Local governments across Europe are invited to apply for the European Commission’s European Green Capital Award 2020 for larger cities, and the European Green Leaf Awards 2019 for smaller cities. The closing date for applications is 18 October 2017.

For the first time, the winner of the European Green Capital Award 2020 will receive €350,000 to support their environmental programmes, while the European Green Leaf Award 2019 winner will receive €75,000.

Winners will act as role models to other European cities, and will benefit from international prestige and media coverage, increased investment and tourism, and membership of an exclusive network of previous winners to share ideas and experience with.

Applicants over the years have said that the application process in itself has proved hugely beneficial in evaluating their city’s environmental progress and plans, as well as benchmarking themselves against their peers.

EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella said: “The European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards are becoming increasingly important as we strive to manage our cities and towns against the challenges of population growth, pressure on resources and our responsibilities to manage climate change. European Green Capitals and Green Leafs provide vital inspiration and motivation to help other cities find solutions, on both a European and a global stage.”

For more information, visit the European Green Capital website.