European Green Capital finalists (cities with populations above 100,000):
- Aalborg (Denmark)
- Bielsko-Biała (Poland)
- Košice (Slovakia)
- Porto (Portugal)
- Zaragoza (Spain).
European Green Leaf finalists (cities with 20,000 to 100,000 inhabitants):
- Benidorm (Spain)
- Chiclana de la Frontera (Spain)
- Estarreja (Portugal).
In the first stage, a panel of independent experts thoroughly assessed each application. They are seen as the exemplary cities that can inspire others with effective measures to ensure a high quality of life and lower pollution in well-governed urban spaces.
The independent experts assess applicant cities across seven environmental areas:
- Air quality
- Water management
- Biodiversity, green areas and sustainable land use
- Waste and circular economy
- Noise pollution
- Climate change mitigation
- Climate change adaptation
European Green Capital shortlisted cities
Aalborg (Denmark) has an integrated approach to climate change adaptation, embedding resilience measures in municipal and local plans. Citizen participation is key, with the city keeping them well informed and encouraging active participation. The city has a high-performing waste management system.
Bielsko-Biała (Poland) Bdemonstrates significant progress in climate change mitigation. The city put in place more than 30 bespoke actions, which have led to emission reductions from heating and buildings. The modernisation of district heating has also delivered major gains in energy efficiency. Bielsko-Biała’s features an active Energy Cluster and a city Eco-advisor.
Košice (Slovakia) engages residents in adaptation governance through targeted initiatives, while businesses contribute through water stewardship that reduces pressure on the public drinking water network. The municipality systematically embeds comprehensive air quality data in its spatial planning processes.
Porto (Portugal) scores high across all urban sustainability domains, especially in water management and climate change adaptation. Over the past decade, the city has enhanced urban water resilience and sustainability through infrastructure upgrades, ecosystem restoration, and active community engagement. Porto adopts a holistic vision to ensure that sustainability efforts mutually reinforce one another.
Zaragoza (Spain) performs strongly overall, particularly in urban biodiversity, green areas and sustainable land use. The city has implemented a Green Infrastructure Master Plan, which establishes diverse strategies to maximise and connect green components across the city.
European Green Leaf shortlisted cities
Benidorm (Spain) performs highly across urban sustainability domains and demonstrates a strong commitment to water management and climate change adaptation. The city has been able to reduce emissions while managing high levels of tourism. Benidorm actively employs green infrastructure to counter the urban heat island effect and enhance water management.
Chiclana de la Frontera (Spain) has a strong climate change mitigation framework and a clear monitoring structure, supported by a carbon footprint tool and a public energy information platform. Their “Zone of Good Emotions”, Low Emission Zone campaign, workshops on electricity bills, and the “Chiclana Sostenible” Local Energy Community are good examples of successful public participation campaigns.
Estarreja (Portugal) stands out for achievements in air quality and climate change mitigation. The city has encouraged active mobility, with more than half the number of internal trips made on foot or by public transport. Urban regeneration efforts focus on improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings and the development of green and blue spaces.
The second and final stage of the selection process will take place on 7 and 8 October, when the finalist cities will make their case to a jury through their respective environmental vision, governance and communication strategies they will deploy if their bids are successful.
The winners will be announced on 8 October at a festive award ceremony in this year’s European Green Capital, Guimarães in Portugal.
The European Green Capital winner will receive a financial award of €600,000 to implement their strategy in co-operation with citizens and stakeholders.
The European Green Leaf winner is granted a financial award of €200,000 to help organise activities during their title year and support further transformation.
