The European Commission has officially opened applications for the prestigious 2028 European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards. These accolades recognize cities dedicated to environmental innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. With over two-thirds of Europeans living in urban areas, cities are at the forefront of addressing today's critical climate, pollution, and biodiversity issues.

Eligible cities can now take this golden opportunity to lead by example and pioneer solutions for a greener future. Larger cities with populations exceeding 100,000 can apply for the European Green Capital Award, while towns and cities with at least 20,000 residents qualify for the European Green Leaf Award, which honors up to two winners annually.

Applications are open from 8 December 2025 and close on 1 April 2026. Winning cities stand to receive financial rewards—EUR 600,000 for the Green Capital Award and EUR 200,000 for each Green Leaf Award—supporting impactful environmental initiatives throughout their title year.

To aid in the application process, the European Commission hosts an annual Applicant City Workshop, typically held in February, offering expert guidance and insights from past winners. Following the application submission, cities will receive personalized feedback from independent experts, with finalists announced in July 2026. These finalists will present their visions to a distinguished jury, with winners revealed in October 2026 at an awards ceremony in Guimarães, Portugal.

Don't miss out on this transformative opportunity to elevate your city as a beacon of sustainable tourism and innovation. For complete details, visit the European Green Capital and Green Leaf website.

#Sustainable tourism #Eco-friendly accommodations #Climate action #Sustainable destinations #Resource efficiency #Community engagement