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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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Lithuania image
Lithuania
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Vilnius

Vilnius
Valdas Benkunskas
Mayor

Valdas Benkunskas

Biography
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Archaeological findings show that in the area of ​​today's capital there were settlers as far back as the Middle Ages. In some important historical documents dating back to 1323, the city is referred to as Vilna, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1569, when the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was established, Vilnius began to flourish. The city university became one of the most prestigious research and development scientific centers. Culture also developed alongside politics and economy. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth underwent several divisions of its territory, and after the third, Vilnius became part of the Russian Empire. During the two World Wars, the city was largely destroyed. Lithuania regained its independence in 1990 with Vilnius as being chosen as the country's capital.

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Lithuania / Vilnius / Digital transformation / Green City

Vilnius architects can check the greenness index of projects with free online calculator

The municipality provides the tool to encourage more sustainable thinking and planning in the field of urban design

Sep 13, 2024 14:57
TheMayor.EU
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Ireland / Lithuania / Poland / Dublin / Lublin / Vilnius / Digital transformation

Lublin-Vilnius portal now includes Dublin and New York, too

The two-way link has become a four-way link thanks to live streaming that rotates every 3 minutes

Aug 27, 2024 17:32
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Development

Vilnius opens a drone-training space

The Lithuanian capital recognizes the increasing importance of these flying devices in many spheres of life

Aug 06, 2024 14:53
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Development / Mobility

Vilnius boasts Lithuania's first proper bicycle street

It puts attention to the fact that not all streets that have cycling lanes are actually friendly to cyclists

May 28, 2024 17:37
TheMayor.EU
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Lithuania / Poland / Lublin / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Digital transformation

Vilnius and Lublin celebrate pink soup through their unique digital portal

People in both cities got to sit together both in person and virtually

May 09, 2024 12:00
TheMayor.EU
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Innovation and Research / Public Spaces

Vilnius’ mobile courtyards revive a community and then move on

Easy, simple and cheap solution to create a focal attraction in any neighbourhood

Apr 10, 2024 16:51
TheMayor.EU
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Digital transformation / Mobility

Rain or snow: Vilnius AI thermal sensors count the traffic flow

The city administration recently installed the latest-generation traffic control systems at 11 intersections

Jan 17, 2024 13:18
TheMayor.EU
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Public Spaces / Welfare and Health

Vilnius is looking for a street to serve as testbed for air and noise pollution solutions

If the trial is successful, it will be scaled up to larger areas of the city

Dec 21, 2023 16:36
TheMayor.EU
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Digital transformation / Public Spaces

Vilnius makes it easy to find a grave with its digital cemetery portal

The online mapping service is especially popular ahead of All Souls’ Day on 2 November

Oct 31, 2023 16:33
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Energy efficiency

Why did Vilnius place green scarves on local sculptures?

A creative way to encourage residents to prepare for the upcoming heating season

Oct 09, 2023 16:12
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Italy / Lithuania / Spain / Vilnius / Green City

Vilnius will be European Green Capital in 2025

In that same year, there will be two Green Leaf cities – Viladecans and Treviso

Oct 06, 2023 14:02
TheMayor.EU
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Innovation and Research

Vilnius to present possibly the first ever AI-generated opera

Bringing lost music back from the oblivion of the past

Sep 27, 2023 18:07
TheMayor.EU
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism

Lithuanian National Drama Theatre urges people not to go to the theatre

As part of a PR campaign that seeks to stir controversy and interest – it seems to have succeeded

Aug 23, 2023 16:52
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Public Spaces

Vilnius cools residents with mist spray devices

When you’re feeling the heat, you can head down to the Town Hall Square of the Lithuanian capital

Jun 29, 2023 13:31
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Digital transformation / Green City

Smart system will detect how thirsty Vilnius trees are

Special sensors will measure the moisture content in the soil near the roots

May 26, 2023 17:25
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Politics and Reforms

“Mayor without circuses”: Vilnius’ new head steps into office

Valdas Benkunskas becomes mayor in what’s considered an iconic year for the Lithuanian capital

Apr 27, 2023 14:04
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Green City / Public Spaces

Vilnius puts up mini-fences to protect new plants from de-icing salt

A good example from the Lithuanian capital, and something to keep in mind for next winter

Mar 02, 2023 17:33
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Development / Social City

The people of Vilnius have spoken: We want a sunset viewing platform

This was one of the more creative and unusual ideas set to take shape as a result of the second participatory budget initiative in the city

Dec 05, 2022 14:05
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

Vilnius unveiled its Christmas tree…and it’s a birthday cake

The Lithuanian capital is excited about its upcoming 700th anniversary

Nov 28, 2022 13:34
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Digital transformation

Vilnius bought actual stars in the night sky to promote its restaurant scene

The new constellation will be known as “G’Astronomic Vilnius” and you can see it on the Night Sky app

Nov 09, 2022 14:30
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Social City

Vilnius will create the first film made by all residents in the city

For this purpose, a special app has been released where residents can submit photos and videos

Oct 13, 2022 15:23
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Social City

You can send Vilnius a belated birthday e-card

The Lithuanian capital’s tourism office has created a cheeky campaign to remind us that it’s good to send greetings, and even if late, there won’t be hard feelings

Oct 07, 2022 13:06
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Public Spaces / Welfare and Health

Vilnius organization wants to ban fireworks festival: Could be traumatic for Ukrainian refugees

The campaigners argue that the event will be scary and stressful to the city's animals as well

Sep 15, 2022 14:23
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Politics and Reforms

7 Vilnius DJs give world's tyrants the finger with a special album

The album’s cover has an AI-generated portrait of the ‘Ultimate Dictator’

Sep 12, 2022 15:39
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

There will be a Ukrainian Independence Day party...in Vilnius

Due to the precarious security situation in Kyiv, this year the celebration of freedom will be held abroad, in a supportive place

Aug 23, 2022 13:05
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Public Spaces

How Vilnius fills the void left from a removed Soviet monument

It can take time to reset the public’s mindset about the purpose of an urban space…or it can take a project

Aug 15, 2022 13:56
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Social City

Former Vilnius deputy mayor proposes municipalities to have the power to cap rents

Gintautas Paluckas is of the opinion that this will help the local authorities act as advocates for the residents

Aug 04, 2022 13:58
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Energy efficiency

Vilnius obliges public institutions to cover their roofs with solar panels

The road to energy independence - at least partially - goes through renewables

Jul 25, 2022 13:26
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Culture and Tourism / Digital transformation

If you’re itching to see Putin in jail, Vilnius delivers

Google Street View and the city’s tourism authorities have teamed up to create a digital rendition of justice served to the Russian president

Jul 11, 2022 13:08
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Lithuania / Vilnius / Green City

Klaipeda will provide free water to businesses serving customers from the tap

This is part of a national campaign to promote the high-quality water available in Lithuania and to ditch the packaged version

Jul 04, 2022 13:12
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov

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