(24 October 2014) – The deadline for submitting entries to the European Green Capital 2017 competition cycle has expired.
The following cities have entered: Bursa (Turkey), Cascais (Portugal), Cork (Ireland), Essen (Germany), ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands), Istanbul (Turkey), Lahti (Finland), Lisbon (Portugal), Nijmegen (Netherlands), Pécs (Hungary), Porto (Portugal) and Umeå (Sweden).
The European Green Capital Award is recognition of a city at the cutting edge of environmentally-friendly urban living. These cities lead the way in setting higher standards in sustainable urban development, listening to what their citizens want and pioneering innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
In June 2015, the shortlisted cities will be invited to make a presentation to an international Jury. The Jury will evaluate their commitment to continuous environmental improvement, the level of ambition of their future goals, their communication activities for citizens, and the extent to which they could act as a role model and promote best practice in other European cities. In addition to being an inspiration to others, the winning city will raise its profile, enhance its reputation as a place to visit, work, play and live.
The winner will be announced at an Award ceremony in June 2015 in Bristol, UK, the 2015 European Green Capital.