EU Green Capital Valencia will host 2024 edition of European Urban Resilience Forum
Crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development and recovery will be under the thematic spotlight
Schools, cultural institutions, beauty salons and some sport restart their activities today
According to a decision made by the National Security Council on Wednesday, Belgium enters a new phase of exiting lockdown today. Some important restrictions are being lifted as of Monday 18 May, while others will remain valid until 8 June when Phase 3 is set to begin.
The main change in Belgium as of today is that a large number of pupils in primary and secondary schools will be allowed to return to school, under strict rules. Kindergartens, however, remain closed, while Higher education institutions have already prepared for the end of the academic year alongside community authorities.
Museums, libraries and cultural establishments like historic residences and monuments, castles and citadels can reopen, too, provided that they sell tickets remotely (over the phone or online) and take measures to prevent crowding. Same goes for zoos and natural parks and similar venues.
Furthermore, contact-based professions (like hairdressers, beauty stylists, masseurs) are also allowed to resume work today provided they wear facial protection. Also, in beauty salons and similar spaces, it is needed to respect a safe distance between customers and to operate with appointment only.
The reopening of the markets is also possible, under certain regulations and with the approval of the local authorities. For example, no more than 50 stalls can operate and there must be a traffic plan for a given location. Naturally, facial protection is compulsory for traders and staff and highly recommended for customers.
Finally, rules on the practising of sports and recreation have also been relaxed. Outside sports lessons and sports clubs have been allowed to resume their operations as long as the groups taking part are no larger than 20 people, who are all social distancing measures. Marriages and funerals can also take place (without reception) with up to 30 guests. Unfortunately, cafes and restaurants remain closed at this stage of the de-confinement.
Phase two is one of several on the path towards normal life in Belgium. Should everything go as planned, Phase 3 will start on 8 June. Thus, the gradual resumption of tourist activities and the reopening of restaurants, terraces and cafes have not been given the green light as of yet. However, the Belgian government was clear that no cultural, sports, tourist or recreational event can take place before the end of June.
The city was concerned about street noise and disturbances to residents
This, however, is likely to change soon
Crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development and recovery will be under the thematic spotlight
This is city twinning for the 21st century
You can find it in the capital Sofia, where it was installed upon the initiative of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
People in both cities got to sit together both in person and virtually
The city was concerned about street noise and disturbances to residents
And the current administration plans to make Jardin del Turia Europe’s largest city green space by extending it to the sea
The aim is to have the public be able to admire the architectural design without distractions
The installation has been thought out with the concept of letting people “talk” to their dearly departed
It’s an urban space that has undergone several large-scale transformations throughout its existence
A US geologist claims to have solved the centuries-old mystery
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team