Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Scaling up the effort of waste reduction must eventually go through the continent’s metropolises
Barcelona and Munich have signed up to become zero-waste candidate cities. This was announced by Zero Waste Europe (ZWE), the non-profit driving the initiative on urban waste reduction on the Old Continent.
The two cities stating their commitment to implement the five-step process to achieving zero waste (developed by the Mission Zero Academy), are also the biggest members of the movement in Europe.
The Zero Waste Cities Certification comprises 5 steps: expression of interest; commitment; implementation; certification; and yearly improvements. It is developed around a scorecard system, which includes mandatory and points-based criteria. The combination of these points together defines the municipality's level of certification and its subsequent number of 'stars'.
With a population of approximately 1,6 million, Barcelona would become one of the biggest European municipalities implementing a zero waste strategy, with a wide range of waste prevention, reuse and recycling measures in place. The city has created a dedicated strategy for improvements, engaging widely both with the local community and different stakeholders to facilitate the zero waste transition.
Following this commitment, Barcelona will start implementing its zero-waste strategy. Some of the objectives for the coming years are:
Ada Colau, Mayor of Barcelona said: "Big cities are in debt with their territory, we produce a huge amount of waste and it's about time we become responsible for it. Barcelona's commitment to the Zero Waste strategy shows that we do care and that we do act: we aim to be a neutral city and to inspire many others".
Munich, the third most populous city in Germany by the number of inhabitants, (1.6 million), is another important European municipality that has signed for the zero waste commitment. In July, its City Council adopted a concept in which around 100 city-wide measures are defined to reduce Munich's waste volume and conserve resources.
This concept is now starting to be implemented by the waste management company AWM. To align with the required criteria of becoming a Zero Waste Candidate City, the City of Munich commits to the following:
Dieter Reiter, Mayor of Munich said: "Munich is continuing on the path towards zero waste, which I initiated at the end of 2019. I believe it is very important that we, the City of Munich, benefit from others' experiences as part of a European zero waste network, but also inspire other cities. By signing the Zero Waste Commitment today, we are underscoring our commitment to becoming a city that produces as little waste as possible and conserves resources. Munich is taking on a pioneering role – against wasting resources and for the environment."
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
For the English-speakers that would be Saint Domnius, the patron saint of the Dalmatian capital
The famed torch will pass through more than 400 cities and towns in both Metropolitan and Overseas France
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team