the eurozone economy has huge influence at the national and regional level. and that is where we are going to focus tonight. last week, we were in the netherlands focused on the rise of the populist vote in europe. and who knows maybe tonights theme part what explains that. this week, we have sent our correspondent nick beake to spain. we are heading to andalusia, but not to the tourist hot spots you will know best. we have sent to him to the industrial the town of algeciras, spain's largest port, its also the country's second largest industrial hub. and yet unemployment in algeciras is twice as high as the country's average. in a perfect world, 20—year—old lucia would make a living doing what she loves — restoring furniture. today it's this coat of arms. but it doesn't pay enough and in her part of spain, finding anyjob is really hard.

translation: i am working very hard to try and make a living _ for what i love doing. i see my friends with full—time jobs only making e700 a month. they take advantage of the fact that we're young because they know that we're going to shut up and take whatever money they give us. in the city of algeciras, these kids face a tough future. it feels like a bustling place, but 40% of young people can't find a job, the highest rate in the whole country. the sky high level of unemployment here in algeciras means there's huge scepticism that anything will change for the better after the european parliament's elections in six weeks�* time. there are deep rooted economic problems and despite the vibrancy of this place, success stories are pretty hard to find. but this is one — business is good

at this repair company. a 230—metre—long container ship, the latest vessel they're fixing. it's meant 21—year—old mario has been able to get a decentjob, something that's eluded many of his friends outside something that's eluded many of his friends. outside of the naval sector, it is kind of difficult to have a permanentjob. the contracts that they are providing are low—wage and short—term and they basically, yeah, you know, they take a little bit of advantage of the people needs to save their money. one of the bosses says he'd love to take on more workers, but the problem is that while so many young people need a job, theyjust don't have the expertise. we have the highest percentage of unemployed people here, and that people we cannot, we cannot get with us because they don't have the skills. algeciras boast the biggest port in spain but doesn't feel the benefits. the eu is sending emo million to the region to try to boostjobs, which may or may not win votes

at the european elections. but it feels much bigger investment is needed here, particularly in roads, railways and other infrastructure to turn the tide for this young generation. nick beake, bbc news in southern spain. our correspondent nick beakejoins us now. really bea ke joins us now. really beakejoins us now. interesting report. what i wa nt really interesting report. what i want to focus on tonight is the macro versus micro. help me out here. when you look at the spanish economy, the forecast for this year is 2.1% which is far beyond what we can expect here in the uk, yet, it does not touch this problem of unemployment that you've reported on. if you look at the figures, ii.9% on. if you look at the figures, 11.9% with the unemployment in december. that is twice the unemployment rate of the european union. you look at youth

unemployment, it is worse. so how can you be growing the economy and yet still fail to reach some of these poor areas of the country? good evening. this is the port as you say. it is a gateway to so many different markets around the world, notably north africa, just 30 km from here. but this it is not a gateway to the future hopes and dreams of so many young people as you say. the unemployment figure really sky—high for young people in particular. when you quote those statistics there and we look at those cold figures, behind them are real people. we met loads of people over the past 2a hours or so, some did not get into the short film we made, but interestingly, there was one woman we were talking to. she was a0 years old living at home with her dad and she told us she worked in a department store for nearly 20 years, she is a boss in charge of 50 people and every year she is taking home about 1300 euros, about 1a00 us dollars. she says the responsibility

she has it simply is not fair, does not right. there is another guy we met saying he is a new dad living at home with his wife and her family and he got a newjob and they have change the laws here recently so posting will be giving more rights to workers. he said after six weeks they got rid of him and the reason being his attendance was bad. he said, we do minute, i've been into work every day here, but he said his boss and the bosses are looking for any sort of excuse when in fact making stuff up so they can get rid of porkers if they can't afford to keep them on. but of porkers if they can't afford to keep them om— of porkers if they can't afford to keep them on. of porkers if they can't afford to kee them on. �* , ., , ., ., keep them on. but they are short of hel. keep them on. but they are short of help- when — keep them on. but they are short of help- when you _ keep them on. but they are short of help. when you look— keep them on. but they are short of help. when you look at _ keep them on. but they are short of help. when you look at the - keep them on. but they are short of help. when you look at the funds i help. when you look at the funds they receive, the cohesion fund figures, they are the third—biggest recipient after poland and italy. i think you said hundred and odd million going to that specific region. they are getting around 37 billion euros over a six—year period to 2027 and i went away and i looked at turn out and actually turn out in spain is higher than the average

about 60%. that may be explains why people are more interested in these parliamentary elections in spain than they are in other european countries, correct? it than they are in other european countries, correct?— than they are in other european countries, correct? it could well do and there was _ countries, correct? it could well do and there was some _ countries, correct? it could well do and there was some polling - countries, correct? it could well do and there was some polling done l countries, correct? it could well doj and there was some polling done it just in the past couple of weeks or so suggesting that, yes, a lot of spanish people will be going to cast their vote. interestingly, spanish people will be going to cast theirvote. interestingly, ithink in terms of the top three issues that these polls were suggesting were most important for spaniards, you have the idea of social security, will also unemployment, a key one, but health care was number one, a reflection of how spaniards look at their health care system, look at their health care system, look at their health care system, look at what happened during covid, the suffering that took place here like in so many countries across the eu. these are important things that will take people to cast their vote. what came forth which is completely off and lots of different countries was the idea of agriculture and within that, support for farmers. of

course, we know it is a crucial sector. in this part of spain in particular, but spain as a whole. and it looks like that will be in peoples minds when they cast their votes in about six weeks' time. eta? votes in about six weeks' time. stay with us. i want to bring in our panel who are with us tonight. let's bring in our panel tonight — i'm joined by cinzia alcidi senior research fellow at the centre for european policy studies in brussels, where she heads the economic policy unit. and in strasbourg, i'm joined by eddy wax political correspondent for politico, focused on the european parliament. both of you are welcome to the programme. i have spelt out some of the economic markers that pertain to spain. broadly speaking it appears to be doing well, but there is a disconnect, isn't there? people are not feeling it. we heard this last week in the netherlands. why? goad week in the netherlands. why? good evenina. week in the netherlands. why? good evening- many _ week in the netherlands. why? good evening. many thanks _ week in the netherlands. why? good evening. many thanks for having me with you _ evening. many thanks for having me with you. two things. i completely agree _ with you. two things. i completely agree stop — with you. two things. i completely agree stop economic indicators actually—

agree stop economic indicators actually point to spain performing pretty— actually point to spain performing pretty well in the macro both in terms _ pretty well in the macro both in terms of— pretty well in the macro both in terms of growth but also in terms of unemployment which is higher than the european average are still lower than it_ the european average are still lower than it was— the european average are still lower than it was a few years ago. still, the mood — than it was a few years ago. still, the mood in— than it was a few years ago. still, the mood in spain i think is rather sohen _ the mood in spain i think is rather sohen i_ the mood in spain i think is rather sober. i think there are two reasons _ sober. i think there are two reasons. one, ithink sober. i think there are two reasons. one, i think refers to what you just _ reasons. one, i think refers to what you just said — reasons. one, i think refers to what you just said in the experience of and algeciras. you have an average income _ and algeciras. you have an average income across the country close to that of— income across the country close to that of germany and across the country — that of germany and across the country there are differences in disparities at the regional level c make _ disparities at the regional level c make its— disparities at the regional level c make its different views depending on whom _ make its different views depending on whom you talk to. the second point _ on whom you talk to. the second point is _ on whom you talk to. the second point is i — on whom you talk to. the second point is i think spain has two major crisis _ point is i think spain has two major crisis in _ point is i think spain has two major crisis in the — point is i think spain has two major crisis in the last decade. the financial— crisis in the last decade. the financial crisis was a huge issue in spain _ financial crisis was a huge issue in spain it— financial crisis was a huge issue in spain it is— financial crisis was a huge issue in spain. it is extremely severe with a

burst— spain. it is extremely severe with a burst of— spain. it is extremely severe with a burst of the — spain. it is extremely severe with a burst of the housing bubble which had a _ burst of the housing bubble which had a huge impact on banks and households. and then covid. laurie magnus— households. and then covid. laurie magnus was germanic because. particularly bad for an area relying on tourism. particularly bad for an area relying on tourism-— on tourism. exactly. and i think this crisis _ on tourism. exactly. and i think this crisis somehow _ on tourism. exactly. and i think this crisis somehow marked - on tourism. exactly. and i think this crisis somehow marked the j this crisis somehow marked the people — this crisis somehow marked the peopie in— this crisis somehow marked the people in the country and this sense of vulnerability and exposure to the next a _ of vulnerability and exposure to the next a shock. so i think this can explain — next a shock. so i think this can expiain why— next a shock. so i think this can explain why the mood is sober. let�*s explain why the mood is sober. let's talk if we could _ explain why the mood is sober. let's talk if we could about _ explain why the mood is sober. let�*s talk if we could about the politics which we have not touched on and of course the elephant in the room is the hard right party in spain which i think is to draw some of its votes from middle—class voters but increasingly it has been lower income families that have turned to them. do you think some of these issues that we have just laid out, unemployment, high youth unemployment, high youth unemployment, some of the party and pockets around spain is driving people towards the populist right?

that is one topic we have not touched _ that is one topic we have not touched on— that is one topic we have not touched on so _ that is one topic we have not touched on so far _ that is one topic we have not touched on so far which - that is one topic we have not touched on so far which is . that is one topic we have notl touched on so far which is this that is one topic we have not - touched on so far which is this idea of the _ touched on so far which is this idea of the rural— touched on so far which is this idea of the rural areas _ touched on so far which is this idea of the rural areas really— touched on so far which is this idea of the rural areas really emptying i of the rural areas really emptying out. of the rural areas really emptying out this — of the rural areas really emptying out. this knocks— of the rural areas really emptying out. this knocks the _ of the rural areas really emptying out. this knocks the problem - of the rural areas really emptyingj out. this knocks the problem this year in _ out. this knocks the problem this year in spain. _ out. this knocks the problem this year in spain. is— out. this knocks the problem this year in spain, is a _ out. this knocks the problem this year in spain, is a generational. year in spain, is a generational problem — year in spain, is a generational problem where _ year in spain, is a generational problem where vast _ year in spain, is a generational problem where vast areas - year in spain, is a generational problem where vast areas of. year in spain, is a generational- problem where vast areas of spain, the centre — problem where vast areas of spain, the centre and _ problem where vast areas of spain, the centre and the _ problem where vast areas of spain, the centre and the north _ problem where vast areas of spain, the centre and the north have - the centre and the north have basicaiiy— the centre and the north have basically become _ the centre and the north have basically become pretty- the centre and the north have basically become pretty much the centre and the north have - basically become pretty much empty. that is— basically become pretty much empty. that is driving — basically become pretty much empty. that is driving the _ basically become pretty much empty. that is driving the growth _ basically become pretty much empty. that is driving the growth of- that is driving the growth of smaller— that is driving the growth of smaller parties _ that is driving the growth of smaller parties may- that is driving the growth of smaller parties may be - that is driving the growth of. smaller parties may be driving people — smaller parties may be driving people towards— smaller parties may be driving people towards vox. - smaller parties may be driving people towards vox. 0ne - smaller parties may be drivingl people towards vox. one thing smaller parties may be driving - people towards vox. one thing i'm hearing _ people towards vox. one thing i'm hearing a _ people towards vox. one thing i'm hearing a lot — people towards vox. one thing i'm hearing a lot in _ people towards vox. one thing i'm hearing a lot in the _ people towards vox. one thing i'm hearing a lot in the european - hearing a lot in the european pariiament— hearing a lot in the european parliament that _ hearing a lot in the european parliament that vox - hearing a lot in the european parliament that vox who - hearing a lot in the europeanl parliament that vox who have hearing a lot in the european - parliament that vox who have only a handful _ parliament that vox who have only a handful of _ parliament that vox who have only a handful of meps _ parliament that vox who have only a handful of meps at _ parliament that vox who have only a handful of meps at the _ parliament that vox who have only a handful of meps at the moment that they talk— handful of meps at the moment that they talk about — handful of meps at the moment that they talk about a _ handful of meps at the moment that they talk about a lot _ handful of meps at the moment that they talk about a lot is _ handful of meps at the moment that they talk about a lot is agriculture i they talk about a lot is agriculture and that— they talk about a lot is agriculture and that is— they talk about a lot is agriculture and that is a — they talk about a lot is agriculture and that is a series _ they talk about a lot is agriculture and that is a series that _ they talk about a lot is agriculture and that is a series that are - and that is a series that are current— and that is a series that are current spain. _ and that is a series that are current spain. of— and that is a series that are current spain. of course . and that is a series that are current spain. of course a i and that is a series that are i current spain. of course a lot and that is a series that are - current spain. of course a lot of money— current spain. of course a lot of money comes— current spain. of course a lot of money comes for— current spain. of course a lot of money comes for spain - current spain. of course a lot of money comes for spain for- current spain. of course a lot of money comes for spain for the i current spain. of course a lot of. money comes for spain for the eu under— money comes for spain for the eu under the — money comes for spain for the eu under the agriculture _ money comes for spain for the eu under the agriculture policy, - money comes for spain for the eu under the agriculture policy, the l under the agriculture policy, the common— under the agriculture policy, the common agricultural— under the agriculture policy, the common agricultural policy. - under the agriculture policy, the common agricultural policy. sol under the agriculture policy, thel common agricultural policy. so it under the agriculture policy, the . common agricultural policy. so it is a key— common agricultural policy. so it is a key thing — common agricultural policy. so it is a key thing for— common agricultural policy. so it is a key thing for spain _ common agricultural policy. so it is a key thing for spain as _ common agricultural policy. so it is a key thing for spain as part - common agricultural policy. so it is a key thing for spain as part of- a key thing for spain as part of their— a key thing for spain as part of their national— a key thing for spain as part of their national heritage, - a key thing for spain as part of their national heritage, it - a key thing for spain as part of their national heritage, it is. a key thing for spain as part of. their national heritage, it is part of their— their national heritage, it is part of their life _ their national heritage, it is part of their life let _ their national heritage, it is part of their life let that _ their national heritage, it is part of their life let that the - their national heritage, it is part of their life let that the countryl of their life let that the country and that— of their life let that the country and that is— of their life let that the country and that is an _ of their life let that the country and that is an issue _ of their life let that the country and that is an issue that - of their life let that the country and that is an issue that the i of their life let that the country. and that is an issue that the vox party— and that is an issue that the vox party has — and that is an issue that the vox party has seized _ and that is an issue that the vox party has seized upon. - and that is an issue that the vox party has seized upon. at- and that is an issue that the vox party has seized upon. at the i and that is an issue that the vox i party has seized upon. at the same time we _ party has seized upon. at the same time we are — party has seized upon. at the same time we are looking _ party has seized upon. at the same time we are looking at _ party has seized upon. at the same time we are looking at a _ party has seized upon. at the same time we are looking at a rise - party has seized upon. at the same time we are looking at a rise of- time we are looking at a rise of right-wing _ time we are looking at a rise of right—wing parties, _ time we are looking at a rise of right—wing parties, far- time we are looking at a rise of right—wing parties, far right - right—wing parties, far right parties _ right—wing parties, far right parties essentially- right—wing parties, far right parties essentially across i right—wing parties, far right. parties essentially across the right—wing parties, far right - parties essentially across the eu but in _ parties essentially across the eu but in elections _ parties essentially across the eu but in elections last _ parties essentially across the eu but in elections last year- parties essentially across the eu but in elections last year in - parties essentially across the eu i but in elections last year in spain, vox did _ but in elections last year in spain, vox did not— but in elections last year in spain, vox did not do— but in elections last year in spain, vox did not do as _ but in elections last year in spain, vox did not do as well _ but in elections last year in spain, vox did not do as well as - but in elections last year in spain, vox did not do as well as they -

but in elections last year in spain, . vox did not do as well as they would have hoped — vox did not do as well as they would have hoped the— vox did not do as well as they would have heped-— vox did not do as well as they would have ho ed. ., , ., ., ., have hoped. the european parliament there, ou have hoped. the european parliament there. you will — have hoped. the european parliament there, you will know, _ have hoped. the european parliament there, you will know, you've - there, you will know, you've followed the rise over the years, it is true that smaller populist parties that do well in european elections then get the funding that they need to grow for national elections. so what happens injune does have an impact on how countries fair. it does have an impact on how countries fair. ., ,., does have an impact on how countries fair. ., , does have an impact on how countries fair. ., ., ., fair. it works both ways around. i think ou fair. it works both ways around. i think you get _ fair. it works both ways around. i think you get a — fair. it works both ways around. i think you get a big _ fair. it works both ways around. i think you get a big boost - fair. it works both ways around. i think you get a big boost in - fair. it works both ways around. i think you get a big boost in the l think you get a big boost in the european — think you get a big boost in the european elections _ think you get a big boost in the european elections that - think you get a big boost in the european elections that can - think you get a big boost in the. european elections that can help in national— european elections that can help in national elections _ european elections that can help in national elections but _ european elections that can help in national elections but you - european elections that can help in national elections but you can - european elections that can help in national elections but you can get. european elections that can help in| national elections but you can get a boost _ national elections but you can get a boost in _ national elections but you can get a boost in these _ national elections but you can get a boost in these elections _ national elections but you can get a boost in these elections and - national elections but you can get a boost in these elections and then . boost in these elections and then your own — boost in these elections and then your own national— boost in these elections and then your own national elections - boost in these elections and then your own national elections as i boost in these elections and then your own national elections as in| your own national elections as in spain _ your own national elections as in spain which _ your own national elections as in spain which is _ your own national elections as in spain which is just _ your own national elections as in spain which is just had _ your own national elections as in spain which isjust had a - your own national elections as in| spain which isjust had a national election— spain which isjust had a national election so— spain which isjust had a national election so it _ spain which isjust had a national election so it will _ spain which isjust had a national election so it will be _ spain which isjust had a national election so it will be a _ spain which isjust had a national election so it will be a few- spain which isjust had a national election so it will be a few yearsi election so it will be a few years before _ election so it will be a few years before that _ election so it will be a few years before that rebound _ election so it will be a few years before that rebound effect - election so it will be a few years before that rebound effect mayl election so it will be a few years - before that rebound effect may take place in _ before that rebound effect may take place in spain — before that rebound effect may take place in spain. lust— before that rebound effect may take place in spain-— place in spain. just on the politics. — place in spain. just on the politics, nick. _ place in spain. just on the politics, nick. i— place in spain. just on the politics, nick. i don't- place in spain. just on the| politics, nick. i don't know place in spain. just on the i politics, nick. i don't know if you've seen the polls, but does the recent general election, does it reflect broadly on what we are seeing in the european parliamentary elections? i seeing in the european parliamentary elections? ~ ., , ~ elections? ithink it does. ithink the european — elections? ithink it does. ithink the european vote _ elections? ithink it does. ithink the european vote for— elections? ithink it does. ithink the european vote for spaniards| elections? i think it does. i think. the european vote for spaniards will

be a referendum on pedro sanchez. 0f be a referendum on pedro sanchez. of course he remained in power after the general election last year in spain albeit with the help of those on the left and controversially for a lot of people with some people from the catalan separatist party. so the projections in being put forward is that he will take a bit of a dense and it may be the centre right, the conservatives picking up. it will be interesting, you're talking about my car there. they have emerged about 600,000 votes at the elections last summer. can they pick up on that or will a lot of their votes actually go to the conservatives as they make up ground? —— haemorrhaged about 600,000 votes. lode ground? -- haemorrhaged about 600,000 votes.— ground? -- haemorrhaged about 600,000 votes. we will take a short break. the other side of that break — we are going to go a little wider and focus on the european economy at large. maybe some clues in all that as to where the focus of the next european parliament will need to be. and we will score the outgoing parliament. what will the current meps be remembered for.

and how has the parliament changed in the five years since europe last voted. we will be right back.

welcome back. since the last elections in 2019, the eu — like the uk — has been faced with some immense challenge. the covid—19 pandemic, war in europe, inflation, higher energy costs, tight labour markets and disrupted supply chains. add to that the effects of climate change, which are now becoming increasingly tangible through some of the more extreme weather conditions and disasters we have witnessed, and it is no wonder people are feeling the effects. so let's go wider than spain, focus on where the eurozone is right now, and what areas the next european parliament might need to address. here's sofia bettiza. the cost of living crisis will be a determining factor in how people are going to vote at the european elections. so let's have a snapshot of how things are looking across the eu.

two years ago, inflation — the increase in the price of something over time — tripled. in 2022, it reached 11.5%, which is the highest rate in the past four decades. and what this means is that the prices of food, housing and energy spiked. now, since then, inflation has been gradually falling, but many are still struggling to make ends meet. and according to a recent poll, about one third of europeans are in a precarious financial situation, as you can see here. that means that almost one in three people say that they are no longer able to have three meals a day on a regular basis and having to make other compromises, too, including not turning on the heating or not treating a health problem because it's too expensive. now, another symptom of the cost

of living crisis is that it's becoming really hard to buy somewhere to live. in the last ten years, house prices have massively gone up, and we're talking about a a7% price increase, and that's across the board, including wealthier countries like germany, for example. and it's especially young people who are being hit hardest. they are living with their parents for longer, and they are much more likely to rent rather than own. and people are angry. in recent months, we've seen protests against house prices across europe, in amsterdam, in milan, and this over here is in lisbon. so what does this all mean when it comes to the european elections? well, europeans are increasingly dissatisfied with the way that politicians are responding

to the cost of living crisis. and this anger has been seized upon by some far right political parties. and it could drive more people than ever before to vote for populist politicians, as they may feel that the status quo is just not working anymore. it is true, is it not, when you look at the way campaigning is managed through these parliamentary elections, a lot of the focus is on identity, nationalism, migration. very little attention is given to competitiveness which is really one of the key factors here. if you are going to give out of the economic mess and help people out with kitchen table issues you need to grow. why is the european union so, so, what does that find it so hard to be competitive? i

so, what does that find it so hard to be competitive?— to be competitive? i think that is the main question _ to be competitive? i think that is the main question that _ to be competitive? i think that is the main question that the i to be competitive? i think that is the main question that the nextl the main question that the next commission and next parliament will have to _ commission and next parliament will have to deal with. how to make your competitive — have to deal with. how to make your competitive and basically how to continue — competitive and basically how to continue to grow. as you say, this is not _ continue to grow. as you say, this is not the — continue to grow. as you say, this is not the main concerns of citizens _ is not the main concerns of citizens. citizens are concerned about _ citizens. citizens are concerned about housing food. that is why it is not _ about housing food. that is why it is not necessarily be on the campaign of the european parliament but remained in effect at higher level— but remained in effect at higher level of— but remained in effect at higher level of policymakers find strategies remains key. because in the end _ strategies remains key. because in the end this is what will generate new the end this is what will generate newjohs — the end this is what will generate newjohs i— the end this is what will generate newjobs. i think for this european leadership— newjobs. i think for this european leadership will have two trust agreement digital transition. this will require investment in places actually— will require investment in places actually were investment can lead to innovation _ actually were investment can lead to innovation to generate newjobs. is

innovation to generate newjobs. [s the innovation to generate newjobs. is the fundamental problem integration? if you were to look at the three, what i would consider critical factors, energy, integrated energy markets, capital markets, a lot of the money goes outside of the european union and is invested beyond the european borders, and maybe you could add to that technology. and how technology is integrated across the block. they don't compete on the same way as the united states and china come the two big superpowers. is that the fundamental problem, the governments always resort towards a national level? i always resort towards a national level? ~ , , ., ., level? i think this is one of the key problem _ level? i think this is one of the key problems. the _ level? i think this is one of the key problems. the european i level? i think this is one of the i key problems. the european union is manages _ key problems. the european union is manages to— key problems. the european union is manages to trade a lot of goods and services, _ manages to trade a lot of goods and services, but when it comes to certain— services, but when it comes to certain items, for instance, energy, energy— certain items, for instance, energy, energy went — certain items, for instance, energy, energy went into import, but even in the energy— energy went into import, but even in the energy market we do not have a real european energy market. we do not have _ real european energy market. we do not have a _

real european energy market. we do not have a european market for telecommunications. so there are areas _ telecommunications. so there are areas which have remained very national— areas which have remained very national despite the single market being _ national despite the single market being in— national despite the single market being in place now for decades. this was somehow a choice of government to keep _ was somehow a choice of government to keep the _ was somehow a choice of government to keep the sovereignty in certain areas. _ to keep the sovereignty in certain areas. but — to keep the sovereignty in certain areas, but given the way the global context— areas, but given the way the global context is— areas, but given the way the global context is changed in the fact that china _ context is changed in the fact that china and — context is changed in the fact that china and us have become the key competitors, it is important that we managed _ competitors, it is important that we managed to get european integration in order— managed to get european integration in order to _ managed to get european integration in order to count on a global stage were _ in order to count on a global stage were all— in order to count on a global stage were all the actors are very vague. that is— were all the actors are very vague. that is the — were all the actors are very vague. that is the point. people don't vote on these issues, but if you were to consider that two thirds of the growth within the euro zone comes outside of the block, that tells you why trade is so important. if you are squeezed between state subsidies, unfairstate are squeezed between state subsidies, unfair state subsidies in china and certainly, the united states seems to be going that way with a new inflation reduction act,

you can see why that may have an effect on a port town like the one you're in. i effect on a port town like the one ou're in. .., effect on a port town like the one ou're in. .. i. ., you're in. i can give you quite a aood you're in. i can give you quite a good example _ you're in. i can give you quite a good example from _ you're in. i can give you quite a good example from this - you're in. i can give you quite a good example from this very i you're in. i can give you quite a i good example from this very place which touches on quite a few of the themes you've just been discussing there. at the shipyard yesterday, there. at the shipyard yesterday, the guy in charge was saying that he desperately wanted people to come and work but he could not find local workers with the skills but he was also talk about the fact that their hands were tied when it came to being competitive. 0r hands were tied when it came to being competitive. or when it came to being as competitive as they possibly could be because of the lack of infrastructure here. he said there is not a railroad or if there is in a high—speed motorway here thatis is in a high—speed motorway here that is good enough. they have not got the capability to bring in huge trucks. if you look at the port in belgium or rotterdam and that the netherlands it would be unheard of if they do not have that sort of joined up capability so that is within europe and he said if you look within china, as chinese competitors could be doing the same sort of ship repairjob for 70% of the price that he charges. he said,

how do you compete with that. the scale of the operation means it is very difficult. i've seen of the past couple of years how so many projects within europe where there has been a chinese company that has come in and really undercut for want of a better word, in some cases, offering to do the job for 20% cheaper, like the bridge in croatia was a real—life example, companies are saying, what can we do to deal with this. so people would absolutely more support from that. if you listen to president macro and france he says, look we need to return these critical industries to europe and safeguard our intellectual property. he certainly talks a very good game on that. just before we talk to eddie about other issues i want to focus on some breaking news which does pertain to spain. that he's these new spending plans which have been agreed into brussels today. they bring in negotiating this for two years. part of it is to get more investment into the euro zone but it also puts an

onus on countries that are stuck in this debt trap which does have implications for spain.- this debt trap which does have implications for spain. yes, two thins. implications for spain. yes, two things- spain — implications for spain. yes, two things. spain has _ implications for spain. yes, two things. spain has been - implications for spain. yes, two | things. spain has been receiving implications for spain. yes, two i things. spain has been receiving and will continue to receive a substantial amount of money under the recovery and resilience plan. this amounts to up to 160 billion euros _ this amounts to up to 160 billion euros a — this amounts to up to 160 billion euros. a huge amount for a country like spain — euros. a huge amount for a country like spain. so the idea is that money— like spain. so the idea is that money will continue to flow also in the future, — money will continue to flow also in the future, but this needs to be invested — the future, but this needs to be invested. this is particularly important in a country like spain where _ important in a country like spain where the — important in a country like spain where the deficit is quite large and that has— where the deficit is quite large and that has been continuing to grow. and it _ that has been continuing to grow. and it is _ that has been continuing to grow. and it is critical new roads in place — and it is critical new roads in place very— and it is critical new roads in place very soon. so in this sense the country— place very soon. so in this sense the country may be faced with a sort of issue _ the country may be faced with a sort of issue when it comes to capacity to spend —

of issue when it comes to capacity to spend so — of issue when it comes to capacity to spend so the european money will become _ to spend so the european money will become even more important in that context _ become even more important in that context we — become even more important in that context. ~ , ., ., context. we will see how that affects the — context. we will see how that affects the vote _ context. we will see how that affects the vote in _ context. we will see how that affects the vote in spain. i context. we will see how that| affects the vote in spain. they context. we will see how that i affects the vote in spain. they do pay particular interest to the sorts of things. we will finish tonight with eddie who this because part of the team at politico has been looking at the history of the ninth european parliament come back on parliament. at his disposal a he has at his disposal a record of legislative work, the roll call votes, speeches, social media posts and from it he and the team have handed out 16 awards, for the good, the bad and the downright ugly. you can choose three of these awards. where would you like to start? i think we will start off with a big one which is the brand ambassador. this one was shared between two female _ this one was shared between two female meps _ this one was shared between two female meps. 0ne _ this one was shared between two female meps. one who— this one was shared between two female meps. one who will- female meps. one who will probably be well— female meps. one who will probably be well known. — female meps. one who will probably be well known, both _ female meps. one who will probably be well known, both actually- female meps. one who will probably be well known, both actually will- be well known, both actually will be, be well known, both actually will he, to _ be well known, both actually will he, to your — be well known, both actually will be, to your viewers. _ be well known, both actually will be, to your viewers. roberta i be well known, both actually will| be, to your viewers. roberta who be well known, both actually will. be, to your viewers. roberta who is a multi-mep— be, to your viewers. roberta who is a multi—mep president _ be, to your viewers. roberta who is a multi—mep president of— be, to your viewers. roberta who is a multi—mep president of the - a multi—mep president of the parliament _ a multi—mep president of the parliament and _ a multi—mep president of the parliament and then - a multi—mep president of the

parliament and then there i a multi—mep president of the parliament and then there is| a multi—mep president of the - parliament and then there is ex—vice president— parliament and then there is ex—vice president of— parliament and then there is ex—vice president of the _ parliament and then there is ex—vice president of the parliament - parliament and then there is ex—vice president of the parliament a - president of the parliament a socialist— president of the parliament a socialist mp _ president of the parliament a socialist mp from _ president of the parliament a socialist mp from greece i president of the parliament a socialist mp from greece but| president of the parliament a - socialist mp from greece but caught up socialist mp from greece but caught up in this— socialist mp from greece but caught up in this qatar— socialist mp from greece but caught up in this qatar scandal— socialist mp from greece but caught up in this qatar scandal which - socialist mp from greece but caught up in this qatar scandal which many| up in this qatar scandal which many people _ up in this qatar scandal which many people will— up in this qatar scandal which many people will remember— up in this qatar scandal which many people will remember around - people will remember around christmas _ people will remember around christmas time _ people will remember around christmas time in _ people will remember around christmas time in 2022 - people will remember around christmas time in 2022 in i people will remember around. christmas time in 2022 in their fates— christmas time in 2022 in their fates intertwined _ christmas time in 2022 in their fates intertwined and - christmas time in 2022 in their fates intertwined and that i christmas time in 2022 in their fates intertwined and that is i christmas time in 2022 in their. fates intertwined and that is why christmas time in 2022 in their- fates intertwined and that is why we have given — fates intertwined and that is why we have given them _ fates intertwined and that is why we have given them the _ fates intertwined and that is why we have given them the brand - have given them the brand ambassadors _ have given them the brand ambassadors award - have given them the brand ambassadors award which i have given them the brand. ambassadors award which is have given them the brand _ ambassadors award which is obviously all a hit _ ambassadors award which is obviously all a bit tongue—in—cheek _ ambassadors award which is obviously all a bit tongue—in—cheek but - ambassadors award which is obviously all a bit tongue—in—cheek but the i all a bit tongue—in—cheek but the award _ all a bit tongue—in—cheek but the award we — all a bit tongue—in—cheek but the award we gave _ all a bit tongue—in—cheek but the award we gave it... _ all a bit tongue—in—cheek but the award we gave it... find - all a bit tongue-in-cheek but the award we gave it. . ._ all a bit tongue-in-cheek but the award we gave it... and all of the regulation that _ award we gave it... and all of the regulation that came _ award we gave it... and all of the regulation that came from - award we gave it... and all of the regulation that came from that. l award we gave it... and all of the l regulation that came from that. 50 seconds left. give me one more. i seconds left. give me one more. i will give you one for and that is the chatterbox _ will give you one for and that is the chatterbox mep. _ will give you one for and that is the chatterbox mep. it- will give you one for and that is the chatterbox mep. it is- will give you one for and that is the chatterbox mep. it is our. the chatterbox mep. it is our spanish _ the chatterbox mep. it is our spanish theme. _ the chatterbox mep. it is our spanish theme. she - the chatterbox mep. it is our spanish theme. she spoke i the chatterbox mep. it is our. spanish theme. she spoke the the chatterbox mep. it is our- spanish theme. she spoke the most in the planetary — spanish theme. she spoke the most in the planetary. she _ spanish theme. she spoke the most in the planetary. she gave _ spanish theme. she spoke the most in the planetary. she gave enough- the planetary. she gave enough speeches— the planetary. she gave enough speeches to _ the planetary. she gave enough speeches to fill _ the planetary. she gave enough speeches to fill a _ the planetary. she gave enough speeches to fill a medium—size i speeches to fill a medium—size novel — speeches to fill a medium-size novel. . ., ,., speeches to fill a medium-size novel. . ., ., ., ., novel. the chatterbox award. i love it. we novel. the chatterbox award. i love it- we are — novel. the chatterbox award. i love it- we are out _ novel. the chatterbox award. i love it. we are out of— novel. the chatterbox award. i love it. we are out of time. _ novel. the chatterbox award. i love it. we are out of time. thank i novel. the chatterbox award. i love| it. we are out of time. thank you to our panel and to nick. this time next week, will be in france where it is the national rally riding high in the polls, and the farmers who are at the barricades. dojoin us for that. thanks for watching.

hello there. it was another chilly day for the time of year pretty much everywhere, but where we had the sunshine across the north and the west of the uk, it didn't feel too bad. but it was chilly further east, where we had thicker cloud, even a few spots of rain. that's the story for the next few days. it will remain — the temperatures — below the seasonal norm, and there will be more cloud always towards eastern areas. and you can see why. this northerly arctic airflow has brought this chilly air to our shores and it's going to hang around for the next few days. high pressure sits out towards the west, hence the northerly wind. we've got low pressure developing out in the north sea. it's feeding in a lot of cloud, generally in northern and eastern areas, a few showers mixed into there as well. could even see some wintriness over the high ground, as the air is cold enough for that. but where we have clearer skies through tonight, this is where we'll see the lowest of the temperatures,

a touch of frost in places. where we have the cloud, temperatures staying above freezing. bit of a grey start, i think, wales, south—west england, certainly down the north sea coasts of both england and scotland. the cloud tends to clear in the south—west, but it continues to be fed in on that northerly breeze across eastern areas. could see a few showers. like i mentioned, they could be wintry over the higher ground. best the sunshine towards the north and the west. perhaps a cooler day a little bit tomorrow. i think for most areas, highs of 13, maybe 1a degrees. single digits on the north sea coast. as we head through wednesday night, we start to see an area of more organised showers, longer spells of rain pushing south into scotland. there will be some snow on the hills. the air is cold enough for that. elsewhere, a chilly night to come. where we've had clearer skies out west, then a touch of frost. some subtle changes, i think, as we head into thursday. we start to see two areas of low pressure beginning to encroach into our shores, so i think we'll see more cloud around generally, limited sunshine here and there, though the best of the sunshine will probably be through the morning period. showers will get going and they will

be of a wintry nature to the hills of scotland and northern england, mainly of rain, i think, across more southern parts of britain and in towards northern ireland. temperature—wise, up to 13 degrees in the south, still chilly in northern and eastern areas. and then as we push to the end of the week, friday and the weekend, it does look like low pressure will start to take over. moving up from the south, it'll bring stronger easterly winds and outbreaks of rain. what it will do is also usher in some slightly warmer air to our shores, generally across southern areas, eventually pushing northwards, but it will be turning more u nsettled. take care.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. today is a landmark moment in our plan to stop the boats. the safety of rwanda bill has passed in parliament and it will become law within days. there is a real battle going on, on the beach here. there must be more than 100 migrants trying to get to the water. they are letting off firecrackers to try and keep the police away from them. translation: a new tragedy occurred l on a boat overloaded with migrants l earlier this morning at around 5am off the coast of wimereux. there's no doubt we have to stop the small boat crossing. there is no doubt about that.

the government has lost control of its borders. 0n the panel tonight — observer columnist sonia sodha and former chief of staff to donald trump, mick mulvaney. we will get to a panel shortly. let me bring you the latest bbc news. let me bring you the latest bbc news. rishi sunak says the uk will steadily increase its defence spending — until it reaches 2.5 percent of gdp by the year 2030. he warned that the world is facing its most dangerous time since the end of the cold war — and promised to ramp up the uk's weapons production. the usjustice department says it will pay out almost $1a0 million to victims of the former team usa gymnastics doctor, larry nassar. the settlement comes after claims that the fbi was too slow to act after receiving a number of complaints. nassar was jailed after being convicted of sexually assaulting hundreds of athletes.

israel's military has rejected accusations that its forces buried