Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
And like with any imposition, that hasn’t been well received by all sectors of the French society
The blue, star-circle flags of the EU have become a common sight on public buildings of member states, so common in fact that many people might have even internalized them as part of the scenery. Well, it turns out that at least in France, flying them at a town hall façade used to be a voluntary act left to the discretion of the mayor. But not anymore.
The French parliament has passed a bill that makes it mandatory for local governments to display the azure and gold-star flags at their headquarters. The law was proposed by President Macron´s Renaissance party and it was adopted with 130 in favour and 109 opposed.
As is visible from the results in the lower house chamber, there was plenty of opposition as well, though. And it came from both sides of the political spectre seeing how despite France being of the EU’s main driving engines, there’s a strong current of Euroscepticism present, too.
Probably to no one’s surprise, the far-right National Rally is against the measure. Though there was also opposition from the far-left.
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, an MP from the National Rally explained their position like this: “Macron’s MPs are showing their scorn for the French people. There are only three colours that the French bow to in their schools, in ceremonies, when they honour their dead, it’s white, blue and red.”
The National Assembly also made it compulsory to display the official portrait of the President of the Republic in all town halls. This practice, however, is also widespread. Additionally, the motto of the Republic – “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” – will have to be displayed on the facades of town halls.
The new regulations, which still have to pass through the French Senate before being confirmed will be applicable to communities of more than 1,500 residents.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
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