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 brewing conflict over the limited public spaces led to the eruption of a protest over the weekend
There’s a growing problem in Malta. It’s one that most foreign visitors and tourists might not be aware of, and that’s because they might be partially contributing to it. It’s the increasing encroachment of catering establishment tables and chairs on the sidewalks and squares of the small island nation.
The issue has reached such levels that it can be described as a veritable conflict between civil society, supported by NGOs, such as Moviment Graffitti, on the one hand, and the small business establishments that seem to disregard the right of access to urban public spaces, and the careless authorities, on the other.
Last Saturday, there was in fact a large demonstration in the capital Valletta calling towards the relevant institutions to start their work and enforce the existing regulations regarding the right of use of public spaces. Last year, the Republic’s Ombudsman went to Parliament to demand better rules and procedures regarding outdoor establishments, as well as better enforcement and punishments for the breaking of said rules.
So far, it seems the issue has stayed without resolution, so this is where Moviment Graffitti has stepped up with a guerilla tactic. The association handed out hundreds of stickers to volunteer citizens, who have the freedom to place them anywhere they wish to as a way of voicing their displeasure.
The stickers have messages on them, such as “No Pavements, No Vote” or “Pavements for Citizens” (both in English and Maltese), that directly call for civil disobedience in the face of governmental inaction.
The stickers have appeared in Valletta, Sliema, Mellieħa, Marsascala and Buġibba over the last few days.
Moviment Graffitti said the sticker campaign was the first step in further planned action. The NGO claims that they were not against having catering spaces outdoors, but that this was a fight against the rampant abuse and lack of enforcement.
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