Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Local authorities are looking for different ways to find more room for commercial activity in a post-lockdown world
With countries around Europe reopening their economies and establishments, many of them have reached a single decision – that businesses that can operate outdoors should do so as much as possible. That would ensure the safety of customers and would circumvent the bans on indoor gatherings that have proven to be dangerous during the coronavirus pandemic.
In order to specifically support their local businesses, some cities are even taking action themselves, by finding previously unused spaces – or parts of the urban areas that held a different purpose – and giving them to cafes and restaurants so that they can spread out and maximize their commercial activities.
Helsinki’s world-famous Senate Square is also currently under consideration by local authorities for it to be turned into a venue meant specifically for outdoor commercial use. Its transformation would fit perfectly into the government’s agenda of quickly returning to normal life and resuming economic activity with as little disruption as possible.
Furthermore, should the Senate Square be used in such a manner, local officials believe it would spark an entire revival of the whole city centre. By transforming it into a permanent festival of gastronomical experience, it would give local retailers the opportunity to quickly get back up on their feet and resume activities with an increased audience.
Nonetheless, while local government officials appear eager to pursue this course as soon as possible, further planning is still needed. That is why the municipality has extended rent exemption on publicly-owned properties until the end of June, at which point it will once again mull over whether the practice should be discontinued or kept in some form or another.
Such transformative decisions in times of crisis are of paramount importance to the return to normalcy for many people whose livelihood depends on quick action – and the approach taken by Helsinki is a perfect example for the fact that no task is too big should a local government set its mind to it.
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
It also set the standards for a better European parking card for people with disabilities
Everyone’s invited free of charge, but only after registration
Italian cities and regions continue experimenting with creative proposals to curb overtourism effects
It also set the standards for a better European parking card for people with disabilities
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
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