The 2021 European Green Capital Award has gone to ICLEI Member Lahti (Finland), while the 2020 European Green Leaf Award has been awarded to both the City of Limerick (Ireland) and the City of Mechelen (Belgium).

Lahti was commended for being particularly strong in the fields of air quality, waste, green growth and eco-innovation, as well as governance. For examples, the city established an air quality plan in 1997, which has led to a major drop in emissions. The jury made note of Lahti's impressive engagment of local businesses in air quality monitoring, and establishment of additional air quality regulations.

The awards were presented at an award ceremony in ICLEI Member Oslo (Norway), the city that currently holds the title of European Green Capital.

The title of European Green Capital is awarded annually to a European city with a population greater than 100,000 inhabitants that is a leader in sustainable development, including environmental, social and economic considerations.

The prestigious award brings tourism and recognition to a city, and is associated with a €350,000 prize.

The European Green Leaf Award is a similar title; however it is reserved for smaller cities with populations between 20,000 and 100,000 inhabitants. The Green Leaf award includes a €75,000 prize.

The European Commission has opened its search for the next European Green Capital and Green Leaf award winners. The deadline for applications is 14 October.

For more information about the European Green Capital and European Green Leaf awards, click here.