Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
On 1 December, they will also be followed by digital advertising boards as part of the government’s “energy sobriety” plan
Amid fears, that this winter will feel colder due to higher energy prices, now Europeans will also have to get used to the idea that it will also be darker. Paris, known as the City of Lights since the 17th century, is now leading the way in turning the switch off to save energy. As of today, shops in the French capital will have to turn off interior and window lights after business hours.
That’s part of the authorities pushing for the so-called “energy sobriety”. Part of it is the narrative that French people in large cities have become perhaps a little too addicted to lights and brightness, even late at night. And that directly feeds into energy dependence and increased consumption of energy, including fossil fuels supplied by Russia.
Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire even famously quipped: “We must stop believing that people are only attracted by light. People are not mosquitoes”.
Paris has already responded to the national government’s call by cutting the power to its renowned shops on the Avenue de Montaigne hours early, a practice that is being followed by government-owned buildings and some of the city's most famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
But as of today, this measure becomes compulsory for all shops and businesses not working at night. This is what the City Council asked of the capital's economic players during a major conference on 19 October, during which the administration presented its major objectives in terms of economic sobriety.
Illuminated billboards under the responsibility of the City will also be turned off as of 1 December, between 11:45 p.m. and 6 a.m. Their energy expenditure now appears superfluous, in a context of tension and rising energy prices. This measure is part of the City's sobriety plan and contributes to the fight against light pollution.
In short, Paris is set to become a lot less flashy during the colder months, and this might be something that people will have to get used to. It remains to be seen how it will impact tourism numbers.
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
The previous mayor was forced out of office following a no-confidence vote in the city council
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
Italian cities and regions continue experimenting with creative proposals to curb overtourism effects
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 initial legislation didn’t include these public areas as restricted places for smoking pot
Italian cities and regions continue experimenting with creative proposals to curb overtourism effects
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
You can see it in a church in the city’s northern districts and it’s larger than a basketball court
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