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
A lack of funds, however, does not mean local authorities will leave citizens on their own
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a huge gaping hole in many budgets – not only those of private individuals but of businesses, corporations and even entire cities and countries. In the case of Bratislava, the local government is estimating that its budget will be lighter by some 40 million euros – a significant loss that means that many projects and initiatives will have to be scrapped in order to save money.
What is clear, however, is that the Slovak capital’s local government will not leave its citizens on their own. Instead, it has decided that it will cut expenditures in non-priority areas that have less of a direct impact on the lives of locals.
What the municipality has decided to cut on includes grass cutting and the purchase of new vehicles. The annual refitting of the City Council’s car fleet will not take place this year in order to save up on money that will be better used elsewhere, according to authorities.
Instead, the government will make good on two of its most important priorities – namely the greening of the urban area and improvements to the local infrastructure. The mayor of the city, Matus Vallo, is eager to successfully complete his promise of planting 10,000 trees over the course of his mandate – that means that this year the city must plant an additional 2,000 trees in order to keep on schedule.
Furthermore, the local government will continue investing in road repairs and renovations as they are of the utmost importance to locals as they are instrumental in their daily lives. The city will also try to plug holes in the budgets of vital businesses across the urban area that have suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak.
A ray of hope for local authorities comes in the form of their belief that domestic tourism will skyrocket this year, which will allow the municipality to recuperate some of its lost revenue. With people across the world appearing less eager to travel long distances, in-country tourism will most likely rise to prominence all over Europe.
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