Zaragoza named 2028 European Green Capital

The European Commission has announced the winners of the 2028 European Green Capital and European Green Leaf awards. Zaragoza, Spain, has been named the European Green Capital for 2028. The city was recognized for its strong environmental governance, long-term commitment to climate challenges, and its ability to integrate environmental measures with social resilience and community participation. As the Green Capital, Zaragoza will receive 600,000 euros to support its environmental strategies.

For smaller municipalities, the European Green Leaf award was presented to Benidorm, Spain, and Estarreja, Portugal. Benidorm was honored for its ability to balance high levels of tourism with environmental protection and sustainable development. Estarreja was recognized for its environmental transformation and successful collaboration to overcome its industrial past. Both winners will receive 200,000 euros to assist with their activities during their award year.

The selection process involved 27 European cities evaluated by international experts across seven environmental areas: air quality, water management, biodiversity and green spaces, sustainable land use, waste and circular economy, noise pollution, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.