Welcome to Viva La Europa! A weekly dose of European culture, news, travel and properties.

In this issue:

• 🍷 Sip Happens: France's €200M Plan to Uncork a Wine Crisis

• 🔔 Big Mouth, Small Village: The Vegan Who Was 'Too Annoying' for Switzerland

• 🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• 🏡 A cute stone cottage for less than 50k?

• 🏝️ Go on a Greek odyssey in Emporio

🍷 Sip Happens: France's €200M Plan to Uncork a Wine Crisis

Hold onto your berets and baguettes, mes amis! France is facing a wine-mergency! 🚨 The Bordeaux region, known for its vineyards and vino, is in a bit of a pickle—or should I say, a wine barrel? Demand for wine has plummeted, leaving producers with more bottles than they can cork. So, what's the French solution? Pour €200 million into destroying excess wine. Oui, you heard that right!

The Grape Dilemma 🍇

The Bordeaux region is grappling with a cocktail of issues: changing consumer habits, the cost of living crisis, and the lingering effects of Covid-19. The result? A surplus of wine and a dip in prices that's leaving one in three winemakers in a financial ferment.

The Plan 📝

The French government, led by Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau, is topping up an initial EU fund of €160 million to a grand total of €200 million. The aim? To prevent prices from going sour and help winemakers find new revenue streams. But here's the twist: the alcohol from the destroyed wine could be used in non-food products like hand sanitizers and perfumes. Talk about a fragrant solution!

The Future 🍾

The government is also encouraging grape-growers to diversify, perhaps into olives or other crops. Because let's face it, not everyone can live on wine alone—though many have tried.

Thought-Provoking Questions 🤔

1. Wine or Whine? - Is destroying excess wine the best solution for struggling winemakers?

2. Grapes to Sanitizers - How do you feel about wine being repurposed into hand sanitizers and cleaning products?

3. Diversify or Die - Should winemakers consider switching to other crops, or stick to their grapey roots?

So, the next time you sip on a Bordeaux, remember: it's not just a drink, it's a political statement! 🍷🇫🇷

🌄🔔Big Mouth, Small Village: The Vegan Who Was 'Too Annoying' for Switzerland

Today we’re in Switzerland, the land of chocolate, cheese, and... cowbells? Meet Nancy Holten, the Dutch-born, Swiss-raised vegan who's been deemed "too annoying" for Swiss citizenship. Twice! Why? Because she dared to question the sacred Swiss traditions of cowbells and piglet racing. Oh, the audacity! She even had the gall to set up an anti-cowbell Facebook page. Clearly, a menace to society.

But wait, there's a plot twist! After being rejected by her village—yes, the villagers get a say in who gets to be Swiss—she appealed to higher powers. The canton authorities sided with her, probably just to get her off their backs. Now, she's finally a Swiss citizen, and she's "relieved." Well, aren't we all?

Tanja Suter, the local party president, said Holten had a "big mouth" and didn't respect traditions. But hey, at least she's consistent. She plans to continue her animal rights crusade, probably while munching on vegan chocolate and plotting the downfall of church bells next. So, welcome to Switzerland, Nancy. Just don't touch the cheese!

🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• Denmark's economy has seen a 1.7% year-on-year GDP growth in the first half of the year, largely due to the pharmaceutical industry. Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, has been a key player, with its anti-obesity and anti-diabetic drugs Ozempic and Wegovy driving growth. The company's sales soared by 157% in the first half of the year, significantly boosting employment rates and shareholder value.

• Vienna retains its title as the world's most liveable city in 2023, according to the Economist's Global Liveability Index. While Vienna excels in stability, infrastructure, and culture, other European cities like Frankfurt and Amsterdam have slipped out of the top 10. The report also notes a decline in UK cities like London and Edinburgh. Factors considered include healthcare, education, and post-pandemic recovery.

• Europe faces a wave of travel strikes in September, particularly affecting France, Italy, and the UK. In France, air traffic control and Paris Metro workers plan strikes coinciding with the Rugby World Cup. Italy's airport ground staff and air traffic controllers are also set to strike. In the UK, Wizz Air ground handlers at Luton Airport have called for strikes due to poor working conditions. Travelers should expect disruptions and check for updates.

🏡 Property finds of the week

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🏝️ Stays of the week