Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
If it wasn’t already apparent, German cities are struggling to cope with the demand for housing
A recent report published by the German Economic Institute (IW) in Cologne has revealed some striking findings, pointing further to the fact that cities in Germany are failing to meet the expectations and the needs of those living there. As we have previously reported, the housing issues in Germany are pushing local governments into uncharted territories in their efforts to curb the problem.
The study has now revealed that the problem is two-fold. On the one hand construction companies are building far too much in sparsely populated rural areas, where there’s not enough people to move into the apartments while at the same time they’re building nowhere near enough in big cities were citizens actually need places to live. For example in Cologne barely 46% of the housing needs of citizens are being met, in Stuttgart the number is 56% while in Munich 67%.
The report drives us to the conclusion that a long-term strategy is needed. As the needs of citizens are not met, prices of apartments rise, which pushes local governments to take further actions. The authors of the study claim that while it might be impossible for construction companies to keep up with the demand for housing, its up to the authorities to figure something out – like repurposing out-of-use buildings and turning them into someplace livable.
Meanwhile smaller municipalities are being swarmed with construction efforts which are in turn driving away people who might want to live there. Who would want their small rural town to be slowly turning into a giant metropolis?
A new long-term strategic approach is needed, spearheaded by a joint effort by local authorities and construction companies and businesses in order to solve a crisis that has been brewing for decades and is unlikely to subside in the near future.
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
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
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