Lisbon wins European Green Capital Award

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has congratulated Lisbon for winning the European Green Capital Award for 2020 saying it was an “excellent opportunity” to adopt measures that promote environmental protection.

The European Green Capital of 2020 award was announced on Thursday by the European Union’s Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella at a ceremony held in the Netherlands.

According to the European Commission, the award is given annually with the aim of recognising the efforts of cities with a plan to become environmentally friendly and involving their people in environmental, social and economic sustainability.

In addition to the title, Lisbon receives a financial incentive of €350,000 from the European Commission to move forward for its plans and projects for Lisbon – European Green Capital 2020.

The title for European Green Leaf Capital goes jointly to Llobregat in Spain and Horst aan de Maas in the Netherlands.

The jury selecting the award-winners regard Lisbon as a role-model for combining sustainability and economic growth. Lisbon was the first capital in Europe to sign the New Covenant of Mayors for Climate Change and Energy in 2016, after achieving a 50% reduction in C02 emissions (2002-14), reducing energy consumption by 23% and water consumption by 17% from 2007 to 2013, having one of the world’s largest networks of electric vehicle charging points, while 39% of the municipal car fleet is electric.

The Spanish city of Cornellà de Llobregat was commended for its commitment to sustainable transport modes and water management measures and the Dutch city of Horst aan de Maas was recognised for its well-planned inclusive urban strategy and its extensive bicycle and public transport network.