Brussels, 20 January 2023
Tomorrow, the Estonian city of Tallinn will officially become the European Green Capital for 2023, taking over from the French city of Grenoble. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, alongside Tallinn’s mayor Mihhail Kõvart and Grenoble’s mayor Eric Piolle, will participate in the opening ceremony in Tallinn.
Commissioner Sinkevičius said:
“The title Green Capital of Europe is reserved for the best – the cities at the forefront of change. I would like to congratulate Tallinn for having deserved it and wish the city a successful year full of events that make a difference to its citizens and give example to others. My special congratulations also go to Grenoble for a very successful year as the 2022 European Green Capital.”
Tallinn earned the title thanks to its systemic approach to green governance and its approach that links different strategies with the goal of becoming greener. The city has adopted a comprehensive strategy addressing climate, health, mobility and environment matters called ‘Tallinn 2035‘. Tallinn was also the first European capital to offer free public transport since 2013 and is now planning ‘GoGreenRoutes’ to boost biodiversity. Tallinn will hold over 60 events for 2023 as part of the Tallinn European Green Capital programme.
The European Green Capital Award encourages cities to become greener and cleaner, and to improve the quality of life for their inhabitants. The call for applications for the next cycle of awards is now open until 30 April 2023.
Commissioner Sinkevičius will also make an official visit in Tallin today and tomorrow. He will meet the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, Minister of Environment Madis Kallas, representatives of the maritime economy, NGOs and stakeholders for ecology, as well as members of the Riigikogu. He will also visit the largest biogas power plant in the Baltics, funded by the EU.
More information on Tallinn as Green Capital is available in the news release and on the European Green Capital, the Green Tallinn, and the European Green Leaf websites.
Source – EU Commission