3 Award-Winning European Green Cities To Watch In 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.
What Are The European Green Capital Awards?
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.
Why Vilnius Was Named European Green Capital 2025?
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.