Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The Death figure will toll 138 times to honour the souls of those lost in traffic accidents, Source: Depositphotos
Czechia is marking a national ‘No Rush Day’ across the country
The Orloj, marking the time since 1410 at the Old Town Square of Prague is the oldest astronomical clock in the world that is still working; it’s also one of the most iconic symbols of the Czech capital. Yet, on 3 April (Wednesday) at 10 am local time, it will briefly stop working – on purpose.
The reason behind this unusual and purposeful “glitch” is the so-called No Rush Day (Národní den bez spěchu), an initiative in Czechia, which aims to remind people to slow down and reflect on life. It is particularly linked to the idea that rushing also leads to speeding on the road and this results in unnecessary injuries and deaths.
The overall idea of the initiative is to promote a habit of mindfulness and safety on the Czech roads and beyond. Last year, this careless urgency resulted in 138 deaths in traffic.
We give people a little more time to slow down and realize that not everything is urgent and that it's often better to be a few minutes late than to not arrive at all," explains Jan Matoušek, executive director of the Czech Insurance Association, quoted by Expats.cz.
The Astronomical Clock is a popular attraction with tourists thanks to its on-the-hour procession of twelve figures representing the apostles.
The 10 am procession on 3 April, however, will stop, and instead, the clock’s Death figure will toll 138 times during the temporary suspension to honour each of the lives lost on the roads.
The initiative will also be supported by the major media outlets in the country, the Czech Football Association, cultural institutions, businesses and universities. Wherever possible, the start of regular events and proceedings will be delayed in order to underscore the idea that it’s always possible to take some time and not rush.
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