ICLEI Members Ghent (Belgium), Lahti (Finland) and Lisbon (Portugal) have been announced as finalists for the European Green Capital Award (EGCA) 2020.

The shortlisted cities will now proceed to the final stage of competition, where they must present their overall commitment to sustainable urban development, their capacity to act as a role model to other cities, and their strategy for communicating and engaging with citizens to an international jury.

Speaking about the shortlisted candidates, Karmenu Vella, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: “I would like to congratulate the finalists for their continued commitment to green living. As we enter the second decade of the European Green Capital Awards, the initiative has become more significant than ever. Europe is increasingly urbanised, with over two thirds of people living in towns and cities, and challenges such as climate change and air pollution are mostly felt in cities. These awards provide inspiration for citizens,  businesses, academic institutions, communities, local authorities and governments to work  together to make their cities healthy and enjoyable places to stay, live and work in.”

The European Green Capital award, now in its eleventh year, is awarded annually to a European city with over 100,000 inhabitants for its commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability.

For more information about the award and the shortlisted candidates for EGCA 2020, click here.