On 21 January, the city of Essen in Germany officially became the European Green Capital for 2017.

The European Green Capital Award rewards efforts and commitment to improving the urban environment and boosting awareness of the need for environmental change at the city level. Essen will act as a role model for sustainable urban development, sharing and promoting best practices that have been tried and tested in this German city.

Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: "I congratulate Essen on becoming European Green Capital 2017 and making the city a healthier place to live in. The impressive transformation from coal and steel industry to the greenest city in North Rhine-Westphalia is proof of Essen's successful structural change. Great progress in environmental sustainability required vision, good governance, strong leadership and citizens' involvement. I look forward to Essen's programme of activities, and I wish Mayor Kufen, his team, and the people of Essen the very best."

Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen, said: "This award is recognition of Essen's great efforts to establish itself as a city in transformation; overcoming a challenging industrial history to reinvent itself as a Green City. We strive to be a leading example for other European cities in finding sustainable solutions to urban challenges. We also wish to thank our citizens, as it is their ability to change and their engagement that has been key to our success. We are very excited to show the rest of Europe what Essen has to offer in its year as European Green Capital 2017."

During its year as European Green Capital 2017, Essen plans to initiate over 300 citizens' projects and events that will further improve the quality of life of the city and put sustainability at the heart of the city's development programmes.

Jan. 21, 2017 Living photo: Jochen Tack

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