LITHUANIA – “Kaunas, A Festive Journey Through Lithuania’s Winter Wonderland”
Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, transforms into a true winter wonderland during the holiday season. With its unique blend of history, modernity, and local traditions, Kaunas provides an unforgettable Christmas experience in its charming Old Town. The Town Hall Square, also known as the “White Swan Square,” becomes the heart of the festivities. A magnificent Christmas tree, designed around a unique…
The articles are taking a holiday break!
Dear readers, Our Tuesday and Thursday publications on citycenters.eu are taking a well-deserved break for the holiday season. We’ll be back on January 7th with a fresh start and more inspiring content about city centers across Europe. In the meantime, we wish you a wonderful holiday season! See you soon! The City Centers Team
EUROPE – Romania and Bulgaria to Fully Join the Schengen Area in 2025
A Historic Milestone for European Integration Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full members of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, following a landmark decision by European Union member states on December 12, 2024. This decision marks a significant achievement for the two Eastern European countries, which joined the EU in 2007 but had been waiting for full Schengen…
HUNGARY – The Budapest-Belgrade Railway: A Strategic Link to Be Ready by 2025
An Ambitious Infrastructure Project with Global Reach The long-anticipated Budapest-Belgrade (BuBe) railway line is on track to be completed by 2025, according to the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó. This major infrastructure project is a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), enhancing connectivity between Central and Northern Europe with Southern European ports. During…
EUROPE – Kicking for the Future: Football Clubs Leading the Way in Sustainable Urban Development
As cities face challenges like climate change and the loss of green spaces, football clubs are stepping up to promote sustainability and social responsibility. With their deep community ties, football clubs are uniquely positioned to make a positive impact on urban environments, from creating greener spaces to engaging youth in sustainable practices. Clubs like Spain’s Real Betis are integrating green…
FINLAND – “Rovanienmi the Ultimate Christmas Wonderland in Finnish Lapland”
Rovaniemi, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, is globally renowned as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Each winter, this iconic destination draws visitors from all over the world, offering an unforgettable Christmas experience in a magical setting. The Santa Claus Village, located right on the Arctic Circle, is Rovaniemi’s main attraction. Visitors can meet Santa Claus himself in…
ROMANIA – “Oradea, a true gem of Transylvania”
Oradea, a true gem of Transylvania, stands out as a must-visit destination during the holiday season thanks to its enchanting Christmas market. Every year, Union Square (Piața Unirii), surrounded by stunning Baroque buildings with colorful facades, transforms into a magical Christmas village, attracting visitors seeking tradition and authenticity. Oradea’s Christmas market features a wide array of handcrafted items made by…
HUNGARY – Key Outcomes from the EU Directors-General Meeting on Urban Matters in Budapest
On November 27, 2024, the EU Directors-General for Urban Matters (DGUM) gathered in Budapest to advance the Urban Agenda for the EU. The meeting highlighted the launch of two new partnerships in 2025: Building Decarbonisation and Water Sensitive City.These initiatives are designed to tackle climate change by promoting energy-efficient buildings and sustainable water management in urban areas. Additionally, action plans…
SPAIN – “Zaragoza a Magical Blend of Christmas Traditions and Local Heritage”
Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, is an ancient city, was founded by the Romans as Caesaraugusta, conquered by the Arabs in the eighth century, in the early twelfth century was liberated by Christian troops, and became the capital of Aragon. Zaragoza is famous for its art and architecture, folklore and gastronomy.The most important historical buildings are the Basilica del Pilar,…
CZECH REPUBLIC – “Brno with its iconic christmas tree”
Brno, the capital of Moravia, continues to reinvent Christmas with its iconic tree at náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), a symbol that blends tradition and modernity. What makes this celebration truly innovative is its ability to merge history, solidarity, and immersive experiences for visitors while staying true to its origins. Brno, in the Czech Republic, celebrates a century-old tradition centered around…
