In search of the European Green Capital

The European Commission announced a competition for European Green Capital for 2012 and 2013, the prestigious award for distinguished European Green Capital cities that make the most of the adaptation of urban life with the environment, said the press service of the European Commission.

Earlier this year, Stockholm and Hamburg were honored as the first winners, respectively in 2010 and 2011 is already running a race on which cities will claim the prestigious title for 2012 and 2013
Annual award aims to promote European cities become more attractive and healthy places – „fit for life“.
„Local governments accounted for the key role to improve living conditions for residents of cities. European green capital award motivates cities to solve their environmental problems and improve quality of life for citizens while being taken into account the environment in its urban planning „said EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.

All EU cities with more than 200 000 inhabitants can no longer be a candidate for the prize „European Green Capital for 2012 and 2013, the initiative is open to the 27 Member States, candidate countries (Turkey, Macedonia and Croatia ) and the countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein).
Applications will be evaluated based on 11 criteria related to the environment, including the local contribution to fighting climate change, production and waste management, nature and biodiversity, transport, air and water.
Cities can electronically submit an application for participation. The deadline for submitting applications for both awards for 2012 and 2013 is February 1, 2010 Winners will be announced in October 2010
The jury is composed of representatives of the European Commission, European Environment Agency and the major European and international environmental organizations.

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