Green Cities Newsletter September 2025

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In this issue European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards   Green City Accord   Brussels bubble   Open Calls   Upcoming Events   Past events

European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards

Seven finalists on the run up to be European Green Capital and Green Leaf in 2027 Seven cities have been named finalists for the 2027 European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards, celebrating their leadership in tackling climate change, pollution, circular economy and biodiversity loss. Competing for the European Green Capital title are Debrecen (Hungary), Heilbronn (Germany) and Klagenfurt (Austria), each recognised for innovative initiatives ranging from expanding green spaces and waste circularity to advanced water treatment and citizen-driven urban planning. In the European Green Leaf category for smaller cities, Assen (Netherlands), Benidorm (Spain), Saint-Quentin (France) and Siena (Italy) impressed with strong progress in areas such as air quality, recycling and climate adaptation. The winners will be announced on 2 October 2025 and will gain financial support to implement their sustainability strategies, while also attracting international attention, investment and civic pride, thereby setting powerful examples for greener urban futures.   permalink Main URL   more   Renewed visual identity for the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards The European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards introduce refreshed visual identities. The new logos, updating and simplifying the traditional ones, will be officially presented during the awards ceremony in Vilnius on 2 October 2025, marking a new chapter in celebrating Europe’s greenest cities.   permalink Main URL   more   Guimarães celebrated as 2026 European Green Capital during EU Green Week In a ceremony part of a decentralised event of the EU Green Week, Guimarães Mayor Domingos Bragança signed a letter of intent alongside the European Commission, naming the city the 2026 European Green Capital and reaffirming its pledge to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Central to this vision is the planned Capital Verde Europeia 2026 Sustainability Hub, a EUR 15 million investment set to drive research, innovation and community engagement in sustainability. The event showcased the city’s commitment through educational activities, expert talks and cultural performances, capped by an eco-friendly fireworks display. The event also marked the first meeting of the European Green Capital 2026 honorary committee, uniting leaders from across Europe to support Guimarães in shaping its green legacy.   permalink Main URL   more   Vilnius' summer full of green activities As the 2025 European Green Capital, Vilnius is turning sustainability into a shared summer mission for its citizens. From speaking at the Urban Future Conference in Poland to inspecting and preserving its 500 000-strong tree canopy, the city is blending global leadership with local action. Schools and kindergartens are embracing outdoor classrooms, while residents are engaging through events on sustainable fashion, the Green Vilnius photo competition, and wellness initiatives, such as meditation on a trolleybus. With community participation at its core, Vilnius is not only greening its neighbourhoods and heritage buildings but also empowering citizens of all ages to shape a healthier, more sustainable city.   permalink Main URL   more   Building a new Treviso: students use Minecraft for urban innovation As part of its activities as European Green Leaf city, Treviso launched 'Schools Reinventing Treviso', an ambitious project that empowered students to redesign their city with the help of the sandbox video game Minecraft® education. Bringing together seven schools, 26 teachers and over 430 students, the initiative combined lessons, workshops and digital collaboration to tackle real environmental challenges. From November 2024 to April 2025, students created 104 innovative proposals, with 10 awarded and 13 receiving special mentions for creativity and vision. Their ideas were celebrated at a lively award ceremony and further developed at the 'H-ack Kids' hackathon, where young teams refined concepts with expert mentors.   permalink Main URL   more   Discover inspiring stories from Vilnius' citizens What is it like to live in a European Green Capital? The Citizen Diaries series showcases residents driving Vilnius’ sustainability journey. Meet Rugilė Matusevičiūtė, a Lithuanian sustainability advocate and EU Climate Pact Ambassador who is reshaping how people engage with climate action through content creation. Alongside her, Goda Sosnovskienė and Agnė Gaisrė, co-founders of a restaurant, educational garden and civic hub where residents come together to lead sustainable activities. These inspiring stories show how individual creativity and community spirit can empower sustainability.   permalink Main URL   more

Green City Accord

Non-EU cities are now eligible to sign the Green City Accord The Green City Accord is widening its reach by introducing a new 'associated city' status, opening the door for non-EU cities to join its mission of building cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments. Eligible cities include those in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, as well as EU candidate and potential candidate countries, such as Albania, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. By committing to the accord’s five key areas (air, water, biodiversity, circular economy and noise), these cities will formally align with EU sustainability goals while sharing best practices with existing signatories. This expansion strengthens Europe-wide collaboration, supports environmental alignment in partner countries and creates fresh opportunities for innovation, investment and regional cooperation on sustainable urban development.   permalink Main URL   more   Dive into good practices of signatory cities of the Green City Accord Across Europe, Green City Accord signatories are proving that local action can drive big change. From innovative policies to hands-on community projects, these cities are transforming ambition into tangible progress in the accord’s five focus areas: clean air, clean water, nature and biodiversity, circular economy and waste management, and noise reduction. Each story highlights how municipalities are tackling unique urban challenges with tailored solutions, making their cities greener, healthier and more liveable for everyone. These good practices not only inspire other communities to act but also demonstrate how collective efforts are shaping a more sustainable urban future. GCA signatory cities willing to showcase more good practices are invited to contact the Secretariat.   permalink Main URL   more

Brussels bubble

The 2028-2034 EU budget for a stronger Europe and for sustainable urban development The European Commission has unveiled its proposed 2028–2034 EU budget, totalling nearly EUR 2 trillion, with 35% earmarked for climate and environment, contributing to environmental goals including water resilience, circular economy and sustainable urban development. This proposal of long-term budget known as Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will now go under discussion by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.   See also The 2028-2034 EU budget for a stronger E...   more   Call for evidence - Bring your ideas to the New European Bauhaus! On 19 September, the European Commission has published the Call for Evidence on the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative. The NEB aims at creating beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive living spaces that connect the European Green Deal to our daily lives. The Commission invites cities to provide feedback on how to strengthen the uptake of NEB values and principles in neighbourhood regeneration and urban planning, increase bottom-up participation, and solidify learning networks to further share knowledge and innovative solutions. Contributions can be submitted until 17 October.   permalink Main URL   more   Public consultation on the EU Circular Economy Act On 1 August, the European Commission launched a public consultation and call for evidence on the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act, due in 2026. The act aims to boost the EU’s resilience, competitiveness and decarbonisation by creating a single market for secondary raw materials, increasing high-quality recycling and stimulating demand. Open until 6 November 2025, the consultation invites stakeholders via the Have Your Say portal to help shape legislation aligned with EU priorities, such as the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal.   permalink Main URL   more   Roadmap towards nature credits The European Commission has unveiled a new Roadmap towards Nature Credits, a market-based tool to attract private investment in nature-positive actions such as wetland restoration and forest expansion. Nature credits aim to reward businesses, farmers, landowners and local communities for protecting biodiversity while creating economic value. Supported by clear certification standards and stakeholder input, this initiative complements EU funding and contributes to the bloc’s broader competitiveness and climate goals. With pilot projects already underway, the Commission invites stakeholders to shape this emerging market and help close the biodiversity investment gap.   permalink Main URL   more   EEA reports on air pollution and environmental noise in Europe Two new reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlight ongoing challenges on air quality and noise pollution in Europe. The EEA’s latest Air Pollution Assessment shows continued progress in reducing emissions of key pollutants, like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, but ammonia emissions, mainly from agriculture, remain a persistent issue. While 19 Member States met their 2020-2029 targets, the path to 2030 remains steep. Meanwhile, the report Environmental Noise in Europe 2025 finds that over 20% of Europeans are still exposed to harmful noise levels, mostly from road traffic, with long-term impacts ranging from cardiovascular disease to childhood learning difficulties. Both reports call for urgent, coordinated efforts. On 29 September, the EEA will publish its 5-year flagship report 'Europe's Environment 2025'. Stay tuned!   permalink Main URL See also Press release - More than 20% of Europea...   more

Open Calls

Call to join the UAEU partnership on Compact Cities Applications are now open for the new Compact Cities Thematic Partnership under the Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU), aiming to promote sustainable urban planning and tackle urban sprawl across Europe. The partnership will bring together local authorities, Member States, civil society and experts to co-create solutions that foster dense, efficient and inclusive cities through better land use, mobility and urban regeneration. Endorsed by the Directors-General on Urban Matters, the initiative aligns with key EU priorities, such as the Nature Restoration Law, the European Urban Initiative and the New European Bauhaus. Interested stakeholders have until 1 October 2025 at 14:00 CEST to apply.   more     NEB initiative - Calls for proposals open till 12 November The New European Bauhaus (NEB) call for proposals is now open, with deadlines approaching quickly. With over EUR 120 million in funding available across 14 open Horizon and LIFE calls, the NEB initiative invites projects that reimagine neighbourhoods, housing, construction and public space through sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics. From regenerative design and bio-based materials to social entrepreneurship and adaptive architecture, these calls are an opportunity to shape greener, more beautiful living environments. Most calls are open until 12 November 2025, with a few closing earlier.   more     NEB festival – Call to showcase cultural activities and satellite events The Festival of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) returns to Brussels on 9-13 June 2026. The European Commission is calling on artists, designers, project leaders, local communities and cultural organisers to get involved showcasing a project in the fair, performing at the festival or hosting a satellite event. The festival will explore themes like democratic engagement and affordable housing and blend exhibitions, discussions, performances and creative installations. Selected participants may be eligible for travel and accommodation support. Applications are open until 30 September 2025 for fair and festival contributions, and 31 December 2025 for satellite events. European Green Capital and Green Leaf cities and signatories of the Green City Accord applying are invited to inform the Secretariat.   more     Digital Europe call on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for public administrations open till 2 October Is your city interested in AI for sustainability? The European Commission has extended the deadline to 2 October 2025 for its EUR 21 million 'GenAI for Public Administrations' call under the 2025-2027 Digital Europe Programme. The call will fund up to four pilot projects (EUR 5-7 million each) that introduce scalable, trustworthy GenAI solutions into public administration, helping to enhance decision-making, optimise internal processes, improve accessibility, and simplify bureaucratic procedures. Through a series of Info Days and matchmaking events, stakeholders have been pitching use cases, connecting via the B2Match platform and shaping consortia. Interested applicants are encouraged to use the extra time and available networking tools to strengthen proposals. The recordings, slides and FAQs are available on the EU funding and tenders portal, and a dedicated survey remains open to inform further support measures.   more     Call to become a European Climate Pact Ambassador Encourage your citizens to become European Climate Pact Ambassadors! The European Climate Pact is looking for new ambassadors ready to lead by example, inspire climate action and support the green transition in their communities. Ambassadors gain access to a vibrant EU-wide network, communication toolkits, visibility opportunities and capacity-building events. If you’re passionate about sustainability and eager to make an impact, become an ambassador or join as a Friend of the Pact to start engaging today. Applications are open until 15 October.   more

Upcoming Events

25 September – Shaping cities together: co-creating the quality of life in Velenje Velenje (Slovenia), European Green Leaf 2024, once designed as a 'city in a park' for coal miners, is now at a crossroads as it transitions beyond coal. The conference 'Mesta po meri ljudi: s sodelovanjem do boljše kakovosti življenja' explores how cities like Velenje can preserve and enhance the quality of life during this transformation. Key topics include housing, energy supply, green public infrastructure and public participation. With Velenje’s walkable scale, abundant greenery and strong community identity, the event invites discussion on how thoughtful urban planning and inclusive decision-making can guide cities toward a more sustainable and liveable future.   more     30 September - 2 October – Urban Mobility Days in Vilnius Vilnius, the 2025 European Green Capital, will host the EU Urban Mobility Days 2025 (UMD) from 30 September to 2 October, bringing together policymakers, cities, researchers, NGOs and mobility practitioners to shape the future of urban transport in Europe. As the European Commission’s flagship urban mobility policy conference, UMD offers a unique platform for debate, networking and exchange on the latest in sustainable urban mobility. This year’s edition will link mobility to EU priorities on prosperity, competitiveness and social cohesion, with daily themes focusing on urban nodes, cycling and public transport, and cross-cutting insights into innovation, tourism and economic resilience.   more     10 October – Webinar on EU Ecolabel for green public procurers Join the live webinar 'Why should public procurers choose EU ecolabel certified products?' and discover how green public procurement (GPP) can be a powerful tool for advancing the EU’s sustainability goals. With over 100 000 certified products available, the EU Ecolabel offers science-based, reliable solutions to simplify GPP. The event will feature policy insights, expert panels, real-life case studies from public authorities and a practical session on integrating EU Ecolabel criteria into tendering. Co-organised by the European Commission, Ecolabelling Sweden, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) this webinar is a must for those looking to make GPP a driver of green innovation and the circular economy.   more     13-15 October – European Week of Regions and Cities Registrations are open for the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025, taking place in Brussels from 13 to 15 October. This year’s edition focuses on 'The Right to Stay', spotlighting how regions can empower people to thrive locally. Cities across Europe are also taking part, sharing experiences and strategies in workshops and policy dialogues. The European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards will have a stand at the JDE Building Atrium 6 – come visit and discover how cities across Europe are leading the way in urban sustainability! Representatives of European Green Capitals and Green Leaf cities attending the events are invited to inform the EGC Secretariat.   more     16 October – EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2025 The EU Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2025 will bring together mayors, regional leaders and EU decision-makers to spotlight the vital role of local governments in delivering Europe’s climate, energy and resilience goals. Set against the backdrop of new EU policy priorities, the event will feature high-level speakers including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and CoR President Kata Tüttő, as well as speakers from Mechelen (European Green Leaf 2020), Lappeenranta and Gabrovo (both European Green Leaf cities 2021). The Ceremony will also honour the 2025 Covenant of Mayors Award winners for their pioneering work in clean decarbonised local heating and cooling systems.   See also Registration   more   23-24 October – European Business and Nature Summit 2025 The European Business & Nature Summit 2025 will take place in Helsinki on 23–24 October, bringing together business leaders, financial institutions and policymakers to accelerate the integration of nature and biodiversity into corporate strategies. Organised by the EU Business & Biodiversity Platform and co-hosted by Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, this flagship event is a must-attend for those driving the shift towards a nature-positive economy. Visit the event site and register for online participation.   more     4-6 November – 'EU for resilient green cities' at the Smart City Expo World Congress The European Commission organises a joint presence of 26 European and international urban initiatives and projects under the heading “EU for resilient green cities” at this year’s Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), again showcasing Europe’s commitment to resilient, inclusive, and smart urban transformation. The European Green Capital and Green Leaf awards will share the European Commission's dedicated space with other EU initiatives for cities. Will your city participate? Cities members of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf network and signatories of the Green City Accord, intending to attend the SCEWC are invited to inform the Secretariat.   See also Smart City Expo   more   1-2 December – 5th EU Clean Air Forum Registrations are now open for the Fifth EU Clean Air Forum, taking place from 1-2 December 2025 in Bonn hosted by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). This flagship event of the European Commission will focus on the future of air quality policy in the context of the ongoing evaluation of the National Emissions Ceilings Directive and the transposition of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive. Sessions will explore themes such as Earth observation, AI for air quality analysis, innovation in clean air technologies, regional action, and effective communication around health and air pollution. Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape Europe’s clean air future — register now to secure your spot!   more     2-4 December – CONAMA Local 2025 in Viladecans Viladecans will host the local edition of the Spanish Congreso Nacional de Medio Ambiente - CONAMA Local from 2-4 December, marking the 17th edition of this flagship local sustainability forum, the most important in Spanish language and one of the biggest and more prestigious in Europe. Organised by Fundación Conama, the Province of Barcelona and the City of Viladecans and hosted for the first time in a non-provincial capital, this year’s event celebrates Viladecans’ recognition as European Green Leaf 2025, shared with Treviso. The city, known for its commitment to climate neutrality, urban renaturalisation and citizen participation, will welcome more than 1500 local authorities, experts and organisations to exchange on key topics such as decarbonisation, climate adaptation, urban mobility, and circular economy.   more

Past events

Cities' Mission Conference in Vilnius – Wrap-up available Revisit the EU Cities Mission Conference 2025 in Vilnius! Over 900 participants gathered in the Lithuanian capital on 6-8 May to celebrate climate leadership, share local successes and deepen collaboration across Europe’s Mission Cities. From 39 new Mission Labels to powerful calls for stronger EU-level support and innovative financing, the event showcased the momentum building toward climate neutrality. Inspiring stories of citizen engagement, sustainable travel and cross-city partnerships filled three packed days. Explore the highlights, learn about the sessions and take away the key lessons shaping Europe’s climate future   more

If you have any questions on the Awards, please contact the Secretariat: info@europeangreencapital.eu The European Commission is committed to personal data protection. Any personal data is processed in line with the Regulation (EU) 2018/1725. Please read the privacy statement.