Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
In an attempt to protect the rights of 115,000 retail workers
On Tuesday, the Slovenian Parliament passed legislation banning shops from working on Sundays and public holidays, The Slovenia Times reported. The move is aimed at protecting the rights of workers and in particular – to give them more family time on the weekends. The retail act, amended upon the initiative by the left opposition, received massive support by members of the National Assembly.
On 29 September, the National Assembly of Slovenia approved by 72 to 13 the decision to make Sundays non-working days for non-essential commercial premises. That means that once the legislation enters into force, stores won’t be allowed to open on Sundays and on national holidays.
There are several exceptions concerning commercial premises of less than 200 square metres located at service stations, such as border crossings, ports, airports, hospitals or train and bus stations. Smaller shops of this size will also be allowed to open on the second day of the weekend, given that customers are served by the owners themselves, their representatives, students or pensioners.
The shops were initially forced to shut down on Sundays in March as an attempt to curb the spread of Covid-19. However, now that the lockdown has been lifted and given the difficulties experienced by the retail sector, it seems counter-intuitive to many to limit the economic activity voluntarily. Yet, the idea, which has been lingering since a 2003 referendum which approved the ban with the support of over 57% of the population, is motivated by a push for the protection of workers' rights, the Slovenian news portal summarizes.
The government itself is critical towards the change – the Economy Ministry considers that the ban could have a serious impact on the strategic retail sector, on jobs, suppliers and tourist centres, concludes Slovenia Times. Among the critics is also the Chamber of Commerce who considers appealing the change in the Constitutional court.
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