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
Belgium did it earlier this month, following Finland, the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy
Making cash payments is gradually getting easier in Western Europe. As of the beginning of December, it is no longer possible to pay cash amounts like 3,22 or 5,99 euros when you shop in Belgium. Instead, the retailer is obliged to round-off the amount for the total purchase to the 0.5. So, in the first case you will be asked to pay only 3,20 and in the second – 6 euros. This is done in a conscientious effort to phase out the 1- and 2-eurocents coins.
The reason why this new system has found application in Belgium and is becoming a trend in eurozone countries is that the smallest coins of 1 and 2 eurocents are too expensive to mint, while they have no value for customers and are not used quite often. Our pockets and bags are full of these small coins and we desperately search for creative ways to get rid of them.
Thus, after the new Belgian law has entered into force, if the total amount of a purchase ends in 1,2, 6- or 7-euro cents, the retailers would round off to the smaller amount. If it ends in 3,4, 8- or 9- eurocents, they will round up to the larger amount. Customers could still use the remaining 1 and 2 coins to round a sum, but never receive them back as change. The traders of course are still free to set prices of their choice even like 9.99, only the customer will be charged then 10 euro. Also, the exact amounts can still be paid by card or cheque.
Finally, France might soon follow in the footsteps of its close neighbour. As actu.fr reports, The Public Action 2022 Committee considers implementing several measures with the potential to save about 30 billion euros to the State before 2022 aiming to fight against financial fraud. Removing the 1- and 2- cents from circulation is one of them and could mean that France could join the ranks of Finland, the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy which no longer use the smallest copper coins.
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