Costa Blanca South I No. 2147 I 27 Aug - 2 Sept 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal A 43-2025 - ISSN 2952-3958
Helping home Credit: Help at Home Costa Blanca Playa Flamenca.
EXPATRIATE golfers on the Costa Blanca have raised more than €2,000 for a local charity helping local people in need. Help at Home Costa Blanca was chosen as Euro Golf Society captain Duncan Roberts’ charity for the 2025/26 season, with members raising a total of €2,005.33. The latest €1,230.33, raised between January and June, was presented to the charity, bringing the season’s fundraising to €2,005.33. Based in Playa Flamenca, Help at Home raises funds locally to provide support for people living across Costa Blanca South, with volunteers helping residents of all ages when they need practical assistance or simply someone to turn to. Its services include taking people to hospital and medical appointments, befriending those who are lonely, helping residents access Spanish social services and providing interpreters.
Euro Golf Members raising money for Help at Home.
The charity can also offer information about carers and care homes, personal alarms and GPS trackers for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as well as guidance on UK benefits and contacts for the Brit-
7
Rent without hidden prices
ish Consulate and ex-service personnel. Much of the money needed to provide these services is generated through donated goods sold in the charity’s shops at Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre. The Euro Golf donation is a welcome boost and another example of the international community supporting local organisations that help neighbours in need. For many foreign residents, living away from relatives can make
illness, reduced mobility or unexpected problems particularly difficult. Having local volunteers who understand those challenges can make an important difference. Help at Home’s message is simple: funds raised in the community are used for the community. Thanks to Euro Golf’s members, another €2,005 is now helping that work continue, showing how a shared hobby can also provide valuable support for people living locally.
2
27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
LOCAL NEWS
Credit: Royal British Legion.
GOLFERS on the Costa Blanca have raised €1,090 for the Royal British Legion after coming together for a charity day at El Plantío Golf Club. The event was organised by the Orihuela Costa & District Branch of the Royal British Legion and provided another welcome boost to its fundraising efforts. The successful day added €1,090 to funds supporting the Poppy Appeal and the branch’s general fund, helping the organisation continue its work within the Armed Forces community. The Royal British Legion provides support to serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families, with overseas branches playing an important role in communities with large British populations.
Credit: Hananeko_Studio / Shutterstock.com
Golfing support Caring community
New care home service bringing extra support to Torrevieja residents. Money raised for the Royal British Legion in Orihuela.
The Orihuela Costa & District branch brings together members from across the local area for social events, remembrance activities and fundraising throughout the year. Organisers thanked everyone who took part in the golf day, with particular thanks going to Poppy Appeal Organiser Bob Smith for his continued work supporting the branch. The latest total fol-
lows another successful charity golf event held at Saurines in June, when 98 golfers competing in 25 teams helped raise €1,425 for the Poppy Appeal. Together, the two golf events have therefore generated more than €2,500 this summer. For the local branch, every event helps maintain both its fundraising and its presence within the Costa Blanca community.
OLDER and vulnerable residents in Torrevieja are receiving extra help at home following the launch of a new municipal care service backed by an investment of almost €2 million. The €1.94 million service is designed to help older people, residents with recognised dependency and families who need additional support, allowing more people to remain safely and independently in their own homes. A team of 26 home-care assistants and two full-time social workers will provide practical support. The service also includes six portable stair-climbing chairs to help people with reduced mobility living in buildings where access can be difficult. An additional 1,350 hours of free care will be available each
year to respond to emergencies or situations where families suddenly require more support. Residents using the service will also have access to additional help including physiotherapy, podiatry and personal care services at no extra cost. Importantly, the programme aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation, as well as helping people maintain their independence and providing valuable support for relatives and carers. Torrevieja has a large and diverse population, including many older residents who want to continue living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The new service aims to make that possible by bringing practical assistance directly to those who need it.
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
27 August - 2 September 2026
Electricity bills soar
Having your say Registering local resident votes
Air conditioning units working overtime.
ified households should also apply for the social discount scheme, which reduces bills by 25 to 40 per cent. Running high-consumption appliances during off-peak hours, such as
weekends or between midnight and 8 am, offers further savings. The consumer group continues to press the government to reform the pricing system for nuclear and hydro power.
Credit: Ayto de Alcobendas
Credit: José Hernández Camera 51 - Shutterstock
CONSUMER WARNING ISSUED HOUSEHOLDS in Spain on the regulated PVPC electricity tariff face a sharp cost increase in August. Consumer group FACUA calculates that the average bill will reach €101.23 if rates from the first half of August remain steady. This marks the first time an August bill has exceeded €100 since 2022, when the typical monthly charge reached €158.30. By comparison, last August saw an average bill of €80.71. The projected total represents an 8.1 per cent increase from July, which was previously the most expensive month of the year at €93.65. Prices in the first fortnight of August are 17.3 per cent higher than during the same period in 2025. FACUA bases its calculations on a household consuming 366 kWh monthly with 4.4 kW of contracted power. Off-peak rates alone have risen by more than a third year-on-year. To lower costs, FACUA advises residents to review their contracted power levels. Seven out of 10 Spanish homes pay for unnecessary capacity. Reducing excess kilowatts is free and can yield immediate savings. Qual-
Don’t be late for casting a vote.
EXPATRIATE residents must prepare if they wish to vote in the upcoming local elections on May 23, 2027. Under the post-Brexit bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and Spain, UK nationals with three years of continuous legal residence can participate in municipal votes. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old on polling day, hold a valid TIE or residence permit, and appear on the local municipal register (padrón). Non-Spanish citizens remain excluded from regional and national elections. Registration for the foreign residents’ electoral census opens on December 1 and closes on January 15. Electoral authorities do not send automatic reminder letters. Voters should apply in person at their local town hall. Applicants need to present a valid passport, TIE, current padrón certificate, and documentation proving three years of residence. Applying early avoids processing delays. Missing the January deadline removes the opportunity to vote until the subsequent election cycle in 2031. Further details and verification tools are available on the Instituto Nacional de Estadística electronic portal and the Ministerio del Interior electoral pages. Credit: ahmad magdi / Shutterstock.com
Back to school bites PARENTS RETHINK SPENDING FAMILIES in Spain face an average back-toschool bill of a huge €505 per child in 2026, placing Spain among Europe’s most expensive countries for school equipment. Research by Idealo puts this year’s cost about 1 per cent higher than in 2025 and 19 per cent above 2022. Textbooks make up the largest share, while some everyday items have also become more expensive. Backpack prices have risen 11.25 per cent in a year and stationery by 5.26 per cent. Not everything costs more. Tracksuits are about 19 per cent cheaper, falling from roughly €26 to €21, while sports footwear has dropped by around 9 per cent. The rising bill is also causing debate over whether children really need new equipment
every year. A new uniform or pair of shoes may be necessary as children grow, but parents are increasingly questioning the pressure to replace perfectly usable bags, lunch boxes and stationery. Idealo advises families to check what they already have, distinguish essentials from wants, compare prices and consider second-hand textbooks, uniforms and equipment. Parents remain divided. Some see new school items as an important childhood tradition, while others say replacing good-quality belongings is wasteful. Some suggest children should pay for non-essential purchases themselves, turning the annual school shop into a lesson in budgeting.
3
Fresh back to school bits.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
LOCAL NEWS
Sporting together Coastal independence FIVE million ONCE coupons have put Elche in the national spotlight while also highlighting the important role the organisation plays in creating opportunities for people with disabilities. The special coupon, issued across, celebrated Elche’s status as Mediterranean Capital of Sport 2026 and its commitment to making sport accessible to everyone. Behind the five million coupons, however, is an
organisation that has become an important part of communities across Spain. ONCE helps people who are blind or have serious visual impairments to live independently, access education and training and find employment. For people who can face significant barriers when looking for work, that support can provide greater independence and the opportunity to build a career. More than 21,300
Dep. Legal A 43-2025 - ISSN 2952-3958
+34 951 38 61 61
euroweeklynews.com sales@euroweeklynews.com info@euroweeklynews.com editorial@euroweeklynews.com distribution@euroweeklynews.com Printed at Localprint: C/Manuel de Falla 16 03203 ELCHE Parque Empresarial - ALICANTE - SPAIN The EWN does not accept responsibility for the following: Claims actions and promises made by advertisers; Errors in advertisements reproduced frotm poor quality artwork or inadequate instructions for text layout or for any loss or damage caused by any error; Inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement; More than ONE INCORRECT insertion. No republication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement, errors and omissions excepted. EWN Media Group no part of this newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved / Todos los Derechos reservados.
Affiliated to
ONCE coupon sellers across Spain have a disability, providing a familiar example of the organisation’s commitment to employment and inclusion. That community message fits closely with Elche’s ambitions for its year as Mediterranean Capital of Sport. The city wants the programme to encourage people of different ages and abilities to become involved in sport, with further projects planned alongside ONCE to promote accessibility and inclusion. For Elche, having its name on five million coupons provides valuable national recognition. This time, five million little coupons helped carry that message across all of Spain.
RESIDENTS of Orihuela Costa are pushing for their coastal area to become an independent municipality, with more than 800 signatures collected on the first day of a campaign that aims to gather around 10,000. The Partido para la Independencia de Orihuela Costa (PIOC) says it has formally begun Its campaign includes residents from different preparing a segregation nationalities. dossier containing technical reports on populadifferent nationalities, making the istion, finances, territory and the area’s sue particularly relevant to Orihuela ability to operate its own local author- Costa’s large international community. ity. The group sees the May 2027 municThe movement argues that Orihue- ipal elections as a crucial opportunity la Costa has grown into a substantial to gain councillors and strengthen its population centre but remains gov- political position inside Orihuela Town erned by Orihuela, around 30 kilo- Council. However, Orihuela’s mayor metres inland. It says residents face has rejected the proposal, arguing inadequate public services and in- that independence is legally impossivestment, highlighting issues includ- ble because the coast does not meet ing rubbish collection, infrastructure, the relevant legal, physical and terrisecurity and other local services. PIOC torial requirements. He also pointed to puts the coastal area’s registered investment in coastal services. population at around 30,000 and bePIOC disputes that the proposal can lieves continued growth strengthens simply be ruled out and argues that the case for separate administration. Spanish law provides a procedure for Its campaign includes residents from municipal segregation. Photo credit: PIOC on Facebook
4
2147levsouth05 FALKEN TOURS.indd 1
25/8/26 15:07
6
27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
LOCAL NEWS
Photo credit: Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock
A BABY born at just 24 weeks has avoided potentially permanent blindness after specialists in Elche treated severe retinopathy of prematurity before the condition could cause irreversible damage. The extremely premature baby developed severe ROP, a condition affecting the blood vessels of the developing retina. In its most serious form, abnormal vessels can damage the retina, cause it to detach and lead to permanent loss of vision. Specialists at the Hospital General Universitario de Elche intervened with an intraocular injection of an anti-VEGF biological drug, designed to control abnormal blood-vessel growth and reduce the risk of retinal detachment. The procedure was particularly challenging because of the
Credit: daily_creativity / Shutterstock.com.
Sight-saving surgery Flying forward
Alicante-Elche Airport steps closer to expansion.
Specialist intervened, protecting the child’s eyesight.
baby’s extreme prematurity. Ophthalmologists Cristian Fernández and Manuel Baeza carried out the treatment, supported by paediatrician Consuelo Vázquez and the neonatal intensive-care team. A specialist neonatal protocol and micro-dosing system were used to administer the medication safely. The hospital says the intervention preserved the baby’s visual function, prevent-
ing one of the most devastating complications associated with severe ROP. Retinopathy of prematurity is a major cause of childhood blindness and is primarily associated with babies born very prematurely. The baby will still require specialist follow-up as it grows, but doctors have successfully protected its sight at one of the most vulnerable stages of its life.
ALICANTE-ELCHE Miguel Hernandez Airport has moved another step closer to a major expansion designed to increase capacity to at least 26 million passengers a year. Airport operator Aena has awarded a €15.6 million design contract to a consortium formed by Sener Mobility, Cemosa and Fairbanks Arquitectos. Central to the plans is a new boarding pier on the site of the airport’s old T1 building, which will be demolished along with the former General Aviation terminal. The new pier will extend from T2 and provide additional boarding gates and airbridges, allowing more passengers to walk directly between aircraft and the terminal. British travellers will be among the biggest beneficiaries. A centralised bor-
der-control area will be created specifically for passengers arriving from and travelling to countries outside the Schengen zone, with UK passengers expected to form the largest group using the facilities. The extension will also include shops, restaurants and a dedicated VIP lounge. The project forms part of a much wider investment programme, with around €1.154 billion earmarked for Alicante-Elche Airport between 2027 and 2031. Other improvements include changes to car parks and access roads, upgraded aircraft taxiways and a new rapid-exit taxiway. However, passengers should not expect construction immediately. The latest contract covers detailed design work, which will be developed progressively over a period of up to five years.
8
27 August - 2 September 2026
TWO new traffic cameras have been installed at traffic lights on Avenida del Mar in Los Montesinos to detect motorists driving through a red signal. Los Montesinos Local Police announced the installation as part of measures to improve road safety and monitor
www.euroweeklynews.com
LOCAL NEWS
Red alert Tourist trails compliance at the junction. The cameras will detect vehicles crossing when the traffic lights are red, allowing offences to be identified automatically.
Under Spanish traffic regulations, failing to stop at a red light is considered a serious offence and carries a €200 fine and the loss of four points from a driving licence. Local Police said the purpose of the new equipment is to improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians using Avenida del Mar. The force has also reminded road users to take particular care at traffic-light-controlled junctions and comply with the signals. Installation of the two cameras forms part of the municipality’s wider work to reduce the risk of accidents and improve road safety in Los Montesinos. The new system means motorists using Avenida del Mar should now be aware that compliance with the red signal at the junction is being monitored by camera.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela.
Orihuela Tourist Office.
ORIHUELA is adding new experiences to its autumn tourism programme, with food, nature, history and local traditions taking centre stage during September and October. September begins with the Bonanza Dinner on Friday, September 4, including a tasting for €5, before celebrations for the Virgen de Monserrate feature a visit to the Sanctuary on September 5. A new Baroque Pastry route on Thursday, September 10, will explore Orihuela’s culinary traditions, complete with a tasting of traditional sweets. Miguel Hernandez takes the spotlight on September 12 with a visit to his house museum and the sensory ‘Smell Me’ workshop. Another new route on September 19 will explore the Vega Baja landscape
from the Sierra de Hurchillo, while World Tourism Day on September 27 brings a special tour of some of Orihuela’s bestknown sites followed by a tasting. October includes nature and wine tourism alongside events celebrating Miguel Hernandez and Orihuela’s Easter heritage. Highlights include La Pedrera reservoir and the Vega Baja wetlands on October 3, a wine tasting on October 10 and a walk along the Las Colinas ecological trail in Orihuela Costa on October 17. A special Miguel Hernandez route takes place on October 30. Places are limited, with activities released for booking weekly through Orihuela Tourism. For further information, call (+34) 673 836 385.
Funk tribute Credit: The Funk Federation.
THE FUNK FEDERATION will come together for a special tribute concert in memory of their drummer, friend and bandmate Dan Naughton on Wednesday, September 2. The concert begins at 7.30pm at The Captains Table in Punta Marina, Orihuela Costa, with all proceeds supporting Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). Dan died from coronary heart disease affecting all three of his arteries. He had experienced no symptoms and was unaware that he had the condition. The tribute has therefore become an opportunity not only to remember Dan through music, but also to raise money and awareness for a charity working to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths. CRY supports families affected by young sudden cardiac death, promotes heart screening and funds medical research into conditions that can
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 August - 2 September 2026
Rice rumble
9
Credit: Alicante Gastronomica.
LOCAL NEWS
Cooks put cooking skills to the test in Petrer.
Fundraising event in memory of Dan Naughton.
cause apparently fit and healthy young people to die unexpectedly. The Funk Federation will provide the music for the evening, while a giant raffle will help raise as much as possible for the charity. Entry is free, although booking is advised, and anyone unable to attend can still contribute
through Dan’s dedicated fundraising page on the CRY website. The concert takes place at The Captains Table, Punta Marina, Orihuela Costa, 03189. For more information or bookings, call (+34) 629 938 771. Donations can also be made through: c-r-y.org.uk/ daniel-philip-naughton.
AMATEUR cooks will be putting their cooking skills to the test in Petrer on Saturday, September 12, when the town hosts the first qualifier for the seventh Best Mediterranean Rice Competition. The contest, organised by Alicante Gastronomica, will take place at Carrefour Petrer and is open to anyone who fancies proving their recipe deserves a place in the final. Competitors can prepare any variety of dry or creamy rice dish, although soupy rice is not permitted. Each dish must be cooked using gas in a 32-centimetre paella pan supplied by organisers. Professional cooks and people who own or run restaurants cannot enter. The children’s
category is open to anyone under 17, with youngsters allowed to have an adult accompanying them during the qualifier. Petrer hosts the first of five qualifying rounds taking place across Alicante province between September 12 and 26. The winner and runner-up from each qualifier will progress to the finals at Alicante Gastronomica at IFA-Fira Alacant in October, producing 10 finalists in each category. There is also some serious prize money simmering away. The adult champion will receive €1,000, while the winner of the children’s competition takes home €500. Entries are now open through the competition’s official website: elmejorarrozdelmediterraneo.com.
www.euroweeklynews.com
FOOD lovers have a new way to eat their way around Alicante following the launch of a guide celebrating the city’s restaurants, traditional dishes and local produce. ‘Alicante, from bar to table’ has been produced by the Municipal Tourism Board to showcase the city’s culinary scene to residents and visitors. The guide features restaurants and bars recognised for their quality, including the city’s Michelin-starred restaurant, nine establishments with Repsol Suns and 29 with Repsol Soletes. Another 34 businesses carry the Alicante City of Rice distinction, while 13 are included within the Exquisit Mediterrani category. Rather than simply providing a restaurant
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alicante.
Culinary compass
Ana Poquet presents the Alicante restaurant guide.
directory, the guide encourages readers to explore different parts of Alicante while discovering the food associated with the city. Rice naturally gets plenty of attention. Recipes include Alicante favourites such as arroz a banda, senyoret rice and rice with pork and vegetables, as well as the traditional caldero. Other local specialities featured include cocas, salted fish, nougat and wines. Visitors looking for something more hands-
on can also discover gastronomic experiences including tours of Alicante Central Market, tapas routes, rice-cooking workshops and tastings at Santa Barbara Castle. Tourism councillor Ana Poquet said the initiative continues the momentum created by Alicante’s year as Spanish Capital of Gastronomy. The guide can be consulted online at: alican teturismo.com, while 3,000 printed copies have been produced for tourism fairs and promotional events.
ASPE Town Hall is calling for improved bus connections to make journeys easier for students, hospital patients and residents without access to a car. The council submitted a series of proposals to the Valencian regional government during consultation on improvements to the CV-210 Vinalopo Mitja public transport service. One priority is better access to vocational training colleges in neighbouring towns. Aspe wants new stops near IES La Mola in Novelda and IES Severo Ochoa in Elche, together with improved connections to the Melva and Torreta secondary schools through services towards Elda and Petrer. Changes have also been requested to university services, including an early bus arriving at 6.30am and another departure at 3.15pm. The council also wants the existing 5.40pm service moved later to provide a
LOCAL NEWS
Credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock.com.
10 27 August - 2 September 2026
Aspe is calling for better bus connections.
Missing links better option for students attending afternoon classes. Healthcare connections are another priority. Aspe is asking for improvements to Line 6, including a weekday morning service reaching Vinalopo Hospital at around 9.00am, allowing passengers to attend outpatient and specialist appointments. The need has become
more important following the transfer of the breast cancer screening programme from Elda to Vinalopo Hospital. Weekend services could also be extended. The current Line 6b finishes at 4.40pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, leaving residents with limited options for reaching the hospital or Elche railway station later in the day.
LOCAL NEWS
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 August - 2 September 2026
11
Coastal complex Facing queues Credit: G Gartland FB
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Elche.
A MAJOR new aparthotel planned close to Carabassi beach has moved another step forward, with the developer seeking an environmental licence for the €16 million project. Miraclot SL wants to transform a 15,799-square-metre plot at Arenales del Sol A new major aparthotel is planned close to Carabassi into a tourist complex beach. featuring around 200 one and two-bedroom apartments. Attention has now switched to the Plans also include six swimming aparthotel, with the environmental pools, restaurants, landscaped are- licence application currently underas, leisure facilities, outdoor parking going public consultation. and a large spa. Its location close to the protected The development would be limited Clot de Galvany natural area has preto three levels, comprising a ground viously attracted concern from enfloor and two additional storeys, vironmental groups over increased avoiding another high-rise develop- development pressure. ment along this stretch of coastline. Elche Mayor Pablo Ruz has said The site has already been ear- the plot is classified as consolidated marked for several different uses. urban land for tertiary use and is not Permission was granted in 2021 for a affected by restrictions under the Va278-space paid car park, before pro- lencian coastal planning framework. posals later emerged for a caravan No construction date has been anand camping development. That pro- nounced, and the developer would ject was abandoned, although some still require the necessary building foundations remain visible. licence before work could begin.
Ryanair dropping off passengers at Alicante airport.
BRITISH holidaymakers and expatriates arriving at Alicante-Elche Airport this summer are experiencing smoother passport controls following earlier chaos caused by the EU Entry/Exit System. Extra police officers and support staff have reduced queues across the terminal. July saw passenger records broken as 2.3 million passengers passed through, representing an 11 per cent increase on last year. UK passengers remain the main driver of traffic on the Costa Blanca. Initial technical issues
with the biometric system previously triggered long delays and missed connections, leaving latenight shifts severely understaffed. To address the pressure, around 30 officers were temporarily reassigned from Operation Paso del Estrecho to assist until September. Half are recent graduates, while others were drawn from different postings. Their presence provides essential shift flexibility, significantly easing latenight arrivals. Airport operator Aena has also deployed extra
auxiliary staff to help passengers navigate biometric machines efficiently, supported by clearer advance warnings from airlines. However, concerns remain for September. Reassigning trainees and returning seconded officers to regular duties will leave standard police numbers to handle high traffic volumes. With passenger numbers expected to remain strong, delays could easily return. Travellers arriving late in the season are advised to allow extra time at passport control.
12 27 August - 2 September 2026 Credit: Grupo ASA.
Santa Pola’s abadoned hotel to be revived.
www.euroweeklynews.com
LOCAL NEWS
Hotel revival Routes return SANTA POLA’S long-abandoned Rocas Blancas hotel is finally heading for a new chapter after the Town Hall approved the building licence for its major redevelopment. Developer Grupo ASA plans to begin work as
early as September, with the renovation expected to take around 18 months. The former hotel closed in 2010 and has since become one of Santa Pola’s most prominent abandoned buildings, suffering years of vandalism, theft, graffiti and deterioration. At one point, the property even appeared for sale on Wallapop for more than €4 million. Plans now involve transforming the 23,000-square-metre complex into a four-star hotel with 105 rooms. One particularly interesting part of the project is a proposed pedestrian footbridge over the N-332, connecting the hotel with Santa Pola and allowing guests to reach town without having to drive. The council has also approved a 50 per cent reduction in the project’s construction tax, recognising the redevelopment as being of special municipal interest.
Credit: Generalitat Valenciana.
Callosa’s bus route returns.
CALLOSA DE SEGURA will restore its urban bus service from Tuesday, September 1, providing residents with connections between neighbourhoods and key locations around the town. The weekday service will initially operate until November 3, while the council works towards putting a permanent urban transport service out to tender. Three buses will depart from Los Dolores each day, leaving at 8am, 11am and 2pm. The routes will connect areas including San Jose, La Monsina and El Palmeral, as well as important destinations such as the Mercado de Abastos, the cemetery, IES Santiago Grisolia and Paseo de la Estacion. Callosa Mayor Juan Antonio Franco said connecting the town’s neighbour-
hoods would make everyday journeys easier for residents and provide a useful public transport option for people travelling between different parts of Callosa. The return from September is intended as a first step rather than a short-term solution. The town hall’s next objective is to tender the service on a stable basis, allowing the urban bus to continue operating in the future. Franco said the council wants to ensure the bus does not disappear again and ultimately provide residents with a reliable permanent service. For passengers, that process begins on September 1 with the return of three daily weekday connections across Callosa de Segura.
www.euroweeklynews.com
SPANISH NEWS
27 August - 2 September 2026
13
A SPANISH entrepreneur who saved one man’s life while another slipped from his grasp in the sea off Singapore is now channeling that loss into a 5,000-kilometre swimming relay. Nico Ortiz, born in Madrid in 1994 and now based in Singapore, was with friends near the Southern Islands in February 2022, when he saw two men in distress and dived in. Drawing on his freediving background and a recent rescue course, he revived one man, Rajnish, after pulling him unconscious from the water. His second rescue attempt failed. The other man, a 24-yearold known only as ‘Money’, was swept away and never found. Singapore honoured Ortiz’s bravery, but he
Credit: Traveling Natural Beauty/shutterstock
Rescuers collective global swim
Kusu Island where the rescue took place.
notes rescuers are only awarded medals if the person they saved survives. That inconsistency, he says, stayed with him for years. He has now launched ‘The Long Way Home’, a campaign inviting swimmers worldwide to collectively cover 5,000 kilometres, the distance between Singapore and India, culminating along the Ganges. Rajnish kay-
aked alongside him during a six-hour launch swim around the Southern Islands. Running until December, the relay has attracted 61 participants, logged 480 kilometres and raised over $3,600 of its $35,000 target. Funds will support two Indian schools run by the Hope and Joy Foundation. “We want to turn a tragedy into a story of hope,” Ortiz said.
Credit: J.K2507 / Shutterstock.com
High ranking Spanish universities
Spain universities high ranking.
TWO Spanish universities have returned to one of the world’s toughest academic rankings. Rey Juan Carlos University and the University of Valladolid have both rejoined the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2026, known as the Shanghai Ranking, published on Saturday, August 15. They take their place alongside 28 other Spanish institutions in the world’s top 1,000. Rey Juan Carlos hadn’t featured since 2023, while Valladolid dropped off for just one year before clawing its way back. The ranking scores universities on six criteria, including Nobel Prize winners among alumni, papers published in Nature and Science, and research output per head. The methodology favours large, well-funded institutions, making
2147levsouth13.indd 1
any fresh appearance from a mid-sized Spanish university hard-won. Eight universities that featured last year missed this year’s cut, including Cantabria, the Balearic Islands and Carlos III de Madrid. Spain’s overall tally now stands at 30, down from 36. Established front-runners still lead the way. University of Barcelona remains Spain’s top institution, sitting within the world’s top 200, while Granada, Valencia and Madrid’s Autonomous University all feature in the 301-400 bracket. Harvard tops the global table, followed by Stanford, MIT and Cambridge. China now leads by volume, placing 257 universities overall, ahead of the United States (187) and the United Kingdom (57). Spain sits 23rd among nations.
25/8/26 13:57
14 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
SPANISH NEWS
ORGANISERS in Buñol are finalising preparations for the 79th edition of La Tomatina, introducing major features to ensure disabled attendees enjoy the world-famous event. Town hall officials launched the ‘+ ACCESIBLE’ initiative to give participants equal opportunity to join the celebrations. Visitors registering through official municipal channels can request personalised assistance before arriving. Attendees collect an identification wristband, granting streamlined passage into both the main party zone and designated accessible spaces. Pictograms line key areas alongside easy-read guides and an accessible website, allowing visitors with cognitive or visual challenges to navigate
Credit:BearFotos/shutterstock
Tomatina upgrades accessibility Spain refuses return
Spain itself faces migration pressure.
New accessible additions.
procedures smoothly. Local councillor Sergio Galarza highlighted that the true success of an international fiesta relies on offering a safe event where no participant is left behind. Participation is capped at 22,000 revellers, with tickets selling out for the third consecutive year. Visitors will arrive from across Spain alongside international guests from Canada, the US, Aus-
Photo credit: Massimo Todaro/Shutterstock
tralia, India, and the UK. Lorries loaded with 150,000 kilos of overripe tomatoes will roll through the streets on Wednesday, August 26, turning the town centre into a sea of red puree. These new accessibility features demonstrate how traditional Spanish events continue adapting for modern audiences. Full details on the festival measures are available on the official website.
SPAIN has refused to join several European countries preparing to return asylum seekers to Italy under the EU’s new migration rules, preferring transfers to be handled through wider European solidarity mechanisms. Sweden has confirmed it intends to return migrants to Italy when Rome is responsible for their asylum applications, following similar moves by Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Finland. The issue concerns migrants who entered the EU through Italy before travelling to another member state. Between 2023 and 2025, Italy received 109,427 transfer requests, according to Eurostat figures cited by Euronews. Under the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which came into force on
June 12, responsibility for asylum claims can fall on the country where a migrant first entered the bloc. Austria has already reported four transfers to Italy since the pact took effect. Italy suspended Dublin transfers at the end of 2022, citing pressure on its reception system. The European Commission has reported that Italy rejected 12 transfers between June 12 and July 7. Spain’s Interior Ministry says Madrid wants Dublin transfers managed through the EU’s solidarity mechanisms rather than through individual countries making bilateral arrangements. France has also taken a similar position. The dispute comes as Spain itself faces migration pressure following the mass arrivals in Ceuta.
SPANISH NEWS
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 August - 2 September 2026
15
Credit: FabianIrwin - Shutterstock
A MAN posed as a corrupt Guardia Civil officer with the power to fix judicial property auctions, stealing more than €135,000 from three women he met on Facebook, Spanish police said. The 53-year-old, who has previous convictions and no genuine ties to the Guardia Civil, built close relationships with the women before offering to secure specific homes, cars and other property from court auctions in their favour, in exchange for cash. He carried a backpack bearing the Guardia Civil’s emblem, showed photographs of himself in uniform and held a fake badge to convince his victims, along with four mobile phones and six SIM cards to carry out his scams. The first victim paid €45,000 in August
Credit: PixelPainter / Shutterstock
Fake officer’s €135k scam Lion spotted in Spain
Lions in the centre of Spain?
The man told the woman he was a Guardia Civil officer willing to bend the rules for money.
2024 to secure a property, the second more than €43,000 plus gift cards in August 2025, and the third €47,000 in July 2026 for a van and auction properties. Each time, once the money changed hands, he claimed to receive a phone call and vanished. Officers finally ar-
rested him on Monday, August 10, as he stepped off a train from Murcia at ChamartínClara Campoamor station in Madrid, recovering just over €6,000 in cash. He has since been charged with fraud and embezzlement and has appeared before a judge.
THE Guardia Civil has launched a major search operation in central Spain after a delivery driver reported seeing a lion beside a mountain road. The alarm was raised on Wednesday, August 19, when a call to the 112 emergency service placed the big cat near the Convento del Piélago on the TO-1375 road, between El Real de San Vicente and Navamorcuende. Spain’s nature protection unit, SEPRONA, is leading the search across the Sierra de San Vicente mountains in Toledo. Officers are using foot patrols, a helicopter from Madrid, and drones to sweep the rural terrain. Checks at the local Zoo Safari Fauna Aventura in Hinojosa de San Vi-
cente and facilities across Madrid have yielded no reports of missing animals. Authorities continue to inspect private holdings, leaving investigators to determine whether the sighting was a case of mistaken identity or an unregistered captive animal. Town halls in surrounding villages have warned residents to take precautions. Officials advise members of the public to avoid searching for the creature and to contact emergency services immediately if they spot anything unusual. Until the search concludes, local walkers are being urged to remain vigilant. Exotic wildlife is everything a holidaymaker in Spain hopes to see. But, not this!
www.euroweeklynews.com
SPANISH NEWS
MERCADONA is beginning a major redesign of its supermarkets that will bring more space for fresh food, new layouts and lower energy and water consumption, with €3.7 billion being invested in the transformation until 2033. The latest Tienda 9 opened in Guadalajara after a €2.9 million refurbishment of the Calle Capitán Arenas store. The 1,596-square-metre supermarket is the first of its kind in Castilla-La Mancha. The new format changes how stores are organised, moving away from separate business sections towards a process-based system intended to reduce unnecessary movement for employees and make shopping easier. Fresh food is a major focus. A new Obrador Central brings preparation, cooking and packaging together, freeing more
Photo credit: Veja/Shutterstock
Mercadona transformation
Fresh food is a major focus.
shop-floor space for fresh products. Mercadona says the redesigned stores can cut energy consumption by up to 10 per cent and water use by up to 40 per cent. New refrigeration technology, including Aerofoil systems and CO2 refrigerants, is also being introduced. Customers will also notice smaller changes, including rest areas. The Guadalajara supermarket has 18 chairs. Merca-
dona plans to have around 60 Tienda 9 stores operating by the end of 2026, before continuing the rollout across Spain until 2033. The first Madrid-region store opened in Valdemoro following a €6 million investment. For shoppers, the eventual changes will mean redesigned layouts, more fresh-food space and new technology as the format spreads across the country.
Life among wolves
Credit: Paislobo Prensa / YouTube
16 27 August - 2 September 2026
A Spanish man raised by wild wolves has died aged 80.
MARCOS RODRÍGUEZ PANTOJA, the man known as the Wolf Boy of Sierra Morena, has passed away aged 80 in Ourense. Born in Añora, Cordoba, Rodríguez Pantoja became stranded in the Sierra Morena mountains in Jaen in 1954 while working as a goatherd. His mother died in childbirth when he was three, and his father abandoned him after leaving with another woman. The goatherd who had been teaching him how to make fire, find food and water, and build tools either died or disappeared, leaving the boy alone in the mountains. He later said a female wolf fed him before accepting him into her pack, where he lived for around 12 years. In 1965, aged 19, he was found by the Guardia Civil wearing furs, barefoot and
communicating through grunts. Officers removed him from the mountains as he resisted by howling and biting. He was sent to an orphanage, where nuns taught him to speak again, walk upright and eat at a table. Rodríguez Pantoja later said returning to society after years of isolation was the most frightening experience of his life. He later lived and worked in Mallorca, completed military service, and worked as a shepherd and in hospitality, though he struggled to adapt. In a 2018 interview, he said he was disappointed in human nature and wished he could leave society. Rodríguez Pantoja spent his final years in the village of Rante, Ourense, where he passed away surrounded by friends and neighbours.
18 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
SPANISH NEWS
Credit: Ayto
SPAIN has 341,001 homes being used as tourist accommodation this summer, down 10.7 per cent in a year but still heavily concentrated in some of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. Andalucia has the largest number, with 90,649 tourist homes, followed by Catalonia with 51,305 and the Valencian Community with 51,268. The Canary Islands have 48,356. When compared with overall housing stock, however, the Canary Islands have the highest concentration, with tourist homes accounting for 4.44 per cent of all properties. The Balearic Islands follow at 3.27 per cent, and Andalucia at 1.94 per cent. At provincial level, Malaga has the highest number, with 45,176 tourist homes, followed by Alicante with
Photo credit: Saiko3p/Shutterstock
Less tourist apartments Swapping bulls for balls
The Boloencierro draw more runners each year. Madrid has the most tourist homes.
32,148. Las Palmas has 26,998 and Santa Cruz de Tenerife 21,358. Malaga also has one of the highest proportions of tourist accommodation relative to its housing stock, at 4.5 per cent. At municipal level, Madrid has the most tourist homes with 10,836, followed by Malaga, Barcelona, Marbella and Sevilla. Some smaller municipalities have far higher concentrations.
Valle de Bardaji in Huesca has tourist accommodation accounting for 33.33 per cent of its housing stock, while La Oliva in Fuerteventura reaches 23.55 per cent. The 10.7 per cent national fall comes as authorities tighten regulations governing holiday lets, meaning some properties may have left the tourist market because of new requirements.
RUNNERS in a mountain village near Madrid took to the streets to outrun a massive rolling sphere painted with a bull’s face during a unique summer celebration. Locals and tourists who had travelled from around the world gathered in Mataelpino for the annual Boloencierro, an event held as part of the San Bartolomé festivities. The tradition turns the classic Spanish bull run on its head, replacing live animals with giant rolling balls. The yearly race began 16 years ago during an economic downturn. With funds tight, council officials reduced the budget for live bull runs, prompting local residents to invent a cheaper alternative using a giant polystyrene sphere. What started as a joke between friends evolved into a
famous attraction, drawing crowds from across the region. Participants navigate a steep 700-metre course through the village streets down to the bullring. In previous years, runners faced a heavy 300-kilogram sphere capable of reaching speeds of 50 kilometres per hour, leading to several injuries. Organisers introduced a safer 30-kilogram rubber ball for adult runners. Safety rules require compulsory helmets and proper footwear. Dozens of adult runners took part, whilst children enjoyed smaller versions guided by adults. Sunday, August 23, saw a second run for younger participants. The Boloencierro offers the thrill of a traditional bull run with lower costs and fewer risks.
20 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
SPANISH NEWS
Dogs dining.
staff serving food after touching an animal. El Faro said guests with allergies or phobias should mention them when booking. Management said the video was filmed while the restaurant was closed and hygiene procedures were followed. Spain’s Animal Welfare Law does not require restaurants to admit
A TOURIST sightseeing train in Toledo began moving without a driver or passengers, hitting a 44-year-old Italian visitor before crashing into a wall beside the Alcazar. The incident happened at around 2.45pm on Saturday, August 22, when the train unexpectedly rolled away from its usual stop on the Cuesta de Capuchinos. The tourist was struck as the vehicle travelled downhill and suffered an open injury to one arm. Emergency crews took him to Toledo University Hospital, where his condition was reported as stable. No other injuries
dogs. Article 29 allows them in customer areas if they pose no risk and stay out of kitchens and food-handling spaces. Businesses banning animals must display a visible notice. The debate leaves diners to decide: is a dog-friendly table a warm welcome or a step too far?
SHORT- FORM videos are changing how younger travellers choose holidays, with Spain’s food, festivals, landscapes and historic towns providing plenty of inspiration. A TUI Musement study found that 48 per cent of Gen Z participants cited TikTok as a travel inspiration source, compared with 43 per cent who relied on family and friends. Appinio carried out the research among participants in Spain, Italy and the UK. Search engines remained a leading source overall, cited by 42 per cent of those surveyed. Viral posts are also influencing bookings. Some 43 per cent of participants said they had booked a trip or activity after seeing viral content. The figure rose to 50 per cent among Gen Z and 52 per cent among millennials. Influencers affected the choices of 43 per cent, while 27 per cent said a creator had persuaded them to change destination. Spain’s tourism website is using social media to encourage visitors to explore regional traditions, villages, heritage sites and slower travel experiences. Ideas include local recipes, grape harvesting, roasted chestnuts, countryside walks, thermal bathing and mountain trips.
Ghost Train
were reported. The train continued towards Calle Unión before colliding with the wall separating the road from the Alcazar gardens. The impact left the front of the locomotive suspended over the drop, requiring police, firefighters and heavy lifting equipment to secure and remove it. Authorities have launched an investigation into why
Credit: THICHA SATAPITANON / Shutterstock.com
A SOCIAL media video from El Faro de Cadiz has sparked debate over whether dogs should be welcomed at restaurant tables. Footage shows a dog being welcomed at a table, with staff offering it water. El Faro says: “Here, the whole family sits at the table.” Customers must provide their dog’s weight when booking. The policy has been in place for four years. Supporters welcomed a chance to include pets in family meals. One customer, who has spent 25 summers in Cadiz, said they would return with their dog at a later date. Others praised El Faro. Critics raised concerns over hygiene, allergies and fear of dogs. One regular said eating beside animals was not hygienic and would no longer visit. A further commenter objected to
Credit: Benevolent82/shutterstock
Doggy dining debate TikTok changes travel
TikTok is changing how Gen Z travel.
Nearly four in 10 participants had visited an attraction mainly to take a photo or record a video, while 73 per cent shared travel content at least occasionally. Pressure to create an exciting online image was reported by 37 per cent rising to 45 per cent among Gen Z. For expatriates, the trend offers fresh ideas for day trips and weekend breaks.
the vehicle began moving. A possible technical or brake failure is among the initial lines of investigation. The train normally carries visitors around Toledo’s historic centre, passing landmarks including the Puerta de Bisagra, Puerta del Sol and San Martín Bridge. Investigators are now examining whether a mechanical or electrical fault, or another problem, allowed the train to leave its stopping position without anyone controlling it. The vehicle has been removed for examination while the investigation continues.
EUROPRESS
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 August - 2 September 2026
21
Never ending delay Rhine’s swimming fines Credit: Roman HRA - Shutterstock
HOLIDAYMAKERS heading from Vienna to Crete on a Ryanair jet faced a chaotic start to their break on Friday, August 22. The plane took off around 12.30 pm, but cabin crew turned the aircraft round and returned straight to Vienna Airport after oxygen masks dropped 30 minutes into the flight. Ground crews conducted technical checks, with passenger footage showing adhesive tape applied Ryanair flight at Vienna. to the affected area to stop the masks falling again. The pilot announced a rescheduled departure time of 3.40 pm, immediate attention from emergency leaving passengers waiting inside the medical crews. Paramedics treated him stationary cabin. for nearly an hour before taking the pair Tensions escalated during the delay away from the apron by bus. when a male passenger requested a free The police response forced the airline bottle of water, explaining that he felt un- to miss its departure slot, pushing takewell. A heated row broke out with a flight off back to 4.30 pm. attendant, resulting in police intervenTravellers spent over four hours tion. Seven officers boarded the aircraft trapped on board, with passenger acto remove the man and his partner from counts revealing that toilets were temthe flight. porarily out of service and passengers As officers escorted the passenger were forced to pay for drinks and reonto the tarmac, he collapsed, requiring freshments.
SWELTERING summer heatwaves across Europe leave millions desperate for a refreshing cool dip, yet plunging into the Rhine can carry a heavy penalty depending on location. Picturesque scenes unfold in Basel, Switzerland, where workers drift downstream using colourful waterproof bags called Wickelfisch. Thousands gathered on Tuesday, August 18 for the annual mass river swim, floating two kilometres while commercial boat traffic paused. Cross into neighbouring German territory and the legal picture transforms instantly. Heavy commercial shipping dominates German stretches of the Rhine. Riverbed alterations created stone groynes sticking out from banks, generating invisible whirlpools that pull swimmers toward industrial barges. Following
Credit:Hadrian / Shutterstock.com
Bathing in the Rhine.
tragic drownings along busy navigation lanes, municipal authorities in cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Neuss issue fines reaching up to €1,000 for anyone entering the water. Swiss leaders chose a different path after a 1986 chemical warehouse fire, investing heavily in exit steps, showers, and real-time safety tracking to manage risk safely.
Activists from the Swimmable Cities European Forum argue that urban river management must evolve. Campaigners in Berlin, Paris, and Rotterdam are now pushing to return historical waterways back to the public safely. Anyone fancying dipping their toes in and taking a refreshing dip should check before taking the plunge.
www.euroweeklynews.com
FEATURE - EUROPRESS
Saucy sauna rumours
Credit:New Africa/shutterstock
22 27 August - 2 September 2026
No funny business.
AIR FRANCE has dismissed gossipy rumours that inappropriate behaviour led to the closure of a sauna at its Paris Charles de Gaulle lounge. The airline’s Terminal 2E Hall L Business Lounge opened in 2018 with two private saunas, showers, Clarins treatment rooms and relaxation areas. Sauna sessions were available to eligible Business Class and Flying Blue Elite Plus passengers. Speculation began after travel writer Matthew Klint reported finding the sauna closed and a ‘Staff Only’ sign on the door. A lounge manager reportedly said some passengers had been “doing things in there that they should not have,” which was interpreted online as a reference to sexual activity. Social
media very quickly turned the comment into claims that the sauna had effectively become an airport room for intimate encounters. Air France has now rejected that explanation. Responding to an Instagram post about the rumours, the airline said the men’s and women’s sauna closed in September 2025 because of low usage and as part of efforts to standardise services across its Charles de Gaulle lounges. No evidence has been provided that inappropriate behaviour caused the closure. Passengers can still use showers and relaxation areas, while complimentary 20-minute Clarins treatments remain available in designated lounges.
26 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
Raccoon invasion IN April 1934, forestry workers opened two boxes beside the Edersee reservoir near Vohl, releasing two male and two female North American raccoons. Local officials hoped to
enrich the native wildlife, acting before formal approval arrived. Despite popular urban legends blaming Nazi official Hermann Göring for the release, official records show
the decision was strictly a local administrative matter. Those four original animals, combined with later escapes from farms and additional releases, sparked a population explosion. An estimated two million raccoons now inhabit Germany, and Kassel has become the informal raccoon capital of Europe. These adaptable creatures frequently invade properties, causing extensive damage. Despite the European Union classifying the raccoon as an invasive species, population control efforts have failed. Hunters now cull over 250,000 annually, yet total numbers continue to rise. Conservationists debate whether they pose a threat to native populations. Over nine decades after their release, the creatures have permanently established themselves across the nation.
EUROPRESS - FEATURE
France legalises assisted dying FRANCE has signed assisted dying into law, becoming the latest European country to allow it after Spain, five years after MPs in London tried and failed to do the same. President Emmanuel Macron promulgated the law following a final vote in the National Assembly in July and approval from France’s Constitutional Council in August.
Adults with an incurable illness in its terminal or advanced stage, unbearable physical suffering and full mental capacity will be able to request the procedure, provided they are French nationals or settled residents. No one can actually use the new right yet. Health Ministry decrees setting out the practical rules are not expected before early 2027, and France’s national health authority still has to rule on which substances can be used. Spain has allowed a similar procedure since 2021, granting more than 2,000 requests, including from British nationals with legal residency. Britain’s own version passed the House of Commons in 2025 but collapsed in the House of Lords in April this year, after opponents tabled more than 1,200 amendments and left it without enough parliamentary time to pass. Credit: Gints Ivuskans / Shutterstock
President Emmanuel Macron, who signed France’s assisted dying law.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
English TV in Spain FOR many international residents and ble support helps minimise disruption, holiday homeowners, television is an ensuring customers can continue enimportant connection to news, enterjoying their favourite programmes witainment, and familiar programmes thout unnecessary delays. from home. English TV in Spain has The company also advises custobuilt a strong reputation for providing mers on the latest television and streareliable English-language television ming options. Whether you’re looking services, along with expert support for English, Dutch, Scandinavian, for satellite dish and reception or Belgian TV services, Pete problems. can recommend the most Professional Satellite issues can arise suitable solution. He can support and for a variety of reasons, inalso provide guidance on practical cluding strong winds, heavy streaming platforms such solutions. rain, poor dish alignment, as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and damaged cables, or ageing other catch-up services, as equipment. In Spain’s coastal well as VPN solutions that can regions, corrosion and harsh weahelp you access the content you ther can also affect signal quality over enjoy while living in Spain. time. Fortunately, most problems can With friendly advice, technical experbe diagnosed and repaired quickly by tise, and practical solutions, English TV experienced technicians. in Spain makes it easy to stay connecEnglish TV in Spain offers profested to the news, sport, and entertainsional services including satellite dish ment that matter most. Whether you realignment, signal fault diagnosis, need a simple satellite repair or guidanreceiver repairs, channel restoration, ce on modern viewing options, profesand system upgrades. Fast, dependasional help is only a phone call away.
Contact Pete now on 632 258 576 or pete@englishtvinspain.com or check out the website www.englishtvinspain.com
FINANCE Bond yields
EUROPEAN bond yields surged to multi-year highs as the Iran war drove oil prices higher, intensifying inflation fears. France’s 10year yield reached a 17-year high, while Germany’s hit its highest since 2011. Investors are increasingly concerned that persistent inflation, rising government borrowing and geopolitical uncertainty could keep interest rates elevated.
Meta trial
META, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, is facing a €1.2 trillion fine after a 29 US state coalition accused the company of manipulating networks to entrap children in its algorithm. Should Meta lose, in addition to the fine, they would have to redesign child safety measures across all sites.
Industrial growth
SPAIN’S industrial turnover rose 9.2 per cent year-onyear in June, extending its annual growth streak to four months. The increase was driven by petroleum refining, computer and telecommunications equipment, and electrical equipment manufacturing. However, monthly turnover fell 0.5 per cent from May.
Unlawful prices
CMA, THE UK’s watchdog, has launched investigations against Virgin Atlantic and Trainline. Both are accused of concealing mandatory charges that customers should be made aware. The move is part of a broader crackdown against misleading “tiered pricing.”
Klarna financing
KLARNA’S revenue rose 27 per cent in the second quarter, supported by more merchants, financing and paying subscribers. Gross merchandise volume increased 18 per cent, while financing gross merchandise volumes surged 82 per cent.
euroweeklynews.com • 27 August - 2 September 2026
STAT OF WEEK
2.9 %
The euro area annual inflation rate was 2.9 per cent in July 2026, up from 2.8 per cent in June, according to Eurostat.
Young people at home YOUNG people across Europe are finding it harder to build independent lives, but nowhere has the situation deteriorated faster than in Spain. The share of Spaniards aged 18 to 34 who live independently without financial support from their families has fallen from 41 per cent in 2016 to just 31 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, the European rate has remained broadly stable at around 50 per cent. The squeeze is particularly confusing because youth unemployment has fallen from almost 40 per cent in 2013 to 16 per cent, while temporary employment has dropped from 56 per cent in 2018 to 32 per cent. Yet rising housing costs are swallowing up those gains. The property market explains why grown adults are struggling to strike out on their own. The average first-time buyer in Europe is 31.3 years old. This matters because buying
Cost of living means adults still live at home with their parents.
a first home is often a major step towards financial independence. If young Spaniards are struggling even to leave the family home, reaching the property ladder can be pushed further out of reach. With rents and house prices rising, employment improvements alone are proving insufficient to help a generation establish homes and financial security
Wheat wars EACH month the food bill increases. The US-Israel war in the Middle East is largely responsible, with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz driving oil prices. However, Russia’s escalating war in Ukraine is set to worsen food inflation. Ukraine is one of the world’s most important producers and exporters of wheat and grain. In 2025, Ukraine’s total grain production reached 60 million tonnes, but Russia’s contin-
Rental squeeze Credit: Goksi / Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
27
ued assault could shrink this year’s harvest, cutting a large portion of Ukraine’s GDP and inflating global food prices. Global food prices are expected to increase by 11.8 per cent in 2026 and 4.8 per cent in 2027, according to Oxford Economics. Wheat-based products will likely bear the brunt of the price hike, pushing up relatively cheap shelf staples like bread and pasta.
of its own. The pressure is particularly clear in the housing market. Property prices rose 9.5 per cent in 2025, reaching €2,284 per square metre, while rents rose 6.8 per cent in July to €15.3 per square metre. For young people without family support, these costs make both renting and buying increasingly difficult. Credit: BearFotos / Shutterstock
Wars and extreme weather force food prices sky-high.
Extreme heatwaves and severe droughts across Europe have compounded the issue, dropping the combined EU-UK harvest forecast to 286.6 million tonnes.
Pre-owned
CEO salary
Ice-cream sales
IKEA is stepping into the second-hand retail space, setting up a new site to rival eBay and Vinted. The resurgence of vintage clothing trends, a focus on sustainability, and money-saving habits has led to a thriving second-hand industry, which is currently valued at approximately €209.28 billion. Ikea’s platform will allow customers to buy and sell preowned Ikea items. Customers can trade for cash or be paid 15 per cent extra with an Ikea gift card.
THE average salary for a median Tesla employee is approximately €49,320. A new AFL-CIO study reveals that, while serving as CEO, Elon Musk earned 2.5 million times that. In 2025, Tesla paid the world’s first trillionaire €136 billion, an unprecedented amount even among the world’s elite. Excluding Musk, the average CEO salary in 2025 was €19.8 million, up from €16.2 million the year before, jumping to a 312 to 1 ratio. These figures show a sharp increase in CEO salaries, but if Musk’s earnings were considered, the average would increase to €262.7 million.
THE EU’s ice-cream market is showing no signs of cooling down. The industry has faced challenges due to inflation, but a shift to plant-based, low-sugar and lactose-free options diversified production and helped keep the market steady. According to Eurostat, the EU produced 3.44 litres of ice-cream in 2025, a 1.9 per cent increase compared with 2024. Germany led production with 603 litres, but Spain wasn’t far behind in fourth place with 458 million litres. The European ice-cream market was valued at €20.1 billion in 2025. Research and Markets predict it will reach €29.4 billion by 2034.
HOUSEHOLD budgets are being squeezed tighter than ever. A recent Idealista study reveals rent consumes 39 per cent of the average Spanish family income. This percentage is highest in Malaga, where 58 per cent of the family income goes towards rent. Comparatively, only 29 per cent of the average income is needed for a mortgage. However, this doesn’t account for the deposit needed to obtain a mortgage, which many families can’t save due, in part, to high rental costs.
Oil rises again OIL prices have climbed 15 per cent since the start of August, with Brent crude rising above €78 a barrel and reaching its highest level since late July. The latest gains reflect mounting tensions in the Middle East, particularly after the expiry of the 60day US-Iran ceasefire. Concerns over potential disruption to oil supplies and shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have increased market volatility and pushed prices higher.
Consumer confidence ACCORDING to S&P Global UK, consumer sentiment dropped to 42.9 in August, down from the 43.4 fourmonth high in July. Job security amongst UK citizens also dropped to 45.6, the lowest level since April 2023. Consumer sentiment measures the overall health of the UK economy. Readings below 50 are considered negative. Despite visible economic growth, households still feel financially insecure, largely due to high levels of inflation and stagnating wages.
28
FINANCE
27 August - 2 September 2026
euroweeklynews.com
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 24 August
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 24 August
Net
3I Group.....................................2.919,00............2.940,00......... 2.911,00......... 148,53K Admiral Group.............................3.970,0..............3.994,0........... 3.968,0........... 17,15K Airtel Africa................................. 334,60...............335,00............328,60.......... 272,83K Anglo American...........................4.141,0..............4.149,0........... 4.071,0.......... 229,76K Antofagasta................................3.963,00............3.970,00......... 3.891,00........... 85,3K Associated British Foods.............2.063,0..............2.067,0........... 2.051,0........... 34,44K AstraZeneca...............................12.115,1............12.204,0......... 12.101,0......... 130,51K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 540,80...............547,60............539,80........... 113,5K Aviva........................................... 721,44...............722,40............716,60........... 335,9K B M European Value Retail.......... 236,60...............237,80............234,40.......... 114,31K BAE Systems..............................2.121,00............2.130,00......... 2.102,00......... 195,26K Barclays...................................... 492,15...............493,60............488,95............1,99M Barratt Redrow............................ 311,40...............314,50............310,20.......... 288,56K Beazley.......................................1.295,68............1.296,50......... 1.295,50.......... 79,09K Berkeley......................................3.542,0..............3.572,0........... 3.498,0............ 3,97K BP............................................... 545,40...............547,80............544,20............1,75M British American Tobacco...........4.127,0..............4.146,0........... 4.111,0.............112K BT Group.................................... 205,00...............206,00............204,50.......... 775,27K Bunzl...........................................2.778,3..............2.792,0........... 2.748,0........... 24,72K Centrica....................................... 153,40...............154,00............152,80.......... 477,48K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.560,0..............4.564,0........... 4.536,0........... 19,86K Compass...................................... 31,04.................31,13..............30,95............ 71,66K ConvaTec Group......................... 225,60...............226,60............225,00.......... 267,02K Croda Intl....................................3.401,0..............3.440,0........... 3.392,0........... 76,71K DCC.............................................6.370,0..............6.375,0........... 6.365,0........... 23,36K Diageo.........................................1.737,7..............1.745,0........... 1.726,5.......... 415,63K Diploma.....................................7.295,00............7.300,00......... 7.200,00.......... 36,56K EasyJet........................................ 672,73...............675,00............671,80.......... 384,04K Entain.......................................... 541,50...............546,40............539,40.......... 114,65K Experian......................................2.943,0..............2.969,0........... 2.927,9........... 85,32K F&C Invest.................................. 338,80...............340,60............338,59.......... 181,01K Frasers........................................ 826,00...............830,00............822,00............ 6,84K Fresnillo.....................................3.196,05............3.253,70......... 3.181,00......... 118,52K Glencore...................................... 599,20...............601,00............595,90.............2,3M GSK plc......................................1.907,50............1.921,61......... 1.906,23......... 320,35K HALEON...................................... 363,20...............364,50............362,50.......... 779,18K Halma..........................................3.550,0..............3.564,0........... 3.498,0........... 71,69K Hikma Pharma...........................1.626,00............1.633,00......... 1.620,00.......... 24,32K Hiscox........................................1.812,00............1.815,05......... 1.792,00.......... 43,42K Howden Joinery.......................... 799,50...............801,00............794,50........... 60,03K HSBC.........................................1.515,00............1.518,20......... 1.504,20...........3,46M IAG.............................................. 427,00...............428,20............423,00.......... 781,12K ICG PLC.....................................2.018,00............2.024,00......... 2.012,00.......... 14,09K IMI PLC......................................3.069,65............3.070,00......... 3.038,00.............18K Imperial Brands..........................2.498,00............2.506,00......... 2.488,00........... 65,6K Informa....................................... 901,40...............902,60............892,80.......... 102,22K InterContinental........................... 160,7.................161,2..............159,9............. 8,92K Intertek........................................5.845,0..............5.847,5........... 5.840,0........... 88,36K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 333,40...............334,71............332,70.......... 496,92K JD Sports Fashion........................ 84,74.................85,90..............84,52........... 772,28K Kingfisher.................................... 317,20...............321,80............316,40.......... 173,49K Land Securities........................... 691,50...............693,50............688,50.......... 189,92K Legal & General.......................... 284,06...............286,20............282,78............5,22M Lloyds Banking........................... 111,20...............111,55............110,85............5,43M London Stock Exchange..............8.660,0..............8.690,0........... 8.612,0........... 42,87K Londonmetric Property............... 193,40...............194,00............193,00.......... 342,68K M&G........................................... 348,10...............348,70............346,40.......... 283,04K Marks & Spencer........................ 383,70...............385,30............381,80.......... 153,36K Melrose Industries...................... 468,60...............468,90............465,50.......... 233,26K Mondi.......................................... 858,80...............867,60............852,40........... 48,26K National Grid..............................1.170,00............1.172,50......... 1.163,50......... 363,68K NatWest Group........................... 683,60...............686,20............681,00.......... 292,08K Next...........................................15.290,0............15.520,0......... 15.273,5........... 4,63K Pearson......................................1.208,00............1.208,00......... 1.197,50.......... 14,63K Pershing Square........................3.902,00............3.948,00......... 3.878,00.......... 11,83K Persimmon.................................1.146,5..............1.159,9........... 1.141,5........... 96,08K Prudential...................................1.032,77............1.035,50......... 1.029,00......... 204,85K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.152,0..............5.166,0........... 5.138,8........... 53,42K Relx............................................2.615,00............2.623,00......... 2.598,30......... 135,64K Rentokil....................................... 344,90...............345,20............342,00.......... 337,73K Rightmove.................................. 506,00...............513,60............505,20........... 79,43K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.688,0..............7.708,0........... 7.625,0.......... 145,35K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.514,80............1.515,80......... 1.497,80......... 507,83K Sage...........................................1.095,00............1.098,00......... 1.089,00.......... 64,57K Schroders.................................... 583,5.................584,0..............583,5........... 228,84K Scottish Mortgage......................1.452,48............1.461,00......... 1.450,94......... 147,01K Segro.......................................... 963,00...............964,40............960,80.......... 119,43K Severn Trent...............................3.126,0..............3.136,0........... 3.100,0........... 19,75K Shell............................................3.403,5..............3.414,0........... 3.401,0.......... 606,65K Smith & Nephew........................1.072,50............1.075,00......... 1.065,00......... 139,86K Smiths Group.............................2.614,00............2.621,00......... 2.595,00.......... 24,37K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........7.081,5..............7.095,0........... 7.035,0............. 3,3K SSE............................................2.379,00............2.387,00......... 2.369,00.......... 68,61K Standard Chartered....................2.168,00............2.172,00......... 2.153,00......... 140,06K Standard Life............................... 920,00...............925,50............916,50.......... 183,84K Taylor Wimpey............................. 82,64.................83,50..............82,28........... 602,31K Tesco.......................................... 456,80...............458,89............455,70........... 416,1K Unilever.......................................4.708,5..............4.719,0........... 4.686,0.......... 150,44K Unite........................................... 524,50...............529,00............521,00........... 96,49K United Utilities............................1.430,00............1.435,00......... 1.419,00.......... 49,56K Vistry Group................................ 265,80...............267,20............263,68.......... 347,67K Vodafone Group PLC................. 116,850.............117,600..........116,608...........2,41M Weir Group................................2.840,00............2.852,00......... 2.816,00.......... 64,54K Whitbread...................................2.443,0..............2.450,0........... 2.400,0........... 24,52K WPP............................................ 392,80...............392,80............386,40.......... 180,47K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 178,96...............181,03............178,02............2,59M Amazon.com............................... 258,63...............261,09............257,04...........35,72M American Express....................... 336,00...............337,16............333,42............2,62M Amgen........................................ 439,33...............440,51............429,38............2,11M Apple........................................... 309,35...............312,38............307,01...........46,88M Boeing......................................... 214,20...............216,46............212,75............6,24M Caterpillar.................................... 827,90...............832,00............812,34............2,47M Chevron...................................... 205,27...............207,82............205,01............7,36M Cisco........................................... 111,04...............112,19............110,45...........18,41M Coca-Cola..................................... 91,10.................91,20..............90,32.............15,6M Goldman Sachs..........................1.039,28............1.043,66......... 1.008,85...........2,75M Home Depot................................ 335,61...............338,58............333,00............3,42M Honeywell................................... 215,90...............219,83............215,78............3,47M IBM............................................. 235,68...............238,72............233,12............3,89M J&J............................................. 270,24...............272,65............267,00............6,19M JPMorgan................................... 351,58...............356,86............350,37............8,11M McDonald’s................................. 270,95...............271,25............268,11............3,78M Merck&Co................................... 152,55...............154,49............148,59...........15,98M Microsoft.................................... 483,24...............486,36............478,53...........22,51M Nike.............................................. 40,76.................41,13..............40,24............14,71M NVIDIA........................................ 214,72...............218,74............214,50...........98,87M P&G............................................ 144,68...............145,27............142,14............9,79M Salesforce Inc............................. 209,17...............211,07............204,73............9,69M Sherwin-Williams........................ 346,59...............350,02............345,71............1,69M The Travelers.............................. 363,58...............367,19............363,38............1,61M UnitedHealth............................... 390,11...............393,66............386,00............4,89M Verizon......................................... 49,45.................49,72..............49,17............15,08M Visa A.......................................... 371,04...............371,80............366,66............6,68M Walmart...................................... 103,70...............104,28............102,15...........44,45M Walt Disney................................. 107,78...............108,41............106,97............6,84M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 24 August
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced RF Acquisition II............................................. 355,62 %.........................3,15M Werewolf Therapeutics................................... 102,04 %.......................296,73M Stablecoinx...................................................... 85,25 %.........................98,97M Sadot............................................................... 56,16 %.........................19,61M Aiai Holdings.................................................... 46,14 %.........................13,13M Exyn Tech........................................................ 39,87 %.........................16,07M Lisata Therapeutics.......................................... 38,39 %..........................7,12M AMC Robotics.................................................. 32,65 %........................223,44K The9 ADR......................................................... 32,57 %........................911,14K Datacentrex...................................................... 29,70 %..........................1,33M Sphere 3D........................................................ 29,21 %..........................3,08M The Hain Celestial............................................. 27,34 %............................ 2M Canaan............................................................. 27,25 %.........................96,52M Super X AI........................................................ 25,29 %........................578,14K PS International............................................... 25,11 %........................991,16K Vogenx............................................................. 24,82 %........................428,74K Zjk Industrial.................................................... 23,63 %..........................2,06M AIFU Inc DRC................................................... 23,33 %.........................47,97K Critical Metals Corp.......................................... 22,59 %.........................16,43M M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined SU Holdings.....................................................-42,34 %.........................40,25M GD Culture.......................................................-37,35 %.........................11,03M CDT Environmental Tech Investment Holdings.-35,52 %.........................4,99M Jianzhi Century Technology ADR.....................-33,73 %..........................1,04M Lucas GC..........................................................-31,33 %........................123,37M Profusa............................................................-27,87 %........................647,69K Flux Power Holdings........................................-26,95 %..........................1,65M Professional Diversity......................................-26,05 %..........................10,8M iSpecimen........................................................-25,55 %..........................1,55M Singularity Future Tech....................................-25,29 %..........................1,37M Top Wealth Holding.........................................-25,00 %........................512,64K BTC Digital.......................................................-22,45 %.........................17,08M Treasure Global................................................-22,22 %........................249,94K Hennessy Capital Investment Corp VII.............-22,00 %........................110,39K Game Your Game.............................................-20,12 %..........................1,93M Zerostack.........................................................-20,03 %........................463,87K Xiao I ADR.......................................................-18,39 %........................915,12K Synergy CHC....................................................-17,20 %...........................2,7M Americas Car-Mart...........................................-15,90 %........................390,68K M - Million Dollars
Hondon hosts Country & Western Afternoon.
ists. Expect an afternoon filled with familiar favourites from Twain’s career, with songs such as Man! I Feel Like a Woman!, That Don’t Impress Me Much, You’re Still the One and From This Moment On among the tracks likely to have country fans singing along. Tickets cost €20 per person, including the Texas
buffet and entertainment. A €10 deposit is required when booking, with full payment due no later than one week before the event. The Country & Western Afternoon takes place at Hondon Hub, Calle Davo, 03688 Hondon de las Nieves, on Sunday, September 6. For bookings and further information, call (+34) 711 046 164.
Hypnotic hi-jinks EXPECT the unexpected at Guardamar Park Social Club when comedy hypnotist Ed Temple brings his live Comedy Hypnosis Experience to the Costa Blanca on Saturday, September 5. Running from 5pm to 8pm, the onenight-only show promises plenty of laughs, with members of the audience getting the chance to become part of the entertainment. Rather than simply watching from their seats, willing volunteers can take to the stage and discover just what happens when comedy and hypnosis are combined. The show is designed around audience participation, with Ed Temple inviting volunteers to become the stars of the evening. Of course, those who would rather keep safely to their seats can simply sit back, grab a drink and enjoy watching their friends take part. It could make for a particularly entertaining night if you arrive as a group, although choosing who volunteers may require some negotiation!
Credit: Ed Temple.
COUNTRY music, cowboy boots and a taste of Texas are coming to Hondon de las Nieves for a special Country & Western Afternoon on Sunday, September 6. Hondon Hub, located on Calle Davo, is inviting guests to dust off their cowboy boots and shirts for an afternoon of food and live entertainment, with a Texas-style buffet followed by a tribute to country superstar Shania Twain. The buffet will be served from 2pm, giving guests plenty of time to eat before the entertainment begins at 4pm. Taking centre stage will be Katy Dann with her tribute to Shania Twain, whose huge catalogue of country-pop hits helped make her one of the world’s best-selling female art-
Credit: Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock.com.
Shania Sunday
SCENE
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Enjoy comedy hypnotist, Ed Temple.
Tickets cost just €5, making it a bargain evening out for anyone looking for something a little different from the usual Costa Blanca entertainment. The event takes place at Guardamar Park Social Club, formerly known as The Bar, at kilometre 2.5 on the CV-920, Guardamar del Segura, 03140. Advance booking is recommended as the show is being staged for one night only. To reserve seats, call Guardamar Park Social Club on (+34) 711 072 194.
All Shook Up ELVIS fans can enjoy a night packed with rock ‘n’ roll classics when Simon Patrick brings his Elvis tribute show to Villamartin Plaza on Sunday, September 6. The entertainment starts at 7pm, with Yorkshire Monkey opening the evening before Simon Patrick takes over as the King. Yorkshire Monkey keeps things simple with one man and one guitar, but his repertoire is anything but small. Expect songs covering classic rock, punk, Britpop, indie, reggae, country and swing. His set draws on music from artists including Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Oasis, REM, Arctic Monkeys, The Stone Roses and Johnny Cash, providing plenty of familiar favourites before the main show begins. Simon Patrick will
then turn the Plaza into a little slice of Graceland with his tribute to Elvis Presley. Fans can expect music spanning Elvis’s career, from t h e rock
‘n’ roll years through to the spectacular Las Vegas era. With a back catalogue that includes classics such as All Shook Up, Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Suspicious Minds, Burning Love and Can’t Help Falling in Love, there should be plenty to get Elvis fans singing along. The entertainment continues until approximately 11.30pm. The event takes place at Villamartin Plaza on Avenida de las Brisas, Orihuela Costa. Tables can be booked in advance by calling (+34) 966 764 819 or emailing info@villamar tin-plaza.com. Credit: Simon Patrick Elvis Tribute Artist.
Simon Patrick heads to Villamartin as Elvis.
FEATURE - NEWS
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 August - 2 September 2026
Virus detection closes zoo
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
Credit:Ihor Bondarenko/shutterstock
Car takes charge
MY friend Barry arrived for lunch recently looking extremely pleased with himself. He is now the proud owner of a brand new and positively gleaming, all-electric motor car, or, as I prefer to call it, a computer on wheels. Apparently, it has something called ‘one-pedal driving.’ You press the accelerator to go forward, but when you take your foot off, the car starts braking. This sounds clever, but I have spent my entire life believing that one pedal makes you go and another makes you stop. At my age, I don’t want the car suddenly changing the rules. It also has designer lighting, heated seats and panels that warm your backside. It can recognise road signs, keep itself in the correct lane and tell him when he is too close to the car in front. In other words, it has become his wife! The car has cameras looking in every direction and can apparently park itself. Barry simply presses a button, takes his hands off the wheel and watches while the car glides neatly into a space. Very impressive, but what happens when it decides it prefers another space? You could press ‘Park’ outside Eroski and find yourself being driven into the garden centre next door. These things now respond to voice commands too. You can ask for directions, change the music or adjust the temperature without lifting a finger. Soon it will be answering back. The whole thing reminds me of Wallace
31
and Gromit’s Wrong Trousers. Everything works beautifully until the machinery develops a mind of its own. Imagine being trapped in your heated seat while the car announces, ‘I have reviewed your driving history and decided you are no longer qualified.’ Then we come to charging it. Barry tells me a public fast charger can give him another 40 or 50 kilometres in about half an hour. That’s fine, providing you can find one that is free and working. But what happens 50 miles later when there isn’t another charging point? Do you carry an enormously long extension lead and knock on somebody’s door? ‘Excuse me, madam. Could I plug my car into your bedroom for a couple of hours?’ Some drivers, I understand, go out late at night to charge it because there are fewer queues. When I was younger, men crept out after dark for romance, gambling or a secret drink. Now they sneak off at midnight hoping to find an available socket. I admit the car is beautiful, quiet, economical and astonishingly clever. But I’ll stick with my ordinary car for the moment. It may not park itself or warm my bottom, but at least it still goes where I tell it. On reflection, Barry hasn’t bought a car, he’s accidentally married one. Just jiving ya Barry, love the colour. 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.
Two birds died from West Nile Virus.
JEREZ’S Zoo was closed preventatively on August 19, following the deaths of an elderly golden eagle and a cassowary. Both birds tested positive for West Nile virus. Animal Protection delegate Carmen Pina described the cases as isolated and confirmed that response measures are being closely coordinated alongside the Junta de Andalucia’s agriculture and health authorities. Currently, no other animals at the facility have tested positive. Surveillance remains active, including routine monitoring of sentinel geese, which tested negative in recent sampling. The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Because infected birds do not pose a direct transmission risk to zoo visitors, public health measures are focusing on mosquito control rather than direct animal contact. Following the positive cases, regional authorities declared Jerez an alert area for West Nile fever from August 19, until September 16. The city will remain under a high-risk classification, with joint response plans targeting mosquito larvae and adult populations. The zoo remains closed while health and veterinary responses continue.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Safe and Simple
IN Spain, where daily life revolves should not mean increased confusion. around early mornings, late dinners, The best alarm systems are those that and vibrant communities, home secuwork seamlessly, providing instant notirity should be simple, not complicated. fications, reliable performance, and resToo often, alarm systems are marketed ponsive customer support. as expensive, technical, and difficult Simplicity also improves safety. When to manage. What most households alarm systems are easy to undersreally need are safe and simple tand, people are more likely to alarms that provide reliable use them correctly and conSafe and protection without unnesimple alarms sistently. Complex systems cessary complexity. can lead to forgotten codes, systems that Families, retirees, and protect without disabled sensors, or ignored small business owners beoverwhelming. alerts, reducing their effectinefit most from systems that veness. User-friendly design are easy to install, intuitive to helps minimise these risks while use, and dependable every day. In encouraging better security habits. apartment buildings, shared communiUltimately, home security is about ties, and coastal holiday homes, practipeace of mind rather than unnecessary cal features such as clear alerts, mobile sophistication. Safe and simple alarapp control, and straightforward arming ms enable households to protect their and disarming are far more valuable than families, homes, and belongings with complicated technology. confidence. Security should be practiDemand for home security has grown cal, accessible, transparent, and above steadily across Spain, particularly in urall, easy to use, allowing homeowners ban areas and regions with seasonal reto focus on everyday life knowing their sidences. However, increased demand property is protected.
So contact Pete now on 632 258 576 or pete@safeandsimplealarms.com or check out the website www.safeandsimplealarms.com
HEALTHY eating doesn’t have to mean counting every calorie or giving up the foods you love. A simple way to create more balanced meals is to think about what’s on your plate, rather than obsessing over what’s off it. Start with vegetables and fruit. Aim to make around half of your plate colourful, choosing a mixture of fresh, frozen or cooked produce. From leafy greens and roasted peppers to berries and tomatoes, variety makes meals more interesting
while helping you get a range of nutrients. Next, add a source of protein. Chicken, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu and yoghurt can all help make a meal more satisfying. For plant-based meals, combining different protein-rich foods throughout the day can help you meet your needs. Then, choose a carbohydrate such as potatoes, rice, pasta, oats or bread. Wholegrain versions can
provide more fibre and help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Finally, don’t forget a little healthy fat. Avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil and oily fish are easy additions that can bring flavour and texture to a meal. The best part? A balanced plate doesn’t have to look perfect. Think variety, colour and nourishment, while leaving plenty of room for foods you simply enjoy.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Credit: KOBRIN PHOTO / Shutterstock
www.euroweeklynews.com
Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock
32 27 August - 2 September 2026
A POLISHED manicure can instantly elevate your look, and it does not have to involve a complicated design or a trip to an expensive salon. With a few simple choices, you can give your nails that effortlessly luxurious finish. Start with the shape. Clean, neatly filed nails tend to look more refined, whether you prefer short, rounded tips or longer almond-shaped nails. Keeping the cuticles tidy also makes a noticeable difference, creating a clean base for your polish. sophisticated, while a subtle chrome When it comes to colour, less is often or glazed effect adds a modern touch more. Sheer pinks, creamy nudes, soft without overwhelming the nails. beige and classic reds can create an Finally, keep your manicure fresh. elegant finish without looking overdone. Moisturise your hands and cuticles regFor something a little more eye-catchularly, smooth away chips as soon as ing, try a glossy chocolate brown or they appear and refresh your top coat deep burgundy. every few days. The secret to expenThe finish matters just as much. A sive-looking nails? Keep things neat, high-shine top coat can make even a glossy and intentional. simple manicure look instantly more
HEALTH & BEAUTY
WHEN it comes to the skin spots we call moles, most of us barely give our moles a second thought - until one seems to change. While it’s sensible to keep an eye on your skin, the good news is that most moles are completely harmless. Knowing what to look for can help you separate normal changes from those that deserve medical attention. Take a close look at your skin and you’ll probably find a collection of moles scattered across your body. In fact, most adults have between 10 and 40 moles, and some people naturally have many more. Despite being so common, moles often spark anxiety, particularly when stories about skin cancer make the headlines. So, what exactly are they, why do they appear, and when should you actually be worried? A mole, or naevus as doctors call it, is simply a collection of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Normally these cells are spread evenly throughout the skin, giving it its colour. Sometimes
Secret agents, skin spots, and breakwaters Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock
DR MARCUS STEPHAN
www.euroweeklynews.com
The number of moles you have is largely down to genetics.
however they gather together in one place, creating a visible mark. Some are flat, others are raised. They may be tan, brown, black, pink or even almost the same colour as your skin. Some are smooth, while others have a rough texture or even sprout a few hairs. Most develop during childhood or adolescence, although it’s perfectly normal to notice new ones appearing into your 30s. READ MORE
The information provided in this column is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Read more at euroweeklynews.com/author/mstephan/
27 August - 2 September 2026
33
Effortless everyday LOOKING polished doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours getting ready. Often, it’s the small details that make the biggest difference, turning a simple outfit and minimal makeup into a look that feels considered. Hair is a good place to start. A sleek ponytail, neat bun or softly styled waves can instantly make an outfit feel more finished. On busy mornings, a little dry shampoo can revive roots, while a claw clip or simple hairband adds an effortless finishing touch. Makeup doesn’t need to be complicated either. A touch of concealer, brushed brows, mascara and a little blush can bring life to your face without creating a heavy look. Add a tinted lip balm and you have an easy everyday combination.
Credit: KaterynaUKR / Shutterstock
It’s the small details that matter.
Then there’s clothing. Well-fitting, crease-free pieces will always look more polished, even when the outfit itself is simple. A favourite pair of trousers with a clean shirt or a smart jacket can create an instantly pulled-together silhouette. Accessories are often the final piece.
Gold or silver earrings, a structured handbag, sunglasses or a classic watch can elevate even the most basic outfit. The secret isn’t perfection. It’s knowing which details work for you and using them consistently. Sometimes, looking effortlessly polished really is that simple.
www.euroweeklynews.com
FEATURE
TOP Trending
brought to you by Revolution Technology
Masters of the Universe
tures Pic ny
FROM Saturday morning cartoons to the big-screen, and now the slightly smaller screen, as Masters of the Universe becomes available on Prime Video. Although, it might be better to stick to the original cartoon. The success of Barbie seemed to make Hollywood believe audiences wanted films about toys, when instead they want depth and
Credi t: S o
34 27 August - 2 September 2026
nuance, two things this film lacks. The characters look and act the part, but nostalgia only takes this film so far.
Furious FURIOUS follows two fascinating female characters: a serial killer hunting rich and morally corrupt men, and the FBI agent hunting her. During the course of the investigation, Agent Alice Black soon realises her and the killer’s path may be diverging, drawing them together and blurring the line between right and wrong. Dark and gritty, the series relies on tropes and clichés, but despite its similarity
to other popular series, it manages to still be a harrowing story of its own.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
2147levsouth36-37 Cross.indd 1
25/8/26 15:07
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
45
2147levsouth36-37 Cross.indd 2
25/8/26 15:07
38 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
FEATURE
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
World surf champ
Costa Blanca North
Benidorm bound in banger
MARBELLA surfer Sarah Almagro achieved victory in the adaptive category at the ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro 2026. Competing at Pantin Beach in Valdovino, A Coruña, Almagro scored 14.50 points to take the title. The current national, European, and world champion in the PS-P2 category finished well ahead of her opponents. Coach Nico Huercano and young Canarian bodyboarder Stephen Shaw supported Almagro throughout the competition. Nearly 50 athletes from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and Lithuania took part, setting an entry record for the adaptive event. The main ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro has regained WSL QS 6,000 ranking status this year, attracting surfers from over 20 countries. Festival activities also included music, skate contests, food stalls, children’s workshops, and environmental sessions. Almagro’s latest result keeps Marbella at the forefront of adaptive surfing.
FOUR British mates are preparing for a 1,300-mile dash from Chesterfield to Benidorm in a £400 Ford Focus nicknamed the ‘Wiener Wagon’. Josh, 38, David, 33, Tom, 40, and Sam, 34, will set off on September 7, heading to Dover before crossing to Dunkirk and driving through France and Spain. The Rat Run challenge is all about fun, but the biggest goal is raising money for Childhood Tumour Trust and Breast Cancer Research, two charities particularly close to their hearts after family members were affected by both illnesses. “We’re doing it for a bit of fun and adventure, but most importantly to raise money for Childhood Tumour Trust and Breast Cancer Research,” the group said. The biggest challenge could be keeping their bargain car moving. The Focus has already travelled 106,000 miles, although the friends have arranged breakdown cover. Fundraising remains ongoing, with donations helping support the two chosen charities.
Axarquia
Almeria
A Torre del Mar thank you
Almeria’s festival fever
WHILE some Spanish holiday destinations complain about visitor numbers, Torre del Mar takes a different approach. The town shows its appreciation each summer by rolling out a massive free dessert, handing out more than 4,000 slices of cake. Chef Roberto Soler from Escuela de Cocina Sabores is behind the creation, a rectangular structure measuring nearly six square metres. Marking the eighth year of the event, the design draws inspiration from the town’s seafaring past and its historic lighthouses. To feed the crowds, Soler relies on impressive quantities. The cake uses 100 sheets of white sponge that would stretch 60 metres if laid end to end, 350 litres of plant-based cream, 50 litres of spiced syrup, and 60 kilos of speculoos biscuit cream. The filling includes 15 kilos of crushed speculoos biscuits, topped with 80 kilos of fondant forming oversized figures and an edible marine landscape.
COOLTURAL Fest recently wrapped up its four-day run, drawing its biggest crowds yet for a weekend that organisers and festival-goers are calling the best edition so far. One festival-goer, Paula Jiménez, 31, said this year’s turnout was noticeably bigger than last year’s, yet the festival never felt overwhelmed. Cooltural Fest has also built a reputation as one of Europe’s most inclusive festivals, working with the Fundación Music For All to place more than 50 people with disabilities in festival roles each year, including bar work, cleaning and access control. “We’re proud that each year there continue to be advances in this area,” said Crash Music director Diego Ferrón. The closing night belonged to David Bisbal, who returned to his home city to headline the final show, turning the audience into what was described as an enormous chorus. Lori Meyers & La MODA also brought all-out indie and rock hits, followed by Spanish pop/rock legends Hombres G.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
Meteotsunamis hit Mallorca
Staged spectacle
HOLIDAYMAKERS and residents were caught off guard as meteotsunamis hit parts of Mallorca, with unusual sea surges reported in Alcudia, Soller and Andratx. Meteotsunamis are caused by atmospheric disturbances, particularly sudden changes in air pressure, which can generate waves in the sea. These waves may become amplified as they reach shallower coastal waters, causing sea levels to rise or fall unexpectedly. For beachgoers, the sudden changes can be unsettling. British holidaymaker Stephen Looney, 39, was on the beach in Alcudia with his wife and daughters when the water began repeatedly pushing further up the shore. Speaking to Euro Weekly News, Stephen said: “It never got higher than ankle height, but just kept on coming. We grabbed the kids and ran back to the hotel.” Similar meteotsunami activity was reported in other parts of the island, including Soller and Andratx, with the unusual sea movements surprising witnesses along the coast.
SAN JAVIER recently celebrated its International Theatre, Music, and Dance Festival. For several weeks, this idyllic town in Murcia transformed into a premier cultural sanctuary, drawing thousands of theatergoers, music enthusiasts, and arts aficionados. At the centre of the festival was the Auditorio Parque Almansa, which hosted a succession of remarkable theatrical productions that spanned centuries of dramatic literature. Audiences were treated to performances of timeless masterpieces including Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Federico García Lorca’s La Barraca. The programme balanced these classics with contemporary interpretations by local talents. Dance and music were just as essential to the festival’s theme. A renowned local dancer, Rocío Molina, brought physical expression and raw flamenco energy to the stage. In music, the schedule reached a powerful high point during the headlining concert by the iconic Spanish singer Luz Casal.
• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •
www.euroweeklynews.com
PETS
SPONSORED BY
Barnie needs a dog sitter! PETS like Barnie, a little long in the tooth (or as in Barnie’s case, with no teeth), are little set in their ways to leave home when you go on holiday. Barnie needs a pet sitter in his home to feed him, walk him along his usual route and care for him. Pet sitters from HouseSitMatch pet sit for the opportunity to visit somewhere new. How does it work? • It’s a fair exchange: Our house sitters don’t charge for their services. No money changes hands. They exchange their time and dedicated pet care for free accommodation in your home. • Safety is our priority: A mandatory triple ID and fraud check protocol keeps our entire community safe for house sitters and homeowners. • It’s a collaborative community: Our sitters are simply happy to help pets thrive while you’re away. Need a dog sitter for your own canine friend? Whether planning a long cruise or visiting family for the holidays, your pets prefer the comfort of their own home.
Barnie is a friendly Maltese. He needs a sitter.
Live-in sitters keep daily routines intact and your property secure - saving you money and sparing your furry best friend a stressful trip to the kennels. Next step Joining our network is simple, secure, and collaborative: 1. Register at HouseSitMatch.com. 2. Create your profile with photos highlighting your property features and pets. 3. Match and explore with your perfect house sitter partner and start planning your next trip!
For a small annual registration fee (and zero ‘per-sit’ fees), you access a secure, vibrant community. Pets get to stay at home, routines intact, properties remain secure, and you get a budget-friendly way to travel. Why HouseSitMatch works We’re more than a platform - we’re a community. • Checked members - We verify both homeowners and sitters to keep the whole network safe. • Human support - Our team is on hand to guide you, answer questions, and help you. • Easy video tools - Use our secure video call features to meet sitters before confirming the match. “This site is definitely the best... Lamia and her team provide such a personal approach and will talk you through any problems.” — Kay Lattimore Claim your exclusive reader discount Register today at HouseSitMatch. com and use code WELCOME25 to receive 25 per cent off your first year.
Lamia Walker, Founder. Web: HouseSitMatch.com. Call: +44 (0)7772 142 742. Rated excellent on Trustpilot – 4.9/5
Happy dog, clean house NO matter how much a person loves their dog, nobody enjoys the lingering ‘doggy’ odour that can quickly take over the whole house. Fortunately, you do not need to choose between having a happy dog and a fresh-smelling home. Start with your dog. Regular brushing removes loose fur, dirt and skin flakes before they end up on your carpets and furniture. Bathing can also help, but avoid overdoing it, as frequent washing may irritate the skin. Remember to wash their bedding regularly too, as it can trap plenty of odours. Next, tackle the places your dog spends the most time. Vacuum carpets, rugs and sofas frequently, paying particular attention to corners and favourite
Credit: Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock
You house doesn’t have to smell like dog all the time.
sleeping spots. Wash blankets and removable covers, and mop hard floors regularly. If there has been an accident, clean it promptly with an enzymatic pet-safe cleaner to break down the odour rather than simply masking it.
Good ventilation can make a surprising difference, so open windows when possible and let fresh air circulate. Finally, do not ignore a sudden or unusually strong smell coming from your dog. Bad
breath, smelly ears or skin odour can sometimes signal an underlying health problem, so speak to your vet if you notice a change. A cleaner home does not have to mean a less dog-friendly one.
27 August - 2 September 2026
39
40 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
AIR CONDITONING
APPLIANCE REPAIRS
BREAKERS YARD
BLINDS
SERVICES
ARTIFICIAL GRASS
BALUSTRADES
BOILERS
BUILDERS
DRAINS
CONSTRUCTION
euroweeklynews.com
www.euroweeklynews.com
SERVICES
ENERGY
GATES
LOCKSMITHS
POOLS
GRILLS
TV & SATELLITE
POOL MAINTENANCE
27 August - 2 September 2026
41
PAINTERS/DECORATORS
42 27 August - 2 September 2026 REMOVALS & STORAGE
REPAIRS
www.euroweeklynews.com
SERVICES
SERVICES
www.euroweeklynews.com
REMOVALS & STORAGE
27 August - 2 September 2026
43
WATER LEAK DETECTION
TV & SATELLITE
euroweeklynews.com euroweeklynews.com COSTA DEL SOL • AXARQUIA COSTA BLANCA NORTH COSTA BLANCA SOUTH ALMERIA • COSTA CALIDA MALLORCA
WINDOW TINTING
CLASSIFIEDS BUILDING SERVICES
J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (313701)
BUY & SELL
CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@ hotmail.com (95475) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away. Tel: 634 311 690 (95462) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www. givinglight.com.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation
44
that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja. com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)
step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Billy who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http:// branches.britishlegion.org. uk/branches/orihuela-costa covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. Visit our Facebook page Costa Blanca South RBL. (95457)
ICA CHURCH, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday Service at 10.30am, Wednesday coffee morning 10.30am til midday. All nationalities welcome Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorrevieja.org (95476).
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant. secretary@rbl.community.
LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli calchurch.org (10005) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www. pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk. Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, then contact us on 676 451 780. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first
ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@yahoo. co.uk (10004) ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) A friendly and engaging group of people who embrace their ethos of Comradeship, Loyalty, Patriotism & Unity while enjoying a verity of social events, meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 17.00 at Silverstone’s 2023 (Bar/Restaurant). Av. Romero, 03176 Montebello, Alicante. Contact: RNATB Membership Secretary, Carl Louden; email: carllouden@msn.com or Phone +34 678 518 202, or just come along and meet us. (95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact Paul 653 588 475 (English) or Maria 620 907 474 (Spanish) or email stroke supportgroup@hotmail.com. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461) THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre.
27 August - 2 September 2026 Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458) THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807) THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www. spiritualistcentre-benijofar. com. Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789 (95454) MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON. The club is held at Silverstones Bistro Restaurant. Avenida Romero, Montabello (except August), the 1st Tuesday of every month from 1pm to 3pm. For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@ amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : FB @ movers and shakers www.amscb.org. es (295976)
Zurich, Allianz, Caser and more. WE FIND THE BEST DEALS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO All in English, with English assistance for claims. Get a quote for motor, home, funeral, business, or travel insurance, etc. Email: info@ beneficialcover.com | Tel & Whatsapp: 711 062 812 | Web: www.beneficialcover.com FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain. com or email tracey@sosin suranceinspain.com (350918)
LAWYERS
MASSAGE
ELECTRICIAN
PIETER KREFT, certified Energy Healer, Paranormal Therapist and Coach. Practice in Spain. Website: https://www. pieterkrefthealer.nl (350978)
HOME IMPROVEMENTS BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (300573)
INSURANCE BENEFICIAL COVER - Your English Insurance Broker in Spain! We deal with names you recognise: Admiral, Generali,
NADIA - Moldavian girl, Beautiful Body, Sensual Massages. Best attention. Telephone: 614 886 065 LA ZENIA (351114) ANA European, All kind of massages, sweet sexy affectionate girl, private apartment & home visits, English speaking. Playa del Cura. Contact 612 293 506 (351099)
MOTORHOMES MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left- or right-hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905 (295678) WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)
MUSIC TUITION PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (314013)
FOR SALE
HEALTH & BEAUTY
SARA Brazilian, Mature, Fantastic Body. All Fantasies, sensualspain. House nº77 La Zenia. Tel 666 645 551 (350930)
MOTORING
MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (303928) RETURNING TO UK? , excellent one bedroom flat in Kettering, Northants, comprising lounge, bedroom, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom with bath and shower, own parking space, convenient to shops hospitals, schools and in easy reach of three airports,100 year lease, great as investment, price £100,000 Ono, Call 613 854 726 (351119)
LOLA, Spanish Brunette. Sensual Massage - Guardamar del Segura.Te. +34 641 26 60 90. (350702)
OTHERS FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 MAGIC TOUCH, French, speaks 3 languages, professional masseuse, tantric. Apartment in Villamartin and home visits. Tel 693 357 526 (301564) FRIENDLY, experienced masseuse, unwind with a 1hr massage by Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (314299)
MOTORS FOR SALE
CONTACT Roy on 613 584 915 for your Weekenders & Supplements. Collection or delivery. (314296)
PET CHARITY EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare. net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)
Contact us and have your business grow at +34 965 842 777
CLASSIFIEDS GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www. pepaspain.com (95708) SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www. spama-safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)
PLUMBERS MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. Number: 698 320 434 (303928)
POOL MAINTENANCE
SPAS AND JACCUZIS
www.euroweeklynews.com
27 August - 2 September 2026
45
46 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
MOTORING
ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK
New IONIQ 3 electric hatchback pricing HYUNDAI has revealed the pricing, specification and technical information for the new IONIQ 3, a compact electric Aero Hatch, with prices starting from €25,955/£22,245. The Korean car maker says the IONIQ 3 has been developed as an affordable, efficient and practical compact electric car and offers fast DC charging, AC charging up to 11 kW and two battery options, with an expect-
ed driving range of up to 495km/308 miles. Hyundai’s new infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS makes its debut in the IONIQ 3. The system is available with a 32cm/12.9-inch or 37cm/14.6-inch display and supports vehicle functions, navigation and connectivity. Other key technologies include an integrated EV route planner and Memory Reverse Assist, which can mem-
orise the last 50 metres of driving inputs to assist with subsequent manoeuvres such as reversing out of tight parking spaces. The lead-in Advance trim is available from €25,955/£22,245 and includes 40cm/16inch alloy wheels, LED front headlamps and rear lamps, front and rear parking sensors, a 32cm/12.9-inch in-
fotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear view monitor, smart key with push-button start and smart cruise control to name but a few. It is available with a 42kWh 147PS powertrain with an expected 342km/213 miles of range, or a 61kWh 135PS powertrain with an expected
308 miles of range from €30,043/£25,745. In Premium level, priced from €32,027/£27,445 it builds on the Advance model with 43cm/17inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, battery heating and pre-conditioning, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, electrically folding door mirrors and wireless smartphone charger. The top-line Ultimate, priced from €34,942/£29,945 adds 46cm/18-inch alloy wheels, navigation, matrix LED headlamps, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and smart cruise control. Optional extras include the EV Pack with V2L and Heat Pump, the Design Pack offering Vision and Two-tone roof, and the Comfort Pack with an array of features from premium relaxation seats, heated front
& rear seats, ventilated front seats, Bose Premium Audio and Digital Key 2.0. All Ultimate models use the 61kWh 135PS powertrain and offer an expected range of up to 483km/300 miles. The IONIQ 3 N Line Evo, priced from €37,274/£31,945 is the range-topping trim and adds N Line exterior design, 48cm/19-inch N Line alloy wheels, navigation and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, suede and cloth N Line seats, N Line interior design with red accents, surround view monitor, 360-degree parking sensors, remote smart parking assist and Memory Reverse Assist. All N Line Evo models use the 61kWh 135PS powertrain and offer an expected range of up to 426km/265 miles.
€1 million fine CAR rental company Avis has received a €1 million fine from the Spanish consumer ministry for imposing illegal extra charges on drivers. Spanish officials issued the maximum financial penalty after ruling that the firm committed a very serious breach of consumer rights. Avis routinely added administrative fees ranging from €33.88 to €45 to customers who received traffic fines while using its vehicles. The firm claimed the charge covered the cost of identifying drivers to the relevant authorities. However, under Spanish traffic law, vehicle owners are legally obligated to provide this information. Regulators determined that charging customers for a compulsory legal duty created an unfair contractual imbalance. The investigation followed a complaint by the Basque consumer group EKA/
Credit: BA FB
Car hire firms at airport.
ACUV. It revealed that Avis had continued applying the fee despite a court in Vitoria-Gasteiz declaring the practice illegal in September 2020. That earlier court ruling specifically banned the fee and ordered its removal from all contracts. The firm has also faced wider allegations of charging for unrequested services and deducting funds from credit cards linked to
previous hires. With administrative proceedings now concluded, Avis retains the right to appeal the sanction in court. For now, the decision serves as a stern warning to the broader car rental sector ahead of the busy summer period. Travellers hiring vehicles in Spain should inspect contract terms thoroughly and retain documentation of all payments.
www.euroweeklynews.com
SPORT
Swimming forward Credit: Master1305 / Shutterstock
New heated pool set to bring more opportunities for Torrevieja.
TORREVIEJA is set to gain a major boost to its sports and leisure facilities with plans for a new heated swimming pool at the Sports City. The Local Governing Board has approved the €5.53 million project, which is expected to take 18 months to complete. The 25-metre pool will give residents more opportunities to swim, train and take part in aquatic activities throughout the year. It will also connect directly with the existing indoor pool, allowing both
facilities to work together and increasing the range of activities available to local clubs, schools and community groups. Families should benefit too, with dedicated family changing facilities making it easier for adults to accompany children. Accessible design will also help people with reduced mobility or communication difficulties use the new facility comfortably. Spectator seating will create a better environment for competitions and events, strengthening
Torrevieja’s appeal as a destination for sporting activities. There is also a strong environmental focus. Solar panels, heat pumps and heat recovery technology will help reduce energy consumption, running costs and carbon emissions. For the community, the project promises more than a new pool. It means greater access to sport, healthier lifestyles and a modern facility designed to serve Torrevieja for years to come.
27 August - 2 September 2026
47