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 logic of the authorities follows the principle “far from the eyes, far from the heart” when it comes to reducing smoking rates nationally
Belgium's Federal Public Health Service (FPS) announced that starting on 1 April 2025 all shops in the country will not be allowed to openly display the tobacco products they are selling. This means not only hiding brand logos but also the actual products as well. The aim of the restriction is to curb smoking rates in the country by making the availability of smoking products less visible.
The measure was initially supposed to enter into force on 1 January but has been delayed by three months. The ban on displays will apply to the whole range of tobacco and smoking-related products. These include cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, filters and cigarette papers, among others.
In addition, already this year, the Belgian government has increased the price of cigarettes through taxation, plus it promised to increase the number of public places where smoking will be banned.
The ban applies to all retailers in Belgium, but not to wholesalers. Failing to comply with the restriction can mean a risk of imprisonment for one year and a fine between 2,000 and 800,000 euros!
VapeBel, the federation of vape retailers and distributors in Belgium, says it is disappointed, according to Belga news agency. The federation says that specialist stores play a role in effective age verification and in informing adult smokers about vape products as smoking cessation aids.
VapeBel is calling for an exception for specialist stores - something that is also recommended by Belgium’s Superior Health Council.
This, however, doesn’t seem to be the approach of the federal government which wants to make tobacco products virtually invisible to the public.
Regarding the question of how customers would then know what tobacco products the shop offers, the authorities have indicated that retailers should compile price lists of the products including the names and brands. However, these price lists cannot include any brand logos.
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
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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
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