Bulgaria / Sofia / Development / Politics and Reforms

The housing crisis in Sofia nobody is talking about, Part I

Who can afford to buy a home in Bulgaria’s capital?

Oct 20, 2021 13:13

Finland / Turku / Cities in Pictures / Development

Turku reveals design plans for new Concert Hall

Check out the gallery to view illustrations of the building

Oct 19, 2021 14:03

France / Paris / Economy and Finance

The first terrace reserved for the richest 1% opens in Paris

You can sit there only if you are one of the wealthiest people in the world

Oct 20, 2021 17:25

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

Spain / Madrid / Digital transformation / Politics and Reforms

Software will aid the City of Madrid write easier texts

The tool was developed by the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics at UNED

Oct 20, 2021 17:48

Bulgaria / Sofia / Development / Politics and Reforms

The housing crisis in Sofia nobody is talking about, Part I

Who can afford to buy a home in Bulgaria’s capital?

Oct 20, 2021 13:13

Germany / Energy efficiency / Innovation and Research

Bremen wants to become the hydrogen capital of Europe

2,000 experts gather at the Hydrogen Technology Conference and Expo to coordinate their efforts in the quicker adoption of the new energy

Oct 20, 2021 15:29

Finland / Digital transformation / Innovation and Research

Finland helps SMEs develop and utilise AI technology

A project coordinated by the universities Haaga-Helia and Laurea will develop an AI innovation ecosystem

Oct 20, 2021 13:03

Spain / Madrid / Digital transformation / Politics and Reforms

Software will aid the City of Madrid write easier texts

The tool was developed by the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics at UNED

Oct 20, 2021 17:48

Finland / Digital transformation / Innovation and Research

Finland helps SMEs develop and utilise AI technology

A project coordinated by the universities Haaga-Helia and Laurea will develop an AI innovation ecosystem

Oct 20, 2021 13:03

Germany / Energy efficiency / Innovation and Research

Bremen wants to become the hydrogen capital of Europe

2,000 experts gather at the Hydrogen Technology Conference and Expo to coordinate their efforts in the quicker adoption of the new energy

Oct 20, 2021 15:29

Denmark / Development / Energy efficiency / Innovation and Research

Vestas to install world's tallest and most powerful wind turbine in Denmark

It will be 280 metres tall with 115.5-metre-long blades and a production output of 80 GWh/year

Oct 18, 2021 16:40

Romania / Cluj-Napoca / Green City / Mobility

New trams strengthen Cluj-Napoca’s position as a leader in green mobility

The city plans to electrify 100% of the fleet by 2026

Oct 19, 2021 15:41

Finland / Tampere / Mobility

Tampere to conduct autonomous mobility experiment in 2022

Two self-driving minivans will transport passengers in the Hervanta area for free

Oct 19, 2021 11:39

Slovakia / Bratislava / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

Bratislava to turn erotic club into place for dining and culture

The project is part of the renovation of Janko Kráľ Park, one of the oldest in Central Europe

Oct 15, 2021 12:10

Portugal / Matosinhos / Culture and Tourism / Public Spaces

Matosinhos restores the largest steam-powered crane in the world

In an age of environmental hyper-awareness, this piece of industrial heritage surely stands out

Oct 14, 2021 17:40

Sweden / Culture and Tourism / Education and Sport

Malmö to open Sweden’s first Roma library

The facility will welcome visitors from the autumn of 2022

Oct 20, 2021 15:46

Poland / Warsaw / Culture and Tourism

Warsaw stages concerts on public transport to honour Chopin

It’s been 172 years since the great composer's last performance

Oct 15, 2021 15:50

Sweden / Culture and Tourism / Education and Sport

Malmö to open Sweden’s first Roma library

The facility will welcome visitors from the autumn of 2022

Oct 20, 2021 15:46

Belgium / Estonia / Elva / Leuven / Education and Sport

Leuven and Elva named Best European City and Town for Sports in 2021

After years of work, both local governments can rejoice at their newfound notoriety as sports hotspots in Europe

Oct 15, 2021 16:04

Greece / Athens / Welfare and Health

Athens allows residents to use sports facilities for free

Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis notes that all citizens, regardless of income, must have the right to take care of their health and wellbeing

Oct 20, 2021 16:33

Spain / Digital transformation / Welfare and Health

Drones to rescue dogs trapped by volcanic eruption

The first time such an attempt will be made but the window of opportunity is short

Oct 20, 2021 12:55

Funchal

Mayor

Miguel Silva Gouveia

View old mayors

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funchal / Interviews

The most valuable asset of Funchal are the warmth, hospitality and sympathy of its hard-working people

Interview with Miguel Silva Gouveia, Mayor of Funchal in Portugal

May 08, 2020 08:06

Monika Dimitrova

Funchal / Culture and Tourism

Funchal sets sights on introducing tourist tax

Local authorities are planning to tax visitors 2 euros per day for overnight stays

Jan 24, 2020 14:37

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