The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, has won the European Green Capital Award for 2016. Ljubljana received recognition for raising environmental awareness amongst its citizens, for its sustainability strategy 'Vision 2025', its implementation of a range of urban green measures over the past decade and its impressive transportation network.

Copenhagen hosted the solemn proclamation of the European Green Capital 2016 winner on Tuesday, 24 June 2014. It is none other than our city that received the prestigious title among the five finalists – Essen (Germany), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Nijmegen (the Netherlands), Oslo (Norway) and Umea (Sweden).

Mayor Zoran Janković shared his joy and exceptional honour upon winning the title, and the remarkable pride of the sustainable achievements of everyone in Ljubljana. Not only do we take excellent care of the most beautiful city in the world, we have also proven the sustainable projects of the green Ljubljana as an example to many other European cities. The Europe's recognition has set us among the best. Ljubljana winning only proves our sustainable orientation and mutual work is recognised and appreciated even beyond our borders. The Mayor sincerely congratulated his colleagues and Deputy Mayor Tjaša Ficko on their excellent, professional and team work in acquiring the flattering title for Ljubljana.

Upon this event, Deputy Mayor Tjaša Ficko stated that the honorary title, the committee recognition and the company of European cities with excellent results in sustainable mobility is not merely recognition for actions up to this point, but represents a new momentum, new challenges, new opportunities to improve the quality of life in the city and, of course, proof we are on the right path. The received title puts Ljubljana on the European map and presents new options for collaborating with other European cities. The Deputy Mayor extended her gratitude to the large city family for their outstanding work, and the non-government organisations, companies, and the people of Ljubljana for their priceless contribution and collaboration on our way to sustainable and green Ljubljana. Everyone contributed to this success, which is yet another promise to all generations of citizens and visitors to our city to guarantee the quality of life in all areas in the future as well.

The European Commission's press release from the Award ceremony can be found at the following link.

The European Green Capital campaign is the European Commission initiative. The European Green Capital title is annually awarded to the city of high environmental standards and a promise of ambitious objectives for continuous environmental improvements and sustainable development. The objective of the initiative is to recognise and reward local efforts in improving environment, economy and quality of life in cities.

The title has been first awarded in 2010 to Stockholm, and some of the European Green Capitals in the past have been Hamburg, Victoria-Gasteiz, Nantes, Copenhagen and Bristol.