Green Cities of Europe

Urbanization and climate change are calling for new solutions for maintaining and improving the quality of life in cities. It is well known that public green spaces have a positive effect on biodiversity, the climate, well-being and air quality. This impact ensures that cities are becoming ever better places to live and work. 

This year, the “Green Cities of Europe” Award was once again presented to the most innovative and green project in Europe. The award is an initiative of the European Nurserystock Association (ENA) and its campaign “Green Cities of Europe“, which recognizes successful and innovative green infrastructure projects. Ten European countries took part in the international competition, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. The jury selected the projects from France, Italy and Poland as the best.

Photo – project France: ©Laurence Danniere

The final ranking of the projects and, accordingly, the winner of the 2024 International Green Cities Award will be announced on 29 January 2025 during an official ceremony at IPM in Essen. This international trade fair for the ornamental plant sector provides a platform for companies, public authorities and professionals in the field to present and discuss the latest innovations in greening and green urban infrastructure. It also offers an opportunity to become acquainted with similar international green projects.

Chengene Skele, the Fishing Port or simply Chengeneto – this is a small settlement 15 km south of Burgas, preserving fishing traditions to this day. The name of the bay is inherited from the settlement Chingane iskelesi (also Cingene Skela), which was located in this place as far back as Ottoman times. After 1972, the boats of the local fishermen were moved here from the Burgas port due to its expansion.

The ten national projects participating in the competition are: Belgium (Genk Urban Forest), Bulgaria (Chengene Skele), Denmark (Karens Minde Axis), France (Les Jardins du Pré Gaudry), Germany (Green Bunker St. Pauli), Hungary (Complex Tourist Development of the Zalakaros Resort), Italy (Parco della Pace), the Netherlands (Climate-resilient Neighbourhoods), Poland (Greening of Nowy Rynek Square) and Sweden (Grönare Möllan / Greener Möllevången).

Photo project – Italy: ©Nicola Ughi

The submitted projects were evaluated by an independent jury composed of experts from each of the participating countries. The jury members assessed the projects according to several criteria, such as: overall greening and design; impact on the climate, the environment and economic factors; recycling and reuse of materials; innovativeness and replicability.

The participating projects ranged from innovative greening of urban neighbourhoods to interesting initiatives related to biodiversity.

Photo project – Poland: ©Filip Jędrzak

The “Green Cities of Europe“ Award highlights the importance of cooperation between countries and the collective power of greenery in making cities more sustainable and liveable. All the projects presented this year serve as an inspiration for other cities in Europe and beyond to continue developing their own green initiatives.

For more information on the 2024 International Green Cities Award and IPM in Essen, please visit https://award.thegreencities.eu/ and https://www.ipm-essen.de/world-trade-fair/.

“Green Cities for a Sustainable Europe“ is a platform created by the European Nurserystock Association ENA and the organizations of ornamental nurseries in England, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, France and the Netherlands.

The platform promotes the greening of public spaces by presenting innovative ideas and information based on scientific research and technical expertise. Its activities focus on the topics of health, climate, economy, biodiversity and social cohesion.