Europe

Spain offers a variety of unique food and drink experiences beyond the typical paella and tapas, such as dining on paella in Valencia by the Albufera lagoon, enjoying free tapas in Granada, going on a pintxo crawl in San Sebastián, sampling jamón in Extremadura, attending a Calçotada in Catalonia, and trying the best tortilla de patatas in Galicia. These culinary experiences showcase the diverse and delicious offerings of Spanish cuisine, providing visitors with memorable and authentic tastes of the country's gastronomic traditions. Full Article

Spring marks the start of a new financial year, bringing higher incomes for many through various boosts in benefits and wages. However, rising costs for household bills, including energy and council tax, are also expected. Additionally, upcoming changes to the welfare system and the concerning levels of poverty in the UK present challenges for low-income households. Full Article

The Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, has called for global economic cooperation ahead of the spring statement amidst a mounting tariff war initiated by Donald Trump. Bailey emphasized the need for authorities to work together to ease trade tensions, stating that domestic macroeconomic forces and trade policy can coexist. This comes as the UK is in talks with the US to address the threat of tariffs, with Trump having already imposed tariffs on UK and EU steel and aluminium imports, as well as on other countries, leading to retaliatory measures worldwide. Full Article

Co-op is matching Aldi prices on over 100 everyday essentials in the UK, offering lower prices to its one million members on products like milk, eggs, and bread. The price-match initiative will be available in all 2,400 Co-op stores and on delivery platforms, aiming to provide value without compromising on quality or range. Co-op's managing director, Matt Hood, emphasized the importance of competitive pricing in the current economic climate, highlighting the retailer's commitment to convenience and affordability for its six million customers. Full Article

In response to devastating Israeli strikes on Gaza, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties, including UN personnel, the Secretary-General has decided to reduce the UN's presence in Gaza due to safety concerns. Israeli officials are continuing their military campaign, leading to a suspension of humanitarian aid and a call for a full investigation into attacks on UN facilities and medical workers, as well as urgent entry of additional emergency medical teams to assist in the crisis. Full Article

On Friday, the closure of Heathrow Airport due to a nearby fire led to over 1,300 cancelled flights and 240,000 disrupted passengers, with airlines facing an estimated £100m in losses. The first flight out after reopening was a British Airways trip to Riyadh, while over 100 flights were cancelled the next day as airlines struggled to retrieve their aircraft. The economic impact is immeasurable, with inbound tourism and the UK's appeal suffering in both the short and long term, alongside the emotional toll on passengers whose travel plans were ruined. Full Article

The Emperor Charles Chimney (1529) in Bruges underwent a €550,000 restoration to eliminate wood-boring beetles using microwave treatment and oxygen-free rooms. The Brugse Vrije museum, where the chimney is located, will reopen on April 5, 2025, showcasing its historical value according to Pieter Marchal (CD&V). Experts discovered original 1529 sculptures during the restoration, highlighting the importance of investing in preserving historical heritage. Full Article

Sarah Lewis, Associate Professor at Harvard University, emphasizes the crucial link between ignorance and racism in a conversation at the UN Headquarters about the need to combat racial discrimination through art and culture. Highlighting the power of education, she stresses the importance of changing narratives and biases to create a more just and inclusive world. Through her personal experiences and academic journey, Lewis underscores the significance of visual representation and the role it plays in shaping societal norms and perceptions to promote equality and justice globally. Full Article

Water is crucial for economic development and societal well-being in the Baltic region, making sustainable water management essential for long-term resilience. Businesses can benefit from conducting water audits and implementing cost-effective measures to improve water efficiency and reduce costs. By investing in sustainable water practices, companies can enhance their reputation, prepare for regulatory changes, and ensure safe water access for operations and personnel. Full Article

Morrisons will close 52 cafes, 17 stores, and numerous meat and fish counters as part of a store overhaul led by CEO Rami Baitieh. 365 workers are at risk of redundancy, but many will be moved to other roles. The closures are due to higher operational costs than customer spending, with a focus on investing in areas valued by customers and the Market Street model. Full Article