Ananova reports:
Romanian witches are carving out a lucrative new business - concocting spells to help locals get EU grants.
Until now the country's witches have confined themselves to love potions and spells to get cows to produce more milk.
But the EU expansion has seen funding for new projects flood into the country and now locals hoping to gain a slice of the action are turning to witches to boost their chances.
Witch Florica, from Pitesti in southern Romania, said: "It's a new type of spell that we had to work out of course.
"You cannot pretend you are a real witch if you cannot help a businessman get the European Union funds he wants.
"For example, only the other day I had a young businessman who came to me with his papers applying for European funds.
"I spread the cards on his documents, said my spells and splashed the papers with some potions. It only cost him about £40 for my charms but when gets the money thanks to my spells he will be happy and I will be happy because he will bring me new customers."
Witchcraft is a recognised profession in the new EU state and witches say they have adjusted their services as entrepreneurs turn to potions and spells to get the money they want.
NTTAWWT
"You cannot pretend you are a real witch if you cannot help a businessman get the European Union funds he wants."
That's the test now. It used to be burning at the stake or chucking in the river but now it's EU grants.
Posted by: Ana | February 27, 2007 at 11:38 AM
"spells to get cows to produce more milk"
Same spell, actually. Different cow.
Posted by: ken | February 27, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Love potions are so nineteenth century.
Posted by: gail | February 27, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Mrs. Ogg would do quite well here. I don't think Esmerelda would accomidate the good folk seeking aid, but Nanny would pocket the coin quick as you please, send one of the kiddies to fetch the jug and start singing the Hedgehog song.
Posted by: joated | February 27, 2007 at 06:16 PM
Roll them all over and turn them around,
The hedgehog can never be buggered at all.
Ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Posted by: Pixie | February 27, 2007 at 09:35 PM