The German city of Essen has won the European Green Capital Award for 2017. The award ceremony was held in the UK, in Bristol -the European Green Capital 2015- on 18 June 2015. The award was presented by Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The 4 shortlisted cities (among 12 entries across Europe) were: Essen (Germany), ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands), Nijmegen (Netherlands), and Umeå (Sweden). These cities presented their vision, their potential to act as a role model to other cities, and their communication strategy to the Jury on 17 June 2015.

Essen was singled out for its exemplary practices in protecting and enhancing nature and biodiversity, as well as for its efforts to reduce water consumption. This city also participates in a variety of networks and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to improve the city’s resilience in the face of climate change.

Essen, together with all the previous European Green Capital winners, will act as a role model for other cities aspiring to improve their environmental performance, encouraging them to develop and apply innovative solutions as they progress towards sustainability targets.

For further information, please visit the relevant European Commission website.