Europe
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “SANTIAGO — Apostle, Saint & Moor-Killer,” 25 July 1969 »
After his original role as Apostle who spread the new gospel far and wide, Santiago Apostol, became more aptly called Santiago Matamoros (James Killer of Moors) when he took on the role of a knight errant and defender of the faith, a formidable warrior who rides in the clouds over the heads of the Spanish armies, dressed in resplendent armor, mounted on a fiery white charger and brandishing a double-edged sword, killing Moors right and left and creating panic in the enemy forces.
SNAPSHOT: SLEEP, LILIBET, SLEEP »
As the remains of the Queen were solemnly lowered into the Royal Vault at St. George’s, the Sovereign’s Piper slowly walked down the hallway, from the doorway between the chapel and the Dean's Cloister, his music fading away with him. It was a most poignant tribute, a most moving, a hauntingly beautiful rendition for a Sovereign who served her Realms so well for seven decades. “Dearie” now “sleeps” beneath St. George’s Chapel with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince Charming love of her life who passed away just 17 months ago on 9 April 2021.
SNAPSHOT: HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II »
Her Majesty's marvelous life in three sentences
THE FREE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS: TRAVEL WITHOUT CARE! »
Summer is coming to an end. But travel and tourism remain uppermost in the minds of Europeans whose wanderlust seems insatiable after the lockdowns of the pandemic. A card in time saves nine hassles during vacations beyond national borders. Therefore, Spaniards and their European brethren had better be aware that there’s such a thing as the European Health Insurance Card which entitles travelers to public health assistance in the country they’re visiting. Get full info if you don't have it already!
HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY COST-FREE TRAVEL: “GET AN EHI CARD,” SAYS EU »
The EHIC, available free of charge, confirms that a person is entitled to receive medical treatment that becomes necessary on a temporary stay abroad from the host country's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of that country. The card is issued for free by their national health insurance provider in the home country.
IN THE FACE OF RUSSIA’S GAS WEAPONIZATION THE EU SCRAMBLES TO SECURE ENERGY SUPPLY »
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission adopted the REPowerEU Plan to end the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels asap. REPowerEU sets out measures on diversification of energy suppliers, energy savings and energy efficiency, and an accelerated roll-out of renewable energy. And the EU is succeeding in the attempt, too, after the Nord Stream II debacle which has sent German fuel supply, and by extension the EU's as well, into a tailspin.
THE EU BATTLECRY: SAVE FUEL NOW OR RISK FREEZING IN WINTER! »
"The European Union faces the risk of further gas supply cuts from Russia, due to the Kremlin's weaponisation of gas exports, with almost half of our Member States already affected by reduced deliveries. Taking action now can reduce both the risk and the costs for Europe in case of further or full disruption, strengthening European energy resilience." Accordingly, the European Commission has proposed a gas-demand reduction plan to prepare EU for supply cuts.
STAY SAFE BUT, FOR PETE’S SAKE, MOVE! »
To state the obvious, the international mobility of people and goods has been severely impacted by pandemic restrictions. But while international travel restrictions have helped delay or reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to some degree, they have caused societal and economic disruption and impacted untold number of lives. The resumption of safe international travel is an important step toward normality.
NATO SUMMIT IN MADRID SETS THE ALLIANCE’S STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT DECADE »
"NATO Leaders are meeting in Madrid at a pivotal time for our security. Russia's war against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe, caused far-reaching energy and food crises, and shaken the rules-based international order. NATO's response has been swift and united. . . At the Madrid Summit, the Alliance will address other challenges, like China’s coercive policies or the security consequences of climate change. It will continue to adapt to a changing world and keep its one billion people safe."
BRITS CELEBRATE ELIZABETH’S PLATINUM JUBILEE IN BENIDORM »
Spectacular events have been lined up for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, particularly in London. But obviously there are celebrations throughout the UK and the Commonwealth as well. And in Benidorm, Spain too? You bet. It's the most British town in Spain after all.
