Costa Blanca South 15 – 21 January 2026 Issue 2115

Dep. Legal A 43-2025 - ISSN 2952-3958

Costa Blanca South I No. 2115 I 15 - 21 January 2026 I FREE Newspaper

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 continue until Sunday, January 18 and 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. Many events as part of this vibrant festival are still yet to be experienced, however. Thursday,

Photo Credit: Elche Town Hall

Festive fervour

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Elche launches 2026 with vibrant San Antón celebrations and traditions.

January 15 and Friday, January 16 will see two lively street parades. On Saturday, January 17, the town will host the feast day of San Antón, a day to rejoice in company and

delicious traditional food. The festivities are deeply rooted not only in tradition and culture, but also folklore and a booming social scene. The calendar for the festivities is

full of fun-filled events, including a horse race, sung mass, music, the ever-popular traditional paella raffle, and a fireworks show to close out a festive season to remember in Elche.

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LOCAL NEWS

15 - 21 January 2026

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TORREVIEJA’S excellent hospitality, food service, and tourism development has been officially recognised. At Torrevieja Town Hall, on the morning of Monday, January 12, a meeting was held to honour the official presentation of the 2026 Golden Fork Awards, as well as other awards of the Association of Hospitality Businesses of Torrevieja and Region, or AEHTC. Makro, a company that has established itself as a pillar of support for the local hospitality sector, was awarded the Company Recognition Plaque 2026, a distinction awarded to a company with direct ties to the hospitality industry. The Silver Tray 2026 Award was given to Las Salinas Mini Golf, a standout location in Torrevieja that this year turns 40.

Credit. Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Golden gastronomy The final stretch

Plans for new promenade. The 2026 Golden Fork Awards.

The Hospitality 2026 Award was given to Hotel Torrejoven, which has contributed significantly to the tourism development of the region. Individual people were also given awards. The Honorary Member Award was given to Tomás A Arenas, in order to recognise his significant contribution to the Association’s development. Ángel González Martos was given the Chef of the Year 2026

Award, a high honour that recognises talent, creativity, and innovation in the kitchen. Finally, the highest award the Association bestows upon a member establishment owner as public recognition of their work in the hospitality sector: the coveted Golden Fork 2026 Award was given to Restaurant La Mar de Bien, one of the most important restaurants in Torrevieja

TORREVIEJA’S port is nearing the completion of a major renovation, with nearly €15 million invested in the final phase. The project will transform the waterfront into a modern hub that combines contemporary facilities with the town’s 19th-century maritime heritage. Mayor Eduardo Dolón said: “We’re in the home stretch, and residents will soon see completed spaces come to life.” Key works include €8.9 million for secondary electrification to power a 60,000-square-metre multi-use area suitable for concerts, fairs, and seasonal events such as Christmas lighting. The space will feature green areas, benches, and climate-resilient shading. A separate €5.8 million contract will urbanise the Mínguez pier and fishing dock cliff, creating an attractive seaside

promenade from the port entrance to the Levante breakwater. The restored historic pier will include informative panels detailing Torrevieja’s maritime past. Dolón added: “We’re bringing everything into the modern age without forgetting our roots.” The popular artisan stalls, known locally as the ‘hippies’, will relocate to new wooden cabins painted white, fitted with colourful LED lights and bearing the town logo. The council has pledged to retain all existing vendors while enforcing rules to ensure authentic crafts. With works already under way, the revamped port is expected to be fully open by spring 2026. The overhaul is set to enhance tourism, stimulate the local economy, and provide a sustainable, more welcoming waterfront for all.

NEWS

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Cost pressures rise SPAIN is entering 2026 with a complex mix of rising and easing costs across key areas of household spending. Housing remains the main pressure point, with rents forecast to rise between 3 per cent and 8 per cent as pandemic-era leases expire and landlords adjust prices. Property prices are also expected to increase by around 7 per cent, while mortgage repayments may rise later in the year as the euríbor stabilises. Utility costs present a more nuanced picture. While regulatory charges for electricity and grid fees are set to increase, overall electricity bills could fall by up to 10 per cent due to lower wholesale energy prices and increased renewable generation. Water bills, however, are expected to rise modestly in major cities. On the income side, public pensions will be revalued, with contributory pensions rising by 2.7 per cent and minimum pensions increasing by up to 11.4 per cent for some recipients. The minimum wage is also expected to rise, alongside modest increases for public sector workers. Public transport fares are likely to remain subsidised in major regions, helping to contain commuting costs. In contrast, airport charges are set to rise, potentially increasing flight prices. Overall inflation is expected to moderate, but essential costs will remain a central concern for Spanish households in 2026.

15 - 21 January 2026

Login labyrinth Access matters most

IN 2026, one of the biggest obstacles to everyday life in Spain is no longer paperwork - it is simply being able to log in. As public administration moves rapidly online, many procedures now assume residents already have Cl@ve or a working digital certificate. Without these, tasks such as renewing documents, responding to tax notices, dealing with Social Security, or downloading certificates can stall abruptly, often without explanation. Many people avoid digital identification until an urgent deadline forces them to confront it. Cl@ ve is not a single tool: Cl@ve PIN offers temporary codes for occasional access, Cl@ve Permanente functions like a permanent account, and the digital certificate allows electronic signatures and is mandatory for some processes. Websites rarely

indicate which level of access is required, leading to confusion and blocked procedures at critical moments. Registration is another bottleneck. Video identification is inconsistent, in-person appointments are hard to secure, and the most reliable option - a verification letter by post - is slow. The Cl@ ve app can also lock users out when phones or SIM cards change, and digital certificates must be downloaded and backed up on the same device. Most issues stem from small oversights: incorrect NIE details, using the wrong login, or assuming basic access suffices. In 2026, the difference between a quick online task and days of frustration often depends on whether your digital access actually works when you need it.

Smoother border checks ONCE you’ve used the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), your second trip is not meant to feel like starting over. The first crossing creates a digital border profile linking your passport to biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints. Future entries focus on verification rather than re-enrolment. You will still present your passport, but border authorities usually just confirm it matches the stored record. This may involve a quick facial scan, a fingerprint check, or both, depending on the airport, port, or land crossing. The aim is simple: prove it’s you, record your entry, and move on. In theory, this should make crossings faster. In practice, speed depends on staffing, working kiosks, and how smoothly the rollout is progressing. During

The EU Entry/Exit System will change how non-EU travellers cross Schengen borders.

the transition, you may still see passport stamps alongside biometric checks, reflecting parallel systems rather than absence from EES. Fingerprints are not always required; some borders rely on facial recognition, others on fingerprints. EES also records exits, creating digital proof you left the Schengen area on time. Extra checks can occur if you have a

new passport or long gaps between trips, as biometrics are linked to passport numbers. For most travellers, the key point is reassurance. After the first registration, EES mainly confirms identity rather than repeats the process. Allow extra time, expect some inconsistency during rollout, and keep basic travel records. The second trip should feel far less intimidating.

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Overdraft fees stopped SPAIN’S Supreme Court has confirmed that banks cannot charge both overdraft commissions and late-payment interest on the same debt unless the commission is linked to a separate and clearly identifiable service. The ruling resolves a long-running legal dispute over banking practices and reinforces existing principles on transparency and proportionality in financial contracts. The case originated from a conflict between Banco Santander and a corporate client who had been charged an overdraft commission while also paying interest for late payment on the same outstanding amount. The Supreme Court found that this practice amounted to an unlawful duplication of charges, as the bank failed to demonstrate that the commission corresponded to an additional service beyond the granting of credit. In its reasoning, the court drew a clear distinction between interest, which compensates a lender for the time value of money and the risk of non-payment, and commissions, which must remunerate a specific service actually provided to the customer. Where no such service exists, the commission cannot be justified. The ruling applies regardless of whether the customer is a consumer or a business, reinforcing its broad legal scope. Legal experts note that the decision may open the door for customers to challenge similar charges applied in the past, particularly where fees were imposed automatically.

eu r owe ekl yn ew s . c om The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.

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Arts & crafts is just one of the many activities on offer.

TORREVIEJA U3A are holding a fair and, yes, everyone is welcome! The group currently have members from as far away as Cartagena to Guardamar. It will be a great opportunity for anyone who would appreciate meeting up with like minded people and to make new friends. Go and see for yourself on Monday January 26, from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the CMO building (Centro Municipal de Ocio) near Habaneras in Calle Jacinto Marin Noarbe, 9, 03184 Torrevieja. You do not have to be a member of theTorrevieja u3a to enjoy the fair, so why not join

them for a fun couple of hours and learn about all the different group activities and social events that they have to offer. More than 30 of their activity groups will be represented at the fair, ranging from Arts & Crafts, Board & Card Games, Dancing, Discussion & History, Food & Drink to Fitness, Language, Social & Events, Sports & Walking. The Group Leaders will be on-hand to provide information and there will also be some demonstrations that you can join in with. They look forward to seeing you there.

A tough day CARP-R-US started 2026 by fishing the seventh round of their Autumn/Winter Series at El Bosquet. The talk before the match was that it would be a tough day’s fishing after the recent cold and wet weather, and it was, although everyone managed to catch. The match was split over two sections, one on pegs 1 - 9 and the other on 10 - 18, with the best weights coming from 10 - 18. The best weight came from Willy Moons on peg 12 who managed to catch some very nice carp on bomb and maggot to weigh in 12.18kg. Second on that stretch was Steve Fell with 8.74kg from peg 14 on feeder and maggot. Pegs 1 - 9 were much tougher and the section was won by Trevor Morrey with 5.92kg from peg 4 caught on pole and bread. Runner-up was Jackie Breslin with a single barbel weighing 3.10kg from peg 8 caught on feeder and corn. Information about the club can be found on www.carp-rus.weebly.com.

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15 - 21 January 2026

LOCAL NEWS

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Artisan alliance BENIJOFAR recently experienced a wonderful artisanal fair, all for a good cause: the BeniArte Artisanal Encounter took place on Sunday, January 11, and along with it came various events, including a raffle, a magical showcase by Mama Elf, and a delicious array of food trucks and treats, all under a sunny and bright morning. The BeniArte event was organised in collaboration with Stroke Association Spain, a local nonprofit organisation that aims to help people who have had strokes or other forms of brain damage in the area. The day was described as a ‘great day with artisans, culture scouts, family, and friends’ by the association, and many residents of Benijofar residents unite at BeniArte fair Benijofar showed up to participate in the ex- supporting stroke charity. hibitions, sell their goods, demonstrate their charge of managing the events talents, and take part in the community. A wonderful way to connect with nature, learn about are already looking forward to locally sourced artisanal products, and share experien- February 8, when another event ces together as a community, the BeniArte event was a will be held in the united comsmash success in the municipality. The organisations in munity of Benijofar.

BUYING a home is more difficult than ever. With low supply and high demand, buying a home can feel like a distant possibility, especially in Alicante where prices have not just risen, they’ve soared.

Rare price drop According to Idealista, Spain’s largest real estate portal, the average price of Alicante properties reached €2,703 towards the end of 2025, a 14.4 per cent increase to the year before. This is a new all-time high for the area, but still the prices are expected to increase even more. The cost of living in a coastal town remains high. Moraira ranks first

as the most expensive town to purchase property, with an average price of €4,454 per square metre. Javea (€3,879), Benissa (€3,588), Altea (€3,433) and Benidorm (€3,387) follow. Shockingly, there are a select few locations where prices have actually gone down. Algorfa recorded the largest decrease, with house prices falling 10.5 per cent.

Prices also fell by 6.3 per cent in Benejuzar, 5.9 per cent in Alcalali, and 5.5 per centin Beniarbeig. In such a volatile housing market, these changes are especially noteworthy. They’re also a clear outlier. Price decreases are a rare exception to current market trends. As Alicante’s appeal continues to grow, low-cost housing is set to be a thing of the past.

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LOCAL NEWS

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Photo Credit: Bomberos de la Dipu / Facebook

FAST-RESPONDING firefighters in Guardamar del Segura successfully intervened in a dangerous situation on the morning of Tuesday, January 6, rescuing an injured cyclist. The cyclist had suffered a fall in a difficult access area of the municipality, and the team at Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium jumped into action. Firefighters received a call at 10.55 on the morning of the incident, and were quickly dispatched to Camino del Dos, where the injured cyclist was. The cyclist had suffered an injury, described as a possible hip fracture, when he fell while crossing a water channel in a mountainous area of the municipality. Due to the perilous terrain, paramedics were unable to reach the location with an ambulance, so fire-

Photo Credit: Hiking Trails

Rapid rescue Trail triumph

Two coastal GR-92 stages reach finals in Valencia trail awards.

Cyclist was stranded in difficult mountainous terrain.

fighters were called to rescue him on foot. The operation lasted around two hours, and at 12.55pm when the rescue was successfully carried out, the injured person was able to be moved to a more accessible area for medical attention. The rescue involved a Command and Headquarters Unit, a heavy

rural fire engine and a multipurpose rescue van, as well as one sergeant, one corporal, and six firefighters from the Almoradi and Torrevieja fire stations combined. Thanks to the quick action and teamwork of the first responders, the cyclist was successfully retrieved and was able to receive proper medical care.

VEGA BAJA is getting widespread recognition as a top hotspot for beautiful natural trails: two stages of the GR-92 Mediterranean Trail, which both run along the coastline of Costa Blanca South, have been officially shortlisted as finalists for the popular 2025 Trail Running Awards in the Community of Valencia, a prestigious award that recognises the hard work of the regions in making their trails fun, challenging, and breathtakingly beautiful. The stages being considered, among seven total finalists, are Stages 21 and 22 of the long-distance GR-92 route, which follows along the Mediterranean coast from the French border to the south of Spain. Stage 21 covers around 27 kilometres and

links Guardamar del Segura with Torrevieja, whereas Stage 22 spans 22 kilometres and connects Torrevieja, Orihuela and Pilar de la Horadada. The routes, when paired, pass through 30 popular tourist hotspots and points of interest in the region, including sparkling beaches, small rocky cliffs, natural areas filled with wildlife, and historical and cultural zones. The winning trail, which was chosen through a public vote that was open until January 10, 2026, will be announced at the FEMECV Awards Gala on Friday, January 30. Local officials in the Vega Baja region have recognised what a momentous occasion it is for the recognition of Costa Blanca South’s beautiful trails, wildlife, and historical monuments.

Festive footfall

Alicante’s festive commerce campaign drives higher footfall, sales, and engagement.

ALICANTE’S commercial revitalisation campaign, carried out in the city’s neighbourhoods during the 2025-2026 holiday season, was a booming success compared to the previous year. Local businesses, markets, and street markets registered a 10 per cent increase in the number of total people compared to the 20242025 season, and an increase of 5 per cent in sales. The initiative, organised by the Alicante City Council, yielded more than 5,000 people participating in the bustling Christmas commerce of the city, including the actions, events, promotions, and activities carried out during the holiday season. The activities attracted more people and encouraged consumption, boosting the local economy and allowing visitors

to not only enjoy one of the top Costa Blanca hubs for winter tourism, but take a little piece of it home with them as well. The strategy has been well established in Alicante for years now, positively impacting sales growth for local businesses. The city also invests heavily in lighting and decorations at Christmas, including Alicante’s famous Giant Nativity Scene, which stole the show this holiday season and attracted countless holidaymakers and local residents. The success of the initiative can also be largely attributed to the involvement of local merchants’ associations, who dedicate much hard work into organising special Christmas events in the neighbourhoods, totalling around 20 days.

ALICANTE’S historic venue, Plaza de Toros, is poised to undergo a transformation to become a major centre for activities and events year-round, not only for one-off events, as it has been for the past. Plaza de Toros, a famously large bullring built in the 1800s, is one of the city’s most emblematic hotspots and is soon to become a venue for leisure activities, concerts, sporting events, and more in order to attract locals and holidaymakers, even during the off-peak season. Handled by the company Eventos Mare Nostrum, the ambitious project proposes transforming the Plaza de Toros into a venue that can be active up to 98 days a year. Once the works are completed, annually, the bullring will bring 14 concerts (double the number scheduled for the whole of 2025), sports events, cultural performances, and gastronomic events including culinary fairs, gourmet markets, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, and themed festivals under the

15 - 21 January 2026

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Bullring boost Photo Credit: Alicante Film Office

LOCAL NEWS

Photo Credit: Alicante Department of Tourism

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Alicante’s bullring will host concerts, sports and food events year-round.

‘Plazeando’ brand. Music events, for which the city is known, are one of the main drivers of the decision. The management company plans to work with national promoters

to attract tours, festivals, and events in hopes of making the bullring a leading music venue and compete with other major venues on the Costa Blanca South and beyond.

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LOCAL NEWS

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Two new stations boost earthquake monitoring and early warning in Alicante.

and of course, seismic activity. The stations receive and store data on the servers of the Seismic Network of the Valencian Community. The data can also be accessed for scientific research as well as in land management, risk prevention, and the spreading of meteorological information. The installation of the stations is part of a lar-

ger project, aimed at developing forecasting and early warning systems for seismic and environmental dangers in the province. Through analysis of seismic activity, the weather, soil, and other geological factors, the stations can help researchers learn more about the earthquakes in the Vega Baja region, and help keep citizens safe while doing it.

SANTA POLA is once more showcasing its power as a local sports hub on the Costa Blanca, this time with the inauguration of the freshly remodelled Paco Hernández Sports Centre, and a morning of fun for the local residents who got to take it for a test run. The Paco Hernández Sports Centre, built in Santa Pola in the 1970s, is an emblematic facility in town, with a long history as one of the main ways Renovated Paco Hernández Sports Centre opens with local residents can get active. The centre underwent community sports celebrations. a partial and comprehensigrade of the reception area, something ve renovation valued at approximately local residents who use the centre daily €870,000, and now, it has been officiaparticularly praised. lly opened to the public to benefit faThe Paco Hernández Sports Centre milies, clubs, and residents of any age also now features a large, multi-purpowho want to try their hand at sports. se court that allows residents to practiThe renovation project focused on se futsal and handball, with two courts making the centre more accessible, that also can be used to play basketball functional, and versatile. Among the and volleyball. most notable improvements are the The north court and the stands have construction of a new accessible chanalso been refurbished, displaying the ging room building, the installation of slogan ‘Santa Pola amb l’esport’ (Santa adapted public restrooms, and the upPola with Sport). Photo Credit: Santa Pola Town Hall / Facebook

THE province of Alicante now has two new stations for the early detection of earthquakes in the area, funded through a grants programme by the Generalitat Valenciana and run by the Regional Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment. One is located on the campus of the University of Alicante, at the Faculty of Sciences II, and the other is in the district of La Matanza, in the Orihuela municipality. These meteorological stations are meant to improve these areas’ capacity for anticipation and response to earthquakes, especially in particularly vulnerable places like the southeast Iberian Peninsula. The province, and especially the Vega Baja district, is vulnerable to extreme weather events, including torrential rainfall, droughts, floods,

Photo Credit: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) / Wikimedia Commons

Seismic safeguards Sporting spirit

LOCAL NEWS

Cycling spotlight

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Photo Credit: Fundació Esportiva Municipal València

Textile waste scam

Alicante hosts prestigious cycling tour stages boosting sports tourism appeal.

NEXT month, the province of Alicante will feature prominently in the Volta Ciclista a la Comunitat Valenciana, or Cycling Tour of the Valencian Community, with two of its main stages located in the shining province. The top cycling teams from the whole of Spain and beyond are set to make a grand appearance for this event, taking place from February 4 to February 8, in the historic centre of Orihuela and the town of Sant Vicent del Raspeig. The athletes will make their way to the Costa Blanca for a 158-kilometre race between the two areas, divided into two main parts: the first 100 kilometres being flat, and the final 50 kilometres including

15 - 21 January 2026

challenging climbs, one of them being Alto de Tibi. For the province, the hosting of a grand, prestigious, and important sporting event such as the Cycling Tour of the Valencian Community reaffirms its position as one of the sports hubs of the Costa Blanca, constantly attracting visitors year-round due to its bustling activity. Not only this, the traffic of tourists, spectators, and supporters allows for a boost to the local economy and the development of tourism. As for the athletes, they are in for a demanding, rewarding route that is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of sports tourism of the season for the province of Alicante.

A MAN in Alcoy has been arrested by the National Police and is now facing charges of fraud and damage. The 39-year-old is accused of renting industrial warehouses, including one in Orihuela, where he allegedly dumped dozens of tons of used clothing. It has been revealed that the suspect charged others for recycling services, with the agreement being he would dispose of the clothes in an environmentally conscious way, but instead the clothing was abandoned Authorities were made aware of the situation by the warehouse owner. When the suspect failed to pay the monthly instalments, the owner visited the site, only to discover her land had been turned into a dumping ground for used clothing. Even after the discovery and report to

Credit: Shutterstock, Formatoriginal

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National Police continue to investigate.

the police, more lorries arrived to dispose of tons more clothing. Following an investigation into the matter, the police found he had defrauded at least two other people in the area with a similar scheme. The clean-up will be costly. Experts expect the total fee to be around €120,000 for one site

alone. This price includes treating each ton through an authorised company, and the cost of the estimated 50 lorries it would take to clear the warehouse. The suspect was apprehended in Alcoy, and taken before the duty magistrate’s court as police continue to investigate.

LOCAL NEWS

Stew showdown Credit: Shutterstock, etorres

Capturing Alicante’s soul

Traditional Spanish stew.

THE seventh edition of the International Stew Competition is set to take place on Saturday, January 31, at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) in Torrevieja. Around 20 teams are expected to take part, competing across a variety of Cocido specialties, including International Stew, Regional Spanish Stew, Traditional Stew with Meatballs, and the authentic Torrevieja-style Cocido with Meatballs. Open to cooking enthusiasts over 18, the competition welcomes individuals as well as groups representing associations, clubs, or friends’ circles. Professional chefs are not permitted to compete, although they may take part in a non-competitive exhibition. All participants, however, will

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be rewarded with prizes and commemorative medals, celebrating their culinary efforts. Organised jointly by the Torrevieja City Council’s Department for Older People and the Gastronomic Brotherhood of Cocido with Balls, the competition promises a lively and flavourful day for both participants and visitors alike. Registrations open on Thursday, January 15, at the Department of Senior Citizens’ offices on Calle Maldonado, No. 5, or by calling 620 408 284. The registration window closes on Monday, January 27, at 2.00pm, giving aspiring cooks a short but exciting period to secure their spot in this beloved annual culinary event.

ESPACIO SÉNECA will host the exhibition ‘Alicante in the Soul’. A photographic journey through the traditional trades of Alicante by the Mediterranía Foto collective from Thursday, January 15 to Sunday, February 22. Curated by Natalia Molinos, the show features 52 photographs inspired by Gastón Castelló’s 1948 mural at the former bus station, now Espacio Séneca. The images explore traditional industries that shaped Alicante’s economy, including fishing, citrus farming, marble, textiles, leather, and sweets. Councillor for Culture Nayma Beldjilali described it as “a very interesting exhibition that tells us about our industrial roots with images accompanied by texts from Alicante authors such as Miguel Hernández, Azorín and Gabriel Miró, among others.” Molinos emphasises that the photographs highlight

Credit: Shutterstock, MheePanda

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Photography exhibition captures the soul of Alicante.

the effort, dedication, and care behind each craft. Literary excerpts from Alicante authors and poets such as Francisca Aguirre, Trina Mercader, and María Ibars enhance the exhibition’s poetic narrative, linking crafts, photography, and local literature. The exhibition also showcases objects from the Biomimeti Foundation,

Circle of Arts and Crafts of Alicante collection, alongside projected images by Mediterranía Foto. Additional events include the screening of the documentary ‘150 Years of the Footwear Industry in Elche’ on January 22 and talks on traditional trades and Alicante identity throughout January and February.

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SPANISH NEWS

15 - 21 January 2026

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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

Credit : gph-foto.de, Shutterstock

Vulnerable eviction ban Sagrada Familia discount 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

Barcelona residents can visit the Sagrada Familia at half price throughout 2026.

The protections apply to families and individuals experiencing economic or social hardship.

BARCELONA residents will be able to visit the Sagrada Familia at half price throughout 2026, as the basilica launches a year-long 50 per cent discount aimed specifically at locals. From January 1 to December 31, anyone officially registered as a Barcelona resident can buy any type of ticket at a reduced rate, a move designed to reconnect the monument with the people who live around it. The initiative

coincides with two major milestones: the completion of the Tower of Jesus, the last of Gaudí’s central towers, and the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death. Standard entry tickets currently cost €26, guided visits €30, and tower access up to €40. In 2026, residents will pay half of those prices, making the basilica far more accessible to locals who may have avoided it because of crowds or cost. The discount

is not available through the usual online booking system. Instead, residents must contact the reservations team directly by email and provide proof of residency. On the day of the visit, official identification or municipal registration will be required. Construction work is also reaching a historic phase. The Tower of Jesus, which will become the tallest structure of the basilica, has entered its final stage.

FEATURE

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Perfect Shade

TOLDOS GUARDAMAR:

INNOVATION, COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY 365 DAYS A YEAR WITH 44 years of experience, Toldos Guardamar has firmly established itself as a leading company in solar and climate protection solutions throughout the Province of Alicante. However, to associate its work solely with summer would be misleading. Today, Toldos Guardamar represents a modern and forward-thinking approach to home comfort, combining continuous technological innovation, energy efficiency and solutions designed to improve everyday living all year round. Based in San Fulgencio, the company has evolved alongside changes in architecture, lifestyles and customer expectations. Far removed from traditional models, Toldos Guardamar works with a clear philosophy: to introduce new technological advances on a daily basis that increase comfort while also helping customers reduce energy consumption and protect their household budgets. Its long-standing experience allows the company to anticipate real needs and deliver solutions tailored to modern homes. One of the most significant developments in recent years is the motorisation of awning systems using integrated solar panels. This technology allows awnings to operate completely disconnected from the electrical grid, powered entirely by solar energy. The result is a highly convenient, efficient and sustainable solution that generates no additional electricity costs. Just as importantly, solar motorisation eliminates the need for electrical channelling, cabling or invasive installation work. This avoids construction elements that can negatively affect the appearance of a property - a decisive advantage for modern, design-focused homes, where clean lines and visual harmony are

essential. The system offers a discreet and elegant integration of technology into contemporary architecture. Innovation at Toldos Guardamar goes far beyond motorisation. The company continuously improves materials, automation systems and control mechanisms to make everyday use simpler while extending the lifespan of each installation. Every solution is designed to deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort, ensuring both immediate satisfaction and long-term value. This approach is particularly relevant during winter. While awnings are often associated with protection from sun and heat, they also play an important role in colder months. In winter, awnings act as a barrier against cold winds, helping to insulate terraces and protect windows. This added layer of protection reduces heat loss inside the home, creating a

more stable and comfortable indoor environment. By shielding glazed areas and exposed outdoor spaces, awnings help maintain a more consistent interior temperature. This leads to lower reliance on heating systems and reduced energy consumption, translating directly into cost savings. In this way, Toldos Guardamar provides solutions that enhance comfort not only in summer, but throughout the entire year. Another key strength of the company is speed of service. Toldos Guardamar has optimised all internal processes to offer an exceptionally fast response. From budget approval to final installation, just 24 hours are required. In a sector where long waiting times are common, this efficiency represents a clear and highly valued advantage. This rapid turnaround is made possi-

ble by a fully integrated operating model. Design, manufacturing and installation are all carried out in-house, without intermediaries. This structure allows the company to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality, precision or attention to detail. Toldos Guardamar offers solutions for terraces, gardens, balconies, windows, penthouses, parking areas and bespoke projects, serving customers across the entire Province of Alicante. Each installation is designed to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings, adding protection, comfort and real value to homes and businesses alike. The goal is not simply to cover a space, but to enhance its usability and improve quality of life. All products are 100 per cent manufactured in Spain, using certified materials and complying with European quality standards. Customers also benefit from a three-year Gold Warranty and a responsive after-sales service that reinforces trust and long-term reliability. Beyond products and technology, Toldos Guardamar places strong emphasis on customer relationships. As a gesture of appreciation, every year all customers receive an exclusive, personalised gift, created for each member of the household. This detail reflects the company’s philosophy: not just completing a sale, but creating a positive, lasting experience in which clients continue to feel valued long after installation. After 44 years, Toldos Guardamar continues to look to the future with a clear objective: to innovate every day in order to deliver greater comfort, higher efficiency and real savings. A company that understands that protecting homes from summer sun and winter winds ultimately means protecting people’s wellbeing.

Contact Toldos Guardamar - The Perfect Shade Polígono Industrial Los Mora Calle Isla de Ibiza, 12 03177 San Fulgencio, Alicante Tel.: +34 966 726 258 / info@toldosguardamar.com / promocion-especial.toldosguardamar.com

SPANISH NEWS

Credit : Media Lens King, Shutterstock

Bizum payments are under the spotlight as Spain clarifies new reporting rules for banks in 2026.

The aim is to place Bizum on the same level of oversight as card payments and bank transfers, improving detection of undeclared income for VAT, income tax and corporate tax. Finance officials stress the measure is not intended to monitor personal spending. Approved in 2025, it has given banks months to adapt their systems. For businesses already declaring turno-

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Forbes picks Spain

Bizum rules explained IF you use Bizum to split bills, repay friends or send money to family, Spain’s new reporting rules for 2026 are far less dramatic than early headlines suggested. Since January 1, banks have been required to send monthly information to the Tax Agency (AEAT) on electronic payments, but only those received by businesses and self-employed professionals. Private transfers between individuals are explicitly excluded. Paying a friend for dinner, sharing rent or sending pocket money does not trigger any new reporting or tax declarations. From February, banks will report a monthly total of Bizum income received by each registered business, along with identification details and the linked accounts. Hacienda will not receive a transaction-by-transaction list, only aggregated figures.

15 - 21 January 2026

ver correctly, the impact should be limited, while transparency increases for those using Bizum to hide income. Private users should remember one unchanged rule. If more than €10,000 is received in total transfers over a year across all bank movements, Hacienda may ask for an explanation. For most users, everyday Bizum use remains business as usual.

FOR travellers planning a 2026 getaway, Forbes has highlighted two Spanish destinations among its global list of 26 places worth visiting this year: Andalucia and Madrid. The selection underlines Spain’s continued appeal, offering contrasting experiences without the need for long-haul travel. Andalucia remains a firm favourite for European visitors, valued for its layered history, striking architecture and strong regional character. Cities including Seville, Cordoba and Granada continue to attract travellers with landmarks such as Seville Cathedral, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba and the Alhambra. Beyond these well-known sights, Forbes notes the appeal of quieter towns, a growing cultural scene and a distinctive local identity that rewards slower exploration. The region’s relaxed pace, long meals, warm evenings and frequent festivals all con-

Credit : LucVi, Shutterstock

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Málaga glows at sunset, one of the Spanish destinations highlighted by Forbes for 2026.

tribute to its enduring popularity. Madrid, by contrast, is gaining momentum as one of Europe’s most energetic city breaks. Visitor numbers continue to rise, fuelled by a food scene that blends traditional taverns with contemporary dining, alongside a steady stream of new cultural spaces, exhibitions and events. Everyday city life is central to its appeal, from terrace culture and neighbourhood

markets to chance street encounters. Major attractions such as the Royal Palace and Puerta de Alcalá remain key draws, while nearby royal sites including Aranjuez and La Granja de San Ildefonso offer day trips. Forbes’ double selection reinforces Spain’s status as a reliable choice for varied, high-quality travel in 2026, particularly for European travellers seeking worldclass culture close to home.

SPANISH LIVING

IT was announced recently that plans were in motion to organise a visit from Pope Leo XIV in the coming months. While no concrete date has yet been set, the Spanish government is said to be maintaining conversations with the Church to coordinate the trip. There are a lot of technicalities that go into planning an official visit from the Pope. Established protocol means the visit might not be officially announced until three months prior to the Pope’s arrival, as the Vatican tries to avoid cancelling due to unforeseen circumstances. What has been revealed, however, are the three cities expected to host the Pope. During a press conference in Rome, Archbishop of Madrid, Jose Cobo explained “The dates are not yet finalised, but I

Credit: Shutterstock, Riccardo De Luca - Update

Pope to visit Canary Islands

Pope Leo XIV.

can say that the stops will be Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.” He also shared that these cities were selected by “the Pope’s personal initiative.” Pope Leo XIV first mentioned visiting the Canary Islands in 2024, explaining his desire to visit the region stem-

med from the ongoing situation of migrants arriving by sea. The long process of organising a visit from the Holy Father has been in the works for a while, the visit first originated in May 2025, when King Felip VI personally extended the invitation.

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Royal scam SPAIN’S Fundación Princesa de Asturias re scammers use recognisable names to has issued a public warning after detecgive legitimacy to false investment scheting fraudulent online activity misusing mes or phishing attempts. the name and image of Princess Leonor. Experts note that impersonation scams According to the foundation, fake social have increased alongside the expansion of media profiles and messages have been social media platforms, where verification circulating, falsely linking the Princess standards can vary. The foundation’s resto financial offers and economic solicitaponse highlights the importance of digital tions. vigilance and reinforces The organisation stressed that Printhe need for users to cess Leonor, who serves as honorary verify sources carepresident of the foundation, does not fully, particularrequest or manage financial contribuly when money tions under any circumstances. Any or personal data communication claiming otherwise is is involved. fraudulent. The warning aims to prevent individuals from being misled into financial scams that exploit public trust in the Spanish royal family. The foundation urged the public to rely only on information published through its official channels or the Royal Household, and advised anyone affected to report incidents to the relevant authorities. The case reflects a broader pattern of identity fraud involving public Fake social media profiles and messages have been circulating. figures, whePhoto credit: OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES/Shutterstock

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18 15 - 21 January 2026

SPANISH NEWS

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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 shops directly from their Bizum plans to launch a digital wallet allowing in-store bank account using the payments from 2026. same app. The move marks a clear participating institutions. That means shift in Bizum’s role. Until now, it has one app and a single interface, with focused on instant transfers between more choice at the point of payment. individuals, limited online shopping A notable part of the plan is resilienpayments and donations. With more ce. Bizum says Bizum Pay is being dethan 30 million active users, over 4.2 signed to keep working during disrupbillion transactions processed and su- tions such as power cuts or network pport from 40 Spanish banks, Bizum outages, addressing weaknesses seen already has significant scale. Bizum Pay in many digital payment systems. aims to use that reach to compete in the Beyond Spain, Bizum is also pursuing in-store payments market. a European strategy through the EuroThe new wallet will allow payments at pean Payments Alliance. Users can alphysical tills either through direct bank ready send money to Italy and Portugal, payments or by adding bank cards from with further countries expected to 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.

20 15 - 21 January 2026

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SPANISH NEWS

Vaping and energy drink ban 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 wi-

thout 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.

Photo credit: Monkey Business Images/ Aleksandr Yu/Shutterstock

40 per cent of Spanish teenagers have tried vaping.

TESTIMONIAL

Heartfelt thanks Dear EURO WEEKLY Team, On behalf of ADINTRE Social Canteen, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the food you generously provided on December 31. Thanks to your support, we were able to offer a special meal on such a meaningful date, providing not only nourishment but also warmth, support, and hope to the people we serve. Gestures like yours make a real difference and strengthen our daily commitment to those most in need. We truly appreciate your generosity and the interest you have shown in our social work. It is an honour for us to count on the support of committed organisations such as EURO WEEKLY. Please accept our heartfelt thanks and best wishes. Kind regards, ADINTRE Social Canteen

EUROPRESS

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Europe on track Credit : Facebook - European Youth

22 15 - 21 January 2026

Young Europeans travelling by train as part of the DiscoverEU programme.

TURNING 18 already feels like a doorway into adulthood. For 40,000 young Europeans this year, it also comes with a much bigger one: a free train pass to explore the continent for up to a month. The European Commission has confirmed the latest winners of its DiscoverEU programme, which allows 18-year-olds to travel across Europe between March 1, 2026 and May 31, 2027 at no cost. Almost 4,000 of the passes went to young people in Spain, placing the country among the best represented. Launched in 2018, DiscoverEU encourages young Europeans to move beyond their borders, meet new people and experience how connected Europe is. This year’s edition coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Schen-

gen area, the border-free zone that makes such travel possible. Interest remained huge, with nearly 247,000 applicants, including more than 18,000 from Spain. Winners can travel freely by rail for up to 30 days, choosing their own routes and stops. They also receive a European Youth Card, offering discounts in 36 countries on transport, accommodation, food and leisure. The programme is open to those born in 2007 in EU countries or Erasmus+ states. Germany had the highest number of successful applicants, followed by France, Italy and Spain. Since its launch, over 430,000 young people have travelled via DiscoverEU, gaining independence, confidence and friendships.

LOCATED on Avenida D’Escandinàvia in the shining coastal town of Gran Alacant, Ohana GastroBar is a standout establishment and one of the area’s most beloved dining spots, known for its warm atmosphere, mouth-watering grilled cuisine, and friendly and attentive service. Its strong local reputation and praise from repeat customers make it a must-visit destination. Ohana GastroBar’s menu is rooted in Mediterranean and Argentine-inspired dishes, with an emphasis on charcoal-grilled meats that can satisfy any appetite. Some favourites on the menu include the restaurant’s signature, flavourful steaks, ribs, and grilled entrecôte, served with savoury sauces and classic

Musical magic

Photo Credit: Ohana GastroBar / Facebook

Grilled greatness

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Popular gastrobar serving grilled steaks, cocktails, and sunset views.

sides including baked potatoes and fresh salads, all prepared with quality ingredients, care, and craftsmanship. The restaurant’s wine list acts as a complement to the selection, and its refreshing cocktails enhance the dining experience overall. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday,

from 6.30pm to midnight, making it an ideal place to grab a delicious dinner. Ohana GastroBar is also a great place to soak in a cool Mediterranean breeze and enjoy the colder months, without the overwhelm of a busy tourist season. T. 653 37 59 61 facebook.com/ohana gastrobar

IN January, Alicante will again enjoy a production of one of the most iconic and influential musical comedies of the 2000s, performed by talented and passionate artists on a bright Costa Blanca stage. Mamma Mia! The Musical will return to Alicante as part of a successful tour, creating a vibrant spectacle that brings together a heartwarming story of humour, emotion, and energy, perfect for all audiences. From January 22 to February 28, the Teatro Principal in Alicante will immerse audiences in a trip to a glittering Greek island, where main character Sophie decides to invite three of her mother’s former lovers, in the hopes of discovering who her real father is. Between hilarious

Photo Credit: El Corte Inglés

Hit musical brings laughter and nostalgia to winter audiences in Alicante. situational comedy, tearjerking emotional moments, and iconic ABBA songs that will remind older audiences of a nostalgic era of music and film, the show has been - and will continue to be - a booming success in Spain, and the Costa Blanca is the next to enjoy this shining theatre spectacle. Audiences are in for a fastpaced show, memorable

moments, joy-filled group numbers, and intimate, emotionally charged scenes. With themes of love, family, and self-discovery, Mamma Mia! continues to be a cult classic, even nearly two decades after its release, and will ensure an evening of entertainment that is as uplifting as it is unforgettable.

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIALSCENE

Fabulous Floyd Photo Credit: Pûlsar to Floyd

26 EWN 15 - 21 January 2026

Pink Floyd tribute brings immersive P·U·L·S·E experience to Torrevieja.

TORREVIEJA will soon be able to enjoy a tribute to one of the world’s most iconic rock bands, performed by a talented and passionate tribute band. This January, the band Pûlsar to Floyd will grace the stage of the popular Costa Blanca cultural and musical hub, offering an immersive experience to honour and pay tribute to the legacy of the legendary British symphonic rock band, Pink Floyd. Their high-fidelity sound and incredible stage

presence will leave rockers in Torrevieja wanting more, even after the final encore. The performance, which will take place on Saturday, January 24, at the Torrevieja International Auditorium, will unite rock fans from all over the Costa Blanca and beyond at Torrevieja’s famed stage in order to see this acclaimed tribute band. Beloved, timeless, and iconic tracks including Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Time, Money, and Comfortably Numb will take centre stage in this

tribute show that will leave rock fans and newcomers alike enamoured with the genre and with the distinct Pink Floyd sound. Interested visitors can purchase tickets to the show from €30 from the Torrevieja International Auditorium box office. The performance will be carried out with the musicians’ own personality, while remaining faithful in execution and sound to the original and iconic album, and keep the rock spirit in Torrevieja alive.

30 15 - 21 January 2026 THE village of Pagliara dei Marsi in Italy’s Abruzzo region celebrated the birth of its first child in nearly three decades, bringing hope to a community of around 20 residents. The infant, Lara Bussi Trabucco, has been warmly welcomed as a symbol of continuity in a village long affected by population decline and rural depopulation. Residents have celebrated collectively, with neighbours and officials gathe-

EUROPRESS/FEATURE

First baby in 30 years ring to mark the milestone, which has also drawn visitors from surrounding areas. In parts of Italy where low birth rates and urban migration have left rural settlements with ageing populations and shrinking services. Villages like Pagliara dei Marsi exemplify the challenges of sus-

taining small communities, where quiet streets often see more cats than children. The arrival of the newborn offers emotional significance beyond the immediate family, renewing visibility and optimism for local life. Community anecdotes highlight the

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intimacy and charm of village life, with residents noting the humorous contrast between past emptiness and the renewed vibrancy brought by a child. Lara’s birth prompts reflection on how to support rural continuity, attract families, and preserve cultural and social heritage. While a single birth cannot reverse demographic decline, it reminds residents of the value of community, tradition, and hope.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dorterry Construction - Expert building contractors in Spain

DORTERRY Construction, based in Ciudad Quesada, brings over 35 years of experience in the construction industry to the Costa Blanca. Formerly a UK business, we are proud to offer our professional building services across Spain, covering the area from Gran Alacant to Cabo Roig. As fully insured and fully legal in Spain, Dorterry Construction specialises in full and part refurbishments, including bathrooms, kitchens, tiling, painting, general building work, patios, and pool terraces. Whether you are planning a complete renovation or a smaller project, our team combines UK expertise with local knowledge to deliver high-quality results every time. What sets us apart is our commitment to precision, reliability, and customer satisfaction. With decades of

hands-on experience, we understand the nuances of construction and ensure every project meets both safety standards and your personal expectations. Trust Dorterry Construction to bring your building vision to life with skill and professionalism. Our office is open Monday to Thursday from 08.30 to 18.00, and Friday from 08.30 to 16.00. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Get in touch with Dorterry Construction today to discuss your project. You can reach us by phone or WhatsApp on 711 072 273, by email at dorterryconstruction@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

32 15 - 21 January 2026

FEATURE/ SPANISH NEWS

Borrowed fare to fame

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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.

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.

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

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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

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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.

37

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.

EUROPRESS

euroweeklynews.com

Tractor blockade Credit: @pmiranda1 X

38 15 - 21 January 2026

Anti-Mercosur protestors block AP-7 in Catalonia.

ON Thursday, January 8, farmers across Europe staged widespread protests against the impending EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, fearing cheap imports from South America would undercut local production and lower standards. In France, dozens of tractors breached police lines to reach central Paris, blocking iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Organised by unions including Coordination Rurale, protesters demanded rejection of the deal, which covers Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reaffirmed opposition, warning of threats to beef, poultry, sugar, and other sectors. President Emmanuel Macron’s government plans to vote against the pact.

Similar actions disrupted roads in Spain, Germany, and Greece, with highway blockades and port shutdowns highlighting fears of unfair competition. The agreement, politically concluded in December 2024 after more than two decades of talks, requires a qualified majority of EU states for approval. A potential ambassador-level vote looms, amid Brussels concessions including €45 billion in early agricultural funds and fertiliser tariff cuts. Supporters, including Germany and Spain, emphasise export boosts and geopolitical benefits. Opponents like France, Poland, and Ireland vow resistance. The protests show deep divisions as the EU weighs trade ambitions against protecting its farmers.

Baaagain hunting AROUND 50 sheep caused chaos in a Bavarian supermarket on Monday, January 5, after breaking away from their flock. The animals wandered into a Penny discount store in the town of Burgsinn, southern Germany, where they roamed the aisles and gathered near the checkouts for about 20 minutes. Video footage showed the flock knocking over products, breaking bottles and leaving manure on the floor. Shoppers and staff looked on in surprise, with some customers climbing onto conveyor belts to avoid the animals. The sheep had separated from a 500-strong flock being moved by shepherd Dieter Michler. He suggested they may have followed a customer carrying a plastic bag, mistaking it for a feed sack. After milling about, the sheep left the store of their own accord and rejoined the flock. No injuries were reported, and the supermarket required a serious amount of cleaning. Rather than seeking compensation, Penny announced it would sponsor a year’s supply of feed for the 50 sheep, capitalising on the viral publicity. The incident amused many online, with the German Embassy in London posting a pun-filled comment about ‘shear mania’ in rural ‘Baa-varia’.

Credit: German Embassy, London

Episode of supermarket sheep.

FEATURE/EUROPRESS

European army? Credit EP

TOP Trending

as a necessary response to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and other geopolitical challenges. The idea of a pan-European army has circulated for years but remains controversial. Critics fear it could erode national sovereignty, centralise power in Brussels, and risk authoritarian tendencies. Some MEPs have warned that emergency procedures might bypass Parliament and concentrate authority in the European Commission. Experts regard a fully unified European army as conceptual rather than practical in the near term, with hybrid models strengthening the European pillar within NATO seen as more realistic. Discussions on greater strategic autonomy continue amid heightened concerns about Europe’s defence readiness.

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People We Meet on Vacation

etflix / X it: N ed Cr

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. Season 2

His & Hers Limited series 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 gravitas to lines that could otherwise feel

39

Europe closes ranks

Potential European army.

EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has urged the creation of a powerful, standing European military force of around 100,000 troops to bolster the continent’s defence and reduce reliance on the United States. Speaking at the Folk och Försvar conference in Sweden on Sunday, January 11, Kubilius warned of growing uncertainty over American security commitments to Europe. He called for bold institutional reforms, including a new European Security Council of 10 to 12 key member states - potentially including the United Kingdom - to enable faster decision-making on defence matters. Kubilius outlined three critical pillars for stronger European security: greater investment in military production, streamlined institutions, and the political will to deter or confront threats. He framed the proposal

15 - 21 January 2026

EUROPE’S leading powers rallied behind Denmark and Greenland on January 6 following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump to annex the strategically important Arctic island. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO ally and EU member, and European leaders have stressed that its future can only be decided by its people and Copenhagen. In a joint declaration, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Denmark stated that ‘Greenland belongs to its people’ and underlined that sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental principles of international law. Other European governments have since added their support, reinforcing a common European stance.

CREDIT - muratart / Shutterstock

euroweeklynews.com

Greenland is an autonomous territory.

While recognising Europe’s reliance on the United States for security, the signatories sought to balance firmness with diplomacy by offering closer co-operation with Washington on Arctic security. Trump has argued that Greenland is vital for US ‘national security’, despite an existing defence agreement that already grants the United States wide military access.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, welcomed the European backing and called for respectful dialogue through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any military action by the United States against a NATO ally would threaten the very foundations of the Alliance and the post-war security order.

40 EWN 15 - 21 January 2026

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sleep training

Cheese and cognition

Credit: Shutterstock, New Africa

IF you’ve counted a herd of sheep and still find yourself wide awake, you might have to switch tactics. Easier said than done but sticking to a consistent sleep schedule is one of the best ways to improve your sleep. Your body’s circadian rhythm is hard-wired to sunrise and sunset. Go to bed and get up at the same time of day to retrain your body. Ideally you should be getting no more than eight-hours of

sleep between that time in order to feel well rested. If, after 20 minutes, you’re not asleep, get up and do something relaxing but don’t use electronic devices. It’s best to avoid blue light, which computers and phones emit, as they reduce your levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps you relax and fall into a deep sleep. Additionally, be cautious of what you eat before bed.

Caffeine is the obvious one to avoid, but alcohol can keep you awake too. It might feel like it’s helping you drift off, but in actuality it’s causing more harm than good. One way to help retrain or even maintain your circadian rhythm is by spending time in the sunlight. Exposure to sunlight helps your body’s internal clock know when it’s day and time to be awake, and when it’s night and time to sleep.

STUDIES suggest cheese may have more health benefits than expected. Japanese researchers, publishing in the open-access journal Nutrients, found that eating cheese once a week could reduce the risk of dementia by up to 24 per cent. The study tracked 8,000 Japanese people aged 65 and older over three years, comparing regular cheese eaters with those who rarely or never consumed it. By the end, 3.4 per cent of weekly cheese consumers had been diagnosed with dementia, compared with 4.45 per cent of non-consumers. This difference equates to around 10.6 fewer cases per 1,000 people. Experts suggest several reasons cheese might support brain health. It contains proteins and essential amino acids that main-

Photo Credit: Azzedine Rouichi via Unsplash

tain neurons, as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K2, which supports vascular health and calcium balance. Among participants, processed cheese was most common (82.7 per cent), followed by white mould cheeses such as camembert or brie (7.8 per cent). The study is observational, showing an

association rather than proving causation, and further research is needed to determine ideal intake and the effects of different cheese types. Globally, more than 50 million people had dementia in 2021, with numbers expected to triple by 2050. In the UK, around one in 11 over-65s have the condition, roughly 944,000 people.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com YOGA might sound like something only hippies or LA celebrities could enjoy, but actually it’s a proven tool for improving your physical and mental health. Despite a recent spike in popularity, yoga dates back thousands of years to ancient India, where it was a spiritual practice for achieving liberation. Many millennia later and yoga is still being

15 - 21 January 2026

Benefits of yoga practised worldwide. First and foremost, yoga is a great form of exercise as it stretches your muscles and promotes movement. Maintain a constant routine and it can seriously improve flexibility, balance and strength. Conse-

quently, yoga improves your physical well-being. A major part of yoga is intentional and controlled breathing known as ‘pranayama’. Some 1,400 studies found ‘pranayama’ breathing techniques to be super beneficial for cardiovas-

Youthful hands A LOT of time, money and effort goes into keeping your face looking youthful, but how much attention do you pay to your hands? As you get older, dry skin and brittle nails become a problem. Hands also go wrinkly faster than other parts of your body as your hands lose fat and elasticity. Ageing is a part of life, a sign of your evolution, but there are some manageable tips and tricks to prevent your hands from ageing before their time: Moisturising is skin-care basics, and that extends to your hands. Make sure you’re moisturising regularly, especially after you wash your hands as the hot water removes the natural oils. Wear gloves

when you’re dealing with harsh chemicals, or doing hands-on manual labour like gardening. Sun cream is just as important for your hands as it is for the rest of you. You probably don’t even realise just how much your hands are exposed to the sun either. Protect your hands and wear sun cream. There are certain foods that are especially good for strengthening nails. Try to incorporate foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. A lot of the things you already do in your skin-care routine can be easily applied to help your hands too. Credit: Shutterstock, carlesmiro

cular function. Yoga is also proven to help with mental health struggles. Studies have found that yoga can alter key networks in your brain. A 2023 study found yoga-based treatments to be effective in ma-

EWN 41

naging major depressive disorders. As many people attend in-person classes, practising yoga also serves as a great way to form community. In a time where forging connections can prove difficult, in-person exercise classes are not just promoting physical exercise but social connection too.

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

42 EWN 15 - 21 January 2026

Headache friendly hairstyles HOW you wear your hair could be contributing to your headaches. A common misconception is that beauty is pain. That’s not true. There are plenty of ways to still rock an up-do without triggering a migraine. Slick-backs are the current ‘in’ style, but can definitely take their toll on your scalp. Instead of constantly tightening the pony-tail, add volume other ways, with a well-placed claw-clip to give your hair height. Rather than slicking your hair

How golf became my therapy Credit: Shutterstock, Davor Geber

MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE EXPERT MIGUEL FRANCO

so far back you can’t move without flinching, consider using Kirby grips to keep everything neat and tidy. If slick-backs are your goto, give your scalp a break when you get home. Relieve the tension with a firm head massage, and keep your hair down for a little while. If you still want the hair out of your eyes, tie it back loosely. Loose buns tied back with soft or silky scrunchies or loose braids are a great

alternative to super tight styles. While they might not stay picture-perfect all day, its often the case that the messiness can work in your favour, looking artfully purposeful rather than ragged. Braids in general are a good protective hairstyle. They keep the hair out of your face without needing to be pulled tight to hold shape. Good for sleeping too, you won’t find this style.

I started playing golf because it was fun. Simple as that. I enjoyed being outside, walking and focusing on something completely different from daily life. But after a while, I noticed something I couldn’t ignore. After a round of golf, I felt calmer. Clearer in my head. More relaxed in my body. Four hours in nature. No phone. No noise. No rush. During a round, everything slows down. You walk, breathe and focus on one shot at a time. Without trying, your nervous system switches off

‘stress mode’. That’s when I realised why golf feels like therapy during and after a round. Walking for hours improves how the body uses glucose. Sunlight supports hormone balance. Focus lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. Together, this creates a powerful reset for body and mind. This is why golf fits so well with the Mediterranean lifestyle: natural movement, time outdoors, rhythm and enjoyment. Not gyms or strict routines. Today, this combination is how I live and how I help others live healthier, calmer lives. I teach golf to beginners and intermediate players not only to improve their game, but to use golf as active meditation, a way to slow down and regain control.

To understand this approach fully, read the full article online. Visit www.casamiguel.life to book a golf lesson or personal chat session. Sometimes, the most powerful therapy doesn’t feel like therapy at all.

Brighter quiet days

Shutterstock Jacek Chabraszewski

LIVING far from family or facing the season without close relatives can create a deep sense of loneliness. Festive celebrations often highlight the absence of familiar voices which can make quiet moments feel heavier. The good news is that gentle self care and small purposeful actions can bring comfort and connection even in difficult times. Reaching out to others and nurturing your own well-being can slowly transform the way these moments feel.

Creating a simple daily routine offers stability. A morning walk, fresh air and light exercise support both mind and body. Joining local groups or attending community events can open the door to new friendships. Many people find comfort in volunteering since helping others creates a warm sense of purpose and brings you into contact with kindhearted people. Meaningful hobbies also play a role. Reading, painting, cooking or lear-

ning a new skill can lift the mood and fill quiet hours with creativity. Video calls with friends, even brief ones, help maintain bonds across long distances. Gentle self care practices such as warm baths, calming music and mindful breathing can soothe feelings of isolation. Loneliness is not a weakness. With patience, compassion and steady steps it is possible to build a life that feels more connected and supported.

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Do you drink tap water?

Do you drink tap water in Spain? FOR anyone living in or travelling to Spain, the question of whether tap water is safe to drink often sparks debate. Habits formed in other countries, concerns about taste, and advice from friends can all influence personal choices. To explore real-life experiences rather than assumptions, a poll asked: “Do you drink tap water in Spain?” The answers reveal a wide range of attitudes, from complete confidence to careful compromise. Many respondents answered with a clear and confident yes, often backed by years of experience. Keith Holland dismissed outdated worries, saying, “Yes, this isn’t the 70s.” Others echoed that sentiment. Antonie Smeitink summed it up with dry humour: “Tap water, more than 40 years and I’m still alive.” Some people are happy to drink tap water but prefer a little help. Steve Lynton said, “Yes with a tap filter,” while Bev Hindle agreed with, “Filtered yes.” Taste rather than safety was a recurring theme. Caroline Jane Lewis commented, “Yep, but prefer bottled because it can taste a bit ‘chloriney’ at times!” This was reinforced by Ilde Sierra, who explained, “The problem is not the safety of tap water,

but sometimes for the chlorine flavour. But it’s absolutely safe to drink it, in terms of potability.” Others take a more cautious or selective approach. Christine Moore shared, “Only after boiling it. I only drink it in tea and coffee. Otherwise I drink bottled water,” a view echoed by Sheila Susan Baldwin’s concise, “Boiled.” Robert Smith balances both options: “Use tap water for tea and coffee and cleaning teeth. Bottled in the fridge for drinking.” Anthony Buckley added, “I use it to make coffee and tea. But for drinking just plain water, no, I always drink bottled.” A few said no outright, often with humour. Gordon O’Keeffe wrote, “Nope. I buy bottled still water. Apart from that, it’s beer, beer and sometimes even beer!” Meanwhile, Justine Dawkins described changing her mind over time: “When I first moved to Spain I bought bottled water, then I realised that the children were given tap water at school so I then changed to tap water.” Overall, the poll shows that most people said yes, they do drink tap water in Spain, although many add filters, boil it, or choose bottled water for taste rather than safety.

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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.

Axarquia

Almeria

MALAGA Province celebrated its finest culinary talents at the Premios Academia Gastronómica de Malaga, held on a glamorous gala evening at the Gran Hotel Miramar in the capital. The event honoured eight outstanding restaurants, professionals, and producers for their contributions to the region’s economy, business, and tourism through exceptional cuisine. The night’s top honour, the best chef award, went to Víctor Hierrezuelo. Based at El Chiringuito in the rural Axarquia village of Sedella, the young chef combines deep Malagueña traditions with modern techniques. Trained in renowned kitchens including Arzak and Bardal, he has elevated his family’s historic bar into a destination that showcases local ingredients and family recipes with a contemporary spin. The Premio José Luis Barrionuevo al Mejor Restaurante was awarded to El Puerto in Casabermeja. This family-run venue was praised for its unwavering dedication to classic coastal cuisine.

THE streets were alive with laughter and joy on Sunday January 11, as Albox held the 19th ‘Maria Carmona Memorial’ San Silvestre race. Despite initially being postponed due to the rain, the appeal of supporting the local community, whether through competing or cheering, drew the biggest crowd to date, with close to 430 runners registered. Esther Gálvez Jiménez of the ‘Club Atletismo Sur Este’ and Fernando Casado Sobrino of the ‘Club Cuellar Stone’ were crowned champions, finishing their respective races in first place. They received handcrafted trophies, made by the local pottery workshop, Luis ‘El Puntas’. This prize not only celebrated the winner’s impressive achievements, but highlighted local tradition and craftmanship. Over 160 children competed in the event, making it the most family-friendly edition of the race. The event also doubled as a charity drive. Non-perishable food was collected and donated to Caritas branches in Albox.

Mallorca

Costa Calida

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.

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.

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Arty the Burmese: Cat-sitters find him artful if unpredictable ARTY is a young and handsome rescue Burmese cat who’s recently joined three other Burmese in a household full of feline character. Together they form a lively troupe of indoor cats, each with quirks that keep cat-sitters endlessly entertained. Arty’s standout party trick? He somehow predicts which room you’re about to enter and beats you to it - every single time. Artful, yes, but also mischievously clever. Sometimes he darts in at ankle height like a furry lightning bolt; other times, he springs up to your shoulder, vaults off the doorframe, and makes a theatrical leap into the room. Unpredictable? Entirely. Graceful? Always. Arty combines gymnastic flair with enough cunning to keep even the most seasoned cat-sitter alert. Intelligent, sleek, and delightfully dramatic, Arty is the kind of cat who reminds you why felines deserve their mystique. Could you care for a cat like Arty? He’s confident you could - and probably should. HouseSitMatch: Where humans behave and pets thrive

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

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Domestic cat threat 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

PETS

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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.

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Motorway toll rises

The changes apply to state toll motorways.

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, AP53, AP-66 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.

Margin of error 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

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WITH more than 13 years in the automotive trade along Costa Blanca, Bradley Breakers have accumulated a wealth of stories, many of them cautionary tales that shed light on the intricacies of vehi- cle ownership and scrapping in Spain. Picture this: you’ve bid farewell to your trusty old banger, convinced that it’s been consigned to the scrapyard, only to be blindsided by a hefty fine months later. It’s a scenario that has played out more times than one might imagine, as long as your name remains tethered to the document of ownership, you bear legal responsibility for that vehicle. Unlike the processes encountered in other countries, the Spanish system of

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A speed camera warning sign on a Spanish road - knowing your rights could save you from an unexpected fine this summer.

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.

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Hyundai Ioniq 9 - space, style and quality ROAD TEST By Mark Slack I HAVE commented before in these pages that the designers of EVs seem to be competing to produce the most striking, brash and ‘out there’ designs possible to make their cars stand out in an ever-increasing automotive EV crowd. A good case in point is the Hyundai Ioniq 9, a genuinely large machine that feels particularly spacious, not necessarily a given with large cars, utilising the interior space very effectively. From a style point of view, which is obviously subjective, the feedback on my Ioniq 9 test model was not entirely positive. The feedback changed for the interior though, where without exception everyone thought it not only spacious and comfortable but extremely tactile, premium and stylish. Externally the Ioniq 9’s looks are much improved with lighter paint

finishes and the same can be said of the interior too. Light interiors always tend to look classier but very effectively make an interior feel light and airy too. The range starts from €74,930/£64,995 with three trim levels, the top-line version costing €90,610/£78,595. All bar one version offers seven seats with a six-seat model providing two individual chairs in the middle seating row. Standard fare across all models includes three zone climate control, smart cruise, power tailgate, wireless pho-

ne charging, powered, heated and folding door mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel, power front seats, automatic flush door handles plus auto lights, wipers and dimming mirrors. My test model was the Ultimate version and adds such niceties as a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front and middle row seats plus ventilated front ones too. A head up display (very useful and easy to read), a superb Bose sound system and rear

privacy glass. Finished in Biophillic Blue Pearl with a light interior the moment you opened the door it genuinely looked a million dollars in terms of style, feel and quality. All Ioniq 9 models have a 110kwh battery and the lead-in version with rear-wheel-drive develops 218PS, the top-line version develops 427PS. My 307PS all-wheel-drive test version, offers a potential range of 372 miles, although in real-world-driving I’d suggest a more realistic range would be in the order of 300 miles. That’s still a very useable range. Considering the size of the Ioniq 9 the handling is surprisingly good, although you aren’t going to be powering along twisting cross country routes. Comfort is the key and you couldn’t really want for anything such is the level of

Facts at a Glance Model: Hyundai Ioniq 9 Ultimate AWD Engine: 110 kwh battery, 307PS Gears: Automatic Price: €84,755/£73,496 Performance: 0 to 100kph/62mph 6.7 seconds. Maximum speed 199kph/124mph Range: Combined driving 598km/372 miles Emissions: 0 g/km Co2 Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets standard equipment. If you like the look, want a genuinely impressive interior, and let’s face it you spend most of your time inside a car, then the Ioniq 9 is an example of where a manufacturer still puts quality above cost.

SPORT

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Fortius 2025 awards THE 8th annual ‘Fortius’ 2025 Sports Gala is to be held on Friday January 16 in Orihuela. The awards gala will see distinguished sports personnel recognised for their accomplishments and contributions within Orihuela’s sporting world over the course of the last Victor Sigüenza announced the Fortius 2025 year. winners. Victor Sigüenza, the councillor for Sports, announced coach of the year, to name just a few. the ‘Fortius’ 2025 awards winners in a The Atanasio Díe Circus Theapress conference on January 8. Win- tre will host the awards ceremony, ners were selected by a jury made with the celebrations kicking off at up of seven experts from across va- 8.00pm. As Sigüenza made sure to rious fields. Sigüenza explained the remind Orihuela residents, admisprocess of selecting the winners was sion to the event is free until cabased on their effort, perseverance pacity is reached. “This gala is deand the values they represent. signed so that no one misses it, so Such winners include Carmen that together we can recognise the Marco receiving the ‘Fortius’ award work being done throughout the for athlete of the year, Angel Valero municipality in the field of sports,” Girona receiving the award for sports he stated. The general public are manager of the year, and Pedro Gon- encouraged to attend and show zalez Blanco receiving the award for their support. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

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