News

21 February 2017

Essen officially takes over title of European Green Capital

The German City of Essen has officially become the European Green Capital 2017, taking over from Ljubljana (Slovenia). 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 the German city. Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said: “The impressive transformation from coal and steel industry to the greenest city in North Rhine-Westphalia is proof of Essen’s successful structural change.

“Great progress in environmental sustainability required vision, good governance, strong leadership and citizens’ involvement. I look forward to Essen’s programme of activities, and I wish Mayor Kufen, his team, and the people of Essen the very best.”

For more information, visit Eltis.