Community
The Community section is the heart of the people-oriented online GUIDEPOST magazine. It covers people of all nationalities living in Spain — particularly though not exclusively those who are residing in Madrid — and their exciting life. The operative word in the Community is “international”.
Be sure to check out all main features: Embassy Row, the International Organizations and Clubs, and The Scene.
AMERICAN CLUB OF MADRID ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBER-TO-MEMBER FORUM »
Whether you are looking for other members that share interests , including meet-ups, forming outing groups, creating special events, buy/sell goods or services, or sharing tips, the American Club of Madrid forum is your place to connect with other members.
HOW AMERICANS MAY VOTE IN THE 2020 ELECTIONS VIA THE U.S. EMBASSY OR CONUSLAR AGENCIES IN SPAIN »
You’re an expat in Spain who intends to vote in the upcoming November 2020 elections? Here’s an important how-to straight from the ultimate authority on the matter.
Summer 2020 EU Economic Forecast: An Even Deeper Recession than in the Spring »
The EU economy will experience a deep recession this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Summer 2020 Economic Forecast projects that the euro area economy will contract by 8.7% in 2020 and grow by 6.1% in 2021. The EU economy is forecast to contract by 8.3% in 2020 and grow by 5.8% in 2021. Early data for May and June suggest that the worst may have passed. The recovery is expected to gain traction in the second half of the year, albeit remaining incomplete and uneven across Member States.
BASTILLE DAY FROM THE AMERICAN VIEW POINT: IT’S ALL IN THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE’S KEY »
Bastille Day, July 14, marks the day at the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Soon after, the French people gave the Marquis de Lafayette, who had helped the United States gain independence from Great Britain, the key to the Bastille as a gesture of good faith, entrusting him to protect France’s newly won liberties. Lafayette, a good friend of George Washington, sent Washington the key in 1790 on behalf of the French people, to solidify the two countries’ friendship.
ACM’S 4TH OF JULY NON-CELEBRATION DUE TO CONCERNS ABOUT COVID-19 »
“We are sorry not to host a 4th of July celebration given the presence of COVID-19. But the 4th is an important day during which we celebrate the incredible foundation and values of our country. As summer is upon us, please enjoy any vacation time keeping safe and healthy. We will be back in the fall.”
EUROPE SOON TO HAVE A CORONAVIRUS VACCINE VIA ASTRAZENECA »
Earlier this month France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands joined forces to form the Inclusive Vaccine Alliance, in order to have a stronger negotiating position in the race for a coronavirus vaccine. All EU member states will have the opportunity to sign up to the deal, under the same conditions as the
alliance members. But something might go wrong at the last minute and production might just end up where all pipe dreams go — down the drain!
The Pursuit of “Happyness” in Barcelona »
Andrew Funk: his stubbornness helped him achieve more than just overcoming a year-and-a-half spent in homelessness. His life’s mission? To help homeless people become active citizens again via Homeless Entrepreneur.
EUROPE’S “HEARTFELT APOLOGY” TO ITALY »
Too many were not there on time when Italy needed a helping hand. For that, it is right that Europe as a whole offers a heartfelt apology. But now the real Europe is standing up, the one that is there for each other when it is needed the most. Now Europe is where paramedics from Poland and doctors from Romania save lives in Italy. Where ventilators from Germany provide a lifeline in Spain. Where hospitals in Czechia treat the sick from France. And where patients from Bergamo are flown to clinics in Bonn. . .
THE WORLD BANK’S CONCLUSION ON THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 IN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA »
The more successful the containment policies are, and the flatter the infection curve is, the deeper the economic recession becomes. The positive note: there may even be long-term benefits from the lifestyle changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic which are bound to generate innovation and productivity increases; they will be there long after the crisis has passed.
GUIDEPPOST LOVES GOOD NEWS »
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe: “Mission to Spain concluded yesterday: deeply impressed by heroism of frontline workers, solidarity of people and inspiring resolve of Government. Careful optimism as result of bold measures, innovative approaches & courageous decisions.”
