ROMANIA – European Heritage Awards 2024: Grand Prix and Public Choice Award Winners Celebrated in Bucharest On October 7, 2024,
Bucharest became the center of European heritage preservation, as over 800 guests, joined by many more viewers online, gathered for the prestigious European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards ceremony. The event, a highlight of this year’s European Heritage Summit, celebrated 26 remarkable laureates from across Europe. Co-hosted by European Commissioner Iliana Ivanova, the ceremony revealed the winners of the five Grand…
FRANCE – Shops in Talence Now Accept Cryptocurrency for Payment
In a groundbreaking move for France, Talence, a suburb of Bordeaux, has become the first municipality in the country where local businesses accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. As of this summer, 18 stores in Talence now offer the option to pay with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. This payment method is made possible by an app developed by the…
SPAIN – Using the Madrid Metro to transport packages at night
The regional government of Madrid, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has recently proposed an initiative to use the Madrid metro system for transporting goods at night. This idea, still under evaluation, aims to utilize the public transport network during low-traffic hours to optimize existing infrastructure and reduce street congestion. The project has sparked some controversy, raising concerns about technical feasibility,…
LATVIA – Gulbene’s Eco-Friendly Container Nursery Unveiled
A new environmental attraction in Gulbene, Latvia, features a container nursery for observing young pine trees. Developed by Carbon Less Future Ltd and supported by the local municipality, this innovative design is patented by the EU Patent Office. Entrepreneur Aigars Jačuks explains that the initiative promotes green thinking, offering companies equipment for natural resource restoration rather than selling plants. With…
EUROPE – Urban Design and Mobility, Insights from Berlin and other European cities on sustainable transportation
Dr. Peter Berrill’s study, featured in Transportation Research Part D, investigates the relationship between urban design and mobility habits in Berlin and 18 additional European cities. The findings demonstrate that proximity to city centers significantly reduces car ownership and the use of cars for travel, with a notable exponential drop in car ownership observed 6 km from Berlin’s center. The…
EUROPE – The EU’s NetZeroCities boosts support for 25 cities aiming for climate neutrality by 2030
The EU’s NetZeroCities platform has announced further support for 25 cities striving to become climate neutral by 2030. These cities are part of the EU Cities Mission and will collectively receive over 14 million Euros through the Horizon Europe program to become ‘Pilot Cities’. This initiative will enable them to test innovative decarbonisation strategies across various sectors including transport, mobility,…
ESTONIA – Revitalisation of the city center is in order
Tallinn’s Deputy Mayor, Madle Lippus, advocates for revitalizing the city center to prevent its decline, emphasizing the need for infrastructure projects. Key focuses include improving access to the city center and addressing the shortage of kindergartens. Plans include extending the tram line and creating a bicycle-sharing system. While challenges persist, such as slow progress on cycle lanes, Lippus remains committed…
SPAIN – Valencia the green capital
Valencia, known for its sunshine, has been named Europe’s Green Capital, praised for its 5 million square meters of green space and the accessibility of nature to its residents. Winning the title comes with a 600,000 euro grant and valuable marketing benefits. Paola Llobet, Valencia’s councillor for tourism and innovation, sees it as recognition of the community’s efforts. The Turia…
ROMANIA – Bucharest, the « rising star » of capitals
Bucharest, Romania, is gaining popularity among tourists, earning the nickname “new Berlin” due to its beautiful architecture and vibrant city center. With a bustling nightlife and affordable options, it’s becoming a top choice for city breaks. The city’s thriving cafe culture, with its array of specialty coffee shops, adds to its charm. The Old Town, with its blend of architectural…
FRANCE – First webinar for the European Observatory for Downtown management
The European Observatory for City Center, launched by Centre-Ville en Mouvement in February 2024 at the European Parliament, held its first online conference on April 3rd, focusing on governance and financing models for downtowns and commercial arteries, with examples from Canada and Italy. Discussions highlighted practices such as Commercial Development Corporations (CDCs) in Canada, which establish public-private partnerships to manage…
