Latest Spanish News In English
Mallorca to \"reinvent\" itself in London, from art to demons
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-03 01:50:00Mallorca lands in London this morning and this year the island is really pushing out the boat with a programme which ranges from top art work, to demons and a new artificial intelligence platform which will allow you to design your own environmentally friendly holiday.
The local delegation is led by Balearic President, Marga Prohens, and she will preside over the unveiling of a major art exhibition by top Catalan artist Joan Miro in Oxford Street this evening. Miro produced some of his finest works on Mallorca.
Practically all the leading figures from the local authorities will attend the event which will also include a \"run of fire\" and the infamous \"demons\" which are so popular in local fiestas. The Bulletin has helped the Balearic government compile the guest list and many Londoners with connections to the island including Lord Jeffrey Archer, who owns a home on the island, and Robert Davis former leader of Westminister council, will attend. They will be joined by Catherine Sasson Chief Executive of Pirates in Magalluf, Meg Williams of Stick No Bills, Douglas Meese, Executive Producer UK and Ireland Palma Pictures and many others.
Supporting the event will be our 40 page special which appeared on Friday with a Full Mallorca What´s On Guide for 2026 which you can read online.
On Tuesday Mallorca attention will turn to London Docklands where the World Travel Market fair will be taking place at the Excel exhibition centre. Here the Council of Mallorca will unveil their new artificial intelligence platform which will allow you to plan your own Mallorca holiday in a tailor-made package which is also environmentally friendly.
According to the Council of Mallorca the island will be reinventing itself in London as new technology continues to embrace the travel industry. The new platform is said to be ground-breaking and will allow the island to stay on top.
The Calvia council will also be unveiling the new Magalluf, a project which proved so popular with members of the Association of British Travel Agents at their annual convention last month. The Palma city council will also be making a major announcement as the city bids to become the European capital of culture.
This year no expense has been spared to ensure that Mallorca has a key place in London and it is the Mallorcan way of saying thank you to the British for being such a loyal holiday market.
While talk of more tourists to the island is frowned on in some quarters the local authorities will be quietly pleased that the British helped save the summer season with a slight decline in visitor numbers in July and August and a big increase in September. Spending was also up. Last season there was a big fall in the German market.
The programme is certainly impressive and the Bulletin will be there supporting Mallorca and spreading the word about our fantastic island.
Balearic President Marga Prohens is no stranger to Britain, she studied in Southampton.
Ukraine war has led to a \"noticeable increase\" in Polish home-buying in Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 06:55:00Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in March 2022, there has been a noticeable increase in the purchase of homes in the Balearics by eastern Europeans, especially Poles.
Andalusia, the Canaries, Valencia and the Balearics are all regions favoured by Polish citizens, information from the College of Registrars indicating that buyers aren't all people interested in luxury properties. The focus is mainly on properties of 60 to 80 square metres rather than on lavish homes of up to 300 square metres. The same applies to Ukrainian and Lithuanian buyers.
Poland has provided the most growth in Spain since 2022. In the second quarter of 2025, Poland continued to represent the highest growth in percentage terms among foreign buyers. In the Balearics in 2024, Poland entered the top ten of foreign buyers for the first time.
Daniel Arenas, president of the ABINI association of national and international real estate agencies, says: \"It's a nationality we didn't usually work with much, but we have noticed a significant change. When you talk to those looking for homes, they admit theyâre afraid. They tell you about the Russian drones that fly freely across their borders. It's not a flood, but it's noticeable.\" He adds that there is a greater concentration in the Costa del Sol.
Hans Lenz, managing director of Engel & Völkers in southwest Mallorca and the former ABINI president, agrees that Andalusia is more appealing to Poles than the Balearics. \"There's a strong pull factor due to Marbella's lower prices.\" The role the war has played is undeniable. \"The geopolitical issue is there, and it's been noticeable. These are people looking for peace and security. And they highly value air connectivity.\"
Aneta Oleszkiewicz, a Polish estate agent who has lived in Mallorca for nine years, says: \"Mallorca is considered a safe and stable place, both politically and socially.\" The current situation in Poland \"is not one of panic, but rather of caution. People simply feel it is wise to have another residence abroad, a place that offers security and stability should circumstances change.\" The Balearics are an obvious choice. \"It's a natural option: a magnificent climate, excellent international schools. It's a conscious and strategic decision to invest in peace of mind and a better quality of life.\"
Poland's Honorary Consul in the Balearics, Ignasi Fiol, explains that around 85% of Poles on the islands are self-employed or entrepreneurs. \"Twenty years ago, they were concentrated in the hospitality sector, but today you find them in small to medium-sized businesses in the construction sector.\" He adds that Valldemossa used to be a magnet because of the Chopin connection. Nowadays there is no particular preference, except perhaps Palma.
In 2024, there were 3,381 Polish people residing in the Balearics, while there were 373,252 Polish tourists. There were more Ukrainian residents - 3,853.
Remembrance Day 2025: British expats across the Costa Blanca unite to honour the fallen
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 13:55:23Communities across the Costa Blanca are coming together this November to honour the fallen and support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2025, with a series of charity events, remembrance services and fundraising celebrations taking place from Javea to Benidorm. The spirit of remembrance and charity is once again flourishing across the Costa Blanca, with a series of heartfelt events organised in aid of the Royal British Legion.
In Jalon, a Charity Dance Exercise Class will take place on Friday November 7 at Bar Can Tallerina, beginning at 10am. The event, organised in support of the Royal British Legion, invites everyone to join in â no dancing skills required. Attendees can enjoy breakfast, coffee, cake, live music and a fabulous raffle, all while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Brits in Spain prepare for Remembrance Day
Last yearâs class raised an impressive â¬1,400 for the Royal British Legion, funds which stayed in Spain to directly assist ex-service personnel and their families in the local area. Members of the Legionâs Javea branch will be present once again, proudly wearing their poppies.
The Royal British Legion Javea Branch will also hold its annual Service of Remembrance on Sunday November 9, at the Fishermenâs Church in Javea Port, commencing at 3pm.
Remembrance Day 2025 in Spain
Adding to the season of remembrance, The Royal Society of St George Costa Blanca will host its much-loved Poppy Ball 2025 on Wednesday November 12 at Javea Golf Club. The elegant evening will include a three-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing, with all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.
Guests will be welcomed from 6.30pm with a complimentary drink, followed by dinner served at 7pm, including half a bottle of wine and water, for â¬40 per person. From 7.30pm, the lively Kennyâs Musical Cabaret will take to the stage, ensuring a vibrant evening of entertainment and camaraderie. The dress code is DJ or jacket and tie, and attendees are encouraged to wear a poppy in honour of the occasion.
Speaking to Euro Weekly News, Reverend Canon Raymond Hodson said: âThe Royal Society of St George Costa Blanca first introduced the Poppy Ball before the Covid pandemic, and this will be the third year since we resumed the event.â
Royal British Legion: supporting veterans since 1921
Founded in 1921, the Royal British Legion was established to support ex-servicemen and their families following the devastation of the First World War. Today, it continues to provide vital financial, social and emotional support to veterans from all conflicts.
The RBL Costa Blanca launched its 2025 Poppy Appeal on Saturday October 18 in Benidorm, running through to Remembrance Day on November 11, when services across the region will honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. At 11am, people throughout Europe will pause for two minutes of silence, reflecting on the fallen from both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
A symbol of remembrance
The poppy remains a powerful emblem of remembrance and renewal, inspired by the flowers that grew across the battlefields of Flanders after the First World War.
As Reverend Hodson summed up: âOur dinner dance is an enjoyable evening, but above all, itâs about raising funds for a truly worthy cause.â
Providing the music for the night will be Kenny Starmer, a talented performer who will serenade guests during dinner before keeping the dance floor lively late into the night.
Elsewhere, Olivers Bar in Benidormâs Old Town has also joined the effort, proudly displaying its poppies and encouraging patrons to donate generously. âPlease give what you can â itâs for a great cause,â they shared. The bar is open daily from 11am until 1.15am, closing at 6.30pm on Sundays.
Rallye Costa de Almeria marks national return with 50th edition
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 12:47:20A landmark 50th edition saw the Rallye Costa de Almeria reclaim its place on Spainâs national rally calendar, with Galician pair Jorge Cagiao and Javier MartÃnez crowned champions.
Thrilling finish crowns 50th anniversary
The 50th anniversary of the Rallye Costa de Almeria ran on October 31 â' November 1 and once again counted for the Spanish Asphalt Rally Championship (CERA-Recalvi) as well as regional and provincial series.
At the finish, Galician driver Jorge Cagiao Zueiras and co-driver Javier MartÃnez secured both the rally win and the 2025 national title behind the wheel of an Alpine A110 GT+. Their winning time: 56:14.8.
A tough itinerary with fierce competition
Organised by the Almeria Automobile Club (ACA), the event featured 11 special stages over a competitive distance of 107.53 km and a total rally distance of 486.98 km.
Following Fridayâs night stage, the action on Saturday included repeated passes through Vicar-Enix, Alhabia-Santa Fe de Mondujar, Enix, Alboloduy and Ricaveral, all serviced from Roquetas de Mar with the ceremonial finish at Parque de las Almadrabillas, Almeria city.
Early pace-setters included Canarians Enrique Cruz and Yeray Mújica in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, who topped the first special.
By the close, Cagiao and MartÃnez held off a charging field to win ahead of Cruz and Mújica (2nd) and Alberto Ordóñez and Pablo Sánchez (3rd).
Local heroes and regional stakes
While the national title was the headline, regional competition remained intense. The rally also counted towards the Andalucian Asphalt Championship and the Provincial Trofeo Diputacion de Almeria.
The local audience was treated to standout performances by Andalucian crews such as Pedro David Pérez / Miriam Antelo in the Ford Fiesta R5 MkII, who featured within the top-five.
A winding road through Almeriaâs community
The rally passed through a 19 municipality-strong route in the Almeria province, drawing spectators, teams and media from across Spain. The ACA highlighted this weekend as a major tourism and visibility boost for the region.
Organisers also emphasised enhanced safety protocols, designated spectator zones and mobility planning to minimise disruption and environmental footprint.
The future of the rally in Almeria
With the national title decided and its 50th edition delivered in style, the Rallye Costa de Almeria has firmly re-established itself as a key fixture on Spainâs asphalt calendar.
After a well-deserved break, local suppliers, tourism partners and clubs can start looking ahead â' aiming to build on this yearâs success with new investment, improved spectator facilities and an even stronger national presence for the 2026 event.
Brits in Spain prepare for Remembrance Day during difficult times for world peace
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 12:48:45As the chill of autumn blows in over Spainâs idyllic coasts and landscapes, British expats are preparing to pause in a moment of profound reflection on November 11.
Remembrance Day, marking the Armistice that silenced the guns of World War I in 1918, takes on special resonance for the estimated 300,000 British expatriates living across the Iberian Peninsula. Far from the misty fields of Flanders, these communities are weaving their solemn UK heritage into the tapestry of Spanish life, in order to create hybrid ceremonies that become established as sense of belonging despite the challenges of relocation and Brexit.
Remembrance Day 2025 more relevant than ever
For many expats, Remembrance Day serves as both a hat-tip to those who were lost in the Great War, and battles since, and a prayer that it never happens again. With sabre-rattling reigniting across East/West divides once more, not once in more than 35 years, has the commemoration been more relevant. The Royal British Legion (RBL), the expatriate communityâs steadfast organiser in Spain, is getting ready for what promises to be one of its busiest years yet. With 15 official events planned for 2025 â' a 20 per cent increase from 2023 â' the Legion will coordinate wreath-laying, church services, and two-minute silences at 11am across key expat centres. Malagaâs British Cemetery, a poignant focal point, expects over 500 attendees for its biggest Iberian ceremony, where red poppies, symbols of hope and sacrifice, will blow in the breeze along with Spanish laurel wreaths. The RBLâs Spain branch raised â¬25,000 through last yearâs poppy appeals, and channelled those funds directly to veteran welfare programmes.
Expat clusters are busily preparing. On the Costa Blanca, home to around 50,000 Brits, intimate beachside vigils and pub sing-alongs form part of the preparations. In Alicante and Valencia, families are gearing up for kid-friendly twists: poppy crafts at British schools and post-silence picnics in parks.
Symbols bridge the cultural divide: the iconic poppy meets local carnations in hybrid tributes, distributed to 8,000 recipients in 2024. Expats are also stepping up as volunteers, 500 slots open annually for everything from marshalling to storytelling. For those unable to attend in person, virtual streams from the British Embassy in Madrid offer a digital lifeline, while social media campaigns amplify the message. As Spainâs local communities join in, Brits and Spaniards stand side-by-side in hope for humanity, and remembrance of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom.â For 2025 details, visit the RBL Spain site or local branches. Lest we forget.
Look up Madrid events for Remembrance Day. Look up general events through the Royal British Legion.
Mallorca's affordable housing problems go back years, while luxury apartments are being built despite the land shortage
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 11:23:00On Friday, Tomeu Abad, Palma Town Hall's urban planning manager for the past two years, stepped down from his position. An architect with over thirty years' experience, he is retiring.
Challenges he has faced have included a lack of personnel; there are around one hundred positions that need filling in the planning department. But staff shortages are not the only reason why building licences take so long in being issued. \"There are factors like mobility, water resources, activity regulations. All the reports cause delays. A licence should take six to seven months to obtain. We've reduced the processing time from two years to eighteen months, but we need more technical and legal staff to accelerate the procedures.\"
For years, only houses were being built in Palma. Abad says there are now apartment developments, but he accepts there is a very significant housing shortage. \"It has existed for a long time, and now the problem has worsened. The housing shortage is structural and began many years ago. Things have been done, but in the end, regardless of political affiliation, it's a slow process. The truth is there are no short-term solutions.\"
He attributes the serious lack of affordable housing to several factors, one of which goes back to 2004. The Mallorca Territorial Plan of that year stipulated that all municipal general plans had to be adapted.
\"For ten years, none were adapted, resulting in a massive standstill in housing construction. Urban land with direct permits was exhausted, and other areas remained undeveloped. The procedures are incredibly slow, and obtaining affordable and social housing is a frustrating challenge.
\"Go back to 1996 and young people could access housing with a mortgage and a down payment. Today, the situation is very different. It affects the less fortunate and also the middle class. That's why a bold housing policy is necessary. We must control land availability in order to set affordable prices, and we need private sector activity to support this. There needs to be a public-private partnership so that everyone can access decent housing. It's not a matter of political affiliation; it's a necessity.\"
General plans, Abad observes, are full of provisions, some to do with water resources. \"There's a significant issue with the water resources government department, which wasn't allowing certain developments. There are more and more obstacles, and the processing of applications is becoming more complicated. But there are many factors. Let's speed things up, let's not throw up roadblocks from any level of government. We need an agreement among all political parties to get housing for people.
\"Housing has been built for people with high purchasing power. Local residents have been left out. We've had homes worth over â¬800,000 on the Llevant Industrial Estate, which they're now calling Nou Portitxol. Luxury apartments have been built there despite a land shortage. The impact of land prices is so high that it adds to the increased construction costs and the difficulty in finding labour. Sale prices are already very high. We need land, and public land at that. I know that the government is concerned about the housing shortage, and I hope that with the steps being taken, the situation will gradually improve.\"
Palma shopkeepers sick to death of Instagrammers
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 12:00:00\"They come in without saying hello, stand in front of a mirror, and start taking selfies of their backsides. They leave without saying a word.\" Vanita, a Palma shopkeeper, has been forced to put up a 'photos prohibited' sign, so sick has she become of Instagramming tourists who come in and take photos or record videos.
\"Whether they're teenagers or adults, they come into the shop, look at themselves in the mirror, pout, film me. They go into the fitting room and take pictures. But they don't ask permission or anything.\" She adds that they try on clothes, take photos to upload to social media, and leave without putting a single euro in the till.
Various shops in the centre of Palma have had enough of the Instagramming tourists who crowd into their premises just to take photos and videos. As one shopkeeper on C. Colom says: \"People are so very rude. They come in, take videos without asking permission or saying hello, they film you, and then they leave.\"
At the Ca Donya Ãngela haberdashery, which has announced its closure after 340 years, the owner, Miquel Aguiló, has a box for making one-euro donations to take photos. Behind his counter is a striking wall of shelves overflowing with buttons of all colours and shapes. Unfortunately, it's Instagram fodder, and that doesn't translate into increased sales.
An art gallery on C. Colom Street now has a sign stating: 'This is not a museum.' They're asking people not to enter the premises just to take photos. It's an epidemic that's frustrating and overwhelming shopkeepers, tired of being nothing more than a backdrop for a postcard.
Orihuela Awards â¬14.1 Million Contract for Municipal Sports Services
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 09:28:20The Orihuela City Council has officially awarded a â¬14.14 million contract for the provision of sports personnel, auxiliary staff, maintenance, and cleaning services at municipal sports facilities. The contract spans three years, with the option to extend for an additional two years.
The contract is divided into three lots, each assigned to specialized companies with nationwide experience:
Aossa Global S.A. (Seville) will manage Lots 1 and 2, covering sports, technical, and maintenance personnel across Orihuelaâs municipal sports centers, for a total of â¬10.25 million.
Serveo Servicios S.A.U. (Madrid) will handle Lot 3, which includes cleaning, concierge services, user information, and access control, totaling â¬3.89 million.
The contract aims to improve the overall management of sports facilities, ensuring proper functioning and continuity of services.
Councillor for Sports VÃctor Sigüenza highlighted that the contract introduces significant upgrades, including modernized equipment, extended opening hours on Sunday afternoons, increased staff hours, and additional services such as user medical check-ups and school sports refereeing. He described it as âa new era for sports in Orihuela, more modern, organized, and closer to families and local clubs.â
Mayor Pepe Vegara emphasized the contract restores stability to municipal sports services after the previous agreement expired, calling it âproof that careful planning yields results.â He also clarified that no residents will be displaced for the planned future Ciudad Deportiva project, which remains in the environmental review stage.
The new services will officially commence on Saturday, November 1.
Summary:Orihuela City Council has awarded a â¬14.14 million, three-year contract for municipal sports services, divided between Aossa Global (sports and maintenance staff) and Serveo Servicios (cleaning and access control). The agreement introduces modernized equipment, extended hours, and additional services for users, restoring stability to municipal sports facilities. The contract begins on November 1, with no displacement planned for residents near the future Ciudad Deportiva project.
Civil Guard Busts Torre Pachecoâs Busiest Drug Hub
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 09:37:03The Civil Guard has dismantled what authorities say was the busiest drug-selling point in Torre Pacheco, arresting three members of the same family suspected of running a criminal network.
The family, a couple and their adult son, are accused of drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, criminal group membership, and handling stolen goods. During a raid at their home, officers seized cocaine base (crack), all the tools needed to âcookâ and package the drugs, cash, and a variety of stolen items used as barter for narcotics.
Operation Kusuyi, launched in February, followed months of surveillance after police detected signs of large-scale cocaine and crack distribution from the familyâs residence. Investigators noted a constant flow of people buying drugs directly from the house or through windows, including small-scale dealers and customers from Torre Pacheco and surrounding towns.
Authorities say the mother led the operation, buying drugs and stolen goods, which she would trade for cocaine base. The son reportedly handled drug âcookingâ and local surveillance to avoid police detection, while the father focused on distributing doses.
The investigation also revealed a spike in property crimes, including vehicle and store thefts, linked to crack users.
During the raid, officers confiscated not only drugs and cooking equipment but also stolen phones, car audio systems, tools, and cash. Civil Guard sources noted that crackâsmoked rather than snortedâproduces far faster and stronger effects than powdered cocaine, making it highly addictive.
The three family members are now in custody as authorities continue probing the scope of the criminal network.
Summary:The Civil Guard in Torre Pacheco has arrested a family of three for running the townâs busiest drug hub. Cocaine base (crack), cash, stolen goods, and drug-making equipment were seized during a raid. The mother led the operation, the son cooked the drugs, and the father handled distribution. Authorities also linked local thefts to crack users. The operation highlights the dangers and high addictiveness of crack cocaine.
Sitges-Based Author Launches Transformational New Book, Limitless Love
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-02 09:44:59Local author, transformational leader, and international speaker Clodagh Meiklejohn announces the launch of her latest book, Limitless Love: Awaken Your Heart, Transform Your Life, Shape Humanityâs Future. The book offers readers a roadmap to dissolving fear, awakening the heart, and contributing to a global movement rooted in love.
In a time of division and overwhelm, when many are seeking purpose and peace, Limitless Love serves as both a manifesto and an invitation. Through nine gateways of transformation, Clodagh guides readers to dissolve fear, self-doubt, and limitation and live with clarity, courage, and purpose.
Clodagh was inspired to write the book after going through changes in her own life â' she had a very successful career as a TV producer in London when she became burnt out by the long hours and juggling the demands of stressful work with motherhood. So she embarked on a spiritual journey that saw her swapping her busy London city life for life for a calmer pace of life in Spain. She ditched her TV career and launched her own business as a coach, mentor and speaker. And she swapped the work hard play hard lifestyle for meditation and walks in nature.
Blending personal storytelling, spiritual wisdom, and practical activations, the book offers inspiration alongside tangible practices for lasting change. Individually, it empowers readers to live more freely and authentically; collectively, it points to a vision of humanity where compassion, truth, and integrity guide the way forward.
âLove is the most powerful creative force in existence,â says Clodagh. âThis book is about remembering who we are at the deepest level â' and choosing to live and lead from that truth.â
About the Author
Clodagh Meiklejohn is a transformational leader, international speaker, and best-selling author whose work has touched thousands worldwide. She is the founder of the Quantum Heart Academy and visionary behind Mission Limitless Love, a global movement uniting one million hearts to create a world led by love.
Her innovative methods â' including Quantum Heart Activation⢠and the Intuitive Alignment Method⢠â' have guided diverse audiences to release fear, awaken intuition, and align with their authentic purpose.
Clodaghâs personal journey from award-winning television director in London to spiritual guide infuses her teachings with creativity, depth, and relatability. Today, she calls Sitges, Spain home, where she continues her work while drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and community around her.
Limitless Love: Awaken Your Heart, Transform Your Life, Shape Humanityâs Future is out on Kindle and available for paperback release on 4 November
Virgin approved to rival Eurostarâs Channel Tunnel route
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 10:57:47For the first time since the Channel Tunnel opened back in 1994, Eurostarâs grip on cross-Channel train travel could soon be over.
Virgin Trains has just won approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to share Eurostarâs London depot â' a move that brings Richard Bransonâs company one step closer to launching a rival service between London and Europe by 2030.
Itâs a big moment for British rail, and an even bigger one for passengers whoâve had just one option for travelling through the tunnel for three decades.
Virgin gets the green light
The regulatorâs decision gives Virgin permission to use the Temple Mills depot in east London, the only maintenance facility in the UK capable of handling the larger, European-style high-speed trains needed for the route.
In practical terms, it means Eurostarâs long-standing monopoly is officially on notice. The ORR described its ruling as âa win for passengers, customer choice and economic growth,â estimating that the project could unlock £700 million in investment and create around 400 jobs.
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson wasted no time in celebrating what he called a long-overdue shake-up for cross-Channel travel.
âThis decision is the right one for consumers,â he said. âItâs time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the route.â
If everything goes to plan, Virgin Trains aims to start running services between London St Pancras and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with potential future routes into Germany and Switzerland.
Eurostar not happy with the move
While many travellers will welcome the competition, Eurostar wasnât exactly celebrating. The company said it was still âreviewing the decision and considering our next stepsâ, stressing that its priority remains âdelivering the benefits of our new fleet, jobs and depot investments.â
For Eurostar, the move poses a real challenge. Until now, itâs been the only player in the Channel Tunnel game. The Temple Mills site has long been the sticking point â' the only place equipped to service high-speed trains of this size. The ORR had previously warned that there wasnât enough room to accommodate both Eurostarâs growing operations and another companyâs trains.
Now, after a change of stance, Virgin can move forward. Still, several major hurdles remain before Bransonâs team can start selling tickets. Virgin will need to:
Reach a commercial agreement with Eurostar to share the depot,
Secure financing, track access, and station slots,
And obtain full safety certification from both UK and EU authorities.
Despite the challenges ahead, Rail Minister Lord Hendy called the decision âa significant step forward.â
âAllowing Virgin Trains to share this vital facility will give passengers greater choice, better value and improved connectivity,â he said. âIt will also drive innovation, lower fares and strengthen greener links with Europe.â
Bransonâs comeback to the rails
The project marks a dramatic return for Virgin Trains, which hasnât run services in the UK since 2019. For more than two decades, the company operated the West Coast Main Line, connecting London with Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland, before losing the contract to Avanti West Coast.
Now, Bransonâs brand is preparing to re-enter the rail market on a far grander scale â' this time taking aim at Europe.
Martin Jones, deputy director for access and international at the ORR, said the regulator is ready to work closely with Virgin as plans develop:
âThereâs still some way to go before the first new services can run, but weâre standing by to support Virgin Trains as their plans progress.â
Virgin wasnât the only company hoping to challenge Eurostar. Spanish start-up Evolyn, Trenitalia, and a joint venture between Gemini Trains and Uber had also submitted applications to the ORR. But in the end, Virgin was the only one to receive approval.
If successful, Virginâs cross-Channel expansion could transform the way travellers move between the UK and Europe â potentially sparking price competition, more frequent departures, and a fresh, modern take on the once-exclusive Eurostar experience.
For now, Eurostar remains the only way to zip from London to Paris at 300 km/h. But in a few yearsâ time, passengers might just have a choice â' and as any traveller knows, thatâs a good thing.
Britain still paying the EU: post-Brexit bill now tops £50 billion
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 09:55:41Itâs been almost five years since Britain left the EU â' but the bills from Brussels keep coming.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK has already handed over a staggering £44 billion to the European Union since Brexit, with another £8 billion still to pay. That brings the total post-Brexit price tag to more than £50 billion â' a figure many critics say feels like a âslap in the faceâ for British taxpayers.
Billions still flowing to Brussels
The latest data shows that the UK transferred £3.25 billion to the EU last year alone. Most of that money comes from the Withdrawal Agreement, the financial settlement negotiated when Britain officially left the bloc in 2020.
The original estimate for the so-called âdivorce billâ was between £35 billion and £39 billion, but that figure has since ballooned well beyond expectations. The payments cover Britainâs share of EU commitments made before it left â' such as pensions, grants and projects that were still being funded.
Critics say the Government is failing to stand up for British taxpayers. Former Brexit minister David Jones, now with the Reform UK party, said to the Daily Mail:
âThis is nothing less than a slap in the face to every hard-working Briton whoâs already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis. The EU shouldnât be getting another penny from us.â
Jones added that Britain was âso desperate to get outâ of the bloc that it ended up agreeing to âa very bad deal.â
âTaken for a ride,â say experts
That sentiment is shared by Frank Furedi, head of the MCC Brussels think tank, who said the UKâs negotiators had been âtaken for a rideâ by the EU.
âOur team had no idea how to play hardball,â Furedi said. âThey just wanted an easy life and didnât care about the financial consequences. Meanwhile, the EU Commission is laughing all the way to the bank â' they got a brilliant deal.â
While the UKâs annual payments have declined since 2020, theyâve still added up to a huge amount:
£18.1 billion in 2020
£5.8 billion in 2021
£9.3 billion in 2022
£8.2 billion in 2023
£3.25 billion in 2024
When Britain was still part of the EU, its net contribution typically ranged between £8.9 billion and £9.4 billion per year. Now, even after leaving, the country has ended up paying far more in total than many had ever expected.
Taxpayers left frustrated
The news has reignited anger among Brexit supporters who believe the UK should have cut financial ties completely once it left. Many see the ongoing payments as proof that the Government hasnât fully delivered on its promise to âtake back control.â
âThis was meant to be about independence,â said one Reform Party spokesperson. âInstead, British taxpayers are still footing the bill for Brussels while families here struggle to pay rent and energy bills.â
Economists point out that most of the payments are legally binding under the Withdrawal Agreement signed in 2019, meaning thereâs little the Government can do to stop them. Still, the growing total comes at a politically awkward time â' with the Autumn Budget just weeks away and speculation of further tax hikes on the horizon.
The Treasury has declined to comment on whether any renegotiation is possible, though ministers have previously insisted that Britain âmust honour its commitments.â
For critics, thatâs cold comfort. With the post-Brexit bill now topping £50 billion, many Britons are left wondering whether the price of leaving the EU turned out higher than anyone ever imagined.
Train crash chaos with pear-loaded lorry at Netherlands level crossing â' Video
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 10:54:12A high-speed passenger train carrying around 400 people slammed into a fruit-laden lorry at a level crossing in the central Dutch village of Meteren on Friday, October 31, scattering pears across the tracks and causing extensive damage. Luckily, only minor injuries.
The dramatic collision occurred at around 11.30am on Bredestraat, about 50 km south of Utrecht, when the 10-wheeler truck became trapped between closing barriers. CCTV footage released by ProRail, the Dutch rail infrastructure manager, captured the lorry driver initially crossing the tracks safely before reversing to avoid oncoming road traffic, a decision that left the vehicle stranded as alarms blared and barriers descended.
Seconds later, the oncoming intercity train ploughed through the truck, shredding the trailer and hurling pears, metal debris, and dust in all directions. The impact ripped open onboard bags of the fresh green fruit, with thousands of pears âraining downâ and squashing against the trainâs front. The reason for the crash? It seems the lorry driver did lose his temper with a car driver who gave him too little space to turn.
Minor injuries and safe evacuation in âpear-shapedâ disaster
All five individuals injured were inside the lorry, suffering only minor harm, a miracle given the force of the crash. None of the approximately 200 to 400 train passengers were hurt. They were swiftly evacuated and transported by replacement buses to Den Bosch station.
One local resident who heard the impact described âterrible material damageâ but expressed relief at the limited injuries.
ProRail warns drivers: âSmash through barriers if trappedâ
ProRail released the shocking video to educate drivers, stressing how rapidly situations escalate at railway crossings. A spokesperson stated, âThe footage shows how quickly things can go wrong at a railway crossing and is shocking to watch. Better to damage a barrier than to put a life in danger. If youâre stuck between the barriers, keep going.â
The agency advises truck and bus drivers to put safety above all else by breaking through barriers if necessary, rather than risking entrapment.
Extensive rail disruptions: No trains between key stations
The crash caused âincredibly extensiveâ damage, decimating the train and requiring replacement of a full kilometre of track. Repairs are expected to continue âwell into the weekendâ, disrupting services between Utrecht and Den Bosch.
According to rail users, The evening was followed by nothing running between Geldermalsen and Den Bosch. Travellers were rerouted via Arnhem, with bus services bridging gaps.
Investigators are still determining why the driver couldnât clear the crossing, but the incident goes to show ongoing risks at level crossings in the Netherlands. This Netherlands train crash into a pear truck has gone viral, serving as a stark reminder of rail safety.
Collboni nomena Marta Sendra comissionada dâEducació
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 16:58:20Contact your hosting provider letting them know your web server is not completing requests. An Error 522 means that the request was able to connect to your web server, but that the request didn't finish. The most likely cause is that something on your server is hogging resources. Additional troubleshooting information here.
Amazon to cut 1,200 Spanish jobs in shocking logistic operation
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 22:03:48Amazon has launched a formal process in Spain to cut up to 1,200 jobs in its corporate offices located in Madrid and Barcelona. The move is part of a broader global restructuring plan, in which the company intends to reduce around 14,000 corporate positions worldwide.
The jobs at risk in Spain are exclusively from the companyâs office-based operations; logistics, fulfilment, and warehouse roles are not included. With approximately 28,000 employees in Spain, the affected staff would represent more than 4â¯% of the local workforce.
Why the Cuts?
Corporate Streamlining and Global Context
Amazonâs decision to open the collective redundancy procedure, known in Spain as an ERE, is motivated by its goal of streamlining bureaucracy, flattening internal layers, and redirecting resources towards strategic growth areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud services, and digital innovation.
Interestingly, this announcement comes despite the company reporting strong profits in its most recent quarter, with revenues continuing to grow. Critics argue that if financial performance is robust, the rationale for such widespread job cuts is questionable.
What the Layoffs Mean Locally
Impact on Madrid and Barcelona Offices
The two affected Spanish entities are Amazon Digital Spain in Madrid and Amazon Spain Service in Barcelona. The company emphasises that the process will not affect other Spanish cities or its distribution and logistics network.
Amazon has also stated it will offer a 90âday period for affected staff to seek internal positions and will prioritise internal mobility before external redundancies. However, unions and workersâ representatives are demanding more transparency and questioning the economic justification of the cuts. Many argue that employees are being asked to pay the price for a corporate strategy focused on efficiency rather than necessity.
Government and Union Reactions
Public Backlash and Labour Concerns
The Spanish government has voiced strong disapproval of the redundancy plan, noting that the company is making cuts despite substantial profits and relying heavily on Spanish infrastructure. Unions are preparing formal negotiations to scrutinise how the selection of roles was determined, the impact on remaining employees, and whether automation or artificial intelligence has influenced the decision-making.
There is widespread concern that the process could create anxiety and uncertainty among corporate staff, especially those who have been with the company for years. Negotiations between company representatives and employee committees will be critical in establishing fair treatment and appropriate compensation for those affected.
Economic and Market Implications
Wider Consequences for Spain
The proposed layoffs may have broader repercussions beyond Amazon itself. Madrid and Barcelona, as major hubs for corporate and technological activity, could see knock-on effects on local suppliers, service providers, and the office rental market. Experts suggest that the reduction of corporate staff may influence confidence in the Spanish tech sector, particularly for international companies considering local expansion.
Additionally, the announcement has sparked debate about the balance between corporate efficiency and social responsibility. Critics argue that large multinationals, while pursuing global profitability, have a duty to consider the social impact of their decisions in countries where they maintain significant operations.
Amazon expects to cut up to 1,200 corporate jobs in Madrid and Barcelona as part of a global corporate restructure.
The Spanish process is part of a plan to reduce around 14,000 corporate jobs worldwide, though logistics operations in Spain are unaffected.
Despite strong financial results, Amazon says the cuts are necessary for agility, while unions and the government question the justification.
Workers will be offered up to 90â¯days for internal redeployment, but uncertainty and anxiety remain over job selection and next steps.
Final Take-Away
This announcement places Amazon at a crossroads in Spain, balancing global aspirations for efficiency and technological leadership against local expectations of job security and fair treatment. For employees, unions, and policymakers, the coming weeks of consultation will be crucial in determining whether the process is executed responsibly and transparently.
Spainâs tap water: Prices and quality revealed
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 21:27:18Water is one of Spainâs most essential resources, yet the cost and quality of tap water vary significantly from city to city. While some households pay relatively little and enjoy soft, clean-tasting water, others face much higher bills and harder water that can affect taste and household appliances.
These differences are influenced by local infrastructure, tariff systems, and water supply management. Understanding these variations can help residents manage costs, make informed choices about drinking water, and avoid unnecessary expenses on bottled water or filtration.
Spainâs Water Tariffs: Stark Differences Across Cities
Varied Annual Bills for the Same 175â¯m³ Consumption
A report by the OCU (Organisation of consumers and users) has studied annual water bills for a typical household consuming 175â¯m³ of water, the results show major variation between cities. For example, in Guadalajara residents pay around â¬164 annually, while in Barcelona the bill rises to about â¬520 per year for the same consumption.
Other cities where bills exceed â¬400 include Murcia (â¬495) and Huelva (around â¬449) for 175â¯m³. Meanwhile, cheaper cities include Palencia (~â¬166) and Ourense (~â¬180).
These figures reflect not just consumption but local infrastructure, tariff structures, and supply/sanitation cost differences across Spain. Households in more expensive cities may pay high tariffs due to water scarcity, complex treatment systems, or costly distribution networks. Conversely, cities with cheaper bills benefit from more straightforward supply systems and lower operational costs.
TapâWater Quality: Where Itâs Best and Where Itâs Less So
Cities with Top DrinkingâWater Quality
A separate study analysing tapâwater quality across Spanish municipalities found the water was rated âexcellentâ in some cities and âgoodâ in most others. Among the cities highlighted for the best water are Burgos, San Sebastián and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. In Burgos in particular, the low mineralisation and absence of contamination stand out.
Such cities offer soft, clean-tasting water with minimal scale, making them examples of favourable municipal water supply in Spain. Residents in these areas rarely need additional filtration, and water can be consumed safely and comfortably straight from the tap.
Cities with Harder/Lower Rated Water
Conversely, cities such as Zaragoza, Ciudad Real, Palma de Mallorca and Huelva are listed as having less favourable tapâwater. In these places, higher water âhardnessâ (calcium/magnesium content) and less appealing taste mean many residents choose filtration or bottled water despite the supply being legally potable.
Thus, while safe to drink, the consumer perception and taste/texture experience of tapâwater differ notably across localities. Hard water can also contribute to limescale in kettles, washing machines, and pipes, adding a hidden cost for households in affected cities.
What This Means for Households
Value vs Experience
From the data, it is clear that a lower bill does not always guarantee better drinkingâwater quality, nor does a high bill ensure the softest, tastiest water. For instance, Barcelona has one of the highest bills yet is flagged for harder water. Meanwhile Burgos offers both comparatively modest tariffs and highâquality water.
Therefore, when choosing a place to live,or when considering utility cost in a move, it is wise to evaluate both tariff level and tapâwater quality, rather than assessing one in isolation. Households that ignore water quality may end up spending extra on filtration or bottled water, while those who consider quality can enjoy both cost savings and better drinking experiences.
Residents in cities such as Guadalajara (~â¬164) and Palencia (~â¬166) pay among the lowest annual water bills for 175â¯m³ consumption, while cities like Barcelona (~â¬520) and Murcia (~â¬495) are at the top of the scale.
Waterâquality assessments identify Burgos, Sanâ¯Sebastián and Lasâ¯Palmasâ¯deâ¯Granâ¯Canaria among the cities offering the softest, cleanest tap water in Spain.
On the other hand, cities such as Zaragoza, Ciudad Real, Palmaâ¯deâ¯Mallorca and Huelva show higher hardness or less favourable taste characteristics.
In short: Good value = low bill + decent water quality; but high bill does not always equate to excellent water or value for money.
Practical Advice for expats
Checking the annual water bill figure in your municipality gives a baseline of cost, but also look up available quality reports (hardness, mineralisation) for your area. In places where tapâwater is judged harder or less appealing, consider whether filtration or bottled water might be worth budgeting for.
Additionally, for those relocating within Spain, bear in mind that cheaper tariffs may align with softer water, potentially reducing scale in appliances and improving taste, which adds real value beyond just the recent bill.
Jorge Rey issues stark warning: DANA storm to hit Spain mid-November
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 14:56:07Famed prodigy Jorge Rey, celebrated for his eerily accurate long-range forecasts, has sounded the alarm on an impending DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) event set to disrupt Spainâs weather patterns starting November 14.
Traditionally dubbed a âgota frÃaâ or cold drop, this isolated low-pressure system could unleash heavy rains, fierce storms, and southern winds, catching many off guard in what was expected to be a milder autumn close. Read more about the cabañuelas method and how accurate it can be.
In a recent YouTube update viewed by hundreds of thousands, the 18-year-old from Burgos, who gained fame for nailing the 2021 Filomena snowstorm before seasoned Madrid meteorologists had even known what had hit them, detailed the pending weather front: âHacia el 13 o 14 esperamos algo más fuerte, más importante,â (Around the 13th or 14th we expect something stronger, something more important) he said, pointing to a DANA that will mix a brief âveranillo de San MartÃnâ (Indian Summer) heatwave with sudden deluges. This isnât just folklore; Reyâs traditional cabañuelas method, rooted in lunar cycles and historical patterns, often gives similar results to cutting-edge technology, which has made him a trusted voice alongside AEMET.
Mid-November, AEMET agree, Jorge Rey DANA rains expected
The forecast paints a volatile picture for mid-November. Expect southerly winds ushering in unseasonal warmth, potentially hitting as high as 30°C in the Canary Islands and eastern interiors â' before the DANA triggers persistent downpours in western Galicia, Leonâs plains, and the Sistema Centralâs western slopes. Rey warns of âfuertes tormentas incluso a puntos del Levanteâ(strong storms even for the east coast), where flash floods could reach levels of last yearâs devastating Valencia tragedy, though he stresses this probably wonât reach that scale. Northern coasts face gusts up to 100 km/h, while Mediterranean spots brace for localised thunderstorms. âEs la peor pesadilla que llegará en breve,â (the worst nightmare will arrive shortly) Rey cautioned, urging residents to get the umbrellas out and monitor updates.
AEMETâs latest bulletin corroborates the threat, activating yellow alerts for heavy precipitation and strong winds in Galicia, the Cantabric coasts, and the northern highlands. We are expecting a series of fronts that will affect the peninsula and Balearics leaving locally strong downpours, the agency stated, forecasting morning fog in the Pyrenees and Atlantic valleys, plus weak frosts in northern peaks. Temperatures will dip in the northwest and Cantabrico (highs around 15-18°C), while eastern zones see rises. Winds from the south and southwest will dominate, with ârachas muy fuertesâ (blustery weather) on Gironaâs coast and Canary summits.
Preparedness the key: AEMET & Jorge Rey predict DANA storms
This DANA arrives during a broader November trend of instability, following early-month anticyclone lulls and weak fronts. Rey envisions a âgiro radicalâ (radical turnaround) by November 22-23, with another Atlantic low dumping rain on Galicia and Madridâs outskirts, then northerly chills by monthâs end. TV Experts like meteorologist Mario Picazo have echoed the surprise factor: no snow or hail yet, but this unexpected phenomena could redefine the season.
As Spain tries to deal with 2024 DANAâs legacy, from deadly floods to rising insurance claims, preparedness is essential. Authorities recommend clearing drains, stocking essentials, and avoiding low-lying areas. Reyâs call to action resonates. With his track record, ignoring it isnât an option.
For real-time updates, follow AEMETâs alerts and Reyâs channel. Stay safe â' Novemberâs wild ride has just begun.
Truck driver dies two months after fatal accident in Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 07:25:00On September 2, 28-year-old Josep Antoni Bonet was killed instantly when his Volkswagen Golf collided with a Nissan truck.
The 68-year-old truck driver, Ginés GarcÃa, was taken to Son Espases Hospital in a critical condition. He passed away on Friday.
The accident took place around 6.30am on the road between Sant Jordi and SâAranjassa in Palma. The Cabstar truck was carrying straw bales. The force of the impact was such that the car was completely wrecked. Fire and rescue worked for half an hour to release the truck driver.
Josep Antoni Bonet was a resident of Algaida, where he lived with his wife and two children. His family and friends - some 150 of them - organised a memorial service in the town square after his passing.
Motorcyclist dies following collision in Palma
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 08:14:00A motorcyclist died on Saturday morning after a head-on collision with a car on the ITV (MOT) roundabout in Palma's Son Castelló Industrial Estate.
The accident occurred around 6am. According to witnesses, the car, after dragging the motorcycle several metres, burst into flames. Its occupants fled the scene. Palma Police are attempting to locate them.
Witness reports also suggest the motorcycle had entered the roundabout in the wrong direction.
All Soulsâ Day: How Spain will honour the departed on November 2
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-01 11:54:28JUST off the heels of a hectic Halloween and a vibrant All Saintsâ Day in Spain, another special holiday nears, also involving tradition, ceremonies, and celebrations of the otherworldly: the DÃa de los Difuntos will be celebrated in Spain on November 2, and special cultural and traditional celebrations will take place all across the country.
All Soulsâ Day: A Spanish day to honour departed loved ones
The holiday, also known as All Soulsâ Day, is connected to the widely-celebrated All Saintsâ Day in Spain, typically celebrated on November 1 but varying throughout regions. All Soulsâ Day in Spain also shares many characteristics with Halloween, a holiday of Celtic origin, and the Day of the Dead in Mexico, and all are often referred to interchangeably. However, Spain has its own customs, traditions, and history with the holiday, reflecting a distinctly Spanish blend of both cultural and spiritual significance.
All Soulsâ Day commemorates the souls of the departed, dedicating to honouring their memories with ceremonies and celebrations, often involving visits to local cemeteries, candlelight vigils, masses, bonfires, and religious offerings. Sweets including buñuelos de viento (fried dough balls), the bones of the Saints (a marzipan dough filled with egg yolk or other fillings), and panellets (almond dough with pine nuts), are also an important part of the celebration in many different regions of Spain, in order to âsweetenâ the bitter loss of loved ones.
How each region celebrates All Soulsâ Day
A Christian holiday, it is a day of prayer, remembrance, and faith, and will be celebrated in different ways across the country. In Andalucia, for example, the All Soulsâ Day vigils are a well-established tradition and will be taking place in local towns all across the province. In rural areas, families will often gather on the evening of November 2 to spend the night in the cemetery, praying and sharing memories of their departed loved ones.
In Galicia, All Soulsâ Day is more closely linked with the Santa Compaña, a procession of lost and wandering souls that roam villages and towns at night, reminding all its residents of the nearness of death.
Catalonia, in addition to the traditional masses and visits to cemeteries with candles, also celebrates November 2 with panellets (small, round cakes and cookies) and chestnuts, in order to ring in its Castañada and the chill of the autumn season. Castañada is also heavily linked to celebrations of the dead and honouring their memories.
Spain celebrates the dead with festivities
Whereas the Mexican Day of the Dead is more closely associated with bombastic festivities, parades, parties, costumes, dancing, and music, All Soulsâ Day in Spain is a more somber holiday dedicated to paying tribute to the dead through prayer.
However, different regions of Spain do also have their own twists on the more festive Day of the Dead and Halloween holidays, blending local customs and traditions with widespread, international, and long-standing ones. In Canarias, the Night of the Fianos is celebrated between October 31 and November 2, lighting up the region with bonfires, music, and dancing, paying tribute to the dead through parties and storytelling.
Galicia has its own version of Halloween, a holiday of Celtic origin celebrated on the night of October 31, called El SamaÃn. Also on October 31, Soria celebrates El Monte de las Ãnimas, with giant puppets of monks, skeletons, and more walking through the city under the firelight.
Cadiz celebrates Tosantos in the month of November, a carnival tradition with food markets, stalls, widespread decorations, contests, and festivities. It is the regionâs version of All Saintsâ Day.
Many different names, many different regions, one overarching theme
A time of remembrance, honour, and devotion, All Soulsâ Day in Spain, though it is celebrated in different ways and under many different names, across the country and even internationally, unites locals with the common love of their deceased friends and family. It is a special day to pray over the souls of the departed, honour their memories, and protect and connect to them, even in the afterlife.
Read more Spanish Living articles here.
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