Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
The small town of Virrat will offer 4000 euros to the parents of each new baby that is born in its area
In Finnish region of Pirkanmaa, the town of Virrat, home to some 6000 people has announced an exceptionally generous policy aimed at driving up the local birthrate. Demographic issues have been a constant threat for many EU countries over the last few decades and local and national authorities across the continent have been tinkering with different ways of approaching the issue. The local government of Virrat believes to have found a solution for its own problems.
Officials in Virrat have announced that for each new baby that is born and registered in the town, the family will receive a subsidy totalling 4000 euros – not as a lump sum, but in a number of separate instalments. While such financial stimuli are nothing new in Finland, Virrat’s offer is exceptionally generous – although still lagging behind that of the village of Lestijärvi of 10,000 euros, which has been on the table since 2012.
The 4000 euros will be sent to the respective baby's family over a period of 8 years. The first instalment is set to be made soon after the birth of the child, while the rest will be made at regular intervals. Only babies born in 2020 will be eligible to be enrolled in this new scheme.
The initiative by Virrat’s local government is part of a larger push to make the city more attractive for younger people to settle on its premises. Over the past few years, authorities have worked on their so-called “vitality package” through which they have seen the creation of free housing for students and the allocation of a 400-euro annual stipend for those enrolled in tertiary education.
Authorities are also not taking their eyes off of childcare. A number of projects meant to facilitate the creation of a family have already been implemented, like the construction of a daycare centre and a school, while others are currently in their planning stages – such as the setting up of several centres for leisure activities, a skateboard park and others.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
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
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital