Green Cities: Zaragoza, Benidorm and Estarreja win the 2028 European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards

News Tank Transitions - Brussels - News #456618 - Published on 09/10/26 at 13:33
©  European Commission
©  European Commission

The European Commission announced on 8 October 2026 the winners of the 2028 European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards at a ceremony in Guimarães (Portugal), the current Green Capital.

The winners are:
• Zaragoza (Spain), European Green Capital 2028, praised for strong governance and long-term commitment that helped it face climate challenges while strengthening social resilience;
• Benidorm (Spain), European Green Leaf 2028, for keeping environmental protection and sustainable development on track despite mass tourism;
• Estarreja (Portugal), European Green Leaf 2028, for moving beyond its industrial past through collaborative action.

Twenty-seven cities had applied. Independent experts assessed them across seven areas: air quality, water management, biodiversity and land use, waste and…

©  European Commission
©  European Commission

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