Heilbronn in Germany is set to be the European Green Capital for 2027.
The city, which is located in Baden-Württemberg around a 40-minute train journey from Stuttgart, was chosen due to its work to reduce noise, climate and air pollution, and for placing citizen engagement at the centre of its planning.
Announced at an event in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius, the current European Green Capital, two cities were also handed European Green Leaf Awards: Assen in the Netherlands and Siena in Italy.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said of the news, “The European Green Capital and European Green Leaf awards, each year, recognise cities that strive to be at the forefront of urban and environmental sustainability. Cities that – simply put – lead by example.
“I am delighted to congratulate Heilbronn, Assen and Siena for having been awarded these titles for 2027. This is both a recognition and responsibility – you are our new ambassadors of the green transition.”
The European Commission launched these awards in 2010 in a bid to encourage cities to become greener and cleaner, with destinations evaluated in several areas including biodiversity, climate neutrality and circular economy action plans. The European Green Leaf Award recognises the efforts of smaller towns and cities of between 20,000 and 100,000 inhabitants.
Heilbronn will receive €600,000, while both Assen and Siena will receive €200,000 each. The money will be put towards implementing sustainability projects.
Next year’s European Green Capital is Guimarães in Portugal.
More information: environment.ec.europa.eu
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