BACK ON THE THRONE: VIENNA CROWNED MOST LIVEABLE CITY
According to a survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Vienna emerged as the world’s most liveable city in 2023.
The Austrian capital previously held this title in 2018 and 2019, respectively. However, in 2021, the city lost its prestigious crown to New Zealand’s Auckland following the pandemic, which resulted in shutting down its famous museums and restaurants. In 2022, Vienna rebounded, reclaiming its title as the world’s most liveable city of the year. This year, Vienna has maintained this position, solidifying its place as a true urban gem.
Yesterday and today (21-22 June), the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2023) is being held in London, with the objective of mobilising international support for Ukraine's economic and social stabilisation and recovery from the effects of war.
Despite the scale of the challenge, the EU is going all in with the reconstruction of Ukraine and EU cities and regions are playing a leading role in this.
This week-end, Denmark will host an unannounced meeting with representatives of several developing countries that have not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. High representatives from the US national security will attend the meeting in Copenhagen with officials from countries including India, Brazil and South Africa. More here, with FT.
"Ukraine's regions and cities are where the dreams of post-war Ukraine will come to life. Many people think about reconstruction in terms of brick and mortar, money and contracts. It is about much, much more. Regions and cities will be the centres of innovation, opportunity, vitality and diversity for the new Ukraine. It is in their local communities that young Ukrainians start their social and political engagement and their businesses."
– Niina Ratilainen, CoR member and member of Turku City Council.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the debate surrounding its potential accession to the European Union and NATO intensifies.
While the EU has made some progress in enhancing its military capabilities, European aspirations for strategic autonomy seem far from fully achieved, as the old continent still heavily relies on the United States for security and defense matters.
The European Union has reached a critical turning point in environmental policy, by taking decisive action to bolster the protection of nature and biodiversity. This landmark shift signals a renewed commitment to conservation, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of present and future generations.
Media freedom is indisputably a cornerstone of democracy. It is thus imperative to prevent the abuse of national security claims under the EU Media Freedom Act, as this could undermine press freedom, stifling critical journalism and hindering the democratic process.
The European Commission’s proposal to review the EU’s seven-year budget, the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) has come under pressure due to rising costs and emergency needs. The Commission also wants to kickstart a European facility to finance its industrial strategy ambitions, making sure that the essential industries needed to turn the economy more digital and more climate-friendly take hold in Europe.
One of the ways to finance the increased spending needs would be to tap new revenue sources for the EU – so-called own resources. But where to take them from is a difficult discussion in itself.
The Brussels Urban Summit, marred by controversy over the issuance of visas to Iranian officials, has sent shockwaves through Belgium's political landscape. With mounting pressure on Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib and the possibility of her resignation, the government is facing a political storm that could have significant repercussions for Belgium's upcoming EU presidency.
Brussels grapples with a persistent problem of garbage collection as mounting piles of uncollected waste mar the cityscape. Urgent action is needed to address this mounting concern and restore cleanliness to the Belgian capital.
Cyclists in Brussels are nothing out of the ordinary, but anyone out and about last Saturday might have stopped to stare at a rather less usual sight as some 200 cyclists cruised the capital's streets stark naked.
The rapid advancement of AI poses both transformative opportunities and potential threats to workers across industries. While AI has the potential to enhance productivity and create new job roles, there is a looming concern of widespread job displacement and the need for workers to adapt and acquire new skills to remain relevant in an increasingly automated world.
A EUROPEAN QUEST FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES
The current COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war have highlighted the vulnerability of European economies to sudden shocks, sparking a renewed interest in regional economic resilience within the EU. These unpredictable events have indeed underscored the need for stronger local and regional economies that can adapt, withstand disruptions, and recover more effectively.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the crackdown on opposition voices has intensified, reinforcing a climate of fear and repression.
As the Parliament unveils a report on the post-World War II sterilization law, Japan faces the imperative to confront its dark historical legacy.
As the summer rays dance upon the economy, a joyous mood envelops the nation, signaling the arrival of the holiday season and a surge in economic activity. With tourists flocking to popular destinations, hotels bustling with bookings, and local businesses reaping the benefits, the summer brings not only smiles and relaxation but also a burning question:
how long will this holiday boom wave continue to propel the economy forward?
The intensifying rivalry between the United States and China poses a significant threat to global international relations, as it creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and potential conflict. While the recent meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping signals a positive step towards dialogue, President Joe Biden's characterization of Xi as a dictator reflects the underlying strain in the relationship, indicating the fragility of their interactions and the challenges ahead in managing their differences.
CULTURE AS THERAPY: HARNESSING EUROPEAN HERITAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
European countries embrace cultural interventions as a powerful tool for addressing mental health concerns, utilizing art, music, and literature to foster well-being and resilience among individuals and communities.
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Two decades’ worth of research and a pandemic have led to a boom in programmes using culture for its health benefits. A growing number of initiatives across Europe are using access to the arts as a tool to improve health and well-being alongside classic medical treatment.
Thanks to singing workshops carried out in the Danish town of Silkeborg, a group of new mothers who suffered from postpartum depression reported feeling closer to their newborns, calmer and more optimistic after taking part in weekly singing sessions designed to improve their mental health.
Similar results were also observed in groups also participating in the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Music for Motherhood project in four other cities in Italy and Romania.
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