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 new rules remove the validity of negative PCR tests for entry to venues and transport
Italy has pushed a new frontier in its restrictions with new requirements that will only accept certificates that proves vaccination or recovery status. The new measures will enter into force from 6 December and for the time being, will last until 15 January 2022.
What’s more, the validity of the green certificates will be reduced from 12 to 9 months. Booster shots are now available to all people above the age of 18 and it is highly recommended for people to get one if they would like their certificate to be valid.
The above means that non-vaccinated people will not be able to access restaurants, bars, theatres, cinema and even public transport, though there is recognition that during rush hour it may be hard to enforce the rules on crowded vehicles.
The government explained that the measures were actually not meant to be punitive. In fact, introducing them was seen as the only way to avoid a total lockdown like the one that neighbouring Austria had to implement.
"We are seeing the situation in bordering countries is very serious and we also see that the situation in Italy is gradually but constantly getting worse," Prime Minister Mario Draghi told reporters after the cabinet approved the new rules, as cited by Reuters. Mr Draghi has already received his booster shot.
The government also extended mandatory vaccination, already in force for healthcare workers, to all school staff, police and the military, beginning from 15 December. The authorities, however, stopped short of making vaccination compulsory all around.
Although Italy is one of the EU countries with the highest COVID vaccination rates, with more than 75% of people having received the jab, it may still not be enough. A new wave has started to creep in and this time the government is not taking any chances.
Last year, during the winter holiday season, lockdowns were in place, including restrictions on travelling between regions. This year, it is already clear that Italians will once again not be able to have a normal Christmas. This time the lines have been drawn between those who are vaccinated and those who aren’t rather than between the different territories.
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