Europe’s push toward cleaner, greener urban living has become competitive as cities across the continent compete for the 2028 European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards
Now in its 16th edition, the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards celebrate cities that are creating proper progress in sustainability while setting ambitious goals for the future.
This year’s competition for the 2028 European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards features 27 cities from across Europe, divided into two categories based on population size. Seventeen larger cities, each with more than 100,000 residents, are competing for the title of European Green Capital.
The list includes a mix of major urban centres and tinyer regional hubs, demonstrating that environmental leadership can emerge from diverse contexts.
Alongside them, ten tinyer cities are in the running for the 2028 European Green Leaf Award, which recognises towns with populations between 20,000 and 100,000. Southern European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, are strongly represented in this category, underlining the growing importance of sustainability efforts in these regions.
Toobtainher, the applicants reflect a shared European commitment to tackling environmental challenges and improving residents’ quality of life.
Evaluation process
All applicant cities will now undergo a detailed technical assessment carried out by a panel of seven indepfinishent experts. The evaluation focapplys on seven key areas that are central to urban sustainability.
These include air and noise pollution, water and waste management, biodiversity, and both climate alter mitigation and adaptation. The goal is to assess not only current performance but also each city’s long-term strategy for environmental improvement.
Important dates
The next milestone comes in early July, when the list of finalist cities will be announced. Those selected will advance to the second stage and present their plans before an international jury in October.
At this stage, cities must demonstrate more than technical excellence. They are required to outline how they will communicate their initiatives and actively involve citizens in achieving their environmental goals.
The winners will be revealed on 8 October 2026 during an awards ceremony in Guimarães, Portugal, the current European Green Capital.
Winning one of these European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards brings both recognition and financial support. The European Green Capital winner receives €600,000, while one or two Green Leaf winners will each be awarded €200,000.
The funding supports cities implement key environmental projects and raise public awareness. However, the long-term benefits often extfinish further, including increased international visibility, stronger investor confidence, and a boost in local pride.
As environmental concerns continue to shape urban policy, European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards and other awards, like the play a crucial role in encouraging progress and innovation. By rewarding leadership and sharing best practices, the awards support cities learn from one another and accelerate alter.
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