European Green Capital Award 2026
The Challenge
It is an annual European competition that recognises and rewards cities for outstanding urban environmental performance and sustainable development, encouraging local authorities to improve the quality of life for their citizens and reduce their environmental impact in line with EU policies like the European Green Deal and Zero Pollution Action Plan.
Who can apply?
- European Green Capital Award: cities in EU Member States and third countries associated with the LIFE programme with more than 100,000 inhabitants.
- European Green Leaf Award (smaller cities): towns/cities with 20,000-100,000 inhabitants under the same eligibility conditions.
- Cities from EEA countries can also apply (but prize money is only awarded to those associated with LIFE at the closing date of the call).
- Past winners cannot re‑apply for the same title.
Applications must be submitted via an online portal during the open call period
Background
The Award was initiated in 2006 by a group of European cities and formally launched by the European Commission in 2008 to recognise cities demonstrating leadership in environmentally friendly urban living.
The European Green Leaf Award was introduced in 2015 to recognise smaller cities.
It aims to inspire other urban areas to adopt ambitious sustainability strategies by showcasing best practices and fostering a network of green leading cities.
