A moment of remembrance and solidarity

Europe has paused this noon. All over the continent this Wednesday, people were observing a minute’s silence for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic. “I want to thank all who joined us for this European moment of remembrance and solidarity,” said Dario Nardella, President of Eurocities and Mayor of the Italian city of Florence. One … Continue reading A moment of remembrance and solidarity

Budapest – Restart the city

Flexible start times at work and school, to avoid crowded busses and trams. Enhanced possibilities for cycling and walking in the city. Outdoor catering on closed roads for restaurants. – These are some of the proposals of Budapest’s mayor Gergely Karácsony for a gradual reopening of the city. According to him, the easing of the … Continue reading Budapest – Restart the city

Budapest – Sheltering the homeless

Budapest has increased the capacity of its social institutions by creating further space for 500 people. However, further development is needed to meet self-isolation and social distancing requirements. Therefore, one of the wings of the City Hall building – later to be used as the Budapest Gallery – is being renovated to serve as a … Continue reading Budapest – Sheltering the homeless

A Special Europe Day – Cities sing together in solidarity

“Our Europe stands for togetherness and solidarity across borders, also and especially in times of global crisis” – that’s the message of European city leaders for Europe Day on 9 May 2020. In a joint video message, mayors of 14 European cities call for solidarity and emphasise the role of cities which are working together … Continue reading A Special Europe Day – Cities sing together in solidarity

Budapest – Waiting for you

“Budapest awaits!” is the message of a music and dance video, aimed at city residents and tourists. The film, created by the Budapest Festival and Tourism Center, shows the formerly cheerful and lively, but now empty city, waiting to see life returning to the streets and public spaces. Budapest has also compiled a summary of … Continue reading Budapest – Waiting for you

Budapest – Essential masks and testing

Starting from next week all passengers on Budapest’s public transport, as well as in shops, markets, shopping centres and taxis will be required to wear masks or scarfs. Under current plans as many as 85,000 will be handed out for free. In addition the Municipality of Budapest will carry out 10,000 coronavirus tests, with the … Continue reading Budapest – Essential masks and testing

Budapest – Temporary bike lanes

The Municipality of Budapest is establishing temporary bicycle lanes on some important routes to provide residents with an alternative and safer way to work. Many people are temporarily looking for modes of transportation where they could minimise contact with others. Due to this and the drastic reduction of the price of the local bike sharing … Continue reading Budapest – Temporary bike lanes

Budapest – A message 4U

Lights from empty hotel rooms which form the message “4U!” – with this, the city of Budapest every night sends a sign of solidarity to other cities that are similarly affected by the corona crisis. The campaign from the Municipality of Budapest and the Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association aims to draw attention to the … Continue reading Budapest – A message 4U

Budapest – Public awareness campaign

The municipality of Budapest has funded a series of posters and infographics sharing public information on new modes of public behaviour. In a small, public gesture, the city’s iconic Chain Bridge is also being illuminated in white light to honour the work of doctors, healthcare workers, and those helping combat the pandemic. Read more here … Continue reading Budapest – Public awareness campaign

Budapest – Healthcare workers use public transport for free

Healthcare workers, who are able to prove their work, are now permitted to make use of all public transport service for free until the end of the emergency. Additionally, in order to protect drivers of public transport vehicles, passengers are no longer allowed to board by the front doors or sit in the first few … Continue reading Budapest – Healthcare workers use public transport for free