Treviso and Viladecans celebrate their Green Leaf titles

Viladecans

Viladecans was the first city to kick off its celebrations on 18 January 2025. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall sent video greetings and renowned science communicators, Javier Peña, Fernando Valladares and Carlota Bruna, shared their insights and experiences on how to care more for the environment and sustainability. 

The opening ceremony, moderated by Catalan environmental influencer and EU Climate Pact Ambassador Carlota Bruna, featured a welcoming speech by Mayor Olga Morales, nature expert Jordi Sargatall (Secretary of Ecological Transition at Generalitat de Catalunya) and Manuel Szapiro from the EU Representation in Barcelona. Local dance schools also energised the crowd, while Borja Sand Art captivated attendees with a sand show depicting Viladecans' natural heritage.

Viladecans implemented over thirty climate initiatives to reduce emissions, such as promoting solar energy, and it increased sustainability by enhancing urban greenery and efficient water management. The flagship programme ViuVerd is inspired by the ‘3-30-300 rule’. Whereby the city commits within eight years to have at least three trees from each household, ensure that at least 30% of each district is covered by tree canopy, and that that each district has a green space less than 300 meters from each home. Viladecans' urban agenda sets the goal to reach 30.000 trees by 2030. The city remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, increasing waste recycling, reducing private mobility and promoting sustainable mobility free of emissions. Viladecans earned the Green Leaf Award for 2025, together with Treviso in Italy.

Treviso

Treviso celebrated the start of its Green Leaf Award year on 2 February, where its main square was transformed with newly planted trees, reclaimed wood structures and benches decorated by local artists inscribed with "Green City of Europe". Overall, the ceremony highlighted Treviso’s commitment to sustainability and featured a large participation of citizens of all ages, with over a thousand participants. 

The ceremony provided an opportunity to show what it means for Treviso to be a Green Leaf Award winner. Mayor Mario Conte showcased the year's planned sustainability initiatives and highlighted how this was made possible not only by the administration and public service companies responsible for waste collection, water services and public transport but also by the dedication of citizens. 

Following speeches by city officials and stakeholders, the day concluded with a concert, an aperitif with local products, wooden games spread across the square and the unveiling of the event’s official mascot.

Earlier this year, the mayor of Treviso was also received by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace for the recognition of the city as a Green Leaf city for 2025.

Apply for the 2027 European Green Capital and Leaf Awards

Could your city be the next European Green Capital or be awarded the Green Leaf? Applications for the 2027 titles are now open! Find out more about the application process, the key dates for 2027 and the eligibility rules.

Watch the recording of our recent Applicant City Workshop or download the slides.