Travelers are invited to view Zaragoza as a work-in-progress where river banks, parks, pedestrian links, and the Expo 2008 legacy demonstrate daily water adaptation and climate resilience.

Zaragoza, Spain, has been named Europe’s new Green Capital for 2028 by the EU, receiving €600,000 to support its sustainability efforts.

The designation highlights a shift in European city selection toward walkability, outdoor life, and everyday urban quality as essential values.

Judging criteria focus on air and water quality, green space protections, noise and waste management, climate resilience (heat and flooding), and emissions reduction.

Visitors are encouraged to experience the city by pairing the historic core with local gastronomy, strolling along the river, using public transport, and exploring neighborhoods beyond the main sights to feel Zaragoza’s rhythm and transformation.

Key bid data show 76.5% of residents live within 300 meters of a large public green space, 27% of municipal land protected, and plans to reduce water use and expand trees to 700,000 under the Bosque de los Zaragozanos.

The broader context includes Europe’s Green Capital framework and related sustainable-travel awards, such as the Green Leaf.

Zaragoza’s recognition underscores its environmental initiatives and governance as crucial in addressing climate challenges and improving local livelihoods.

The European Commission praised Zaragoza for strong governance, long-term climate action planning, and integrating climate resilience with social needs, with the competition evaluating air quality, water management, biodiversity and green spaces, waste and circular economy, noise, and climate mitigation/adaptation.

The Green Capital prize is awarded two years in advance, with Heilbronn (Germany) named the 2027 winner and Benidorm and Chiclana de la Frontera receiving the Green Leaf prize for smaller cities.

Candidates for 2028 included Aalborg, Bielsko-Biała, Košice, and Porto; Zaragoza won due to strong governance, long-term commitment, urban biodiversity, sustainable land use, and a Green Infrastructure Master Plan.

The title recognizes planning and ambition rather than flawless execution: Zaragoza will hold the official title in 2028 and will receive €600,000 to support further activities, with success measured by tangible outcomes like cooler streets, cleaner air, and more accessible greenery.