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EU Urban Mobility Observatory
  • News article
  • 24 January 2025
  • 1 min read

Opening Ceremony of Vilnius as European Green Capital 2025 and Networking Meeting

As a new year starts, Vilnius (LT) is getting ready to take on the European Green Capital title. On January 22-23, the Lithuanian capital hosted its opening ceremony that gathered members of the European Green Capital Network, politicians, and environmental experts.

On January 22, Vilnius’s mayor, Valdas Benkuskas, presented the city’s sustainable commitments and kicked off the festivities. The day featured sessions on urban resilience with contributions from high-level politicians.

On January 23, members from the European Green Capital Network were invited to share key ideas that can foster collaboration and best practices in addressing future challenges together. The main objective was to welcome new members – Guimarães (PT) as the European Green Capital 2026, as well as Águeda (PT) and Vaasa (FI) as European Green Leaf 2026 –  and to share practical knowledge on repurposing and reusing existing urban infrastructure. The discussion tied with the New European Bauhaus initiative.

This ceremony marked a great occasion to celebrate Vilnius’ inaugural event as the European Green Capital 2025, acknowledged the new winners for 2026, and brought together all members of the network.

Watch the recording of the whole ceremony.

The European Green Capital Awards, launched by the European Commission in 2008, aim to reward and recognise the sustainability efforts and commitments of European cities . The European Green Capital is awarded to cities with over 100 000 inhabitants, while the European Green Leaf is designated for smaller cities with at least 20 000 residents. These accolades celebrate and promote local efforts toward achieving a greener and more sustainable future. Winning cities  engage their citizens in this transformation, enhance urban environments, tackle pollution and strengthen resilience to climate change. A greener city not only attracts investors and tourists but also enhances the overall quality of life for its residents.

Vilnius was selected as the 16th winner of the European Green Capital during a ceremony in Tallinn (EE) in October 2023, succeeding Valencia (ES) as the European Green Capital 2024.

The competition for 2027 European Green Capital and Green Leaf applicants is now open. Find out more here

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.

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Publication date
24 January 2025
Topic
  • Other
Country
  • Lithuania