Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
A cigarette butt left in the sand takes a decade to degrade
Following a successful pilot project during the 2021 tourist season, the authorities in Barcelona have decided to extend the ban on smoking to all of the 10 municipal beaches starting 1 July. This means that beachgoers in the city can now enjoy a smoke-free environment, which will bring a dual benefit of healthier air and cleaner sands.
The historic municipal decision to ban tobacco on the beach makes Barcelona the first city in Spain to implement such a measure.
The city council has opted for the drastic step of eradicating tobacco from the beaches so that they can provide a public space for "healthier coexistence, with less waste and respectful of the environment", with the statement quoted by El Periodico. The measure, which due to its scope is described as "pioneering" is based on the reasoning that a cigarette butt is a waste that takes a decade to degrade.
As a precedent, the city council argued that the pilot test of smoke-free beaches (Sant Miquel, Somorrostro, Nova Icaria and Nova Mar Bella) received a satisfaction rating of 8 out of 10 from users a year ago. This also meant a reduction in smokers on these coastal stretches (almost seven times less compared to before) and a decrease in cigarette butts.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable mortality, and its residues have a serious impact on the environment. Cigarette filters are the second most common disposed item on beaches and their accumulation is not only unsightly, but it contributes to the gradual degradation of these leisure areas.
And yes, there will be fines for infractors. A penalty equivalent to that of other public spaces, such as smoking on playgrounds, of about 30 euros will be applied. However, there will be a bit of leeway as the police will only fine the smokers if they continue smoking after having been warned once.
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
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
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 facility will replace the need to have water supplied by tankers from Valencia
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
It also set the standards for a better European parking card for people with disabilities
The benefit will last until the Dutch parliament adopts the transgender law
Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
It also set the standards for a better European parking card for people with disabilities
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