sudden storm can expose a blocked drain or a broken air conditioning unit. What needs to be done first depends on where the property is. Coastal homes should watch for damp, mould and rust in metal fittings, since humidity does as much damage near the sea as heat. Inland, the priority is bigger temperature swings: check heaters, hot water systems and any wood burner or gas appliance before the
cooler evenings arrive. Everywhere, gutters and drains need clearing before the first heavy rain, air-conditioning units deserve a proper service rather than simply being switched off, and pools should keep running on a reduced schedule rather than being abandoned. Anyone returning after time away should also walk the property properly, checking taps, pipes and cupboards for leaks or mould. September is one of the easier months to book a contractor, and fixing small problems now is far cheaper than facing a large bill once the rain and cooler nights set in.
September is one of the best months to get on top of home maintenance in Spain.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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17 - 23 September 2026
LOCAL NEWS
CIVIL PROTECTION volunteers raced to Playa de Maro on Monday, September 14, after flames broke out on the cliffs below the historic Torre de Maro, threatening to overwhelm emergency crews. Nerja’s Civil Protection team was activated within minutes of the first reports, heading straight to the scene to join the operation. Andalucia’s 112 service logged more than 60 calls from residents and visitors who watched smoke rise over the coastline. On arrival, volunteers joined firefighters from the
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Volunteers step up Jazz fest Volunteers lend a hand.
Malaga Provincial Consortium in efforts to control the blaze. Beyond direct firefighting, they supported the wider operation and kept crews fed and watered as the fire burned into the evening.
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Danger escalated when five people, including a child, became trapped in a small cove with no land route out. Guardia Civil’s maritime unit from Motril sailed in and pulled the group, along with their dog, safely from the water. Civil Protection representatives praised the coordination between all services involved, crediting close cooperation with firefighters for the swift response. Officials thanked the Provincial Fire Consortium, Nerja Town Hall and the EMA 112 Andalucia emergency service for their support.
Christopher Pérez Quartet.
JAZZ FANS on Granada’s Costa Tropical can enjoy three evenings of live music when the second Ciclo de Jazz de Almuñecar takes place from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20. Hosted at the Casa de la Cultura, all concerts begin at 8pm. The event is organised by Juventudes Musicales de Almuñecar, with backing from the local culture department and Juventudes Musicales de España. The Christopher Pérez Quartet opens the festival on Friday, September 18. Winners of the fourth Juventudes Musicales de España Jazz Competition, the group plays modern jazz centered on creative improvisation. On Satuday, September 19, the ML Quartet performs material from their 2024 re-
lease, Cicatrices. The album draws inspiration from personal experiences, mixing modern jazz and improvisation with traditional folklore and flamenco. The group won second prize at the 2024 Juventudes Musicales competition. The Ede & Fe Quartet closes the event on Sunday, September 20, with their programme Músicas de Cuba y Brasil. The ensemble explores Cuban, Brazilian, and wider Ibero-American traditions, combining original compositions with works by composers such as Bola de Nieve, Chabuca Granda, and Aldemaro Romero. Tickets start at €12 and are available from Azul Marino Viajes, the Casa de la Cultura box office, and online via Bravo Entradas. The Casa de la Cultura is located on Calle Puerta de Granada, Almuñecar.
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LOCAL NEWS
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Strongest hikers
Non-stop climbers.
A GROUP of 16 members of Club Deportivo Playas de Torre del Mar travelled to La Zubia to compete in the XIX Marcha Popular de Resistencia, facing a field of more than 150 athletes from across Andalucia. Eight club members tackled the 50-kilometre Integral route, whilst six others completed the 29-kilometre Media option. Routes reached altitudes above 3,000 metres in the Sierra Nevada, placing physical demands on participants. Every member finished their course successfully. The team returned to the Axarquia with two awards. Maria Carmen Torres received recognition as the oldest participant in the Media event, and the club collected the trophy for the largest delegation at the gather-
ing. Club president Rafael Sanchez stated that entering events outside Malaga brings local recognition. He said hearing the names of Torre del Mar and the Axarquia announced at prize presentations gives the team local pride. The challenge marked the club’s return to action following a summer break. The team leads the current standings in the Andalucian Resistance Trekking Cup. Their campaign resumes on Saturday, October 3 in Alhaurin de la Torre for the next stage of the championship. Those interested in joining the club or taking part in future events can request further details by emailing playasdetorre delmar@gmail.com.
SALOBREÑA has officially opened a newly transformed section of its seafront following a €1 million project that turned a 338-metre stretch into a pedestrian-friendly coastal space. Work between the Salomar 2000 area and Calle Oleaje removed most of the wall separating the promenade from the beach. Spanning roughly 18,500 square metres, the redesign has replaced heavy traffic areas with gardens, seating, a stage, and sports facilities for beach volleyball, football, and calisthenics. Financed through EU funding, the project belongs to Salobreña’s Plan for Tourism Sustainability at Destination. Spain’s tourism ministry designed the initiative to improve local tourism infrastructure. Council leaders are now working to resolve road access. Mayor Javier Ortega confirmed that local police
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New promenade
Salobreña updates its image.
are preparing a report to manage delivery and rubbish vehicles, preventing potential damage to the new surface. Future plans include improved links to cycling routes and public transport, together with visually discreet public toilets decorated by local artists. The town council intends to use this section as a template to extend improvements along the sea-
front towards the TH1 area. However, construction delays sparked local debate. The council maintains it will retain its full €2.5 million funding allocation, as work was 80 per cent finished by the original deadline. Meanwhile, residents have requested additional shaded areas across the updated promenade, and one complained that it hadn’t been finished before the summer season.
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Taste of Granada Neighbours say no
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SHOPPERS in Motril can now buy dozens of food items from Granada province, as a special promotion gets under way at the local Alcampo hypermarket. Running until Saturday, October 3, the campaign features 22 local producers in a joint effort with Sabor Granada, a regional brand created to support food and drink businesses across the province. A dedicated section inside the store makes it easy for customers to browse a wide variety of goods. Items available include cheeses, wines, coffee, nuts, cured meats, seafood, spirits and local confectionery. Partici-
LOCAL NEWS
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Taste of Granada Province in AlCampo.
pating businesses include well-known names such as Ron Montero, Queseria Motril, Puleva and Bodegas Senorio de Nevada,
together with smaller provincial suppliers. To help customers discover these regional specialities, Alcampo is hosting 10 tasting sessions on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays throughout September. These events give shoppers the opportunity to sample produce and allow local suppliers to reach new buyers directly. The launch featured live demonstrations by chef Alvaro Garcia from
Restaurante El Zarcillo, who prepared a Motril quisquilla tartare and a mango salmorejo with goat cheese. Bartender Merche Lara also created two bespoke cocktails incorporating local rum, amela tomato and cherimoya cream. Alcampo Motril is located on Avenida Salobreña and opens from 9am to 10pm. Residents and visitors have until October 3 to buy these regional items.
Salobreña residents standing firm.
RESIDENTS in Salobreña’s Old Town have refused further pre-election meetings with politicians, demanding concrete actions rather than unfulfilled promises ahead of the 2027 local elections. The Old Town Neighbourhood Association announced it will no longer meet candidates or electoral groups. The group stated that years of discussions and pledg-
es have failed to address long-standing issues, including neglected public spaces, inadequate street cleaning, poor maintenance, limited accessibility, failing infrastructure and the decline of local shops. “Salobreña Old Town does not need new electoral promises. It needs action, a budget and results,” the association declared. Instead of private talks, residents want political parties to publish clear plans detailing specific works, budgets, deadlines and commitments for the historic district. The association clarified that it remains open to meeting current local government officials, provided discussions focus on concrete projects and practical solutions. Representatives noted that politicians already fully understand the neighborhood’s grievances. Discontent has simmered for years in the historic district. In July, residents publicly criticised the local council for failing to provide extra street cleaning during the summer, pointing to accumulated rubbish and delayed collections. In 2024, the group submitted 18 proposals for urgent repairs alongside calls for a comprehensive action plan. Residents insist that the future of the heritage district must not depend on the political calendar. Candidates seeking support must demonstrate actual achievements.
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FOREIGN renters are flocking to Malaga, with the coastal town of Nerja experiencing exceptional overseas interest. New figures from property website Idealista reveal that one in four searches for rental homes in Malaga province comes from outside Spain, making it one of the country’s main destinations for international tenants. Nerja leads the local market, recording 50 per cent of its rental searches from abroad during the first quarter of 2026. Only a few Spanish towns reached this milestone, primarily in Mallorca and Alicante. Searches for properties in Nerja origi-
More Brits looking to rent in Nerja.
Nerja on sea nate predominantly from the United States, the UK and Sweden. Nearby coastal areas also attract high international interest, including Almuñecar at 45 per cent and Salobreña at 43 per cent. Across Malaga province, British renters represent the largest overseas group, followed by American and German house-hunters. Malaga city recorded a 20 per cent international share, driven mainly by interest from the US, Germany and France.
Idealista notes that these figures track search queries rather than completed tenancy agreements. Nevertheless, the high demand underlines the competitive nature of Spain’s Mediterranean rental market. With international applicants competing directly with local residents for long-term homes, securing accommodation in popular areas like Nerja presents a growing challenge for prospective tenants.
LOCAL NEWS
Lottery lucky charm
A VENDOR in Torrox Costa has delivered a life-changing payout after just six months in his role. Francisco Lucia sold the winning Sueldazo lottery coupon at his regular pitch in La Carraca, handing a local resident €2,000 every month for the next 10 years. The total prize of €240,000 formed part of the Sunday weekend draw, which carried a theme celebrating the launch of Madrid’s Formula 1 Grand Prix. The win comes shortly after the same town collected €20,000 from a separate ONCE draw the previous month. Lucia, who previously worked in a fruit warehouse, expressed delight at his new career path and the positive reaction from his regular customers. He stated that he enjoys the face-to-face interaction and hopes to continue his recent run of fortune for the local community.
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Vendor Francisco Lucia.
The same draw brought further fortune across Andalucia, with another €240,000 Sueldazo prize landing in Sevilla. Additional payouts of €20,000 were awarded to ticket holders in Motril, Cadiz, Malaga, and Marbella.
Weekend Sueldazo coupons cost €2. The main jackpot provides €300,000 in cash alongside €5,000 a month for 20 years, while four secondary winning coupons deliver €2,000 a month for a decade.
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
When comedy was funny AS someone who earns most of his living after dark, daytime television is often a major contributor to my psyche of amusement and entertainment. In a stroke of probably financially instigated genius, some channels have recently decided to present reruns of some classic comedies of yesteryear and what a treat they are. Open All Hours, with the wonderful Ronnie Barker; Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, starring the amazing talents of Michael Crawford; Only Fools and Horses, with David Jason; plus the antics of the zany cast of Hi- de-Hi!, are just a few of a whole host of sitcoms gracing the box this year. Of course, ITV did it for some time with programmes like Rising Damp. Another great series of days gone by. Containing marvellous dialogue, completely innocuous non-PC statements, wonderful pathos and hysterical situations, these classics of comedy are a pure joy to watch. And do you know the most gratifying aspect of them all? Not a swear word or statement of filth in sight. To me, acceptable comedy on TV died at the end of the ’80s. Since then, it has sunk into a desperate morass of sleaze and slimy stagnation, its success being measured by just how low its writers and performers can take it. And do you know why? These days there are no proper comedy writers around. The morons who churn out
the modern-day rubbish, whose success is generally judged by how often you can swear in any given minute, should hang their heads in humiliated shame. Talk about taking money under false pretences. They should all be weeded out and sent back to the gutter where they unquestionably belong. Alternative comedy? I’m sorry, in my book, today’s alternative comedies are the unforgettable, utterly unmissable ghosts of comedy past. Long may they shine as examples of the presentations that should really be making us forget our worries and delivering us a real good laugh. Come back the likes of Galton and Simpson, Roy Clarke and Ray Allen all is forgiven! Hope your all enjoying the end days of what has been a truly hot season. To me September and October have always been the best months of the year. The hordes have disappeared and are being replaced by the far more tranquil visitors who instigate a far calmer atmosphere during their late summer sojourn. I see the Christmas ads have already begun, let’s hope the mild temperatures hold out till then and the locals enjoy their chance to at last spend some time together. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.cvom
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
New online shop
SPANISH shoppers are getting another major online marketplace to compare prices with Amazon, AliExpress, Temu and specialist retailers. German supermarket giant Kaufland, owned by the Schwarz Group which also owns Lidl, is launching its online marketplace in Spain. The platform offers products across more than 6,400 categories, including electronics, fashion, household goods, gardening, DIY and sports equipment. Third-party sellers list and fulfil orders, while Kaufland handles the marketplace, payments and customer service, making the operation closer to Amazon than a traditional supermarket website. Kaufland already has more than 15,000 international sellers offering over 45 million products in Germany and attracts up to 32 million monthly
The company aims to reach 10 million laying hens.
HUEVOS GUILLÉN, one of Spain’s largest egg producers and a major supplier to Mercadona, is investing €200 million over the next four years as it moves towards producing eggs entirely through cage-free systems. The company aims to reach 10 million laying hens by 2030. By the end of 2026, it expects 80 per cent of its 6.13 million hens to be housed in cagefree systems, up from 73 per cent in 2025 and 60 per cent in 2024. It is also targeting almost 100 million dozen cage-free eggs this year, a 28.6 per cent increase. Huevos Guillén hopes all its fresh consumer eggs will come from cage-free systems by 2028, subject to administrative approvals. The investment includes new farms designed specifically for alternative production. A €14.5 million free-range facility in Ribera del Fresno, Badajoz, will eventually house 320,000 hens across eight sheds, with outdoor areas providing at least four square metres per bird. It is expected to produce almost 97 million eggs annually. The Spanish egg sector is also moving towards cage-free production, with alternative systems accounting for around 40 per cent of production.
Oasis returns
Photo credit: Katarzyna Ledwon/Shutterstock
Kaufland is owned by the same group that owns Lidl.
visitors. Spain and the Netherlands bring its marketplace network to nine European markets, potentially reaching around 220 million online consumers. The launch does not mean Kaufland is opening supermarkets across Spain. Its online operation already operates in countries without physical stores, including France, Italy and Austria. Whether it will actually be cheaper depends on the individual seller, product and delivery
cost, so shoppers will still need to compare the final price. For Spanish businesses, the platform also creates another route into European markets. More than 500 Spanish sellers are already active on Kaufland marketplaces elsewhere in Europe. The real test will be whether Spanish shoppers find enough competitive prices, products and delivery options to make Kaufland another regular stop when buying online.
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OTHERS THINK IT
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Going free range
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT
Barcelona is among 38 concerts planned.
OASIS has officially announced its Oasis Live ’27 tour, confirming two concerts in Barcelona on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, 2027, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The shows will mark the Gallagher brothers’ return to Spain after 18 years. Their last Spanish performances were in 2009. Barcelona is among 38 concerts planned across the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and the United States. The tour begins in Glasgow on May 21 and includes cities such as Manchester, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris and Rome. Richard Ashcroft will appear as a special guest throughout the tour. Fans hoping to attend the Barcelona concerts must register through the official Oasis website by 05.00pm CEST on Thursday, September 17. Registration does not
guarantee a ticket. Those selected will receive a unique code giving them access to an allocated ticket-sale window. There will be no general sale or additional public presale, and fans will need a Ticketmaster account. Barcelona ticket sales will take place across September 25, 26 and 27. Reported prices range from approximately €85 to €255, depending on the ticket category, with an additional €2 Ticketmaster transaction fee. The registration system follows the controversy surrounding the band’s 2025 ticket sales, when fans faced huge queues and pricing complaints. For international fans, Barcelona now offers two opportunities to see Oasis in Spain after an 18-year wait, but registering before September 17 is essential for anyone hoping to buy tickets.
SPANISH NEWS
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DOCTORS across Spain are preparing for an indefinite nationwide strike expected to begin around mid-October after failing to reach an agreement with the government over proposed reforms to their employment framework. The action brings together the newly formed Unión Médica y Facultativa (UMYF), the Confederación Estatal de Sindicatos Médicos (CESM) and other mediStarting date not yet confirmed. cal unions. UMYF’s seven founding unions represent around 97,000 doctors, approximately 54 per cent of physicians in The dispute centres on proposed reSpain’s National Health System. forms to Spain’s Estatuto Marco. Doctors The precise starting date has not yet are demanding a specific professional been formally confirmed, although Octoframework, separate negotiations, a 35ber 14 or 15 are being considered. Patients hour working week, recognition and paywith non-urgent appointments could ment of additional hours, changes to proface postponed consultations, diagnosfessional classification and more flexible tic tests, specialist appointments and retirement arrangements. Previous naplanned operations. However, emergency tional strikes have already taken place this treatment and essential services will conyear. Patients with October appointments tinue under minimum-service arrangeare advised not to cancel them themselves ments. Previous measures have protectbut to monitor communications from their ed critical care and treatments such as hospital or health centre. The longer the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and dialysis strike continues, the greater the potenwhere interruption could endanger patial impact on Spain’s already stretched tients. healthcare system.
RARE red flashes appeared above Spain during the early hours of Thursday, September 10, as mysterious electrical events lit up the sky over Mediterranean thunderstorms. Known as red sprites, the fleeting phenomena were photographed from the Almeria coast and Ayora in Valencia. AEMET, Spain’s state meteorological agency, shared images captured from the Ayora observatory, while storm chaser David Mancebo recorded the event from the Almeria coastline. Images taken from Ayora between 2.19am and 2.52am showed the flashes to the south over the sea. Red sprites are large-scale electrical discharges produced roughly 50 to 90 kilometres above the ground, far above ordinary lightning. Classified by NASA as Tran-
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Indefinite doctor strike Sky sprites wow
Red sprites over Valencia.
sient Luminous Events, they last just a few milliseconds and often resemble giant flying jellyfish. AEMET reported that a powerful positive lightning strike of +129.2 kiloamps hit the sea roughly 220 kilometres south of Ayora at 2.52am, triggering the sprites photographed shortly after. Mr Mancebo recorded around 14 sprites during
the same episode as the storm system moved away from the coast. Although sprites are almost impossible to see with the naked eye, observers can capture them by looking towards distant storms 60 to 250 miles away from areas with dark, clear skies. High-quality cameras remain essential to record these brief, spectacular displays.
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Rise of the ‘Mercaurantes’
‘Mercaurantes’ - Mercadona’s seating areas.
MERCADONA’S ready-to-eat range is now available in 1,490 of its 1,600 Spanish stores. Recent figures reported show prepared meals generated approximately €700 million in revenue during 2025. When chilled items like hummus and gazpacho are included, the total ready-to-eat category reaches €3 billion. The range features classic Spanish dishes such as paella, tortilla, lentils, meatballs, and roast chicken, alongside international options including sushi, poke, pizza, and burgers. In response to 20 per cent annual growth in the segment, Mercadona is expanding shelf space dedicated to convenience foods in its newer store layouts. Industry experts attribute the surge to shifting consumer habits. Ignacio Garcia
Magarzo, director general of supermarket association Asedas, noted that shoppers increasingly value free time. Research from McKinsey and EuroCommerce reveals 40 per cent of Gen Z and millennial consumers, plus 13 per cent of over-65s, buy prepared meals weekly. Market data shows prepared convenience food now reaches 99.25 per cent of Spanish households. Select locations now feature in-store seating areas and microwave stations. Dubbed ‘mercaurantes’, these spaces offer a lower-cost alternative to a traditional menu del dia. However, the model faces pushback from hospitality groups, with the Gremio de Restauracion de Barcelona accusing retail giants of unfair intrusion into the restaurant sector.
SPANISH NEWS
It was the gazpacho A DRIVER in Castilleja de la Cuesta, Sevilla, recorded an alcohol reading four times Spain’s general legal limit after police stopped him following strange driving manoeuvres. Local officers also saw him driving without a seatbelt and manually using his mobile phone. During the stop, they noticed symptoms they considered compatible with alcohol consumption and carried out a breathalyser test. The result was 1.00 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air, compared with the general legal limit of 0.25 mg/l. It was also well above the 0.60 mg/l threshold, at which driving can constitute a criminal offence. The driver’s explanation was unusual. He denied drinking alcohol and claimed the reading was caused by vinegar in the gazpacho he had eaten
Photo credit: AI generated
12 17 - 23 September 2026
Police did not accept the explanation.
for lunch. Police did not accept the explanation and began investigating him for a suspected road-safety offence. The possible consequences are serious. A conviction could result in three to six months in prison, a fine lasting six to 12 months or 31 to 90 days of community service. A driving ban lasting between one and four years
can also be imposed. The case is expected to go through a fast-track court procedure. The incident also involved separate road-safety issues, including mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt, meaning the driver was already facing several concerns before his unusual explanation for the breathalyser result.
FINANCE IN Spain, 57 per cent of shoppers now buy supermarket own-brand alternatives over name brands. Most major supermarkets offer near-identical inhouse products for less. Aldi’s own-brand products, for example, are priced 14 per cent lower than market value.
Labour costs up
SPAIN’S labour cost per hour rose 4.8 per cent in Q2, its 20th consecutive quarterly increase. Wages climbed 4.7 per cent, while other employment costs rose 4.8 per cent. The sustained rise means businesses are paying more to employ staff, potentially increasing prices.
Shipping costs climb
A GLOBAL ship-fuel shortage is looming as wars disrupt refineries and oil transport. Refiners are prioritising more profitable diesel and petrol, reducing fuel-oil production. The shortfall could reach 218,000 barrels a day in Q3, while stocks are already 30 per cent below seasonal norms.
Grocery bill grows
UK FOOD inflation is expected to reach 4 per cent by the end of 2026 and peak at 6.4 per cent in July 2027. The Food and Drink Federation blames war, drought, and rising energy and transport costs.
McLaren invest
MCLAREN is giving the UK automotive industry a major lift with a £450 million investment in its technology centre, creating 1,000 new jobs. The expansion strengthens Britain’s position in high-value car manufacturing, supporting skills, innovation and investment at a challenging time for the sector.
STAT OF WEEK
0.9%
In the second quarter of 2026, labour productivity in the EU increased by 0.9 per cent based on persons and by 0.8 per cent based on hours worked, compared with the same quarter of the previous year.
Brazilian meat ban AS of September 3, the EU has seized trading animal products from Brazil until the country can prove they meet EU food standards. Member states agreed to the ban in May, citing safety concerns around antimicrobial use in farmed animals - a substance banned in the EU for promoting irregular animal growth. Restrictions apply to chicken, eggs, horse, beef, fish and honey, potentially causing food prices to rise across Europe. Brazil is a large supplier of meat and poultry to the EU. Approximately 25 per cent of the EU’s imported chicken and beef products are imported from Brazil each year - around 211,000 tonnes of chicken and 92,000 tonnes of beef. The newly implemented export restrictions will have major consequences for all parties. Brazil could lose around €1.58 billion annually if the export embargo is in place long-term. Meanwhile in
Ceuta GDP crisis
Credit: Vitalii Biliak, Shutterstock
Big brands ditched
euroweeklynews.com • 17 - 23 September 2026
Meat to get more expensive.
Europe, consumers will feel the impact on their weekly shopping. While stocks won’t dip immediately, the market pressure will lead to gradual price increases on key items. Brazil mostly exports premium cuts of beef, so the price hike won’t be as noticeable for average consumers. Chicken, however, is a more economical protein
bought in bulk. RaboResearch expects European chicken prices to rise as a direct result of the Brazilian meat ban. In an attempt to amend the situation, Brazil has allowed EU inspectors to review its production system. The hope is that a solution will be found in poultry exports, which has only a 42-day production cycle compared to beef’s two-year cycle.
Self-employed pressures
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BUSINESS EXTRA
13
TIMES are tough for self-employed workers and small businesses across Spain who, as determined by UPTA, lose €125 just by opening the doors to the public each day. The cost of running a business has risen to €2,980 a month, €35,760 annually. Comparatively, the average contracted worker in Spain earns less than €25,000 a year, according to the INE. In addition to salaries and tax, rent is the biggest business ex-
pense, often accounting for 50 per cent of costs. Many self-employed people with businesses requiring a physical store-front also face a ‘double-rent’ situation, meaning they are responsible not only for their rented premises, but also their home mortgage or rent. Close to €3,000 is needed each month. In order to cover those expenses, a self-employed person must work 10 hours a day, or 217 hours per month, to earn between €2,500 and €3,500 euros.
Small-businesses spend before they open.
Billionaire exit
Inditex profits
Oil up again
INDITEX posted a record firsthalf profit of €2.98 billion, as sales rose 7.6 per cent to €19.76 billion. Growth was driven by strong performance across its brands including both physical shops and online channels. Zara remains the group’s main revenue generator, while Europe accounts for more than two-thirds of sales. Despite the strong results, shares fell as profits came in slightly below analysts’ expectations. Inditex expects sales momentum to continue into autumn.
OIL has again hit $100 (€85,94) a barrel due to escalation in the Middle East and household budgets will quickly feel the effects. Higher crude prices push up petrol and diesel costs, making commuting and travel more expensive. They can also raise the cost of growing, transporting and producing food and everyday goods, adding to inflation. Meanwhile, persistent inflation could keep interest rates higher for longer, increasing borrowing costs for mortgages and loans.
ANOTHER billionaire has left Britain for greener, cheaper pastures with hedge fund tycoon Chris Rokos becoming the latest highnet-worth exit. Many cite higher tax thresholds and the abolition of the non-dom regime - a scheme that allowed the rich to live in Britain but hold residency in a second location to avoid higher tax bills - as reasons for the high-profile exits. Rokos was one of the highest tax contributors in 2025, paying an estimated £330 million. With a net worth of £2.96 billion, according to Bloomberg’s billionaire index, Rokos is now set to establish residency in Greece.
SINCE the mass migrant crossing on July 30, businesses in Ceuta have suffered direct losses of over €33 million. That’s in addition to €170.01 million in indirect damages associated with the city’s deteriorating reputation and public image, which Ceuta’s Chamber of Commerce believes will negatively impact tourism and future investment. As such, Ceuta is bracing for a more than 10 per cent cut to its GDP, a major blow to the already small economy.
Poundland sale LAST June, Poundland was bought by Gordon Brothers for just £1, but now the private equity firm has put the high-street’s cheapest chain back on the market. Following the acquisition, Gordon Brothers restructured to cover accrued debt. Over 100 stores were closed, and the brand reverted to prices rounded to the nearest pound, the chain’s signature. Having received multiple unsolicited offers, the firm hopes to finalise a deal before the crucial Christmas trading period.
Pension problem THE ratio of workers to pensioners in Spain stood at 2.35 by the end of August, the highest level since 2009. An increase in employment during summer ensured that, for every contributory pension, there was more than double the number of contributing members. However, this increase still is not sufficient to support the public pension system, which has been impacted by a sustained decline in the labour market over the last two decades. According to a report by Foment del Trebal, 685,786 more contributors would need to be added to offset the existing deficit of €5.6 billion.
14 17 - 23 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 14 September
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 14 September
Net
3I Group.....................................2.664,00............2.677,00......... 2.640,00.......... 51,53K Admiral Group.............................3.839,4..............3.839,4........... 3.782,4........... 10,26K Airtel Africa................................. 343,20...............345,60............342,80............ 51,1K Anglo American...........................3.936,0..............3.953,0........... 3.905,0.......... 127,66K Antofagasta................................3.700,00............3.754,00......... 3.699,00.......... 60,41K Associated British Foods.............1.858,5..............1.864,0........... 1.843,5........... 42,99K AstraZeneca...............................11.896,0............11.926,0......... 11.692,0......... 239,25K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 493,70...............498,30............492,60.......... 255,22K Aviva........................................... 711,80...............712,80............706,40.......... 155,61K B M European Value Retail.......... 226,00...............227,00............222,80.......... 105,92K BAE Systems..............................1.928,00............1.935,50......... 1.900,00......... 194,79K Barclays...................................... 491,40...............493,00............490,05.......... 651,44K Barratt Redrow............................ 283,10...............284,30............281,90.......... 220,91K Beazley.......................................1.305,00............1.305,50......... 1.304,50.......... 29,02K Berkeley......................................3.278,0..............3.293,0........... 3.266,0............ 3,96K BP............................................... 569,76...............574,30............569,70............1,43M British American Tobacco...........4.160,0..............4.162,0........... 4.111,0........... 88,53K BT Group.................................... 203,40...............204,60............201,50.......... 379,11K Bunzl...........................................2.594,0..............2.594,0........... 2.568,0............ 39,5K Centrica....................................... 151,30...............152,10............151,08.......... 477,76K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.560,0..............4.560,0........... 4.510,0........... 14,12K Compass...................................... 31,14.................31,36..............30,92............ 76,16K ConvaTec Group......................... 217,60...............218,80............216,80.......... 195,45K Croda Intl....................................3.166,0..............3.177,0........... 3.144,0........... 12,61K DCC.............................................6.335,0..............6.350,0........... 6.325,0........... 36,94K Diageo.........................................1.622,5..............1.626,0........... 1.600,2.......... 125,12K Diploma.....................................7.065,00............7.065,00......... 7.010,00........... 10,8K EasyJet........................................ 666,80...............668,80............666,60........... 46,34K Entain.......................................... 503,20...............505,90............500,00........... 84,53K Experian......................................2.882,0..............2.885,0........... 2.807,0.......... 148,69K F&C Invest.................................. 339,20...............340,40............338,20........... 93,77K Frasers........................................ 793,00...............796,50............784,00............ 6,13K Fresnillo.....................................2.957,00............2.967,00......... 2.927,00.......... 34,99K Glencore...................................... 593,20...............598,60............592,32............2,23M GSK plc......................................1.817,00............1.820,50......... 1.789,50............328K HALEON...................................... 339,14...............339,90............336,80............1,56M Halma..........................................3.516,7..............3.592,0........... 3.510,0............ 41,5K Hikma Pharma...........................1.538,00............1.544,00......... 1.518,00........... 7,84K Hiscox........................................1.887,00............1.892,00......... 1.880,00.......... 34,45K Howden Joinery.......................... 741,50...............744,50............739,50........... 40,59K HSBC.........................................1.557,00............1.560,08......... 1.545,00...........1,74M IAG.............................................. 410,50...............413,40............410,10.......... 695,39K ICG PLC.....................................1.903,00............1.908,00......... 1.884,00.......... 15,97K IMI PLC......................................3.006,00............3.020,00......... 2.992,00.......... 10,15K Imperial Brands..........................2.514,00............2.523,65......... 2.501,00.......... 88,72K Informa....................................... 893,40...............895,00............884,60........... 39,76K InterContinental........................... 153,4.................153,4..............152,5............. 3,76K Intertek........................................5.850,0..............5.855,0........... 5.850,0........... 15,67K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 337,70...............338,30............333,90.......... 366,52K JD Sports Fashion........................ 78,34.................78,74..............78,00........... 402,59K Kingfisher.................................... 290,53...............292,00............289,00........... 99,67K Land Securities........................... 629,50...............632,00............626,57........... 36,73K Legal & General.......................... 291,00...............292,00............287,70.......... 905,94K Lloyds Banking........................... 111,15...............111,50............110,35.............3,2M London Stock Exchange..............8.464,0..............8.466,0........... 8.332,0.......... 122,61K Londonmetric Property............... 176,90...............177,76............176,10........... 475,1K M&G........................................... 332,57...............333,20............331,00.......... 147,25K Marks & Spencer........................ 384,00...............384,50............375,80.......... 239,35K Melrose Industries...................... 475,00...............476,80............468,20........... 72,18K Mondi.......................................... 823,40...............827,20............814,40........... 15,18K National Grid..............................1.127,00............1.131,50......... 1.126,50.......... 135,2K NatWest Group........................... 696,46...............697,40............693,80.......... 402,46K Next...........................................14.700,0............14.725,0......... 14.615,0........... 4,56K Pearson......................................1.178,50............1.178,50......... 1.163,00.......... 29,36K Pershing Square........................3.790,00............3.850,00......... 3.752,00............ 4,9K Persimmon.................................1.113,0..............1.114,5........... 1.102,5........... 58,24K Prudential.................................... 982,00...............983,60............976,80.......... 191,66K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.080,0..............5.080,0........... 5.018,0........... 21,56K Relx............................................2.583,00............2.588,00......... 2.543,40......... 200,03K Rentokil....................................... 332,90...............332,90............329,30.......... 131,09K Rightmove.................................. 486,20...............486,50............479,10........... 96,16K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.255,0..............7.301,0........... 7.254,0........... 88,46K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.441,00............1.447,80......... 1.433,60......... 396,76K Sage...........................................1.001,50............1.003,00...........985,40.......... 123,68K Schroders.................................... 585,5.................586,0..............585,0........... 198,49K Scottish Mortgage......................1.468,50............1.473,00......... 1.455,75.......... 85,98K Segro.......................................... 933,00...............934,20............929,80.......... 172,54K Severn Trent...............................2.940,0..............2.950,0........... 2.930,0............ 9,74K Shell............................................3.581,5..............3.596,5........... 3.575,0.......... 332,25K Smith & Nephew........................1.044,50............1.044,50......... 1.026,50......... 176,84K Smiths Group.............................2.545,00............2.549,00......... 2.526,00.............34K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.775,0..............6.855,0........... 6.755,0............ 2,37K SSE............................................2.348,00............2.368,00......... 2.348,00.......... 51,48K Standard Chartered....................2.325,00............2.330,00......... 2.303,00......... 268,48K Standard Life............................... 922,50...............924,50............913,50.......... 108,96K Taylor Wimpey............................. 77,50.................77,76..............77,06........... 872,39K Tesco.......................................... 474,70...............475,30............468,01.......... 418,22K Unilever.......................................4.636,0..............4.638,0........... 4.586,0........... 72,21K Unite........................................... 475,20...............475,20............468,80........... 22,61K United Utilities............................1.329,00............1.334,00......... 1.323,00.......... 40,16K Vistry Group................................ 267,20...............268,36............265,20........... 30,67K Vodafone Group PLC................. 129,950.............130,050..........128,350...........3,17M Weir Group................................2.688,00............2.702,00......... 2.680,00.......... 25,72K Whitbread...................................2.341,0..............2.393,0........... 2.340,0............ 9,68K WPP............................................ 379,50...............379,65............373,50.......... 429,03K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 164,97...............165,37............162,55............3,29M Amazon.com............................... 256,78...............257,59............253,14...........26,72M American Express....................... 324,69...............326,26............322,21............1,93M Amgen........................................ 377,35...............386,99............377,22............2,27M Apple........................................... 332,27...............336,22............326,30...........50,72M Boeing......................................... 210,45...............211,62............207,22............4,14M Caterpillar.................................... 818,57...............826,00............813,51............1,83M Chevron...................................... 214,06...............215,55............212,02............6,57M Cisco........................................... 112,13...............112,22............108,36...........14,16M Coca-Cola..................................... 88,29.................88,65..............87,81.............9,99M Goldman Sachs..........................1.029,18............1.042,99......... 1.018,59...........1,16M Home Depot................................ 308,74...............311,21............307,90............3,49M Honeywell................................... 202,36...............204,20............201,54............2,75M IBM............................................. 243,29...............243,63............235,00............4,92M J&J............................................. 265,58...............270,40............265,25............4,71M JPMorgan................................... 356,23...............360,05............354,79............5,36M McDonald’s................................. 252,53...............254,73............252,15.............4,1M Merck&Co................................... 143,93...............145,90............143,68............8,68M Microsoft.................................... 495,63...............498,97............492,58...........14,52M Nike.............................................. 36,80.................37,05..............36,62............19,97M NVIDIA........................................ 218,29...............222,00............218,15...........89,06M P&G............................................ 145,27...............145,49............143,55...........11,53M Salesforce Inc............................. 247,72...............250,55............242,02............9,74M Sherwin-Williams........................ 323,31...............324,91............317,55............2,17M The Travelers.............................. 375,20...............375,30............369,60............1,62M UnitedHealth............................... 379,09...............391,73............375,90............7,48M Verizon......................................... 50,61.................50,82..............50,22............16,46M Visa A.......................................... 370,45...............371,81............367,98............3,49M Walmart...................................... 107,15...............107,21............105,72...........17,07M Walt Disney................................. 106,55...............107,36............105,64............7,26M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 14 September
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Biodexa Pharmaceuticals DRC......................... 96,96 %........................142,44M Trugolf Holdings.............................................. 76,03 %.........................434,8M MKDWELL Tech............................................... 51,96 %..........................1,46M Frequency Electronics...................................... 42,40 %..........................1,55M Future Fintech.................................................. 40,49 %.........................53,28M GT Biopharma.................................................. 39,32 %........................544,27K China SXT Pharma........................................... 32,64 %.........................14,16M Korsana............................................................ 29,91 %........................114,12K Columbus Acquisition...................................... 27,83 %.........................91,71K New Fortress Energy........................................ 22,00 %.........................18,93M Aixcrypto Holdings........................................... 21,08 %........................624,14K Cheche Group.................................................. 20,93 %.........................39,79K Nocera............................................................. 19,89 %........................610,78K Alphatecs......................................................... 19,68 %..........................6,46M Global Engine Holding...................................... 19,51 %........................263,77K Americas Car-Mart........................................... 19,50 %..........................2,98M OIO................................................................... 18,45 %........................154,52K Reading Int B................................................... 18,19 %.........................41,18K Veritone........................................................... 18,18 %..........................5,27M M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined U Power...........................................................-32,84 %........................171,79K CDT Equity.......................................................-27,55 %.........................10,19M Lianhe Sowell...................................................-26,15 %..........................2,88M Advasa Holdings..............................................-25,89 %.........................20,78M CVD Equipment................................................-25,36 %........................844,36K GlucoTrack.......................................................-21,05 %........................744,25K Singularity Future Tech....................................-18,88 %........................659,65K Adial Pharma....................................................-18,27 %........................108,47K Hub Cyber Security..........................................-18,21 %........................634,55K Greenland Mines..............................................-17,54 %........................869,62K CPI Card...........................................................-16,48 %..........................1,55M Stardust Power................................................-15,88 %.........................10,53M Ambitions Enterprise Management Co LLC......-15,82 %.........................833,3K Greenwave Tech Solutions...............................-15,74 %.........................35,69K Telos................................................................-15,60 %..........................1,32M Silexion Therapeutics.......................................-15,38 %..........................2,58M bioAffinity Technologies...................................-15,34 %........................827,86K Sellas Life Sciences.........................................-14,42 %.........................14,71M Nomadar..........................................................-14,20 %..........................14,3K M - Million Dollars
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE
Watermelon woes
SPAIN’S watermelon sector is in crisis as foreign competition puts pressure on prices. While Brazil remains the EU’s top supplier, Morocco’s exports surged 14 per cent in the first half of 2026. For Spain, a tough summer, overlapping seasons, and a saturated market are raising concerns.
Employment shortfall
UK DATA centres have fallen short of predicted job creation, despite being the main defence for their rapid rollout. The tech centre predicted datacentres would generate 40,000 jobs, but new projections amended that figure to 10,400. So far, only 4,400 direct jobs have been created.
Gold on the move EUROPEAN banks are moving gold out of North America, motivated by the geopolitical unrest that has defined President Trump’s second term. With trade and military wars escalating, many countries are taking precautions by moving reserves closer to home. The Netherlands was the most recent bank to act. In a secret operation, the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) removed some 86 tonnes of gold from the US and Canada. Approximately 27
Credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
17 - 23 September 2026
European banks move gold out of North America.
Sponsors in jeopardy THE new government under Andy Burnham is looking to restrict unlicensed betting operations after UK consumers spent over £379 million on unregulated sites in the first half of 2025. New regulations wouldn’t only affect gamblers, but several premiere league clubs who hold multi-million-pound deals with such firms. Over the summer, commercial deals
between football clubs and unlicensed operators rose from six to 10. Everton’s deal with the Stake.com crypto casino is under special scrutiny, given it is the club the Prime Minister publicly supports. The Premier League is lobbying against such restrictions, citing that most of the clubs’ casino sponsors aren’t readily available in the UK, except with a VPN.
gold bars were transferred across the Atlantic, the remainder was moved by selling and buying the equivalent amount in London. London’s Bank of England in London is a prestigious institution. As one of the largest custodians of gold, it holds an estimated 400,000 gold bars worth more than £200 billion. DNB officials reportedly feel Dutch gold can be more easily traded if held at the Bank of England, especially in the event of a “crisis situation”. The Bank of Spain remains secretive about its gold. On last count Spain managed 281 tons of gold, an unknown portion of which is confirmed to be held in the United States. With tensions worsening between the two countries, experts suspect Spain could be the next to move its reserves, if it hasn’t already.
15
No rooms FOR many in Spain, shared rentals are their only hope for independent living. But even that could be taken away. A new Fotocasa study finds that, for the first time, 53 per cent of those looking for a room to rent are unsuccessful, the demand having grown so considerably.
Service sector THE UK’s service sector strengthened in August, reaching a four-month high as business and consumer spending picked up. The services PMI rose to 52.5 from 52.1, signalling continued expansion. However, rising costs and stronger price pressures remain a concern, adding to inflation worries for the Bank of England.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
22
18 17 - 23 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
FEATURE
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Disney explodes into Malaga
Golfing Glory
DISNEY has moved cameras, cranes and controlled explosives into Malaga’s old provincial prison to film scenes for its new Far Cry television series. The production, based on Ubisoft’s long-running video game franchise, has already begun filming inside the disused Cruz de Humilladero building, with around 350 crew rehearsing action sequences ahead of the main shoot later this month. Residents nearby have been sent letters warning them of controlled detonations and dense smoke, timed to a three-tone acoustic signal before each blast so nobody mistakes the noise for a real emergency. Calle Valderaduey has been closed to traffic for the length of the shoot, while nearby streets face restrictions until September 25. Familiar Hollywood faces Steve Buscemi and Lizzy Caplan are among the cast, alongside creator and star Rob Mac, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
COSTA BLANCA golf is set to receive recognition, with the region’s golf course association named among the winners of the 2026 UEPAL Awards. The Association of Golf Courses of the Costa Blanca and Valencian Community will receive the Award for Promotion of the Local Economy at the eighth UEPAL Awards in Elda on September 18. The honour recognises the association’s contribution to economic development through sports tourism, generating employment, attracting visitors and strengthening the region’s international profile. For the southern Costa Blanca, where golf is popular with international residents and visitors, the award has a strong local connection. Association members in the south include La Finca, La Marquesa, Las Ramblas, Lo Romero, Campoamor, Villamartin and Vistabella, placing some of the area’s best-known courses within the organisation.
Costa Blanca North
Almeria
National honour
Going the extra mile
CALPE’S famous Moors and Christians celebrations have received a major national boost after being officially declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest by Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism. The prestigious recognition celebrates the cultural importance of one of Calpe’s best-loved annual traditions, famous for its colourful costumes, parades, and dramatic historic reenactments. The award comes at a particularly significant time, as the celebrations mark their 50th anniversary, making the national recognition an especially fitting tribute to the generations of residents who have helped keep the tradition alive. What began five decades ago has grown into one of the most anticipated events on Calpe’s calendar. Months of preparation go into the elaborate costumes, performances, music and parades, with families and festive groups playing a central role in preserving the tradition.
SHAUN GARNER from Channel 4’s Sun, Sea and Selling Houses and his best friend Emily Cornwell recently completed the 131-kilometre Camino Ingles up through the North of Spain, raising money for PAWS-PATAS Animal Shelter along the way. Beginning in Ferrol, the best-friends trekked through towns, villages and rural countryside, soaking up the beautiful views along the way. By the time the pair reached their final destination in Santiago, their fundraiser had reached €4,354. Before they’d even set foot on the trail, they had raised upwards of €1,000. Over 150 donations were collected. Every single one - whether a €10 pledge or €100 - will make a huge difference for the cats and dogs at PAWS-PATAS. PAWS-PATAS will put this money to good use, covering the cost of food, veterinary care, and shelter maintenance. It also means the animals in their care will enjoy a few more treats over the coming months.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
Mallorca’s cycling hero
Shoreline showdown
THE island has a new reason to celebrate after local cycling star Enric Mas finally achieved the victory that has eluded him for more than a decade. The 31-year-old Movistar rider has won the Vuelta a España, becoming the first Spaniard to take the prestigious Grand Tour since Alberto Contador in 2014. For Mas, the triumph marks the culmination of years of near misses at the race. He had previously finished second three times, in 2018, 2021 and 2022, before adding a third-place finish in 2024. This time, however, the Mallorcan held his nerve to secure the red jersey and write his name into Spanish cycling history. Mas, who was born in Arta, had to survive a demanding final weekend before heading into the final stage in Granada with the overall lead. Norwegian Tobias Halland Johannessen claimed victory on the final stage, but the attention was firmly on Mas as he crossed the finish line with his Movistar teammates.
THE town of Puerto de Mazarron hosted an action-packed weekend of competitive water sports and endurance racing, with the second edition of the Phoenician Shipwreck Challenge taking place at Playa del Puerto. The major sporting event, which took place on September 12 and 13, gathered athletes of all age groups for two days of regional open-water swimming and thrilling aquathlon championships. The action kicked off with the sixth stage of the Regional Open Water League, the Phoenician Shipwreck Challenge Open Water Swim. The event offered a 1-kilometre youth race as well as a 3-kilometre adult race. On the second day, the focus shifted to the Regional Aquathlon Championship, where athletes took on a 1,000-metre open-water swim, followed by a 5-kilometre run along the idyllic beachfront promenade. Athletes showcased an incredible amount of grit, talent, and determination as they tackled this challenging, but rewarding, race.
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Emergency slide PASSENGERS bound for Prague were forced to slide down emergency chutes on Thursday, September 10, after a lithium powerbank overheated in an overhead locker on an easyJet Airbus A320 at Milan Malpensa. Cabin crew spotted smoke billowing from a piece of cabin baggage while flight U23905 was taxiing for departure. The pilots immediately aborted take-off, brought the Airbus A320 to a halt next to the airport fire station, and ordered an immediate evacuation. All 146 passengers evacuated down inflatable chutes, with two people sustaining minor bruises during the exit. Emergency services met the aircraft, while nearby planes were evacuated as a precaution and both runways were temporarily closed. Italy’s aviation safety
17 - 23 September 2026
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Bavarian airport party
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Credit: Avgeek Jan X
Oktoberfest comes to Munich airport.
EasyJet flight stopped due to powerpack smoking.
agency, the ANSV, confirmed that a lithium charger packed inside a trolley bag had suffered thermal runaway, igniting the bag. Although the cabin did not catch fire, dense smoke triggered the evacuation response. Operations partially resumed after an hour, and passengers eventually reached Prague on a replacement aircraft.
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EasyJet prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices mid-flight. Safety guidelines state that chargers should be carried in hand luggage, ideally on the person, so crew members can act rapidly if a unit begins to overheat. The incident follows a series of similar fires on commercial flights worldwide over the past two years.
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NORA JOHNSON - BREAKING VIEWS
Menorca’s secrets & treasures!
investigates what it must be like to fail so spectacularly in a time where every moment is immortalised on social media.
Scarpetta
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self, literally turning up on Scarpetta’s doorstep in a frustratingly underwhelming conclusion.
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NICOLE KIDMAN steps into Kay Scarpetta’s scrubs in Prime Video’s adaptation of the iconic Patricia Cornwell novels. The series starts on a gruesome but promising note, when Scarpetta revisits the first major case of her career, but the mystery is soon spoiled by science-fiction theatrics. Both Scarpetta and the audience are so distracted by the chaos that the actual culprit must essentially identify them-
whilst costumed folk groups perform in the public atrium between Terminals 1 and 2 and beyond security. Concourses are dressed with regional motifs, and staff wear dirndls and lederhosen for the occasion. Beer lovers need not wait until reaching the city centre either. Airbräu, the airport’s own brewery, hosts its Gaudium tapping ceremony on Saturday, September 19, with the first keg poured free of charge. A live music schedule follows, mixing brass with rock, pop and folk. Diners can also tuck into roast chicken, pork knuckle and pretzels, giving short-layover passengers a chance to sample proper Bavarian fare without setting foot in the city.
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly NETFLIX really will make a documentary on just about anything. Their newest revisits the most memorable moment of the 2024 Paris Olympics, when Australia’s “Raygun” debuted in the Breaking competition. Her break-dancing quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, turning the Olympian into a meme. More of a puffpiece than a deep-dive, the documentary
LANDING in Munich will have you feeling festive this autumn, and you don’t even need to leave the terminal to join in. Munich Airport has launched its own Oktoberfest programme for 2026, giving passengers a taste of Bavarian tradition weeks before the famous “O’zapft is!” call rings out at the Theresienwiese. The city’s official festival, now in its 191st edition, runs from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4. Airport celebrations began on Wednesday, September 2 and continue until the festival’s final day, with millions of visitors expected to pass through the terminals. Travellers stepping into Terminal 2 are greeted with gingerbread hearts,
MENORCA, the quieter sibling of the Balearics, sits in the western Mediterranean with an air of polite understatement. Much of the island is a dry, rather stoic tableland, though the north centre rises into rugged hills crowned by Toro. The northern coast, strikingly dramatic, is carved into capes and inlets, including La Albufera, Addaya and Fornells. Mahon, the principal town, boasts a magnificent natural harbour once coveted during 18th century conflicts. By contrast, the south is more regular with long, sheer cliffs. The island’s earliest residents were likely cave dwellers, though they left behind far more than footprints. From the second millennium BCE come mysterious talayots, sturdy stone towers and taulas, curious T-shaped structures. These often sit within enclosed settlements, hinting at ceremonial or communal
life. ‘Navetas’, shaped like inverted boats, served as collective tombs, proving the island has long taken both life and afterlife seriously. Agriculture here is modest, limestone soils favouring grazing, though terraced hills and fertile valleys provide cereals, potatoes, fruit and almonds. Livestock thrive, and cheese travels well beyond the island. Fishing supplements rural life, with lobsters particularly abundant. Shoe production employs many, while tourism, once modest, is fast taking centre stage - visitors are especially attracted to Menorca’s beaches, blending tradition, industry and steady progress into an increasingly compelling destination. Menorca’s past is as rich as its treasures - an “oven-ready” (Borisspeak, sorry!) must-see! Thanks for emails to my website below. Delighted you also enjoy my novels!
Nora Johnson’s 15 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl in Red’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
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Fat cat
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Signs your cat may be overweight.
A LITTLE extra weight might seem harmless, but carrying excess body fat can affect your cat’s health and quality of life. The tricky part? It is not always easy to spot gradual weight gain, especially when you see your cat every day. One of the simplest checks is to look at your
cat from above. Ideally, you should see a gentle waist behind the ribs. From the side, their tummy should slope upwards towards the hind legs rather than hanging noticeably low. You should also be able to feel their ribs beneath a thin layer of fat without pressing firmly. Changes in behaviour can offer clues, too. Is your cat less interested in playing, jumping or exploring? Do they tire more quickly or spend even more time sleeping? These changes can sometimes be linked to carrying excess weight. An overweight cat may also struggle to groom properly, particularly around their back and hindquarters. This can lead to a greasy, matted or unkempt coat. If you think your cat is carrying too much weight, speak to your vet before changing their diet. A gradual, carefully managed weight-loss plan can help your cat become fitter while protecting their health.
PETS
Joint health KEEPING your dog’s joints healthy can help them stay active, comfortable and ready for their next adventure. While joint problems can become more common with age, there are simple steps you can take to support mobility throughout their life. A healthy weight is a great place to start. Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on the joints, so keeping portions appropriate can make a real difference. Regular, gentle exercise is important too. Daily walks and low-impact activities help maintain muscle strength without putting unnecessary strain on the body. Nutrition can also
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Gentle exercise supports healthy joints.
play a role. A complete, balanced diet provides essential nutrients for overall health, while ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids may support healthy joints. Some joint supplements
contain ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect cartilage and support mobility, but it is best to speak to your vet before adding supplements to your
dog’s routine. Keep an eye out for changes in movement. Stiffness, reluctance to climb stairs, difficulty getting up or a reduced interest in walks could indicate discomfort.
Dog park dos and don’ts TAKING your dog to the park for the first time can be exciting, but it is worth doing a little preparation before you unleash the fun. A busy dog park can be overwhelming, particularly for a nervous or inexperienced dog. Start by choosing a quiet time to visit. Before you go, make sure your dog is comfortable with basic commands such as ‘come’, ‘sit’ and ‘leave it’. Check that their vaccinations are up to date, and pack fresh water, poo bags and a few treats. When you arrive, don’t rush straight through the gate. Let your dog watch the other dogs from a distance and get used to the sights, sounds and smells. Once they seem relaxed, head inside and keep a close eye on their body language. Play should look loose, friendly and balanced.
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How to introduce your dog to the dog park.
Wagging tails, relaxed bodies and playful bows are good signs. If your dog becomes tense, hides, growls repeatedly or tries to escape, calmly lead them away and give
them space. Finally, keep the first visit short and positive. Around 10 or 15 enjoyable minutes is plenty. As your dog gains confidence, you
can gradually stay longer. The goal is simple: help your dog discover that the park is a safe, happy place to socialise, explore and have fun.
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ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK
Hyundai i20 – a must-drive entry on your shortlist
FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Hyundai i20 Element Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, 90PS Gears: 6-speed manual (optional 7 -speed automatic) Price: €23,286/£20,010 Performance: 11.5 secs to 100kph/62 mph - 180kph/112 mph maximum speed Economy: 5.7 l/100km 49.6mpg Emissions: 130 g/km Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
Volkswagen is considering ending the traditional SEAT brand.
SEAT, one of Spain’s best-known car brands, could disappear before 2030 if Volkswagen decides to phase it out and concentrate more heavily on its sister brand CUPRA. The possible change would affect the future identity of a company that has been part of Spanish motoring since 1950, although it would not mean the immediate closure of the Martorell factory near Barcelona. Reports suggest Volkswagen is considering ending the traditional SEAT brand by the end of 2029 as part of a wider restructuring aimed at cutting costs and simplifying its operations. CUPRA has already overtaken SEAT in sales during the first half of 2026, recording 170,100 vehicles compared with SEAT’s 129,600. Martorell is being transformed into an important electric vehicle production centre.
End of an era The plant has begun producing the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID Polo, while also assembling battery systems for electric vehicles. This means manufacturing in Spain could continue even if the SEAT badge eventually disappears. The possibility has angered workers, with the works council describing the potential loss of the historic brand as unacceptable and calling for clarity over Volkswagen’s commitments following major investment in electrification. However, SEAT has stressed that no decision has been made about its future. The uncertainty therefore centres on the survival of the SEAT name rather than the immediate future of Spanish car production.
console. The central tray on the dashboard is also plenty big enough for a smartphone - and, on higher-spec mod-
els, it comes equipped with a wireless phone charging pad. Build quality is largely excellent for, by today’s standards, a cheaper car, although there are some less tactile plastics inside the car. On the road the i20 deals with the worst excesses of our potholed tarmac admirably and through twisting cross-country roads it’s possessed of sharp handling. Style is very subjective but along with some lively colour options - Mangrove Green Pearl, Lucid Lime Metallic, Vibrant Blue Pearl and Lumen Grey Pearl - there’s a mix of slim, sharp lines. It’s far from the generic styling so often seen on our roads. While newcomers including Renault’s 4 and 5 and Nissan’s Micra may be grabbing the headlines with their retro inspired lines, neither offer the space and practicality of the i20. Hyundai has managed to combine the best of a practical, down-to-earth transport choice with a style that wouldn’t look out of place parked adjacent a trendy café bar. If you’re looking for an all-rounder small car that is equally at home in the city or on longer runs, then the i20, especially the well-equipped lead-in model, is a must-drive entry on your shortlist.
Not even one beer SPAIN’S drink-drive limit is going back before Congress, and if the bill passes there will be no room for even a small beer before driving. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed on Monday, September 7 that the government will re-table its proposal to cut the blood alcohol limit from 0.5 to 0.2 grams per litre. The text is unchanged from the one Congress threw out in March, when it lost in committee by 19 votes to 18. At 0.2, the head of the DGT, Pere Navarro, has said drivers cannot drink anything at all. The limit would apply to everyone, including novice and professional drivers, who already face a stricter 0.3. The same bill would also make it an offence to share the location of police alcohol and drug
Credit: AlvaroRT / Shutterstock
storage for in-car bits-n-bobs is good, with decent door pockets, a good size glovebox and cubby trays in the centre Photo credit: Longfin Media/Shutterstock
UNTIL recently, as there’s been a rash of new superminis, smaller cars were becoming an endangered species. One of the most long lived is Hyundai’s i20, which in its latest guise offers a redesigned line-up with generous standard equipment and an enjoyable drive. The range starts from just €23,286/£20,010 for the lead-in Element model that comes with air conditioning, auto lights, high beam assist, power windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, navigation, 25cm/10” display screen, Android Auto and Apple Car Play and 40cm/16” alloy wheels. Black Line and Tech Line models are priced at €27,010/£23,210 and €28,529/£24,515 respectively. Power comes from a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 90PS, with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gears. It’s a perky engine, despite a leisurely 11.5 seconds to the benchmark 100kph/62 mph. Allied to a smooth gear change, this makes it a surprisingly entertaining drive on cross-country roads. For a small car there’s an admirable amount of space inside and it’s practical too. In addition to passenger space, the
Spain’s proposal would cut the general blood alcohol limit from 0.5 to 0.2 grams per litre.
checkpoints, whether on social media or through navigation apps. Marlaska presented the summer road-safety figures, stating that approximately 240 people died on Spanish roads in July and August, 10
more than last summer. Nothing changes for now, however. The 0.5 limit stays in force unless Congress votes differently, and the four parties that blocked the bill in March have not yet signalled a change of heart.
Credit: Trail Canillas de Albaida / Facebook
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Canillas de Albaida-Reto Higinio returns.
Climb for a cause
MOUNTAIN runners will return to Canillas de Albaida on Sunday, October 18 for the fourth Canillas de Albaida-Reto Higinio, a race where every kilometre carries a charitable purpose. The event originated in 2021, when a group of friends from the mountain-running community decided to organise a challenge to help Higinio, a young local boy living with spinal muscular atrophy. The initiative has since developed into an annual fixture, combining competitive mountain running with support for children and families affected by rare diseases. The 2026 edition will raise funds for Thyago, a seven-year-old from Velez-Malaga diagnosed with an exceptionally rare condition associated with the NALCN gene. Fewer than 100 cases are known worldwide, with only
two identified in Spain. Donations will contribute towards the ongoing specialist care Thyago requires, including physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychological support. Participants can tackle either a 13.5km course, featuring an accumulative 650m ascent, or the tougher 24.5km route, which climbs 1,450m. Both courses explore the spectacular terrain of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park. With places limited to 350 runners, the race offers several ways to take part, including individual, couples, team, functional-diversity and Joëlette categories. More than a mountain race, it is a chance to run for someone else.
SPORT
Sunset sprints TORROX will come alive as the sun sets on Saturday, September 19, when the IX Mirador El Faro Night Race takes to the streets from 7.30pm. The popular nighttime race offers runners a different way to experience the coastline, with the route following the promenades between Torrox Costa and El Morche. One of the highlights will be a torch-lit section through the Dunas de La Carraca, adding a distinctive atmosphere to the evening. Part of the 34th Provincial Athletics Circuit organised by Malaga Provincial Council, the event is designed to welcome runners of different ages and abilities. Distances range from 500 metres for the youngest competitors to 8 kilometres for the adult categories.
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As the sun goes down, runners set off. The race also has a strong charitable element. One euro from every entry will be donated to the Torrox branch of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), linking the sporting event with support for a local cause. With around 200 run-
ners already signed up at the time of its presentation, organisers are expecting another strong turnout. The Club Atletismo Torrox and Torrox Town Council are hoping the ninth edition will once again attract athletes from across Malaga province and Andalucia.