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
The government has been forced to adapt its approach to the requests of municipalities
The Latvian municipal reform that we previously reported on will soon be subjected to a final vote. In May members of the Latvian parliament will be asked to declare their support for the government’s proposed changes which are at least in theory supposed to improve the lives of citizens and create better working conditions and opportunities for local authorities.
Yet not everyone is convinced with the government’s approach. On the contrary, many municipalities have already voiced their opposition to certain aspects of the proposed changes, most of which concerns the way the currently existing 119 municipalities will be transformed into barely 39.
The nature of the fight has recently changed, however. While previously municipalities were fighting the government on the proposed changes, they have now begun fighting each other on the new borders and on who will get what.
An example of such a battle is the one fought between the municipalities of Beverina and Valka. Members of the Valka City Council recently laid claims to the Trikata Parish, that has historically been a part of Beverina.
In response, the mayor of Beverina, Janis Furmanis, issued a strongly worded attack at his colleagues in Valka, claiming that what their proposal is not in the interest of Trikata residents, but is rather a way to further their very own fortunes. Citizens of Trikata have already been asked to express their support for remaining a part of Beverina municipality.
Such problems are bound to remain throughout the process of adopting and enacting the municipal reform. It is impossible to satisfy everyone, which means that there will always be those are afraid of change, ready to challenge the government on its plans. Yet that does not mean that the national parliament should not always carefully consider the proposals put forth by local authorities and pay them the respect they deserve.
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