European Green Capital 2027 chosen! Polish city had to give way

We've discovered the "European Green Capital 2027." To everyone's surprise, the true green oasis is in... Germany. Heilbronn impressed the jury with its holistic approach to sustainable development.

According to scientists, residents of cities surrounded by greenery biologically age slower, on average by as much as 2.5 years, compared to those living in " concrete jungles " devoid of vegetation . In the age of climate crisis and increasing urbanization, green spaces are no longer merely aesthetic additions. They are increasingly becoming a real lifesaver for residents' health and quality of life.

It's no coincidence that Europe awards prizes in the European Green Capital Award , or " European Green Capital Award ." This year, 20 cities from 11 countries competed for the title of Green Capital 2027. An international jury decided that Heilbronn, Germany, would be the winner .

Heilbronn, European Green Capital 2027 License: Markus Zeller / Shutterstock

The competition was conceived in 2010, and Stockholm was its first winner. Its goal is to recognize cities that are making significant progress in environmental protection , renewable energy use, air quality improvement, implementing a circular economy, and engaging society.

An international jury, composed of seven independent experts in sustainable urban development , evaluated the candidates based on criteria such as climate strategies, air quality, community engagement, and future plans. Cities with populations over 100,000 were eligible to participate. Among the candidates were Bielsko-Biała .

Heilbronn , located in Baden-Württemberg , was until recently associated with beautiful architecture and extensive vineyards . Today, it is becoming a symbol of the city's ecological transformation .

The jury was particularly impressed by the city's coherent and holistic approach to sustainable development . Instead of addressing specific issues, Heilbronn combined noise reduction, air quality improvement, and climate adaptation efforts into a single, comprehensive strategy – the Landscape Plan 2030 and Mobility Concept.

Old Town Heilbronn, Germany License: Sina Ettmer Photography / Shutterstock

Residents play a crucial role in the transformation process. The city has created platforms for residents , runs extensive educational campaigns, and protects so-called quiet zones that enhance urban living. By 2035, Heilbronn plans to achieve ambitious environmental goals, including significantly reducing emissions and improving residents' quality of life.

Winning the competition comes with a financial prize of €600,000 , which the city will use for further ecological investments.

The competition also included the Green Leaf Awards , a distinction for cities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. This year, the awards went to Assen (Netherlands) and Siena (Italy).

Assen was recognized for its innovative waste management policy and consistent emission reductions. Siena, on the other hand, impressed with its high recycling rate (over 61%) and impressive amount of green space, averaging 28 square meters per resident.