3 Award-Winning European Green Cities To Watch In 2025

Forbes

07-04-2025

Vilnius, Lithuania
The European Green Capital Awards recognized Vilnius, Lithuania, as the winner of the 2025 European Green Capital. Treviso, Italy, and Viladecans, Spain, received the European Green Leaf Award, celebrating their achievements in the smaller cities category.
The European Commission launched the European Green Capital Awards in 2008, an initiative honoring cities with populations over 100,000 that demonstrate outstanding leadership in sustainable urban living. The prize is €600,000.
Since its launch, Tallinn, Helsinki, Riga, Berlin, Warsaw, Madrid, Ljubljana, Prague, Vienna, Kiel, Kotka, Dartford, Tartu and Glasgow have received the award.
Both winners and finalists now collaborate through the European Green Capital Network, brought to life by Copenhagen in 2014. Network members discuss best practices, challenge each other and help each other find solutions to sustainability issues.
Old town in Vilnius with the Cathedral of the Theotokos, Lithuania
"Achieving the title of European Green Capital is more than just a prestigious recognition for Vilnius—it's a pledge to a sustainable future. Through continuous efforts to reduce emissions, expand green spaces, and promote sustainable urban living, the city actively involves its residents in building a cleaner, greener environment," said Dovile Aleksandraviciene, CEO of "Go Vilnius," in an email interview.
Vilnius earned to be the European Green Capital 2025 for its many initiatives.
The city has cut greenhouse gas emissions by shifting to solar power and upgrading outdated heating systems. Subsidies like the €40 million aid announced in March 2024 support residents in adopting renewables like rooftop solar.
Vilnius is overhauling its public transport with 297 new electric buses and trolleybuses to replace its aging fleet and reduce fossil fuel use.
The city already maintains an approx. 87 miles of bike lanes and plans to add 12 miles by 2030.
Row of bicycles to parked on a square in Old Town in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Vilnius already has 926 miles of footpath and a network of walking trails, including 24 leisure trails and 16 everyday routes.
Green spaces cover 61% of Vilnius, supported by community-driven initiatives like the "Green Wave," focusing on tree planting and improving biodiversity.
Lithuania's beverage container deposit system recycles 90% of bottles and cans annually.
In 2020, Lithuania had the highest rate of plastic usage in the European Union. But the country turned it around. After the new legislation banning single-use plastic took effect on July 1, 2023, single-use plastic bag use dropped fivefold within a week, reported by European Supermarket Magazine.
"Vilnius invites visitors to immerse themselves in the city's eco-friendly initiatives firsthand," says Aleksandraviciene.
Visitors can cycle around the city to visit its famous sights. There are three bike-sharing services: Bolt, CycloCity and Scoot 911.
Vilnius offers plenty of activities through its extensive walking trail network for travelers looking to experience nature as part of urban life. The newest edition to it is a dedicated forest bathing trail set to open in April 2025.
Walking along the river in Vilnius, Lithuania.
"Vilnius is not only surrounded by trees, but by clean waters," says Aleksandraviciene. Two rivers flow through the heart of the city, offering opportunities for kayaking and riverside swimming. Saunas along the Neris River are the way for locals and tourists to unwind at the end of the day.
Vilnius has four Michelin-starred restaurants and a growing number of cafés and restaurants serving seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
Pilies Street in the old town of Vilnius
Complementing the above, the European Green Leaf Award, launched in 2015, celebrates smaller cities with populations ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 and excelling in environmental innovation and sustainability practices. The prize is €200,000.
Similar to the European Green Capital Network, The European Green Leaf Network was launched to help the collaboration among past and present winners, as well as shortlisted cities of the European Green Leaf Award.
To date, 23 cities have joined the network, including Bistriţa, Cornellà de Llobregat, Elsinore, Gabrovo, Galway, Gavà, Horst aan de Maas, Joensuu, Lappeenranta, Leuven, Limerick, Ludwigsburg, Mechelen, Mikkeli, Mollet del Vallès, Nyborg, Ringkøbing-Skjern, Torres Vedras, Treviso, Valongo, Växjö, Velenje and Winterswijk.
City Council in Viladecans, Spain.
Viladecans has launched over 30 climate initiatives (from banning single-use plastics to promoting biological pest control) to cut emissions and boost sustainability. Its focus is on solar energy, urban greenery and water efficiency. Its bold mission is to become carbon neutral by 2030 and climate negative by 2050.
Its flagship ViuVerd program plans to achieve a 30% canopy cover per district and a green space within 980 feet of each residence. The city aims to plant 30,000 trees by 2030.
Now, how do Viladecans want you to experience the city? Through exploring the organic farmland in the Baix Llobregat Agrarian Park, the protected wetlands of Remolar-Filipinas and the pine forests along the Mediterranean coast.
The wetlands of Remolar-Filipinas near Viladecans, Spain.
Families and small groups can book activities like guided bee farm visits, organic farm tours, or sunset cycling through the Llobregat Delta.
Viladecans also invites visitors to enjoy farm-to-table dining in one of its many community-rooted restaurants.
History enthusiasts can journey back to the 19th century at Ca n'Amat Museum. Visitors can take any character they like and experience its life through audiovisuals and augmented reality.
Botteniga river canal in Treviso, Italy
Known for its canals, medieval charm and proximity to Venice, Treviso was recognized for its commitment to sustainable urban living.
The air quality in Treviso continues to improve year after year, driven by a suite of sustainable urban initiatives.
Electric mobility is gaining traction, with four electric buses already operating downtown and an anti-smog plan set to introduce 30 additional hybrid and electric vehicles.
Currently, 81 green vehicles handle recycling collection—accounting for 87.5% of total waste.
In the city center, 126 public water fountains provide clean drinking water, while reusable thermoses have been distributed to young residents to curb single-use plastic consumption.
Treviso plans to create 18 new green spaces, adding over 24,000 plants to the 22,100 already rooted across the city.
Although the official opening ceremony will not take place until January 2026, the European Commission already announced next year's winners.
Guimarães in Portugal received the 2026 European Green Capital, while Águeda in Portugal and Vaasa in Finland received the European Green Leaf Award, succeeding Vilnius, Treviso and Viladecans.
Furthermore, cities can already apply for the 2027 European Green Capital Awards until April 15, 2025.