European cities committed to sustainability are encouraged to apply for the 2026 edition of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards before the deadline on 30 April 2024. The Awards promote and reward the efforts of European towns and cities that strive to reduce their impact on the local and global environment, improving the quality of life for their inhabitants. 

The European Green Capital Award is open to cities with over 100,000 inhabitants. Smaller cities can apply for the European Green Leaf Award, open to all towns and cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants. The winner of the Green Capital Award will receive €600,000, and up to two Green Leaf winners will receive €200,000 each. The financial prize contributes to supporting the winning cities in implementing initiatives and measures to enhance their environmental performance and reach out to citizens. 

The winning cities will not only be joining the ever-growing network of leading European cities that share a common vision and expertise but will also benefit from positive media coverage, increased international profile, new opportunities and partnerships, and invitations to high-level events.

Learn more about the awards here and watch the workshop organised for potential applicant cities here.