The European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards: Winners for 2027 Announced

The recent European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards presented awards to 3 European cities - Heilbronn (Germany), Assen (the Netherlands), and Siena (Italy) - in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 2 October 2025. 

Heilbronn will be the European Green Capital of 2027 for receiving high scores in air quality, climate change adaptation, circular economy, and more. Assen and Siena received the European Green Leaf Award for their strong approaches to sustainable community engagement.

The European Green Capital Award is given to cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, while the Green Leaf Award honours cities with a population of 20,000 or more.

Heilbronn, Assen, and Siena: Cities Driving Urban Sustainability and Citizen Engagement

Initiatives implemented in Heilbronn that impressed the Green Capital jury included ambitious 2035 climate targets, the city's actions to limit air and noise pollution, and strong citizen engagement to involve the local community in environmental programmes. 

For this achievement, Heilbronn will receive a financial prize of €600,000 to implement more sustainability and participation measures. 

The jury commended Assen for its strong commitment to circularity and climate change mitigation. The city’s innovative waste management, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable mobility projects, such as the cycling highway to Groningen, demonstrate a clear focus on reducing emissions and advancing the circular economy.

Siena was recognised for its effective environmental strategies, particularly in expanding public green spaces and improving waste management. With strong public engagement in reuse and repair initiatives, the city has shown how community involvement can drive sustainability and circular practices.

As winners of the European Green Leaf 2027 award, Assen and Siena will receive a financial prize of €200,000 each.

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Source: European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards