Today, September 9, Tallinn received a high recognition from the European Commission - the title European Green Capital 2023. The winner of the competition was announced in Lahti, Finland – the current bearer of the title.

Among the strengths of Tallinn, the jury pointed out its holistic approach, free public transport, brownfield reconversion and green ambassadorship.

According to the Mayor of Tallinn, Mihhail Kõlvart, it is a great pleasure to receive such a high recognition. "I thank the jury for this honour and the great responsibility that comes with the title of European Green Capital. Participation in the competition has allowed us to better formulate our efforts, create cooperation networks and adopt strategies. But our incentive is not just titles and directives, but, above all, people. For us, a green capital means that Tallinn is inviting, comfortable, and clean - a city of the future,” said the mayor and added that a lot of work is still ahead. "I would like to thank my team and all colleagues who have dedicated and contributed to their work on behalf of green Tallinn over the past years."

In his speech, the mayor reminded that the idea of ​​a green capital was born 15 years ago in Tallinn, and presented to the European Commissioner a historical souvenir celebrating that day - a bronze oak leaf.

Tallinn reached the final of the prestigious competition together with Helsingborg, Sweden; Krakow, Poland; and Sofia, Bulgaria. A total of 16 cities applied for the title of European Green Capital.

You can read about Tallinn's journey to the European Green Capital 2023 and its activities for a greener urban environment on the Green Capital website.