Brussels, 9 October 2026
The winners of the European Green Cities 2028 Awards were announced yesterday evening in Guimarães, Portugal, the current European Green Capital. Zaragoza (Spain) will be the European Green Capital in 2028. The European Green Leaf, the award for smaller cities, went to Benidorm (Spain) and Estarreja (Portugal).
The expert jury crowned Zaragoza as the 2028 European Green Capital winner for strong governance and long-term commitment, helping the city respond successfully to growing climate challenges. The jury was also impressed by the city’s approach that demonstrates how ambitious environmental action can go hand in hand with social resilience and community.
Both Green Leaf winners, Benidorm and Estarreja, impressed the jury with their strong commitment to creating greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live. Benidorm was praised for successfully managing mass tourism pressures while also maintaining environmental protections and sustainable development. The jury recognised Estarreja as a compelling example of green transformation, successfully moving beyond its industrial legacy through collaborative action.
The winners will receive a grant for further support in their green efforts: a prize of €600,000 for the Green Capital Zaragoza, and €200,000 each for the Green Leaf cities Benidorm and Estarreja.
This year, a total of 27 cities competed for the awards. An international expert panel of independent urban sustainability experts evaluated each application and shortlisted eight finalist cities.
More information on 2028 European Green City awards is available online. A website on the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards is also available.
You can find more information on this year’s Green Cities Award online.
Source – EU Commission