Zaragoza named European Green Capital 2028

Zaragoza has been named the European Green Capital for 2028, while Benidorm received the European Green Leaf Award for smaller cities. The awards were announced by the European Commission during a ceremony in Guimarães, Portugal.

Zaragoza’s successful bid focused on its long-term commitment to sustainability and climate adaptation, positioning the city as an “oasis in the desert” due to its ability to manage extreme temperatures. The evaluation was based on seven environmental indicators, including air and water quality, waste management, circular economy, and noise levels. The city’s strategy involved collaboration between the local government, the Government of Aragon, the private sector, universities, and civil society.

This marks the first time Zaragoza has won the recognition, following previous attempts in 2010, 2012, and 2014. The city presented a roadmap featuring 150 actions to support its transition toward a more sustainable urban environment and improved quality of life for its citizens.