The European Commission has named Ljubljana the European Green Capital 2016. The finalist for this prestigious title that is pursued by cities all across Europe were also Essen (Germany), Nijmegen (The Netherlands), Oslo (Norway) and Umeå (Sweden).
Ljubljana has convinced the jury with the sustainable strategy “Vision 2025”, a number of environmentally friendly measures and impressive transport network.
The Award is presented to one European city every year, commending its achievements in environmental sustainability. Ljubljana, Essen, Nijmegen, Oslo and Umeå have been shortlisted from 12 entries across Europe, and the Slovenian capital has been named a finalist for the second consecutive time, this year making it to the very top!
The announcement was made at the Award Ceremony hosted by the current European Green Capital, Copenhagen on 24 June 2014. Mayor Zoran Janković accepted the Award on behalf of Ljubljana from Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik. Commissioner Potočnik said: “It gives me great pleasure to present Ljubljana with the European Green Capital Award for 2016. As a citizen of Ljubljana, it is with immense pride that I congratulate the city on its environmental achievements. I very much look forward to its year as the 2016 European Green Capital. All of the finalists of this Award provide us with valuable real-life examples of how respect for the environment, excellent quality of life and economic growth can all be successfully combined.”
The Mayor of Ljubljana, Mr Zoran Janković about the award: “Not only that we take excellent care of the most beautiful city in the world, but we demonstrated in Copenhagen that Ljubljana’s sustainable green projects can be a role model to many European cities. The recognition of Europe has put us among the best. Ljubljana winning demonstrates that our sustainability policy and our work is recognized and appreciated beyond our borders. ”
Together with this exceptional news, Ljubljana this year also celebrates 2000 years of Emona. For more information about Ljubljana visit www.visitljubljana.com. Further information about the European Green Capital is available at www.europeangreencapital.eu.
