China and the US, rivals facing the global crisis

The two great world powers, China and the United States, know that they will have to face an imminent global debt crisis, but each has decided to take opposite paths. While Beijing needs to continue stimulating the economy of emerging countries, Washington believes that interest rates must be raised to control inflation. Behind these two divergent strategies, there are strong geopolitical motives. At 11Onze, we take a closer look.

Behind the scenes of the economy, there are always political motives that we are often unaware of. If Xi Jinping and Joe Biden want economic conditions to stabilize, it is not only to safeguard the economy of their respective countries, but also because both of them will have to face a re-evaluation of their political leadership in the autumn of 2022. To achieve this, they know that important interest rate decisions must be made. Yet each is approaching this challenge from very different perspectives and strategies.

While the United States (US), like the UK and the European Union, is concerned about an economy under pressure from high inflation and supply constraints, which has pushed up prices and sent the purchasing power of citizens plummeting; China is worried that a rise in interest rates will hurt the sovereign debt of the emerging economies with which it has trade deals —and there are many of them, as we shall see— which could trigger an unprecedented global crisis. Which of the two hegemonic economies will emerge as the winner in this contest?

US: controlling inflation to withstand the onslaught

This is how, at one end of the planet, US President Joe Biden will have to face the elections to renew Congress in November. If this contest does not favor the Democrats, he will lose the ability to manage the inflation crisis, in a context in which his popularity continues to fall. For this reason, Biden is convinced that public opinion must be satisfied by attacking the disproportionate increase in the prices of basic consumer products due to inflation.

In this sense, and in line with classic economic movements, he considers it an essential strategy to raise interest rates. And this task, it is clear, falls to the US Federal Reserve. In fact, leading economic analysts are certain that the Fed wants to start raising interest rates in March.

Moreover, the US is not alone in tackling this runaway rise in inflation. The decision is in line with what the Bank of England wants to do. And, likewise, it remains to be seen what decision the European Central Bank will finally take, which has decided, for the moment, to leave interest rates at 0%. Despite this, it is under increasing pressure to raise them to at least 0.5% to show that the eurozone also has enough determination.

But the balances in the economy are precarious: if action is taken to lower inflation at a time when most countries, especially in emerging markets, have off-limit sovereign debt, this could lead to a debt crisis of biblical proportions. As we have explained in 11Onze, analysts such as Bill Dudley in ‘Bloomberg’ warn that as the Federal Reserve begins to tighten monetary policy, “funding costs will rise and less credit will be available.” This is because interest rates reduce the incentive for investors to seek the kind of returns offered by these emerging countries.

And all this has to happen at the same time as the moratorium by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank agreed with the G-20 countries during the pandemic comes to an end. Dudley proposes that the IMF leave the aid tap open, so that emerging countries can assume their sovereign debt and no longer continue to be subjugated to private lenders and large lenders such as China.

China: the risks of colonizing the emerging market

On the other side of the world, Xi Jinping needs the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank to continue their soft monetary policy, which has stimulated the world economy throughout the pandemic. And he needs it, first, because he wants to get to the fall National People’s Congress through the big door, since it is the political event that has to endorse his leadership for a third five-year term. And, second, because the Asian giant’s colonizing economy is faltering.

“If the major economies slow down their trajectory or make a U-turn in their monetary policies, it will have serious negative repercussions and challenge global economic and financial stability. Emerging countries will bear the brunt,” the Chinese leader said at the last Davos conference.

In fact, if China’s GDP has shown signs of recovery after the pandemic, it has only been thanks to exports, which have increased by 30% throughout 2021. In contrast, wholesale and retail sales within the same country do not exceed 1.7% and 3.9% respectively, compared to 2020, the year in which the Asian leader’s growth came to a screeching halt due to the effects of Covid-19.

As things stand, it is much more in China’s interest to continue exporting smoothly than to control inflation. And it has good reason to want to do so. According to a report by the College of William & Mary, China has literally colonized the emerging market in recent years. As the chart above shows, nearly 70 developing countries have incurred debts to China in excess of 5% of their GDP.

If a combined action by the US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England raises interest rates, this threatens the strength of these emerging economies, which will have serious problems repaying sovereign debt, as Dudley explains. In this context, the main loser is China, which has granted many of these debts.

A chain crisis of unknown dimensions

Experts warn that the first effects of this chain debt crisis will drag down the entire Chinese real estate sector, which has already shown good signs of tension in recent months with the bankruptcy of the country’s second largest real estate group, Evergrande, due to dubious financial policies that have given wings to sovereign debt – and now put it at risk.

As the World Bank predicts, “the risks and potential costs of contagion from a sharp deleveraging of large firms, especially in the real estate sector —with combined onshore and offshore liabilities amounting to almost 30 percent of GDP and strong linkages to various parts of the economy— far exceed any potential damage from the collapse of a typical large industrial company.” 

Be that as it may, and provided that the monetary policy decisions of the capitalist West are confirmed, complicated months lie ahead, both for the emerging economies and for the Asian giant —and, therefore, for the entire planet—. If the most pessimistic predictions come true, we will have to start taking measures to face this debt crisis that already seems inevitable.

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The world of gastronomy yesterday, Tuesday 22 November, celebrated the awaited gala of the Michelin Guide 2023 in the city of Toledo. We detail the winners and the complete list of restaurants in Catalonia that can boast of having Michelin stars.

A shower of Michelin stars in Catalonia, making it the region with the most new award-winning restaurants, all of them concentrated in Barcelona. The Torres brothers, Sergio and Javier, who have won their third star, stand out, and together with Jordi Cruz’s ABaC and Martín Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande’s Lasarte, make the Catalan capital the city with the most three-starred restaurants in Spain.

The city of Barcelona also triumphs with 5 restaurants obtaining their first star: Aleia, by Rafa de Bedoya and Paulo Airaudo; COME, by Paco Méndez; Enigma, by Albert Adrià; Mont Bar, by Fran Agudo; and the establishment Slow & Low, by Nicolás de la Vega and Francesc Beltri, have been awarded a Michelin star.

Without being awarded a star, the Barcelona restaurants BaLó and Nairod, as well as La Xarxa in Tarragona, received the prestigious Bib Gourmand award, named after the tyre manufacturer’s official mascot. The award recognises restaurants that serve quality cuisine at reasonable prices.

Finally, Michelin also rewards the sustainability of two Catalan restaurants: Les Moles, in Ulldecona, and Casa Nova, in Sant Martí Sarroca, have been awarded a green star in recognition of their sustainable gastronomy.

Michelin-starred restaurants in Catalonia

⭐⭐⭐ 

• ABaC (Barcelona)
• El Celler de Can Roca (Girona)
• Lasarte (Barcelona)

New Entry

• Cocina Hermanos Torres (Barcelona)

⭐⭐ 

• Angle (Barcelona)
• Bo.TiC (Corçà, Girona)
• Cinc Sentits (Barcelona)
• Disfrutar (Barcelona)
• Enoteca (Barcelona)
• Moments (Barcelona)
• Miramar (Llançà, Girona)
• Les Cols (Olot, Girona)

⭐ 

• Atempo (Sant Julià de Ramis, Girona)
• Alkimia (Barcelona)
• Aürt (Barcelona)
• Caelis (Barcelona)
• Can Jubany (Calldetenes, Barcelona)
• Ca l’Enric (La Vall de Bianya, Girona)
• Can Bosch (Cambrils, Tarragona)
• Castell Peralada (Peralada)
• Deliranto (Salou)
• Dos Palillos (Barcelona)
• Els Casals (Sagàs, Barcelona)
• Els Tinars (Llagostera, Girona)
• Emporium (Castelló d’Empúries, Girona)
• Fogony (Sort, Lleida)
• Hisop (Barcelona)
• Hofmann (Barcelona)
• Koy Shunka (Barcelona)
• L’Aliança 1919 d’Anglès (Anglès, Girona)
• L’Antic Molí (Ulldecona)
• La Boscana (Bellvís)
• La Cuina de Can Simón (Tossa de Mar, Girona)
• La Fonda Xesc (Gombrèn, Girona)
• Les Magnòlies (Arbúcies, Girona)
• Les Moles (Tarragona)
• L’Ó (Sant Fruitós de Bages, Barcelona)
• Lluerna (Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona)
• Malena (Lleida)
• Massana (Girona)
• Oria (Barcelona)
• Quatre Molins (Cornudella de Montsant, Tarragona)
• Rincón de Diego (Cambrils, Tarragona)
• Sala (Olost, Barcelona)
• Tresmacarrons (El Masnou, Barcelona)
• Villa Retiro (Xerta, Tarragona)
• Via Veneto (Barcelona)
• Xerta (Barcelona)

New Entries

• Aleia (Barcelona)
• COME, de Paco Méndez (Barcelona)
• Enigma (Barcelona)
• Mont Bar (Barcelona)
• Slow & Low (Barcelona)

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The festive season is upon us, and with Christmas just around the corner, it is that time of year when we all need to start thinking about a gift to give our loved ones. Why don’t you make this year an extra special one and take your loved one, your family, to one of the many amazing Christmas markets around Europe?

There are many of them to choose from. You can wander through the markets, where you will be pulled into the Christmas spirit. You will be able to choose from local, handcrafted gifts, or you can enjoy some mouth-watering Christmas dishes and treats.

Whatever your preference and whether alone or with others, you are sure to enjoy the atmosphere. We will do a round-up of some of the oldest and best Christmas markets to choose from.

Strasbourg – France

Strasbourg in eastern France is where you will find one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. The first edition of this famous market took place in 1570 and is still going strong today. After 448 years, you can be assured they know what they are doing. If you attend this one, there are plenty of choices. Across 10 locations with 300 stalls, this is a Christmas market that takes more than one day to explore.

 If you want to really indulge and enjoy, then we suggest a long weekend break. That way, you can take advantage of the festivities, pick up some new decorations for the tree at home try the local Alsatian wine.

This market’s special feature is the ‘guest country market’ and the colossus Christmas tree that puts the New York Rockefeller Centre effort to shame. The Christmas market opens on 21 November and ends on 23 December this year. Recommended hotels: Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Voco Strasbourg Centre – The Garden, Holiday Inn Express.

Viennese Christmas Market – Vienna – Austria

With the first market here appearing in 1928, Vienna has perfected all the magical elements that make up the perfect Christmas market. If it is your first time visiting a Christmas market, we strongly suggest going to the Viennese Christmas Market.

Located in front of the City Hall, the Viennese Market consists of over 150 stalls, with everything from boozy Christmas punch to tummy-pleasing Austrian sausages, the market also boasts an ice rink, reindeer rides for the kids (and adventurous adults, maybe) and, of course, the classic nativity scene for your delight. And if you are feeling sporty, perhaps give curling a go on the dedicated curling rink. This year, the event runs from 19th to 26th December. Recommended hotels: Spiess & Spiess, Bassena Wien Meser Prater, K + K Hotel Maria Theresia.

Medieval Town Square – Kraków – Poland

The Christmas market in Kraków is renowned as being one of the best. The main square (Rynek Główny) in Kraków is the biggest medieval square in Europe. Rich in history, it delivers the perfect setting for the Christmas market.

Here there are traditional wooden huts lined up, offering up plenty of hand-crafted gifts among other presents and decorations for the tree or house. Food is plenty. You will find traditional Polish Pierogi (dumplings), a national dish, great Polish sausage grilled in front of you and definitely some mulled wine or hot beer to wash it all down. This year, the event runs from 25 November until the 26th of December. Recommended hotels: Puro Hotel, Hotel Indigo, Qubus Hotel.

Old Town Square – Prague – Czech Republic

Here in Prague, there are two markets. There is the main market on the Old Town Square, and then another, just five minutes walk away, on Wenceslas Square. You can easily explore them both on a full-day excursion.

Each of the markets has the traditional wooden huts found in the Kraków market and other similar ones in Europe, but what makes the Czech market stand out are the treats. You can grab a klobása (Czech sausage) and then wash it all down with a Pilsner Urquell. Each year both markets are open from the start of the festive season, the end of November, right through to January 6th, including Christmas Day. Recommended hotels: The Grand Mark, Cosmopolitan, Michelangelo Grand Hotel.

Winter Wonders – Brussels – Belgium

You could call this a Christmas Market, or you could call it a Christmas Festival. I think the latter would be a better description. There are over 200 chalets serving everything you can imagine including, glühwein, Belgian beers and waffles.

The festival covers a huge area. Across, Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine and Marche aux Poissons. There is ice skating, a Ferris wheel, light shows galore and, as you would hope, a huge Christmas Tree. Every year it opens from 25th November to 1st January. Recommended hotels: Ramada by Wyndham Brussels Woluwe, Hotel Le Plaza, Vintage Hotel.

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Passionate travel lovers usually can’t make it more than a few months without having a strong urge to get on a plane, bus, or train. In many cases, daily life, a full-time job, and other responsibilities don’t always leave much space for frequent or extended trips across the world. One of the best ways to satisfy that never-ending need for travel is to take shorter trips to nearby places. We list some of the best city breaks in the UK.

Cambridge

Enthusiasts of great architecture certainly will want to visit Cambridge for a short and sweet city break in the UK. The city itself is, of course, best known for the University of Cambridge, which was founded back in 1209 and is one of the oldest schools in the world. Currently, the University has over 30 colleges, with most open to the public—usually completely for free. The buildings astonish tourists with their glorious architecture and spacious gardens.

The city also offers several marvellous museums, also with free admission. The most notable ones are Fitzwilliam Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University Museum of Zoology, and The Museum of Cambridge. You can also spend your time on the waters of the Cam River, taking a trip on one of the famous punts.

Birmingham

Many may not realise it, but Birmingham is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom and serves as a cultural, financial, and social core of the East and West Midlands. The city is known for its extensive canal network, which is even bigger than the one in Venice and one of the leftovers from the industrial revolution. Nowadays, the canals are mainly used for leisure activities.

If you’re looking for the best UK city breaks for couples, visit Birmingham and book a romantic canal trip with great views. In the city, you’ll also find a couple of stunning museums and galleries, such as Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Coffin Museum, The Ikon Gallery, or The Black Country Living Museum. Be sure to visit the Jewellery Quarter as well, which includes over 200 workshops run by jewellers and silversmiths. All together, they manage to produce around 40% of Britain’s jewellery. You can learn more about its history when you visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, located nearby.

York

History lovers will want to choose York for their next city break in the UK. With origins dating back to 7,000 BC, the city has been inhabited by both Romans and Vikings over the centuries. The look of the city perfectly reflects its history, and with every step, you’ll discover the remaining influences of past times.

Be sure to visit the city centre, surrounded by miles of medieval walls, which are still mostly intact. One of the must-see tourist spots is the most famous street in York, called the Shambles. This cobbled street also dates back to medieval times and is enveloped by marvellous overhanging timber-framed buildings from the 14th‑century. In York, you will also find the famous National Railway Museum, which possesses one of the most comprehensive collections of locomotives.

Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland is a frequent destination for the best city breaks in the UK, and for a good reason. Edinburgh offers a wide array of museums and galleries which showcase the history and art of Scotland. One of the most noticeable ones includes the National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, National War Museum, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and many others. Must-see attractions include Edinburgh Castle, which was named the top UK Heritage Attraction by the British Travel Awards in 2019.

London

Our list of the best city breaks in the UK would not be complete without the capital of the country. A few days will likely not be enough to visit all the attractions this wonderful city has to offer, but, you can at least see the most famous places—like the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe, or many others. Remember, London is filled with free museums and other attractions, making the city a perfect candidate for a cheap city break in the UK. Depending on your interests, you can visit contemporary exhibitions in Tate Modern, or choose something more historical like displays shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Do you love to travel? With 11Onze Viatges you can book accommodation at the best price, without stifling the travel industry.

Games, didactic guides, virtual or face-to-face classes… 11Onze offers a new free educational service to the people of La Plaça and to the entire educational community of the country.

11Onze is extending its commitment to financial education and is launching 11Onze Escola, a project for schools throughout the country to train their students in economic and financial matters. Everything is available with open access at 11Onze Escola. Work has been carried out over the last few months with the aim of providing teachers and students with tools to complement the educational curriculum, broadening their view of the new economy.

During the last academic year, a teacher member of La Plaça asked if a representative of 11Onze could give a class for his students. “A high-school teacher impressed by the information shared at La Plaça“, explains 11Onze President James Sène, “asked us if we could offer a financial education session to his students. We decided to go one step further and offer financial education sessions and make them available to everyone.

Since then, pilot tests have been carried out at the Cendrassos Secondary School in Figueres and the Arraona Secondary School in Sabadell. The result is an ambitious project. “We estimate that we can offer 52 face-to-face or virtual classes,” explains Content Director Toni Mata, “but the platform is designed so that teachers can use our material directly.

That’s right. Using content from 11Onze’s La Plaça, such as El Diner series, we have developed teaching guides that allow you to run a class and test students with gamified quizzes.

What classes do you offer?

If you request a class with 11Onze, you can choose whether you want it to be virtual or face-to-face. In both cases, an 11Onze representative will offer you a 1-hour class. We currently offer three types of classes: Introduction to Financial Education, Open Banking, and Digital Currencies.

In these classes, we can touch on some important topics of the new economy, which do not figure prominently in the current educational curriculum, but which are crucial for the immediate future, given the digitalisation of the economy. Classes on integrated finance, CBDC, tokenisation, mining, open banking … “We believe that students need to be prepared to manage their money in an environment that will be radically different from the one we have now,” Mata explains.

According to a Greenlight study, nearly three-quarters of teenagers (74%) said they do not feel confident in personal finance knowledge. About the same percentage of teens (73%) said they want to learn more. “Our mission is to engage and educate young students to improve their financial literacy by teaching them how money works and the technology behind it“, explained 11Onze CEO James Sène, adding that “we understand that without basic financial education, children and young adults will face immense difficulties in managing their finances effectively. This could lead to bad credit, bankruptcy and no savings”.

How to book a class

Please fill in a form available at 11Onze Escola to book a class. The initiative is aimed at everyone, but at 11Onze we have planned to be able to give a maximum of 52 face-to-face/virtual classes this academic year. “This means that many requests will obviously not be able to be met this year. That is why it is important to book as early as possible and why we have also made sure the 11Onze Escola platform is full of content that secondary school teachers can use directly,” says Mata.

As James Sène explains: “We cover topics such as credit cards, cryptocurrencies and money management. For young people, digital banking is no longer a mystery, even if they don’t know much about all the processes behind it. As almost all of them have financial apps on their mobile phones, they are interested in financial education.”

The 11Onze Escola project is key for the Catalan institution, which has always had financial education and transparency as one of its pillars. “With the right knowledge, citizens make the right decisions and keep a better eye on their rulers and companies. It is a question of financial education, but at the end of the day it is a question of democracy“, says Mata.

11Onze is the community fintech of Catalonia. Open an account by downloading the super app El Canut for Android or iOS and join the revolution!

Autumn is the ideal season to enjoy the treasures of France away from the crowds. The days are still mild and the nature and landscapes are breathtaking, so it is a great time to spend a few days in the countryside, plan a short hike or stroll the streets of Paris. We’ve selected some destinations where you will see all the shades of autumn on display.

Champagne-Ardenne

Welcome to Champagne-Ardenne, the land that gave its name to the famous beverage known around the world! Who says Champagne, says vines! Now, in Autumn the vineyard landscapes are really beautiful, the green leaves are tinged with a golden, brown or red colour. 

We suggest you walk the Champagne tourist route to visit the cellars, taste the Champagne, but also to learn the secrets of winegrowers and discover the cellars of Champagne houses! The National Park of the Reims mountain is particularly interesting. In addition to the vineyards, you will also find the largest concentration of dwarf oak trees in the world.

For the more urban traveller, or those interested in culture, you can also visit the cities of Epernay for its famous Avenue of Champagne and its many manor houses of Champagne. And Reims, the city of the coronation of the kings of France with its sumptuous cathedral. The city of Langres medieval fortress, surrounded by 5 lakes also offers an impressive panorama during Autumn.

For nature lovers, you can extend your stay at Lake Der-Chantecoq, it is the largest artificial lake in Europe. Or, go to meet the wolves in the woods of the Argonne. Finally, the city of Charleville-Mézières organizes the world festival of puppets every year in mid-September, a fascinating show for children and adults alike! Recommended hotels: Holiday Inn Reims, Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Adonis Hotel Strasbourg.

Normandy

Normandy is a land of history. Mont Saint-Michel is a good example, it is erected on a rocky island and is located in the heart of a beautiful bay at the crossroads of Brittany and Normandy. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont-Saint-Michel is a wonderful place to admire the largest tides in continental Europe! At high tide, the Mount becomes an island for a few hours, a sight to take your breath away! 

The town of Etretat is famous for its extraordinary chalk cliffs and pebble beaches, painters such as Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet or writers like Maupassant and Gustave Flaubert were inspired by this place. A walk along the cliffs will arouse your senses. Let yourself be amazed by the beauty of nature! At low tide, you can access some special places, including beaches and oyster beds!

A Franco-British place of history, Château-Gaillard, also known as Richard the Lion Heart castle, is located in the village of Les Andelys. The strategic position of this castle, built by the King of England and Duke of Normandy, was crucial. A true masterpiece of architecture, some parts still bear the stigma of long-past clashes between the kingdoms of England and France.

Finally, you should also visit two other jewels of Normandy. The first is the small town of Honfleur, a popular place for any visitor to Normandy. You will discover why it is called the city of painters while strolling through its picturesque streets!

The second is the city of Rouen. The city where Joan of Arc was threatened with torture in 1431. Its architecture with its half-timbered houses and its Gothic churches will not leave you disappointed! The city is also famous for its gastronomy. Your taste buds will be invigorated by the tastes of Rouen. Recommended hotels: Holiday Inn Express Le Havre, Holiday in Express Rouen.

Paris

Hard not to mention Paris for this article, especially since we have suggested the Champagne-Ardenne and Normandy since, in one single trip, you can enjoy a visit to at least two of these three destinations. Between two and three hours of travel separate these three destinations.

Let yourself be transported and imagine Paris in Autumn. The trees adorn themselves with leaves of red or golden reflections. Some streets and boulevards emit the sweet smell of warm chestnuts, and you will hear the sounds of leaves crunching under your feet in the parks of the French capital.

Cultural events are numerous! Mid-September (think about next year) are European Heritage Days. This will allow you to visit places that are for some, normally not open to the public, such as the backstage Crazy Horse, the Palace of the Élysée, the Grand Rex or the National Museum of Natural History, it is a unique opportunity! Recommended hotels: Hotel Paris Villette, Hotel Alfred Sommier.

Do you love to travel? With 11Onze Viatges you can book accommodation at the best price, without stifling the travel industry.

The wage gap between men and women is 12.1% in Catalonia. The data has fallen in recent years, but it is narrowing so slowly that it would take decades to close it completely.

What does a 12.2% pay gap mean? It’s very simple: as Idescat reports, while men’s gross annual salary is 28,965.38 euros, women earn an average of 22,988.22 euros. This means a difference of 5,977.16 euros per year or, in other words, according to UGT, women work 43 days a year for free. But the gender gap does not only translate into lower wages.

The inequalities between men and women in the world of work are also evident in much more temporary and even more part-time work. This is reflected in the Observatori del Treball i el Model Productiu of the Generalitat de Catalunya, which has developed a data visualisation with a gender perspective. While 22.6% of women of working age have temporary contracts, the percentage for men is 17.7%. Likewise, 19.1% of working women have part-time contracts, compared to 5.6% of men.

This clearly translates into a loss of talent in companies and a break in many career paths. Women, who have lower unemployment rates than men, prioritise work-life balance over recognition and success at work, especially after having children. This inequality is also reflected in the report on the use of time produced by the Institut Català de les Dones (Catalan Women’s Institute) and in the percentages of women’s representation on boards of directors.

Women directors, breaking taboos

Despite the fact that the Codi de Bon Govern sets as an objective that boards of directors should have at least 40% female representation. Despite the fact that Royal Decree Law 6/2019, the well-known Equality Law, states in articles 45 and 46 that companies with more than 50 employees must draw up and apply an equality plan; and in article 75 it recognises the participation of women directors. Even so, female managers continue to be an exception in private institutions.

This is reported annually by the Observatori Dona Empresa i Economia. In the latest report for 2021, the organisation lamented that, in Catalan companies, women only represent 25.3% of the positions on boards of directors, 18.5% occupy positions of presidency and only 15.3% of general management. This means, according to the observatory, a flagrant loss of talent in each of the hierarchies. 

Moreover, the organisation also warns that only 12% of the 2,657 companies subject to the Equality Law comply with article 75, which stipulates, as does the Codi de Bon Govern, that women should represent at least 40% of the positions on boards of directors. This is a figure that has remained stable over the last seven years.

At the same time, of the total number of companies, 158,311 (84%) have only one director (72% men, 23% women and 5% companies and others) and, therefore, the percentage of companies with women on their boards is increasing. The observatory also regrets that inequality in positions of responsibility is reproduced in the public sector.

At the same time, the organisation notes that, as the size of companies increases, “it is normal for there to be more women in management positions,” but it is surprising that in companies with more than 100 workers, 37% of companies have no female directors. This percentage rises to 43% in companies with 50 to 100 workers and rises to 62% in companies with fewer than 50 workers.

Women researchers, still the exception?

While the number of women scientists in public administration and higher education is close to that of men, the gap is widening steadily in business. In private institutions there are 17,985 men, including researchers, technicians and other support staff, while there are only 8,959 women.

In fact, if we analyse the data by sector, women have a much lower presence than men in sectors such as agriculture and livestock, energy, metallurgy, construction and information and communication technologies. The evolution of employment in these sectors has not changed substantially over the last seven years.

In contrast, women are in the majority in other sectors, such as real estate activities, administrative activities and public administration. In four areas of work in particular, the presence of women is particularly significant: education, health and social services, retail trade and cultural activities. Precisely those sectors where average wages are lower and working conditions are worse. Will Catalan society be capable of bridging this gap, which is widening on so many fronts at the same time, at a rapid pace?

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From haunted castles and islands to ghoulish street celebrations and parties at Dracula’s castle, several places around the globe beckon many travellers in celebration of Halloween or just good scary fun.

Wolfsegg Castle, Germany 

This beautiful Bavarian Castle, according to legend, is said to be one of Germany’s most haunted castles. Dating back to the 1500s, reports of hauntings began. The story is that the owner discovered his wife was stepping out on him with another man and had her murdered. He and his two sons died shortly after his wife died. There are still reports today of sightings of a female ghost walking the hallways of the castle. Hourly trains leave Munich to Regensburg Hauptbahnhof, where a bus will take you to the castle. Recommended hotel: JOYN Munich Olympic

Leap Castle, Ireland

Built between the 13th and late 15th century, legend has it that during a power struggle amongst the O’Carroll clan, one brother plunged a sword into his brother, a priest, who was holding mass in the castle’s chapel. The room was dubbed “The Bloody Chapel,” with the ghost of the priest reportedly haunting the church during the night. Centuries later, during castle renovations in the early 1900s, workmen found a secret dungeon in the Bloody Chapel with hundreds of human skeletons. Visit the ghoulish dungeon designed so that prisons would fall through a trap door, falling on spikes in the ground, puncturing their lungs and then dying a slow, horrific death.

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland

One of the most haunted castles in Britain, Chillingham is claimed to be home to various hauntings. Disembodied voices of two men are often overheard talking in the castle’s chapel, but can never be traced. The White Pantry Ghost was first spotted by a footman, who’d been locked into the pantry overnight to guard the family silver. He said the ghostly figure was begging for water, and it’s now thought she was a victim of poisoning. The castle holds special ghost tours throughout the year.

The Island of the Dolls, Mexico

When going through the beautiful canals of Xochimilcan near Mexico City, you may be (un)fortunate enough to come across the creepy Island of the Dolls, or in Spanish, La Isla de las Muñecas, which looks like a place taken straight from a horror film. Legend says that a young girl died on the island’s coast, and as a tribute to the girl, the island’s caretaker hung a doll on a tree. Over the years, more and more dolls were hung all over the island to leave it looking like it does today. If you are a horror film fan, this might be worth visiting on Halloween.

Poveglia Island, Italy

This island near Venice is known for being the site of choice not only for the banished plague victims (twice apparently) but also for a 1920s lunatic asylum. It has to be haunted, right? A doctor at the mental hospital, who reportedly performed experimental and unsuccessful lobotomies most of the time, threw himself to his death from the hospital tower after claiming he had been driven mad by Poveglia’s ghosts. Perhaps it had more to do with the demons in his head, but it makes for a good, creepy story. Access to Poveglia is usually from Venice, which is easy to reach by train throughout Italy. There are no official ferries or transfers to the island, but you can charter a private boat to the island. Recommended hotel: Dona Palace

Isola La Gaiola, Italy

At first glance, Isola La Gaiola seems like a perfect example of the beauty and romance of southern Italy. The island is split in two, with a stone bridge joining them together. But it has a dark past. The island, known to be cursed, was home to many wealthy people. Some of whom committed suicide. Others died of heart attacks, while others had failed businesses or mysteriously died. Now, it is a National Park. The nearest city is Naples, where you can take a bus to the island. Recommended hotel: B&B Il Divino

Limoges, France 

If you want to celebrate Halloween and forgo the dark hauntings, this medieval city is famous for its Halloween celebrations and is great for family fun. Nearly 30,000 people attend the parade of ghosts, goblins and ghouls carrying candlelit pumpkins. Many tourists dress up in costume and tour the local bars, cafés and restaurants, many of which hold special Halloween parties. Take the train from Paris to see the fall colours. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Recommended hotel: Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon

Derry, Ireland

The biggest European Halloween party in Northern Ireland, the city of Derry, the walled city comes alive with ancient spirits welcoming you to join their celebrations. Enjoy the folklore, feasting, and festivity as the city allows travellers to revisit Halloween of the past. The event contains more than 100 events in 40 venues across the city, with music, food, arts, and cultural and contemporary entertainment. Bring your costumes and feel what it’s like when 100,000 monsters gather in one place.

Transylvania, Romania

And Halloween wouldn’t be the same without partying with a vampire. Transylvania, according to legend, is where Dracula was born. Halloween cannot be any scarier than in Bran castle, Dracula’s abode! During the 15th century, Vlad the Impaler earned his name by striking fear into local residents after he held a banquet in which he had all the guests be savagely stabbed and then impaled on spikes and left to twitch to their untimely ends. This year, you can enjoy the exhibit on the making of Bram Stoker’s Dracula until 12 November 2022. Recommended hotel: Aurelius Imparatul Romanilor

Edinburgh, Scotland

The cobbled streets of the Scottish capital have always whispered tales of ghosts and ghouls. Halloween is always a fantastic time to come and visit this gothic masterpiece of a city, Edinburgh is the most haunted city in Scotland and one of the most haunted in Britain and Europe. The old Town of Edinburgh, is full of ghost stories and has a very gruesome history. It’s hard to rival the gruesome history of Edinburgh. Centuries of terrible events including “witch” burnings, mass murders, public gruesome executions, violent and bloody battles, and grave robbers. It’s all here, in this potted history of dangerous, dodgy, haunted Edinburgh. In some of the hotels, there have even been people jumping out of their beds at night after seeing strange shadows at the bottom of their bed or hearing a high-pitched piercing cry from down the hallway. Over Halloween, you can enjoy Greyfriars Kirkyard, Burke and Hare, The Real Mary King’s Close, The Edinburgh Dungeons, The Blair Street Vaults, Edinburgh Castle, The Ghost Bus Tours and also Ghost Walks around some of the oldest parts of the city. Overall, this city is the ultimate destination with a massive abundance of activities and places to see to have an incredible Halloween. Recommended hotel: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel and Spa

York, England

York is one of the oldest and most haunted cities in England and Britain. York is a city with a dark past, and you can’t often escape the gruesome stories of York’s horrifying history. It has survived volatile and violent Viking invasions, the Norman conquest and the Civil War. There are no shortage of activities and places to experience over Halloween here. Ghost in the Gardens, York Dungeons, York Minster, York Castle Ghost walks and tours through its old and spooky side streets, The ancient city of York in Northern England – with its history of brutal conflict and shocking tragedies – reportedly boasts more ghoulies, ghosties and wretched souls than anywhere else in Europe. That is, according to the International Ghost Research Foundation, which lists a total of 504 alleged hauntings here. Walking down the city’s eerie alleyways and peering into its mysterious nooks and crannies, it’s easy to let the imagination run wild. You can also enjoy a drink in the Ye Olde Starre Inne, said to be the oldest pub in York and The Golden Fleece is one of the many pubs which has a few resident ghosts. Recommended hotel: The Grange Hotel

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In autumn the days get shorter and the nights get longer, the temperature drops and the rains come. Saying goodbye to summer often comes with mood swings, so here are some European cities where you can enjoy the best autumn colours.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and in Autumn, it gets a special glow that makes it simply breathtaking. The weather gets perfect for sightseeing while still wearing a t-shirt and shorts, and the sunsets seen from one of many viewpoints are more than enough to make you fall in love.

Lyon

Paris is, of course, beautiful, but there is something very special about Lyon, especially in the fall. One of the largest cities in France, it has a certain charm, often uncommon for big cities. The historical part of the city was enlisted as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it earned that title. You will be blown away by the view of the city when the autumn sun touches the roofs of the buildings.

Kraków

Once the capital, now the country’s cultural centre, this wonderful Polish city is simply perfect for an autumn trip. The castle, the riverside, and the parks make for the most beautiful scenery, and with trees changing colours, it is a view to remember. After all, Poles do call it the “Golden Polish Autumn”!

Granada

Everyone knows Granada, a perfectly preserved monumental city where the Arab imprint of al-Andalus can be seen. It is full of sand-coloured buildings that look like magic in the autumn sun. And just wait until you see the Alhambra, with mountains in the distance and orange and red trees around it, you will never forget such a view!

Edinburgh

We couldn’t make this list and not include Scotland. We would actually recommend you to go on a tour around the country, but since we’re focusing on the cities, we chose Edinburgh. This gorgeous, slightly mysterious city will enchant you, and the area around the city, with cliffs, castles and hills, especially in Autumn, will make you never want to leave.

Dubrovnik

Last, but definitely not least, we wanted to add even more sun to our list! Dubrovnik is beautiful all year round, but Autumn is probably the best time to visit this wonderful city. It is one of the best European coastal cities along the Adriatic Coast. Autumn is the time when it is still wonderfully warm, but without hundreds of tourists on every step so that you can calmly enjoy the scenery where the ocean meets the mountains.

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Catalonia is one of the regions of the “Four Motors for Europe” network, founded in the late 1980s to promote cooperation between them. It is made up of four of the most industrialised areas of the European Union.

On 9 September 1988, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Baden-Württemberg, Catalonia and Lombardy signed a cooperation agreement to form the “Four Motors for Europe” network. As Sandra Molas, sales manager at 11Onze, explains, these four regions currently comprise “36 million inhabitants” and represent approximately “9% of the European economy”.

The initial objectives of this interregional cooperation partnership were mainly related to economics and research, as well as art and culture. Over the following decades, however, the objectives and level of cooperation have increased significantly.

Current areas of cooperation include economic development, research and innovation, training and higher education, climate and environment, transport and mobility, health, agriculture, civil society and arts.

In the framework of European integration

The founding of the network coincided with major European integration processes. For example, as Sandra Molas recalls, in 1992 the Maastricht Treaty was signed, which “came into force in November 1993” and led to the creation of the European Union.

The Four Motors for Europe has always supported the important role played by the regions in the continent and has served as an example of the strong international affiliation of European regions.

“The group actively contributes to European affairs, in particular by publishing common positions on EU policy,” as Molas explains. In fact, they try to “act as a lobby on the issues that are of most interest to them.”

In some cases, regions join as partners to participate in initiatives, especially in economic cooperation. This has been the case in Flanders, Wales and Quebec. However, most activities involve only the four signatory territories.

Flexibility is one of the defining characteristics of the network, which has no institutions or budget of its own. The partnership is governed by a Coordination Committee made up of the general coordinators of the executive offices of the presidents. And the thematic work is carried out in various working groups.

Rotating presidency

The presidency changes every year following a fixed rotation. Catalonia assumed its last presidency in September 2020 and passed the baton to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in December 2021.

The programme of the Catalan presidency focused on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, as well as the European Green Pact, to strengthen the transformative resilience of our societies. Inspired by the three dimensions of the 2030 Agenda, the programme was organised into three resilience dimensions: economic, social and environmental.

To give the programme substance, all departments of the Government of Catalonia were consulted, resulting in more than 30 specific initiatives that were developed over the 14 months of the Catalan presidency.

Present and future of the network

As Sandra Molas warns, the ravages of the pandemic and the current economic situation mean that the four regions that make up the group must “read just their recovery policies and activities” towards new models that “adapt to the needs of the moment.” And this will have to be done “with a regional, European, but also global vision.”

The 11Onze sales manager concludes that this will not be easy because of “the threat of an impending global crisis caused by national debt, rampant inflation and skyrocketing fossil mineral prices”.

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