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
Non-Luxembourgers were required to have lived five years in the county before they had the right to vote in local elections but that is no longer the case
Yesterday, Luxembourg authorities announced that they had repealed the previous voting requirements for foreign nationals in municipal elections. According to a 2003 law, non-Luxembourgish citizens, including those from the EU, were required to have lived at least five years in the state before they had the right to vote in local elections.
This piece of legislation, however, became quite restricted as the number of foreigners in Luxembourg increased over the last 20 years. The Ministry of Family, Integration has published data, suggesting that approximately 33% of the Grand Duchy’s population (75,226) could not register to vote in the last local elections, in 2017 because of the law.
While there is definitely an argument to be made to increase voting rights for foreign residents in all elections, the argument is even stronger for municipal elections. According to Luxembourg’s Minister of Justice, Sam Tanson, who was quoted in a press release, participating in elections is a vital part of the democratic process.
He underlined the importance of representation, as well as voting being a key tool to help with the integration process. Taina Bofferding, Minister of the Interior, echoed the same point, while also underlining the issue of people having a say in the political decisions affecting their lives.
The new amendment will abolish the five-year requirement, meaning that all residents in Luxembourg will have the right to vote in local elections, as long as they register with the municipality. In order to accommodate the influx of new registrations, however, the government has also extended the voter registration period.
Now, people will have to register to vote 55 days before the election day, instead of 87 days. The expanded voting rights will be promoted by Luxembourgish authorities through an information campaign, called ‘I can vote’ (Je peux voter).
The campaign is trying to boost voter activity for the June 2023 municipal elections, by explaining to people how they elect their local representatives.
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