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The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
The cross pinnacle on the Tower of Jesus Christ will be ready to receive visitors in 2026 on the centennial of Gaudi’s death
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
Steffen Romstöck said that he would respect the residents’ choice and would take over the helm of the municipality, even if he didn’t run
The measure, which will come into force from 1 January 2025, will be partial and temporary…for now
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
But operating them is still illegal under the country’s legislation
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
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
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Plus, it has a unique modular design that allows it to be shortened and lengthened like a train
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
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
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Following a decisive vote in parliament, the current 30 municipalities will be slimmed down to 20 and will acquire administrative and financial autonomy
In a marathon session on 3 March, involving the passage of three new bills and 60 amendments to existing laws, the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus finally gave the decisive push to the long-delayed reform of local government which aims to bail out the generally bankrupt sector.
The Republic of Cyprus is divided into six districts, 30 municipalities in urban areas, and 350 communities in rural areas (not counting the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island). These are run by councils which can raise revenues through local taxes and fees but are also entitled to annual and project-based government grants.
The breakthrough legislation of last week slashes the number of municipalities to 20 from the current 30, through restructuring and mergers, which involve communities as well.
According to Cypriot media, the new laws guarantee the administrative and financial autonomy of municipalities to make them economically viable; empower local councils to pool resources for communal services such as garbage collection, public transport and street cleaning; and allow for the creation of district clusters to run services including water supply and waste management.
The plan to restructure the debt-ridden local authority sector, so as to achieve economies of scale and make communal services cost-effective, has been the focus of a heated all-party debate for the last 10 years. And while a consensus has been reached across the political spectrum that the reform is long overdue, resentment has been building on the local level, with many municipalities rejecting merger, or voicing their own preferences of merging partners.
Another apple of discord has been whether each municipality should vote for its future status in a referendum, or a nationwide referendum involving all affected municipalities and communities should be held instead.
The new administrative system is due to take effect in 2024. To ensure that local councils will have enough time to roll out the reform, parliament has postponed local government elections, due last autumn, to May 2024.
The Cypriot government has pledged to the European Commission to implement the reform by May 2024, a date coinciding with the European Parliament election. Stakes are high, as the EU has set the reform’s progress as one of the conditions Cyprus must meet to receive funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Under the new administrative arrangement, Nicosia district will have five municipalities: Nicosia (Ayios Dometios, Engomi and Aglandjia), Lakatamia (Lakatamia and Tseri plus Anthoupoli), Latsia-Geri, South Nicosia-Dali, and Strovolos.
Limassol district will have four municipalities: Limassol (Limassol and Mesa Yitonia), East Limassol, Polemidia, and Western Limassol.
The four municipalities of Paphos district will be: Paphos; Eastern Paphos; Western Paphos; and Polis Chrysochous.
Larnaca district will have five new municipalities: Larnaca, Aradippou, Dromolaxia-Meneou, Lefkara, and Athienou.
And lastly, Famagusta district will have two municipalities: Ayia Napa (Ayia Napa-Sotira); and Paralimni-Dherynia.
Map of Cyprus’ districts.
Kyrenia lies in the occupied part of the island and is not subject to reform.
Source: Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported
The reform’s passage in parliament has been met with a discordant chorus of response ranging from applause to disappointment and even rage. The presidency hailed the development as a legacy for the future generations that will bring significant savings of money and other resources, while offering better quality services to the public.
Brushing aside “individual weaknesses” of the legislation, the Union of Cyprus Municipalities praised the vote as “the most important effort to modernise the model of administration since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.” The organization pointed out in a statement that consultations on the reform plan were based on the European Charter of Local Government, recommendations of the Council of Europe, and experts in service quality improvement.
The mayor of Nicosia Constantinos Yiorkadjis also welcomed the outcome of the vote, expressing disappointment that Strovolos Municipality was not incorporated into the new Nicosia Municipality, despite a plea by both mayors.
Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos took a defiant stand, criticizing the reform for allegedly running contrary to the public interest.
“The political crimes that were orchestrated by five specific political figures as regards local government reform will accompany us for decades,” he said, as quoted by the Cyprus Mail, without mentioning names.
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
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