Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana has been officially handed the status of European Green Capital by the outgoing city Bristol. Ljubljana is the first Slovenian city to be named as European Green Capital since the award was launched in 2008. The initiative rewards cities that are making efforts to improve the urban environment and create healthier and more sustainable living areas.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Brussels Commissioner Vella said: “I congratulate Ljubljana for becoming greener, healthier and more sustainable.” Slovenia’s capital received the recognition for raising environmental awareness amongst its citizens, for its sustainability strategy, its implementation of a range of urban green measures and its developing transportation network.

Cities that have previously held the title are Stockholm in 2010, Hamburg in 2011, Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2012, Nantes in 2013, Copenhagen in 2014 and Bristol in 2015. Ljubljana will pass the title to Essen in 2017.

The electric train Urban encircles Ljubljana’s Old Town every two hours, four times a day. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)