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…
INTERNATIONAL – COP29: Toward Universal Financial Contributions to Climate Action
The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in global efforts to combat climate change. On November 14, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for fair and ambitious financial commitments to achieve post-2025 climate goals. Socially Fair Climate Financing MEPs advocate for a new…
Advent Calendar – Discover the Most Innovative Christmas Markets in City Centers Across Europe
The holiday season is the perfect time to experience the magic of Christmas markets, and this year, we invite you to explore a special Advent Calendar that highlights medium-sized European cities and cities from the Centre-Ville en Mouvement network. Every weekend, we will take you on a journey through innovative Christmas markets where tradition meets creativity. These markets are transforming…
SPAIN – Tackling the energy transition in the housing sector: learnings from Ghent, Getafe and Mataró
The European Urban Initiative article explores key initiatives for integrating the energy transition in affordable housing across European cities. In Ghent, Belgium, the ICCARUS project helps “captive owners”—homeowners unable to afford necessary energy-efficient renovations. Through financial support and technical guidance, ICCARUS offers up to €30,000 per household, with a revolving fund model that makes energy upgrades accessible while sustaining future…
EUROPE – Cop29 and climate activists outside European courts: photos of the day
Captures impactful scenes from the COP29 summit in Baku, alongside significant events worldwide. At COP29, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Nick Hague delivered a message from the International Space Station, highlighting the urgency for climate action. Held in Azerbaijan, a major oil and gas producer, COP29 faces unique challenges as it aims to keep global warming below 1.5°C, although current…
ITALY – Cargo Bikes Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Change in Milan
Delivery workers, essential to our daily lives, face challenging conditions despite their critical role. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their importance, yet many couriers still lack security, insurance, and fair wages. Many, particularly immigrant workers, operate without formal contracts, leaving them without social or legal protections. So.De: Social Delivery for a Fairer Future To address these issues, So.De – Social Delivery,…
EUROPE – 2023: Record Year for Train Travel in Europe
In 2023, Europeans traveled a record-breaking 429 billion kilometers by train, marking an 11% increase from 2022 and surpassing pre-Covid levels, according to Eurostat. France and Germany Lead the Way Almost half of all train journeys took place in France and Germany, with 101.3 and 101.4 billion kilometers traveled, respectively. These two countries remain Europe’s rail leaders, followed by Italy…
FRANCE – Bourges, European Capital of Culture 2028: A European Project for Cultural and Social Cohesion
Today marks the European Cultural Observatory event titled Reinventing City Centers: Drivers of Attractivity, featuring Esch-sur-Alzette, European Capital of Culture 2022. This event highlights the growing role of culture in revitalizing and enhancing the appeal of European city centers. On December 13, 2023, the French Ministry of Culture designated Bourges as the European Capital of Culture for 2028, launching an…
EUROPE – Europe’s Most Spine-Chilling Halloween Adventures: From Satan’s Bridge to the Living Dead Rituals
`As October draws to a close, Halloween brings with it a wave of eerie excitement and mystery. For those who want to skip the costumes and candy to dive into Europe’s rich and spooky folklore, there are adventures waiting that mix ancient legends, ghostly rituals, and haunting celebrations. From the dark forests of Germany to Ireland’s fiery Samhain festivities, here’s…
EUROPE : Nearly 15% of EU Youth Struggling to Pay Rent, Eurostat Reveals
New data from Eurostat reveals a troubling trend among Europe’s youth, with almost 15% of those aged 16 to 29 facing difficulties paying their rent over the past year. This figure highlights the growing financial pressure on young people across the European Union, exacerbated by rising living costs, particularly in countries like France, the Netherlands, and Greece. Across the EU,…
