GNR to mount last phase of holiday traffic operation this weekend

gnrstopThe GNR is to run the last phase of Operation Hermes from Friday to Sunday with additional patrols and ‘support for holidaymakers’ on main roads.

The operation is intended to ensure safety on the main exit routes from popular vacation spots as the end of the summer holidays sees thousands returning from the Algarve to all points north and east.

Foreign nationals boost Switzerland’s population by 25%

switzerlandThe number of foreigners living in Switzerland has leapt above the two million mark for the first time.

The foreign population now makes up nearly a quarter (24.6%) of the total population, according to the Swiss statistics office, which reported that in 2015 there were 2,048,700 foreign nationals with permanent residence permits.

Sweden probes its high level of drug-related deaths

heroinAn inquiry has been launched in Sweden to find the reasons why the country has one of the highest EU rates of deaths from drugs.

The country has a zero-tolerance policy, but nonetheless the number of deaths linked to the use of narcotics has soared in recent years, rising to 93 deaths per million of adults in 2014. This is approaching five times the European average of 19.2 deaths per million.

Tavira's 'Pego do Inferno' attraction to be reopened - maybe...

pegoinfernoThe area surrounding Pego do Inferno, the much-loved Tavira waterfall and pool, was burned to a cinder in the 2012 fire that swept across the eastern Algarve and consumed 21,500 hectares.

The site then was cordoned off by the council and the game of ‘pass the buck’ started in earnest.

Lagos council says lack of doctors has crippled medical services

8598Lagos hospital is not alone is trying to run medical services without enough doctors but it is the first area where the local council has denounced the situation as "dramatic" and "unsustainable."

The hospital covers the population of Lagos, Vila do Bispo and Aljezur but is failing, as are many of the regions health units as they all are missing the key ingredient – doctors.

Monchique to convert old buildings into a festival venue and museum

monchiqueMonchique council is spending €350,000 on buying up an old wood-yard and sawmill in the town to create an exhibition area for the council’s annual festivals that now attract thousands of tourists and locals.

The council wants also to convert the buildings into a multi-purpose space and have the first part of the project opened within twelve months, but first it needs to complete the deal to buy the building before the year end.

US fires warning shot over tax probes

starbucksThe United States is becoming increasingly sniffy about the way the EU is conducting tax investigations into the US multinational companies, such as Apple, Amazon and Starbucks.

Despite the swinging tax requirements it metes out to its citizens living abroad, the US Treasury on Wednesday threatened to retaliate if the EU continues tax avoidance probes into American companies.

Algarve - warmest seawater for 35 years

beachPescadoresAlbufeiraThe temperature of the Algarve’s seawater was two degrees warmer this July than last, according to the national weather service.

The water varied in temperature from between 22 degrees Celcius in the west and 26 degrees Celcius in the east due to warm winds blowing across from Gibraltar bringing balmy waters from the Mediterranean.