(20 January 2017) – The impressive transformation from coal and steel industry to the greenest city in North Rhine-Westphalia is proof of Essen’s successful structural change.
On 21 January, the city of Essen in Germany will officially become the European Green Capital for 2017. In a ceremony, Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will hand over the title for 2017 from Ljubljana to Essen.
The European Green Capital Award rewards efforts and commitment to improving the urban environment, boosting awareness of the need for environmental change at the city level.
Essen will act as role model for sustainable urban development, sharing and promoting best practices that have been tried and tested in this German city.