Ecology, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Legislation

The Commissioner argued that “the best ways to foster people's participation is to actively involve them in the urban planning, i.e. to give them a "say" on the city they wish”. It was done in Nantes by giving the community a chance to put forward their ideas and views on what they want their city to look like in the future through the city’s project “My City Tomorrow".

Reference: Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Environment, Speech/13/535 “The importance of green cities” at the European Green Capital Award 2013Workshop, Nantes, 14 June 2013.

Good French activities

France has done a lot to help raise awareness of the European Green Capital Award, e.g. the international events organised during 2013, for example, the fifth World Forum on Human Rights, which created the clear link between human rights and sustainable development. Then, the 10^th Ecocity Conference which is planned for September 2013. Another initiative, the "Aéroflorale II" plant expedition has also generated great interest during its visits to Italy and Belgium.

One of the most important achievements of the European Green Capital Award is this annual workshop where both the previous winners, future Green Capitals and shortlisted cities have the opportunity to share experiences and thoughts on urban sustainability. This collaboration supports new ideas and innovations emerging as people learn from each other’s experiences.  

The Green Capital Award

The Green Capital Award is about excellence: it is about rewarding and supporting those cities that show best how social, economic and environmental interests can support each other in safeguarding common heritage and ensuring a better future for all.

In the current economic situation, the member states’ governments are focusing on creating jobs and improving economy. Being a top priority, it doesn't mean that such policies shall be done at the expense of the environment. Rather, there are opportunities for businesses to grow thanks to their environmental commitments and sustainable practices. “Greening” the production processes, innovations and consumption patterns and making them more resource efficient will undoubtedly result in cost savings and create new markets.

European Green Capitals

Two of the many benefits of being a European Green Capital are the positive impacts on the city’s economy from additional tourism, as well as the positive international media coverage –all worth millions of euros. When listening to European Green Capital winners over the years, it is clear that the long-term rewards are even greater – European Green Capitals keep on winning long after their designation; besides, European Green Capital becomes a brand.

These long term benefits include:

• networking opportunities that lead to new business alliances;
• new jobs, as the Green Capitals title helps businesses to export their green products, processes and services successfully;
• sponsorship and grants for environmental projects;
• increased pride among citizens motivating them to participate more fully in improving the cities' environment.

Examples and nominees for 2015 Green Capitals

The city of Hamburg has increased the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector by 57% since 2008. Stockholm hosted hundreds of delegations when it was Green Capital, and continues to do so. For instance, Vitoria-Gasteiz created new business development opportunities in China and Latin America.

Among the finalists for the European Green Capital 2015, are Bristol, Brussels, Glasgow and Ljubljana, which benefited and intend to benefit from the European Green Capital.  

To build an inclusive sustainable urban policy, the EU-27 need everyone to play an active role - citizens, businesses and academic partners among others. It is the people who live and work in the cities who are the key actors in greening them –by opting to use public transport, by recycling, separating and reducing waste, by protecting water resources, and by buying green products.

For example, in Nantes, the city council supported a commitment to greening public transport system over the last ten years, i.e. tram system, as well as the bus schemes, bike rental and car-sharing facilities all show that managing transport in a sustainable way can increase its effectiveness, while bringing many benefits to citizens.

These are only some of the concrete ways in which citizens can contribute to making our economies and our cities more sustainable and resource efficient as well as more attractive places to live and work.

Commission’s ideas

The Commissioner for the Environment has focused his priority in 2013 on improving air quality. In the beginning of June, the Commission organised a very successful annual conference – Green Week, which has shown the level of interest proved that air quality was a major source of concern for citizens, in particular in urban areas.

The Commission’s plan is to highlight the importance of clean air for all and to focus on actions to improve air quality across the EU. Local actors are in the front line for taking action in this field, for example, through better traffic management, low-emission zones and awareness-raising initiatives to educate your citizens about the importance of air quality.

“Air quality is an area by excellence where cooperation is essential; without cooperation, it is difficult to make meaningful progress”, concluded the Commissioner.

Reference: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-535_en.htm?locale=en