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Local and national authorities worked tirelessly together to make the investment possible
Upgrade efforts will last throughout the year
The coronavirus pandemic undid years of work by local authorities in solving longstanding issues
The participatory budget initiative is gaining ground across Lithuania
Similar project operating in Estonia attracted 75 000 foreigners who set up 15 000 companies in six years
Alongside the vote for the budget, the Slovak capital also issued a ban on gambling in the city
The “Hello Espoo” project is aimed at providing increased support to the constantly growing non-Finnish population of the city
This is part of the FORWARD project funded through the EU Horizon 2020 framework
Several services are now available in a digital format in the Greek capital in a bid to avoid and reduce queues
Similar project operating in Estonia attracted 75 000 foreigners who set up 15 000 companies in six years
It was constructed as part of an EU-funded collaboration
Today Czechia and Slovakia celebrate new beginnings
This Bulgarian municipality prepares its kids for the professions of the future
Launched by the local government, the service will allow everyone to get additional information on different kinds of sports and activities in the city
This comes after a new contract has been signed and a larger budget has been approved
The centre will help migrants and refugees better integrate into Greek society
The expected effect is a reduction in carbon emissions and lighting costs
They are still uncommon in Poland
Let’s take a look together
EU institutions are shining the spotlight on one of the most sustainable mobility options
The Semmelweis area will be preserved and made use of for educational and social purposes
The expansion of cycling infrastructure is a key priority for local authorities in the Austrian city
Youro Casier, Source: Luc Vanthuyne / Municipality of Wervik
Interview with the mayor of Wervik, Belgium
Youro Casier was born in 1968 in Wevelgem and has been politically active since 1994. In 1997 he became a city councillor, between 2007 and 2012 he was an alderman at the City of Werwik and in 2013 got elected as its Mayor.
His political career hs also included work as a provincial councillor (2000-2006) and as a Member of the Belgian Parliament (2017-2019).
Wervik is a city located in the south of the province of West Flanders. We are a real border town. This is because we are located both at the national border with France, the provincial border and the language border with Wallonia.
Wervik has only one sub-municipality. We count around 19 000 inhabitants and are best known for our tobacco cultivation and our Roman past.
And in 2018 we celebrated our 2050th anniversary.
I did become Mayor back in 2013, after six years of being an alderman of Public Works. In these last 8 years, a lot of public works have been carried out.
Our central streets were renewed, a new bridge was built over the Leie between Belgium and France, the towpath and the river boards were renewed, school environments were renovated and so was the church square. Our town underwent a real metamorphosis.
In the meantime, we have started building a cultural centre in the sub-municipality of Geluwe. A new central car park will also be built, and our current car park will be completely renovated.
At the moment this is just a plain that we aim to convert into a green and quiet meeting place. We are also committed to encouraging the use of bicycles, by securing our school environments.
We have indeed received recognition as a foster care municipality recently. This is because we support the foster parents who live in our town and we also try to motivate other residents to join up as foster parents. Many children are looking for foster families and in that way, we want to show our support to them.
Subsidizing our merchants for the creation of a website or a webshop has been approved and is running smoothly. During the corona period, various actions were organised for the benefit of our local retailers.
Catering vouchers were distributed among the inhabitants, patios were allowed to be extended. The Town of Wervik paid an extra 20% on purchase vouchers. Furthermore, our local Economy councillor was always available to answer any questions and support the sector.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas and New Year this year will be different. These are dark days, and our inhabitants can certainly use some extra light and warmth.
This year the Christmas lights were lit two weeks earlier and our two mills have also been illuminated. In this way, we try to bring some extra light and warmth for the people to help them get through the difficult times.
Starting this year and going forward, we have decided to provide € 50 000 each year for sustainable citizens' initiatives. Anyone can submit a project to make their street, neighbourhood or surroundings more sustainable.
What is important in this is the part related to participation and the fact that applicants must be prepared to make a long-term commitment. Simply making a proposal is not enough, commitment will be needed, too.
The first edition of what is to become an annual event is taking place today and tomorrow online
The initiative is aimed at capturing a new type of tourist – the digital nomad
This month saw the kick-off meeting on the issue between CoR and EU Commission representatives
Locals can report problems through the app and pitch their suggestions for improvement to their officials
The city’s mayor wants the local government to become more efficient and digital in order to better support its citizens
Its launch was announced by the Lisbon Metropolitan Area
Ironically, this is actually a good time to promote these sustainable initiatives
Work on the site began earlier this week and was welcomed by the city’s mayor
Usually the event is hosted by the city of Valmiera
The planned ice arena will feature two hockey fields, a skating rink, warm-up and figure skating choreography halls
That is, unsure of who they want to become in the near future
A new book presenting the city in a manner suitable for toddlers has been developed with the input of local children
The plan is to do this with the historical train that runs the Vouga line in summers
Its design follows the concept of famous landscape architects Shiro and Yukihiro Nakane
Two of the city’s largest districts will be made greener, healthier and more pleasant to live in
The plan is to do this with the historical train that runs the Vouga line in summers
Its design follows the concept of famous landscape architects Shiro and Yukihiro Nakane
Two of the city’s largest districts will be made greener, healthier and more pleasant to live in
Some 222 million euros will be provided by the Commission under its Cohesion Policy
The planned ice arena will feature two hockey fields, a skating rink, warm-up and figure skating choreography halls
All of its offices have already been filled, as well as more than half of common workspaces
