The Commission announced today the cities that are finalists for the awards “European Green Capital” and “European Green Leaf”. The awards recognize outstanding efforts by cities to improve the living environment for their citizens and launch transformational activities aimed at the green transition. The three cities that are finalists for the “European Green Capital 2025” Award they are Graz (Austria), Guimaraes (Portugal) and Vilnius (Lithuania).

The Green Capital Award rewards local efforts to improve the environment and, consequently, the economy and quality of life in cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The award is given annually to a city that promotes an environmentally friendly urban life. In addition, two cities, Treviso (Italy) and Villadecans (Spain), were selected as frontrunners for the European Green Leaf 2025 Award, which highlights the sustainable development efforts of small cities (20,000-99,999 inhabitants).

THE Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Mr. Virginios Sinkevitsous he said: “As most Europeans live in urban areas, the importance of cities is fundamental in tackling the triple crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Today, we honor these five exemplary European cities, which have already decided to put words into action. These pioneer cities show how a city can be sustainable, ensuring a better quality of life for its citizens, while creating space for biodiversity and strengthening its resilience to the effects of climate change.”

The finalists announced today for the European Green Capital and European Green Leaf awards were selected based on 7 environmental indicators. In October, the jury will consider the full environmental vision and governance of these cities, as well as the communication strategy they will follow if they win. The winning cities will be announced on 5 October 2023 at the awards ceremony to be held in this year’s European Green Capital, Tallinn, Estonia.

George Fellidis