Ljubljana officially becomes the European Green Capital 2016

Ljubljana officially assumed the title of European Green Capital 2016 in Brussels on Tuesday, 9th February. To celebrate the occasion, Ljubljana Festival organized an exclusive musical spectacle, featuring the most famous Slovenian avant-garde music group, Laibach, and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra. Ljubljana has the honour of continuing the tradition of European Green Capitals, following Bristol and other cities known for their green vision and achievements.

The handover ceremony was addressed by the European Environment Commissioner, Karmenu Vella, the Mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, and the Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson. Commissioner Vella congratulated Ljubljana on becoming greener, healthier and more sustainable, while the Mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, confirmed that the European Green Capital award has already had a positive impact on the city: "Since the award, there has been an increase of 18% in the tourism sector! We are also happy to gain the increased confidence of investors". Following the ceremony, the iconic Slovenian band Laibach gave a concert with the Symphony Orchestra of RTV Slovenia at the Bozar Mansion.

Ljubljana is the first city in Central and South-Eastern Europe to hold the title of European Green Capital, and the first European capital to have defined a Zero Waste Strategy. As European Green Capital, Ljubljana will act as an ambassador of sustainable urban development and promote the best green practices. Each month will be marked by different green topic. February is dedicated to local self-sufficiency, featuring various events and presenting green-oriented local organisations.

Ljubljana is also the first city in Slovenia to win the golden title of Slovenian Green Destination, the certificate of the highest rank within the framework of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, developed by the Slovenian Tourist Board in cooperation with GoodPlace, the Sustainable Tourism Association.

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