Japan running low on babies

baby2012A census has shown that nearly 27% of the Japanese population is over the age of 64.

At the same time, the number of children under 15 years is at a record low of just barely 13% of the total.

Roundup license extended by EC despite WHO's 'cancer' conclusion

weedAs expected, the European Commission has extended the license for glyphosate for 18 months.

Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis announced the last-minute re-licensing on June 28th despite failing three times in a row to secure a majority decision from the European Union’s member states.

Former Tavira mayor Macário Correia sentenced to four and half years – suspended

correiaThe former mayor of Tavira, and latterly Faro, finally has received his sentence - four and a half years in prison, suspended for the same period.

Correia had been found guilty by Faro court of misusing his political office by authorising the construction of three houses and one swimming pool in a National Ecological Reserve (REN) area within the Tavira municipality.

Chaos and confusion reign in the UK, by Len Port

8572Seismic feelings of insecurity have swept across Britain and Europe as the complexities of the UK leaving the European Union start to sink in.

Since referendum day, shell-shock and disbelief have given way to impressions ranging from tragedy to farce. Chaos and confusion reign.

Restaurant VAT rate drops this Friday, July 1st

frenchwinefoodThe austerity-based 23% rate, that restaurateurs and cafe owners claim led to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs, is partially over with meals now attracting 13% VAT on mainland Portugal.

Some drink types, however, will still attract VAT at the top rate of 23%.

Two beach deaths in one afternoon

BeachMalhaoA 74-year-old woman died at 12:15 today after suffered a heart attack on the beach at Olhos de Água, Albufeira. She had just got out of the water after bathing.

Despite resuscitation efforts by lifeguards and subsequently by INEM paramedics and the Maritime Police, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Extremist violence becomes more pronounced in Germany

germanyviolenceGermany was hit by a sharp rise last year in political extremist violence.

The country’s domestic intelligence agency reported that radial groups of the far right, far left and Islamist all gained members.

Spain and France reject talks with Scotland

scotlandSpain’s acting prime minister said on Wednesday that Spain is opposed to any EU discussion with Scotland after the referendum result.

"The Spanish government is opposed to any negotiations with anyone else but the British government," Mariano Rajoy said.