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This small German city just won Europe’s Green Capital title for 2027

Heilbronn, Germany is leading the way in sustainability

By Amanda Teague Published October 7, 2025

heilbronn germany europes green capital battlement 2308258 — MonikaP / Pixabay

Move over, Vilnius, there’s a new green star in town. The European Commission has just crowned Heilbronn, Germany, as Europe’s Green Capital for 2027, recognizing the city’s impressive commitment to sustainability, clean air, and climate-friendly living.

The award, announced at a ceremony in Vilnius (this year’s titleholder), celebrates cities that lead the way in urban environmental innovation. Heilbronn earned top marks for its air and water quality, climate adaptation, and circular economy initiatives, plus its smart approach to tackling noise pollution through long-term projects like the Landscape Plan 2030 and Mobility Concept.

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The city will also receive €600,000 to boost its ongoing sustainability efforts, from expanding green spaces to engaging locals through community-led environmental programs. With its ambitious 2035 targets and collaborative regional partnerships, Heilbronn is proving that you don’t have to be a capital city to lead Europe’s green revolution.

Next up: the baton will pass from Vilnius (2025) to Guimarães, Portugal (2026) before Heilbronn officially takes the stage in 2027.

What other cities made the list?

Heilbronn wasn’t the only city recognized for its eco-forward thinking. Debrecen, Hungary, earned praise for boosting green spaces by 16%, planting thousands of trees, and advancing waste reduction and circular economy initiatives. Klagenfurt, Austria, also impressed with top marks in air and water quality, climate change mitigation, and plans for sustainable district heating and electric cargo bikes to cut emissions.

In the smaller-city category, the European Green Leaf Awards went to Assen (the Netherlands) and Siena (Italy). Assen stood out for its circular economy efforts, innovative waste management, and sustainable mobility projects like its cycling highway to Groningen. Siena earned recognition for expanding public green spaces, recycling 61.4% of municipal waste, and promoting reuse and repair programs that encourage residents to live more sustainably.

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

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