Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Despite long negotiations, the new city coalition is on shaky ground after a disagreement on the expropriation referendum
Today, Franziska Giffey became the new mayor of Berlin in the new governing coalition between the SPD (Social Democratic Party), Greens and Die Linke (the Left). The new Senate of Berlin will also be sworn in today.
The SPD won the Berlin election, which took place at the same time as the national election in September, by a similarly narrow margin. Their candidate, Franziska Giffey is the first woman to hold the position of mayor of Berlin.
Earlier today, the three parties in the red-green-red (SPD-Greens- Die Linke) coalition signed the agreement in the State Library in the German capital’s Mitte district. The document will become the basis of the local government’s framework for the next five years.
After incumbent mayor Michael Müller steps down and the transfer of power is formalised, Mayor Giffey will represent the capital at the Conference of Minister-Presidents.
The conference is a meeting of federal-state leaders in Germany and its session will focus on figuring out new measures to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. After that, the new Berlin Senate will hold a constituent session.
Despite coalition negotiations starting in September, however, the governing alliance of Berlin is on shaky ground, as most recently members of Die Linke claimed they would refuse to vote for Giffey.
The most contentious point between the SPD and Die Linke is their opinions on the referendum to expropriate the properties of Berlin’s largest landlords, specifically those having more than 3,000 units.
Mayor Giffey has repeatedly stated that she is against expropriation, while many of Die Linke’s constituents and party members want to uphold the results of the referendum. Currently, the coalition agreement between the three parties recognises the referendum, as well as the fact that affordable housing will be a major issue for the next five years.
Furthermore, the agreement states that the new administration should create a commission to determine whether expropriation would even be legal in Berlin.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
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 tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
For the English-speakers that would be Saint Domnius, the patron saint of the Dalmatian capital
The famed torch will pass through more than 400 cities and towns in both Metropolitan and Overseas France
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
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