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 government offers financial and technical assistance, in exchange for commitment to preserving natural resources
On Thursday 17 September, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Sustainable development of Luxembourg presented Naturpakt. Through this new instrument, the Grand-Duchy wants to compensate and encourage the municipal authorities that undertake active actions for the protection of biodiversity and natural resources.
At a press conference given by Minister Carole Dieschbourg, it became clear that the municipalities are regarded as a key partner of the state in protecting biodiversity and natural resources. Owning around 13% of the national territory on which such actions can take place, the local authorities can contribute significantly to improving the environmental situation and are key in preserving the ecosystems of the country.
That is why, the national authorities launched Naturpakt Gemeng– an agreement in which the municipality commits to implementing measures on its territory aimed at restoring land and aquatic habitats, ecological connectivity and strengthen the resilience of ecosystems. In exchange, the state will provide the signatories of the pact with operating subsidies and will cover the costs of the so-called "Pacte Nature" advisers.
Said advisers can be either civil servants or employees of the municipality, of a union of municipalities or external experts, whose objective is the protection of nature or of a natural park union. In fact, Naturpakt will work in a similar way to the existing Klimapakt, where the State helps financially and technically the municipalities to implement climate and energy policies, compliant with the European Energy Award.
Similarly, Naturpakt will also have a certification system with four performance levels: basic, bronze, silver and gold. The corresponding level will be defined for each municipality, depending on the measures it implements as prescribed by a catalogue made for the purpose which is expected to be finalized and published on 6 October.
Accordingly, these measures aim to improve the state of biodiversity in urban, open, aquatic and forest areas, on municipal territories, but also to widen the municipal offer relating to awareness, information and basic advice, as well as to help municipalities become role models and communicate their actions.
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