What’s land recycling? Read about this German example
The city of Flensburg got a grant from the regional government of Schleswig-Holstein so that it would avoid building on new land
The old town sections of these municipalities get recognition for their past significance
The Lithuanian Parliament (Sejmas) established a new administrative category called ‘historical capital’, which will apply to four municipalities that have served as the country’s capitals throughout its existence. More specifically, this indication will label the old-town districts of Vilnius, Kaunas, Trakai and Kernavė.
Apart from the purely patriotic side of such a legislative act, which happened at the end of last week, the move has been defended as a necessity and support towards local development. It would create stronger brands that can encourage tourism and investment.
As such, the status of a historical capital is held by Kaunas Old Town, also called Naujamiestis, Vilnius Old Town, Kernavė and its Kernavė Archaeological Site, Trakai and its Senieji Trakai island castle.
Kernave and Vilnius have also been recognized by UNESCO as heritage sites of global significance. The former is also the first capital of the country, established in the 13th century and now called the “Troy of Lithuania” due to its rich archaeological treasures.
Last week, 102 members of the Seimas voted in favour of such amendments to the Law on Administrative Units and Outside the Territory, with six abstentions.
One of the initiators of the amendments, Social Democrat MP Kęstutis Vilkauskas, said that the special status would allow more freedom to use various legal, organizational, economic, financial and other measures to develop the infrastructure of such territories.
Speaking to LRT, he explained that in these territories "rational development of modern social and engineering infrastructure would make them more attractive and even more visited by both Lithuanian residents and foreign tourists".
"I hope that this will be only the first step, in the future we will have separate programs for the historic capitals, separate funding, and separate tourist routes. This will be an achievement not only for cities, but also for Lithuania,” commented Edita Rudelienė, former mayor of Trakai.
Until now, residential areas could only be granted the status of a resort or resort area.
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
His name is Adrian-Dragoș Benea from Romania
Find out her vision for the next five years and what’s in store for the European Union
Gotland wants to be at the forefront of this emerging mobility technology
It’s all about preventing the habit of slowing down just for the radar
Landkreis Heilbronn will also enlist the help of sensors to identify incorrectly filled organic trash bins
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
The Old Continent gets ready for the largest festival of sports
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
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
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital