This Italian region now has Europe’s highest Tibetan bridge
It’s not for the faint-hearted
The proposal is part of a host of measures aimed at making the city streets safer and cleaner for residents
Yesterday, local authorities in Amsterdam announced a planned crackdown on all creature comforts the Dutch Capital is famous for. According to an official statement, this includes a ban on smoking marijuana on the streets, as well as limiting the sale of alcohol and limiting the people and working hours of the Red Lights district.
The proposed measures are the next step from what local authorities raised as concerns near the start of December. Apparently, with Covid-restrictions going away and the return of mass tourism, many locals have had a chance to reconsider what a calm living environment is.
One of the main proposals from local authorities in Amsterdam is a marijuana smoking ban on the streets. This, they hope, would decrease the number of illegal dealers, although, if it proves unsuccessful, they would also consider banning smoking on terraces of coffee shops.
Another measure is for certain catering establishments and sex establishments that also have a catering license. Here, authorities want to make them close doors at 2:00 AM from Friday to Saturday, whereas now they can stay open until 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM.
Sex establishments would also have to close at 3:00 AM, whereas now they can stay open until 6:00 AM. Additionally, to control the crowds at the Red Light District better, authorities propose that no new visitors are allowed after 1:00 AM.
City officials explain that the move is provoked by rising crime rates in the central districts of Amsterdam, especially related to illegal street dealers. Residents of the old town are particularly affected by the problems of mass tourism and alcohol and drug abuse.
According to a statement by the city, tourists attract street dealers and insecurity. The atmosphere can get grim, especially at night, as people who are under the influence hang around for a long time. This comes with a lot of street noise, which leads to even more complaints from residents.
Although some sources claim that a majority of the local council is in favour of the planned changes, the policy amendments are still propositions. The city has given affected parties, especially businesses a period of four weeks to raise issues and press complaints. The amendments are otherwise scheduled to take effect in mid-May.
What are the reasons for that and are there any possible solutions for that problem?
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
It’s not for the faint-hearted
Presenting the next chapter in the Dutch capital’s ‘Stay Away’ campaign aimed at rowdy tourists
The City says this has become a necessity due to the increasing number of incidents involving these vehicles
That way you can notify a canal lock keeper to open the gates so the animals can swim through
The organizers had been considering different Parisian spots, but always with the idea of the flame being visible to the people
Electricity production in that Eastern European country will not release direct CO2 emissions anymore
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
A smoke-free environment has been guaranteed for years, but now the local administration is looking into further improving public health habits
This initiative is not just about making books more accessible – it has larger ambitions in its sights
We owe the unusual cultural icon to this country in Europe
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