Zaragoza and Benidorm win 2028 European green city awards

The European Commission has announced the winners of the 2028 European Green awards during a ceremony in Guimarães, Portugal. Zaragoza, Spain, has been named the European Green Capital for 2028, receiving a €600,000 grant to support its environmental initiatives. The city was recognized for its strong governance and long-term commitment to climate resilience.

In the European Green Leaf Award category, which recognizes municipalities with populations between 20,000 and 100,000, the honors were shared by Benidorm, Spain, and Estarreja, Portugal. Both cities will receive €200,000 in funding.

Benidorm was specifically commended by the jury for its ability to manage the environmental pressures of mass tourism. Key factors in its selection included efficient water management, efforts to reduce emissions, and the use of nature-based solutions to mitigate urban heat. Estarreja was recognized for its successful ecological transformation following its industrial legacy.