The European Commission has launched the competition for the highly prestigious 2024 European Green Capital (EGCA 2024) and the 2023 European Green Leaf (EGLA 2023) Awards. Ambitious European cities of all sizes are encouraged to apply by the 25 March deadline for this excellent opportunity.

ICLEI Members have a long history of winning these prestigious titles, having won 85 percent of European Green Capital awards to date, including current Green Capital Grenoble (France).

Since last year, the financial prize for both Awards has increased significantly. The EGCA 2023 winning city will receive €600,000, while up to two EGLA 2022 winning towns/cities will receive €200,000 each, with prize money going towards supporting implementation of the winners’ sustainability initiatives and measures, and reaching locals during their winning year.

European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “To tackle the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, we need to act fast not only globally, but also locally. Every city has a key role to play in the green transition. Our European Green Capital and Green Leaf Award winners are a true inspiration – they show that by changing the way we live, work, and move, we create more livable, green and resilient cities. Now we’re looking for new candidates. I call on European cities to rise to the challenge and embark on the green journey.”

Winning the European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards is a seal of approval by the European Commission and brings many benefits: increased international media coverage, a boost in local pride, a greater focus on environmental projects, and increased foreign investment. All finalists and winning cities also gain access to a network of previous finalists and winning cities. This invaluable network serves as a space to share learnings on overcoming key challenges of sustainability initiatives.

The European Green Capital Award is open to cities with a population of over 100,000 inhabitants. The European Green Leaf Award is for towns/cities with a population of 20,000 to 99,999 inhabitants. A maximum of two cities can win the European Green Leaf each year.

For more information about the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards and to learn how to apply, click here. Applications are due by 25 March 2022 at 23:59 CET (UTC+1).