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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

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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

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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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Portugal
Funchal image

Funchal

Funchal
Cristina Pedra
Mayor

Cristina Pedra

Biography
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The settlement of Funchal dates back to around 1424. In order to fulfil its administrative role, Funchal received its primary lighthouse between 1452 and 1454, when it was elevated to the status of a municipal seat.

Funchal became an important transfer point for European trade. Columbus was one of the early settlers, later many merchant families established commercial interests on the island.

During the second half of the XV century, the sugar industry expanded significantly along the southern coast, making Funchal its most important centre. In 1508, Funchal received the status of city by King Manuel I of Portugal. In 1514 the bishopric took Funchal for its headquarters.

During the XVI century, Funchal was an important stop for travellers between the Indies and the New World.  

In the XVII century, commercial treaties with England brought increased investments to a business that was still insular. Many English commercial winemakers moved to the island, thus bringing a change to the commerce, the economy and the lifestyle of the local community.

This incremental growth led to the expansion of Funchal with new estates and a new merchant class. That in turn led to the creation of many new three-floor homes of a special type - with an intermediary service floor, a floor for storage and wine-cellars. In some cases, they also boast a tower to watch the port and monitor shipping in the harbour.

During the XIX century there were epidemics, aggravating the economy and forcing some to return to sugar plantations. In order to maintain the level of development, many landowners tried to plant new more-resistant castes in order to support the industry.

During World War I, Funchal was twice bombarded by Germany. 

Numerous notable persons have also visited the region throughout history, like Elisabeth, empress of Austria-Hungary, Charles I of Austria, Emperor of Austria and king of Hungary Polish Field Marshal Józef Piłsudski, Winston Churchill and many more. The presence of these notable visitors marked a period when the city became a centre of tourism and therapeutic health.

With the creation of the Port of Funchal, and later the establishment of the Santa Catarina Airport, Funchal turned into a major international tourist destination supported by a series of hotels and ocean-front residences.

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Portugal / Funchal / Lisbon / Porto / Development / Social City

More rooms in Portugal’s housing market, but also higher prices

It looks like demand still overtakes supply maintaining this state of affairs in the Iberian country

Aug 26, 2024 16:16
TheMayor.EU
  • en
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Portugal / Funchal / Politics and Reforms

Funchal mayor resigned after being arrested for corruption

The new head of the city council is Cristina Pedra

Feb 02, 2024 16:33
TheMayor.EU
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Portugal / Funchal / Digital transformation / Energy efficiency

All Madeirans will get a smart energy meter at home, courtesy of regional government

The initiative for the upgrade of the home devices will set the authorities back some 12 million euros

Sep 01, 2022 17:57
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Green City / Social City

Funchal reminds residents that composting is another way to recycle

The local authorities are proactive in fostering a new mindset about waste

Apr 21, 2022 14:51
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Economy and Finance / Politics and Reforms

Portugal bans geo-blocking after Madeirans were left out during pandemic

The crisis revealed some of the plights of the islander communities in Europe

Feb 22, 2022 16:12
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Culture and Tourism / Digital transformation

Funchal’s seaside complexes to get free Wi-Fi

The spectacular bathing facilities get a touch more digital

Feb 14, 2022 17:58
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Portugal / Funchal / Digital transformation / Politics and Reforms

Madeira President calls for digitalization of voting

Portugal is about to hold its parliamentary elections on 30 January

Jan 14, 2022 16:46
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Green City / Innovation and Research

Remote Madeira islets to become core of largest marine reserve in Europe

This was announced on account of the 50th anniversary of the Ilhas Selvagens as a nature reserve

Nov 30, 2021 13:25
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Culture and Tourism / Economy and Finance

Madeira connects the dots between tourism and start-ups

The regional authorities organized the 4th edition of the Madeira Startup Retreat

Nov 18, 2021 17:14
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
  • en
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Portugal / Funchal / Economy and Finance / Politics and Reforms

Madeira’s President calls for more autonomy from Portugal

This happened after the archipelago received less from the national budget

Oct 15, 2021 17:35
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Lisbon / Porto / Politics and Reforms

Portuguese opposition snatches Lisbon in local elections

Socialists, however, are the overall winners from the Sunday ballot casting

Sep 27, 2021 15:09
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Development / Welfare and Health

Funchal completely eliminates asbestos from water network

The previous fibre cement infrastructure has been replaced with cast iron pipes

Sep 03, 2021 18:00
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Development / Mobility / Politics and Reforms

Madeira hopeful for a revival of maritime tourism

The archipelago’s Secretary for the Economy also expressed his stance on the return of ferry link to the mainland

Aug 26, 2021 17:32
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Green City / Welfare and Health

Funchal is a role model in Portugal in terms of resilience

The city received a recognition award for its Civil Protection Centres

Aug 23, 2021 13:37
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Economy and Finance / Green City

Madeira launched a platform on circular economy

The new digital tool aims to create a community, educate and inspire with examples

Jul 07, 2021 18:29
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Green City

Funchal boasts cleanest air outside of Scandinavia

It is only one of two non-Northern cities to find a place among the top 10

Jun 25, 2021 14:05
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Culture and Tourism

Madeira celebrates 200 years of regional press

The first issue of the ‘Patriota Funchalense’ came out on 2 July 1821

Jun 23, 2021 16:36
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Green City / Public Spaces

Special hydro network will soon boost anti-fire security in Funchal

One of the main hazards to the island capital

Jun 08, 2021 12:38
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

Funchal prepares for bathing suit season

Finishing works on the city’s swimming seaside complexes are completed

May 20, 2021 17:21
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Culture and Tourism / Education and Sport

Funchal ready to receive the paralympic swimmers of Europe

This is an important event for the upcoming Paralympics in Tokyo

May 10, 2021 12:40
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Digital transformation

Funchal offers detailed spatial information regarding its territory

This was made possible through an online georeference platform

Apr 22, 2021 16:06
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Culture and Tourism

Madeira offers Europe’s only tourist green corridor

You can head there if you show proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19

Mar 30, 2021 12:01
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Welfare and Health

Funchal reports on its pet ambulance service

A van had been converted to meet the needs of the animals

Mar 15, 2021 15:19
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Digital transformation / Green City

Funchal City Council is implanting microchips in local trees

This is not a conspiracy theory but an ongoing project that seeks to digitize natural heritage management

Feb 23, 2021 13:11
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Portugal / Funchal / Development / Economy and Finance

Funchal will offer a test store for fledgling businesses

The initiative, called Viveiro de Lojas, will offer floor space to 6 entrepreneurs for 6 months

Feb 13, 2021 15:01
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Funchal / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

Madeira Theme Park is set for a boost

The unique ethnographic village serves as a treasure chest for local traditions

Dec 23, 2020 16:37
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Funchal / Development / Economy and Finance

Funchal’s Participatory Budget will be decided through SMS

This year’s edition of the democratic practice has introduced a new system

Nov 20, 2020 14:17
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Funchal / Energy efficiency

Funchal mayor attends the mega cleaning operation of the city

This initiative is hailed as necessary in the new context

Oct 06, 2020 14:40
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Funchal / Larissa / Porto / Rome / Mobility

Island cities win big at this year’s CIVITAS Awards

Funchal and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria took the leading prizes

Sep 30, 2020 09:06
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov
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Funchal / Economy and Finance / Welfare and Health

Madeira Regional Government covers COVID lay-offs, for now

16.2 million euros were added to the supplementary budget of the island

Jul 23, 2020 11:50
Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov

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