Prague residents want to rename streets after “Lord of the Rings” characters
The Czech capital already has an island that has the same name as a Middle Earth realm
Naturally, many aren’t happy - not because of the reduced possibility for prayers, but because they felt it was an attack on welfare
The Danish government has announced plans to remove one of the public holidays from the country’s labour calendar as a way to beef up the economy with some extra working hours. The net result would also mean an increase in state revenue, which is the ultimate aim behind the move.
The holiday in question is known as Great Prayer Day, a religious holiday, which was instituted way back in the 17th century as a way to remind Danes to be more pious and dedicate themselves to prayers, fasting and penitence. The holiday falls on the fourth Friday after Easter.
The biggest critical reactions, however, came not from religious authorities, but rather surprisingly from the country’s trade unions. They argue that the extra working hours added would threaten the established Danish social welfare model.
These days, some countries are toying with the idea of reducing working days and hours as a way to provide a more balanced work-leisure life to their citizens. Yet, the Danish coalition government is looking in the other direction, citing the need to boost the defence budget (among other things) in a time of escalating insecurity in Europe, due to the war in Ukraine.
The change is set to enter into force in 2024. It will add 7.4 hours of work for each employee. It is expected that an additional 3 billion Danish crowns will enter the treasury - about 403 million euros.
"I don't think it's a problem to work one more day. We are facing huge costs for defence, health care, psychiatric care and green transition," commented Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the occasion, as quoted by The Guardian.
Danes will also get an increase of 0.45% in their pay for the extra working day. Still, a recent poll by Epinion indicated an overwhelming number of Danes opposed the move, which was not mentioned during last year’s election campaign. Only 17% supported the plan, while 75% were against it.
Such administrative penalties are also applied in other regional legislatures plus the Bundestag
Allegations of his criminal misdeeds came to light after his burial, so the parish authorities had to find a way to redress the situation
Read on to find out what the average price per square metre was in February
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
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
A recent study showed how these energy efficiency projects make the living habitat more…livable
Allegations of his criminal misdeeds came to light after his burial, so the parish authorities had to find a way to redress the situation
Read how Europe’s most grandiose springtime celebration has evolved throughout history
Presenting the next chapter in the Dutch capital’s ‘Stay Away’ campaign aimed at rowdy tourists
A recent study showed how these energy efficiency projects make the living habitat more…livable
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
This one could be a real game-changer for our built environments and the way they look
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