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Development

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Greece / Thessaloniki / Development / Mobility

Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November

The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays

Sep 30, 2024 13:49
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Spain / Barcelona / Culture and Tourism / Development

These elements will crown the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona for the highest viewpoint in the city

The cross pinnacle on the Tower of Jesus Christ will be ready to receive visitors in 2026 on the centennial of Gaudi’s death

Sep 20, 2024 17:36

Economy and Finance

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France / Digital transformation / Economy and Finance

Shops in this Bordeaux suburb accept cryptocurrency as payment

Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin

Sep 24, 2024 16:47
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Germany / Economy and Finance / Mobility

Next year, Germany's Deutschlandticket will cost 58 euros

That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass

Sep 24, 2024 13:27

Politics and Reforms

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Germany / Politics and Reforms

Voters in a Bavarian town elected a mayor whose name wasn’t on the ballot

Steffen Romstöck said that he would respect the residents’ choice and would take over the helm of the municipality, even if he didn’t run

Sep 18, 2024 13:50
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Greece / Athens / Culture and Tourism / Politics and Reforms

Athens to ban new short-term lets

The measure, which will come into force from 1 January 2025, will be partial and temporary…for now

Sep 17, 2024 16:22

Innovation and Research

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Belgium / Brussels / Energy efficiency / Innovation and Research

Brussels tries out a novel rooftop wind turbine suitable for cities

Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape

Sep 27, 2024 12:52
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Finland / Innovation and Research

AI-powered drones in Finland could patrol the skies in search of wildfires

But operating them is still illegal under the country’s legislation

Sep 20, 2024 16:33

Digital transformation

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Digital transformation / Energy efficiency

New digital map showcases creative energy solutions across Europe

The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition

Sep 26, 2024 14:09
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France / Digital transformation / Economy and Finance

Shops in this Bordeaux suburb accept cryptocurrency as payment

Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin

Sep 24, 2024 16:47

Energy efficiency

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Belgium / Brussels / Energy efficiency / Innovation and Research

Brussels tries out a novel rooftop wind turbine suitable for cities

Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape

Sep 27, 2024 12:52
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Digital transformation / Energy efficiency

New digital map showcases creative energy solutions across Europe

The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition

Sep 26, 2024 14:09

Mobility

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Greece / Thessaloniki / Development / Mobility

Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November

The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays

Sep 30, 2024 13:49
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Germany / Mobility

Mannheim debuts longest tram in the world

Plus, it has a unique modular design that allows it to be shortened and lengthened like a train

Sep 27, 2024 17:03

Public Spaces

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France / Paris / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

The Olympic Rings have left the Eiffel Tower, but they’ll be back

At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo

Sep 30, 2024 17:57
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France / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

Marseille is home to this year's coolest neighbourhood in the world

Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds

Sep 26, 2024 17:37

Culture and Tourism

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France / Paris / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

The Olympic Rings have left the Eiffel Tower, but they’ll be back

At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo

Sep 30, 2024 17:57
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Spain / Culture and Tourism

Oldest inn in Catalonia marked 500 years of non-stop business

Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region

Sep 30, 2024 16:57

Education and Sport

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Budapest / Prague / Education and Sport / Social City

Here are Europe’s 5 best student cities

On the eve of the new academic year, the ranking considers several distinct but essential factors

Sep 19, 2024 17:47
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Education and Sport

Kicking for the Future: How Football Clubs are Creating Sustainable Urban Spaces

Sep 19, 2024 10:06

Welfare and Health

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Belgium / Mobility / Welfare and Health

Shhh!: Belgian railways introduce silent compartments on board

Following a successful trial phase, these quiet areas will now be available on all main routes in the country

Sep 24, 2024 18:04
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France / Education and Sport / Welfare and Health

Check out these sleeping pods at the University of Lille library

The academic institution shows a deeper understanding of the well-being of its students

Sep 12, 2024 16:24
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Poland / Interviews

Hanna Zdanowska: We are one of the leaders in eco-transition and Łódź is much greener than before

Jul 24, 2024 14:48
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Interviews

Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh: True urban development must be inclusive and affordable, otherwise it’s not sustainable

Jun 27, 2024 12:45
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Lisbon / Interviews

Carlos Moedas: Our ambition is to become a city where entrepreneurs can come to scale their businesses

Jun 20, 2024 13:25
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Spain / Interviews / Mayor of Europe

María José Catalá: the Green Capital mindset is transversal to all action levels and will continue in the years to come

Jun 5, 2024 15:41
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Estonia / Tartu / Interviews

Urmas Klaas: Arts can and must give people the ability and courage to dream of a future

Mar 6, 2024 12:18
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Interviews

Wolfgang Teubner: Тhe path towards the end of fossil fuels is irreversible

Dec 21, 2023 11:03
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Interviews / Read Twice

Ibrahim Kraria: While AI can play a role in combating hate speech, it can also amplify its spread

Aug 16, 2023 17:08
Mihaela Roxana GODINAC
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Interviews

Bertrand Piccard: If something looks impossible, that’s why we try do to it!

Jun 9, 2023 15:40
Denis Balgaranov
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Interviews / Read Twice

Maja Sever: Journalism is a pillar of democracy

Apr 10, 2023 13:46
Magdalena Magdić
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Interviews

Kaisa Karjalainen: “It’s better to be an imperfect zero waster for the rest of our lives than a perfect one for two weeks”

Mar 14, 2023 12:56
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov

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Brussels

Brussels
Philippe Close
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Philippe Close

Biography
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According to archaeological findings near the city center, the Brussels area is believed to have been inhabited for millenia. The settlement, which would later become Brussels, was located on an island on the River Senne in 580. The official founding of Brussels took place in 979. Because of its location along the banks of the River Senne, Brussels quickly became a fast-growing trade center with a focus on textiles. The city began to expand and the population to grow, which resulted in the drying of the swamp areas around it. After the construction of the first city wall, it soon became clear that the area would not be enough for the growing population. A second city wall was built, remnants of which can be seen today. During the Nine-Year War, which began in 1695, the city was almost fully destroyed as a result of the subsequent fire. This fire is the most destructive event in the history of Brussels. The Belgian Revolution of 1830 marked a new beginning in the development of the city. It became the capital of the Brabant province. The construction of many buildings and the demolition of part of the city wall began. The population grew more and the economy of the city began to develop rapidly as well. The Brussels-capital region was officially formed in 1989 after a change in the constitution. Today, the city hosts many international conferences and political and sporting events and maintains a rapidly growing economy.

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Belgium / Brussels / Energy efficiency / Innovation and Research

Brussels tries out a novel rooftop wind turbine suitable for cities

Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape

Sep 27, 2024 12:52
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Development / Green City

Brussels' European Quarter finally ready to shed its bureaucratic ghetto image

A large-scale urban redevelopment project seeks to inject some life into the district by creating, among other things, housing units

Sep 09, 2024 13:10
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Culture and Tourism

Controversial Brussels municipality applies to be European Capital of Culture

For many years, Molenbeek’s reputation was linked to terrorism, but now it wants to show the world that it has turned a new page

Sep 05, 2024 13:53
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Culture and Tourism

Planting of the Meyboom: The roots of Brussels' quirky annual folk tradition

It all began as a commemoration of a battle with another Belgian city

Aug 08, 2024 13:20
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Economy and Finance / Green City

Head or Tails: Brussels shop sells lost Amazon parcels

A unique concept for dealing with waste generated by excessive consumption

Mar 20, 2024 12:09
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Read Twice

The Lessons Learned: Read Twice made its final stop in Brussels

The concluding event of the pan-European project took place in the European Parliament where young media practitioners met MEPs to debate the issue of disinformation

Feb 22, 2024 13:53
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Mobility / Public Spaces

Brussels residents feel squeezed out by new e-scooter drop zones

In the municipality of Schaerbeek, the new designated parking spots mean 1000 m2 less public space for pedestrians

Feb 08, 2024 13:36
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Read Twice

Read Twice brings disinformation in focus with a concluding event in Brussels

If you’re in the Belgian capital drop by for an afternoon of insightful talks on a topic that will feature heavily in the upcoming EU Parliament elections

Feb 07, 2024 17:14
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Welfare and Health

Brussels Metro vending machines will dispense healthy snacks

It’s time to rethink the junk food perception of the automatic food and beverage vendors

Jan 03, 2024 13:21
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Mobility / Public Spaces

Brussels drastically cuts the number of e-scooters from February 2024

Plus, ending a ride on one of these vehicles will only be possible at a designated drop zone

Dec 29, 2023 12:37
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Mobility / Social City

Tomorrow, large demonstration to disrupt Brussels public transit

The anti-austerity protest will gather activists and trade unions from across Europe

Dec 11, 2023 17:52
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Economy and Finance / Mobility

Two-seater shared e-bikes to debut in Brussels in 2024?

The first-of-their-kind, the two-wheelers have already been turning heads in France

Nov 29, 2023 16:20
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Growing City

Airbnb contributes to rental inflation in Brussels. Here is by how much

Also, a study found that the platform is increasingly used by so-called ‘professional hosts’

Nov 27, 2023 16:56
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Czechia / Poland / Brussels / Krakow / Prague / Culture and Tourism

This winter, visit these top 3 budget-friendly European destinations

In a way, we’re starting to yearn for the frosty season already

Oct 23, 2023 17:21
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Development / Mobility

Every Brussels resident to live within 150 metres of EV charger

And this is set to become a reality by January thanks to a new local government initiative

Oct 06, 2023 16:56
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Digital transformation / Mobility

Brussels launches one app for all local mobility services

Floya will be one hell of a helpful tool next time you’re in the Belgian capital

Sep 07, 2023 13:16
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Mobility / Public Spaces

Brussels suburbs refuse to let e-scooters in

The Belgian capital is basically doing the opposite of Paris, where recently the city abolished the two-wheelers

Aug 10, 2023 17:49
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Green City

Brussels cemeteries let you pick your own free flowers

So that you can pay respect to the dearly departed and not worry about the cost

Aug 07, 2023 18:00
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Economy and Finance / Social City

Brussels mandates supermarkets to donate unsold food

It was about time the heart of the EU made something about the wasteful approach to produce

Jul 18, 2023 17:51
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces / Welfare and Health

Brussels puts an end to horse buggies, replaces them with e-carriages

The change will enter into force from next year

Jun 27, 2023 17:25
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Mobility / Welfare and Health

AR ambulance in Brussels allows doctors to 'see' through the eyes of paramedics

The camera and goggles system helps patients to receive emergency specialised care, while they are still en route to the hospital

Jun 07, 2023 15:51
Denis Balgaranov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Development / Green City / Social City

Brussels Urban Summit 2023 set to be a megaevent, first of its kind

Each of the three organizations behind it will emphasize their own summits

Jun 02, 2023 15:36
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Politics and Reforms / Public Spaces

Brussels has a 14-point action plan to decolonise public spaces

As Brussels is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, this is seen as a matter of ‘quality of life’

Jun 01, 2023 17:17
Denis Balgaranov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Development / Growing City

Brussels Urban Summit 2023 will confront challenges common to all cities

Reps from 300 cities worldwide will head to the Belgian capital, 12-15 June

May 29, 2023 15:45
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Germany / Berlin / Brussels / Development / Mobility

First direct night train between Berlin and Brussels since 2008 departs today

An Amsterdam-Barcelona route is also in the works, with a potential stopover in Paris

May 25, 2023 12:47
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Belgium / Antwerp / Brussels / Economy and Finance / Mobility

Fast charging for electric cars will be a delivery service in Belgium

A new start-up debuts on the streets of Antwerp and Brussels

May 09, 2023 16:19
Denis Balgaranov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Innovation and Research / Mobility

New generation of trams rolls out in Brussels

The new vehicle design focus is on improved accessibility

Apr 26, 2023 17:06
Denis Balgaranov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Development / Public Spaces

Brussels city to get rid of ‘sexist’ public urinals

The city wants to replace the male-only facilities with ones that are also suited for women and people with disabilities

Apr 05, 2023 14:24
Denis Balgaranov
  • en
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Belgium / Brussels / Innovation and Research / Mobility

Report: Good Move plan in Brussels cuts public transport travel times by up to a quarter

It reduced car traffic through the city centre by redirecting it and by making more one-way streets

Apr 03, 2023 15:20
Denis Balgaranov
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Belgium / Brussels / Mechelen / Digital transformation / Politics and Reforms

Cities in Belgium rush to ban TikTok after National Security advice

Last week, the Chinese app was banned for Belgian federal employees for an initial period of six months

Mar 17, 2023 13:24
Denis Balgaranov

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