On 21 January, the European Commission named the Estonian city of Tallinn as the European Green Capital for 2023. The title recognizes cities at the forefront of change, according to a statement from the European Commission. The opening ceremony took place in the capital of Estonia, in the presence of Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Tallinn’s mayor Mihhail Kõvart, and Grenoble’s mayor Eric Piolle.
Tallinn received the title for its “systemic approach to green governance and interlinked strategic goals, which reflect the ambitions of the European Green Deal”, writes the statement. These approaches include the “Tallinn 2035” strategy, with which the city is addressing topics such as carbon neutrality and climate adaptation. Tallinn is also fostering biodiversity with plans for GoGreenRoutes where citizens co-design nature-based solutions. A decade ago Tallinn became the first European city to offer its citizens free public transport.
During the Green Capital Year, Tallinn will host over 60 events for city residents and visitors within its Tallinn European Green Capital programme. The focus will be on biodiversity, sustainable governance, and climate and green innovation, according to the European Commission.
“The title Green Capital of Europe is reserved for the best – the cities at the forefront of change,” commented Commissioner Sinkevičius in the statement. “I would like to congratulate Tallinn for having deserved it and wish the city a successful year full of events that make a difference to its citizens and give example to others.”