The application period opens on 8 December until 1 April 2026.
The European Commission launched the call for applications for the 2028 European Green Capital (EGC) and European Green Leaf (EGL) Awards. These prestigious titles recognise and reward European cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, environmental innovation and improving the quality of life for their residents.
With more than two-thirds of Europeans living in urban areas, cities are central to addressing the climate, pollution and biodiversity crises. The awards honour cities that lead by example, reduce their environmental impact and pioneer solutions for a greener, more resilient future.
Cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants are eligible to apply for the European Green Capital Award, for which one winning city will be selected. Smaller towns and cities with a population over 20 000 inhabitants can apply for the European Green Leaf Award, which recognises up to two winners each year. These awards offer cities of different sizes the opportunity to showcase their achievements and ambition in creating greener, healthier and more sustainable urban environments.
The winners will receive a financial prize — EUR 600 000 for the Green Capital and EUR 200 000 for each of up to two Green Leaf winners — to support the implementation of high-impact environmental initiatives during their title year.
How to apply
Interested cities must register via the EU Survey platform to receive the application form and supporting documents. Upon submitting their application, all cities will receive tailored feedback from independent experts. Applications must be submitted by 1 April 2026.
Applicant City Workshop
Each year, the Commission organises an Applicant City Workshop, usually in February, to support cities preparing their European Green Capital and Green Leaf applications. The workshop provides practical guidance on the application form and evaluation process, along with insights from experts and previous winners. It is free of charge and open to all registered applicant cities.
Assessment process
Cities will be evaluated by a panel of independent urban sustainability experts based on seven environmental indicators:
- Air quality
- Water
- Biodiversity, green areas and sustainable land use
- Waste and circular economy
- Noise
- Climate change mitigation (including energy performance)
- Climate change adaptation
Following the assessment, the Commission will select a shortlist of finalist cities (expected early July 2026). Finalists will be invited to present their vision, governance model and communication strategy to a jury, who will select the winners (expected October 2026). Guimarães, Portugal, the 2026 European Green Capital, will host the upcoming Awards Ceremony (planned October 2026), setting the stage for the next generation of green leaders.
Why apply?
Becoming a Green Capital or Green Leaf winner is more than just receiving a prestigious title. It is a transformative opportunity for your city.
What will your city gain?
- Attract investment and tourism: Winning cities often see increased foreign investment and a boost in tourism, as the title signals a high quality of life and forward-thinking governance.
- Accelerated sustainability momentum: The title gives cities strong political and public momentum to pursue more ambitious sustainability goals, creating a window of opportunity to advance transformative environmental action.
- Expert feedback: Every applicant receives detailed, tailored feedback from independent experts. This serves as a free, high-level audit of your city’s environmental performance, helping you refine your future strategies.
- Civic pride and momentum: The title unites citizens, businesses and local stakeholders behind a common purpose, accelerating the implementation of environmental projects.
- Join the best: Winners gain access to an exclusive network of former title-holders to share knowledge and best practices.
More information
- European Commission | European Green Capital and Green Leaf website
- European Commission | EU Policy on Urban Environment
- X | @EUGreenCapital
- Facebook | EU Green Capital
- LinkedIn | European Green Capital Award EU
- European Commission | Subscribe to the ‘Green Cities’ newsletter
Source: European Commission | Press corner (https://tinyurl.com/37uzdu3m)