Mallorca will slash 18,000 tourist beds from its accommodation offer
The island is dead set on doing something about the problem of overtourism
The Arctic town also hosted Sweden’s first event of its 2023 EU Presidency
The EU has affirmed its standing in the global space race with today’s unveiling of a spaceport at the Esrange Space Center near the town of Kiruna, in the far north of Sweden. The spaceport becomes the first such site in continental Europe where satellites can be shot into the Earth’s orbit.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, although the actual launch of the first satellite is expected to take place later in the year.
The spaceport is important in a rapidly evolving technological world, as satellites are the vehicles that assist in a broad variety of strategic tasks, from weather forecasting to security and defence capabilities, to climate change observation.
“This spaceport offers an independent European gateway to space. It is exactly the infrastructure we need, not only to continue to innovate but also to further explore the final frontier.” This is how EU President Ursula von der Leyen described the momentous occasion in her speech at the event.
According to experts, it has become easier in recent years to send satellites into orbit thanks to their smaller sizes and cheaper prices compared to a few years ago - and Europe is now looking to capitalise on it. The spaceport will also serve as the base to test the reusability of satellites.
The escapade to the snowy Far North, was also used as the opportunity to formally launch Sweden’s Presidency of the EU Council for the first six months of the current year.
The Swedish government has stated that its priorities for the rotating presidency are: security – unity, competitiveness, green and energy transitions, democratic values and the rule of law. Seemingly noble values in line with the overall vision of the bloc.
Nevertheless, the general media commentary on the event, however, has focused on the fact that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government enjoys its existence thanks to the support of the Swedish far-right nationalists.
It remains to be seen the tone that Sweden will set for Europe’s conversations.
The island is dead set on doing something about the problem of overtourism
The event, officially called Krakow Equality March, will be held next week
However, this option will not yet be available for the upcoming European Parliament elections in June
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
Exploring the unique “wildlife footprints” of European urban areas
This is city twinning for the 21st century
1.8 million residents in the country will therefore get a new address
This is the day when all madrileños take local pride in their city and culture
And the results were immediate, two Sunday services had to be performed to accommodate the crowd
The island is dead set on doing something about the problem of overtourism
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