Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The Austrian capital has become the benchmark for urban life against which others should measure up
The international consulting agency Mercer has published its annual Quality of Living ranking of global cities, which showed that Vienna is number one when it comes to making life comfortable for its residents in as many aspects as possible.
What’s incredible about this is also the fact that this prestigious ranking has been consistently topped by the Austrian capital since 2009 despite considerable competition from global urban centres. (There were no rankings in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Vienna once again owes its top ranking to its excellent infrastructure with a well-developed and reliable public transport network, water and health care, and a wide range of educational offerings.
The city's mayor Michael Ludwig had this to say about the achievement:
We are working around the clock with full commitment to offer the people of Vienna the best possible life. Of course, it is nice to see that these efforts are also being recognized in international rankings. This is our priority "It's about continuing to work for the people of Vienna and continually developing our city."
Looking at the cities forming the top 10 of the ranking, it becomes evident that a certain European region predominates when it comes to offering the best quality of living to urban residents. That region is roughly a triangle formed by Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Austria – countries with high human development index.
Apart from the Austrian capital, all other European cities forming the top 10 are located in that region: Zurich (2nd), Copenhagen (4th), Geneva (5th), Frankfurt (6th), Munich (7th) and Dusseldorf (10th).
Mercer analyzes the quality of life in 241 cities around the world every year for the ranking. The analysis is carried out using generally accepted standards. Criteria include health, political stability, economic situation, education system, housing market and nature conservation.
However, this option will not yet be available for the upcoming European Parliament elections in June
Two years after also being the first European country to decriminalize prostitution
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
However, this option will not yet be available for the upcoming European Parliament elections in June
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
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
The ritual is more than 1000 years old and was originally performed by the Doges
Two years after also being the first European country to decriminalize prostitution
For English speakers that would be Saint Domnius, the patron saint of the Dalmatian capital
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