Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The Arctic town also hosted Sweden’s first event of its 2023 EU Presidency
The EU has affirmed its standing in the global space race with today’s unveiling of a spaceport at the Esrange Space Center near the town of Kiruna, in the far north of Sweden. The spaceport becomes the first such site in continental Europe where satellites can be shot into the Earth’s orbit.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, although the actual launch of the first satellite is expected to take place later in the year.
The spaceport is important in a rapidly evolving technological world, as satellites are the vehicles that assist in a broad variety of strategic tasks, from weather forecasting to security and defence capabilities, to climate change observation.
“This spaceport offers an independent European gateway to space. It is exactly the infrastructure we need, not only to continue to innovate but also to further explore the final frontier.” This is how EU President Ursula von der Leyen described the momentous occasion in her speech at the event.
According to experts, it has become easier in recent years to send satellites into orbit thanks to their smaller sizes and cheaper prices compared to a few years ago - and Europe is now looking to capitalise on it. The spaceport will also serve as the base to test the reusability of satellites.
The escapade to the snowy Far North, was also used as the opportunity to formally launch Sweden’s Presidency of the EU Council for the first six months of the current year.
The Swedish government has stated that its priorities for the rotating presidency are: security – unity, competitiveness, green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law. Seemingly noble values in line with the overall vision of the bloc.
Nevertheless, the general media commentary on the event, however, has focused on the fact that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government enjoys its existence thanks to the support of the Swedish far-right nationalists.
It remains to be seen the tone that Sweden will set for Europe’s conversations.
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