As Greece anticipates a record year for tourism, the health ministry moves to clamp down on fraudulent bedbug evacuation notices at tourist accommodation. Greece's health ministry is teaming up with the police to stop a fake warning that has scared foreign tourists in Athens. Fake signs with logos from the authorities have been put up outside apartment buildings in the city centre, … [Read more...]
Flowery bikes, eco-living and diversity: Amsterdam paints a new vision of the city for tourists
Amsterdam is softening its ‘stay away’ messaging - but it still wants to deter rowdy visitors. Amsterdam has desperately been trying to shake off its ‘party capital’ image - with limited success.After its 2023 campaign urging drunken British tourists to ‘stay away’ failed, the city is trialling a softer approach.Hoping to attract “a different type of visitor”, according to a press release from … [Read more...]
Where in Europe speaks the best English and where will Anglophones struggle?
Some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations are the least proficient in English. Moving to a new country can be daunting, especially if you don’t speak the language.With English being the world’s most common second language, it’s often the de facto fallback while you’re still learning the local tongue.So where in Europe will you be best understood - and in which countries do you need … [Read more...]
Munich airport tells passengers to stay at home as flights cancelled due to heavy snow
The airport says they don't know when flights will resume. This story will be updatedFlight chaos continues at Germany's second busiest hub Munich Airport with most flights cancelled.The airport has issued a warning to passengers: if you haven't had confirmation that your flight is going, stay at home.Heavy snowfall hit Southern Germany on Saturday, leading to the airport temporarily … [Read more...]
Not just Pisa: Famous Italian city is crowdfunding to stop its leaning tower from falling over
The mediaeval Garisenda Tower is one of the Italian city's most iconic landmarks - and leans as much as its more famous counterpart in Pisa. A tower in the Italian city of Bologna that is less known than its Pisa counterpart - but leans equally as much - has been sealed off, with authorities saying it’s at high risk of collapse.Constructions have begun on a 5 metre (16ft) high barrier around … [Read more...]
Inca trails and lush rainforests: This South American country is introducing a digital nomad visa
Want to move to Peru? Its new digital nomad visa gives plenty of time to explore its natural wonders. Peru has announced plans to introduce a digital nomad visa. It will enable remote workers to stay in the country for 365 days, with the possibility to extend.Currently, EU citizens can travel to Peru on a 183-day tourist visa.The goal of the new scheme is to attract international professionals … [Read more...]
Forget cramped rooms and shared bathrooms, Europe’s hostels have had an upgrade
Some hostels are seeing 300% more bookings than in 2021. Once a niche market for frugal backpackers, hostels are becoming a popular form of alternative lodging. No longer just rows of bunk beds, many hostels now offer private rooms and luxury features like rooftop pools and spas.Take the Selina Boquete hostel in Panama. Guests are served a welcome drink. While there's a shared option called a … [Read more...]
Renewables welcome electricity integration plan, seek more details
Action Plan released by the European Commission puts the spotlight on electricity distributors while environmental watchdog regrets lack of initiatives to reduce energy demand. Renewable energy sector players have welcomed the European Commission’s Action Plan tabled this week (28 November) designed to upgrade grids, but said it lacks detail and guidance on how to effectively deliver … [Read more...]
Denmark withdraws 1,000-crown note from circulation
The Scandinavian nation is set to remove the note, its largest denomination, as legal tender in 18 months time. Denmark, where cash is seldom used, is set to withdraw 1,000 crown (approximately €134) notes, its largest denomination, from circulation by May 2025.“With the evolution of Danes' payment habits, the 1,000 crown note is no longer necessary," Christian Kettel Thomsen, the director of … [Read more...]
Making money on defence stocks: Is it ethical to cash in on the boom?
When the war in Ukraine began almost two years ago demand for weapons in Europe skyrocketed, taking arms companies’ shares along with it. Experts expect the market to continue to grow for at least the next five years. Here’s why. With the Ukraine-Russia war continuing and the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifying, it doesn't look like the guns will be laid down any time … [Read more...]
Do you use screens often? You’re probably at risk of 'cybersickness'. Here’s what to know
From motion sickness to eye strain, electronic devices can have serious effects on our health. How do we prevent them? Do you use screens and often have red eyes, nausea or a pulsing headache? If that sounds familiar, you might be suffering from something known as "cybersickness".As well as these initial signs, there is a broad range of conditions that are believed to be induced by heavy … [Read more...]
EU car sector calls for fewer regulations, better industrial strategy
The European car industry wants the continent's policymakers to come up with a better industrial strategy as well as a reduction in the pace of new regulations over the next five years, according to the CEO of Renault. Luca de Meo, who is also president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), told Euronews that if this is not done, then the sector will find … [Read more...]
ChatGPT turns one: The birthday threatening culture and creativity
2023 has seen some of the biggest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. The readily available ChatGPT is leading the charge. A year after its launch, what has been its impact on culture and the creative world? And should artists be afraid? ChatGPT is one year old today.Launched on 30 November 2022, the artificial intelligence tool properly entered public consciousness this year, and took … [Read more...]
French banks ploughing billions into green and sustainable loans
French banks have doubled the amount of green and sustainable loans given out in 2022, reaching a total of €216 billion, as announced by the Banque Populaire Caisses d'épargne (BPCE) Chairman Nicolas Namias. As the 28th climate conference unfolds in Dubai, the spotlight is on France's commendable strides in sustainable finance. Nicolas Namias, Chairman of the French banking group BPCE … [Read more...]
Meta's ad-free subscription service breaches EU law, consumer groups say
Consumer groups say Meta's ad-free service, starting at €9.99 per month, is "an unfair choice for users". Source: euronews.com … [Read more...]
Hamas claims responsibility for deadly Jerusalem shooting
Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu said his government would distribute more guns to Israeli citizens, following the attack by Palestinian militants. Hamas has claimed responsibility for a gun attack in Jerusalem that killed three people and left eight others wounded. The Palestinian militant group called for an "escalation of resistance against Israel." Two brothers from East … [Read more...]
The Pogues lead singer Shane MacGowan, known for 'Fairytale Of New York', dies aged 65
The charismatic folk hero and frontman of The Pogues will always be remembered for his timeless Christmas classic "Fairytale Of New York", featuring the late Kirsty MacColl. Shane MacGowan, a legendary figure of Irish folk and punk music, and the iconic lead singer of The Pogues, has passed away at the age of 65. The news comes following MacGowan's ill-health and a recent … [Read more...]
France's government ministers to ditch using WhatsApp for French app Olvid over security fears
The French government is switching out common instant messaging apps with French alternatives in order to tighen up security. French ministers are being advised to stop using WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal in favour of French messaging applications.Olvid is an encrypted instant messaging app developed by French cybersecurity experts, with both messages and metadata encrypted.The prime … [Read more...]
Euro area inflation slowdown brings ECB's 2% target back into focus
Inflation in the euro area has taken a significant dip, reaching its lowest level in over two years. Euronews Business breaks down the latest figures. The latest data from Eurostat reveals that the inflation rate in the euro area, or eurozone, declined to 2.4% year-on-year (y/y) in November 2023, down from a 2.9% annual rate in October 2023. This slowdown in inflation brings the European … [Read more...]
Disney CEO Bob Iger to quit in 2026 – again
Iger announced his design to resign for a second time, amid a conversation about Marvel's box office woes. Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger has announced he will step down in 2026. When his current contract ends, the top executive of the media conglomerate will leave the role for a second time, after he returned to the company in 2022.The 72-year-old Iger became the president of ABC in 1994 and … [Read more...]