On 8 January 2026, Águeda (Portugal) officially launched its year as European Green Leaf 2026 withan Opening Ceremony at the Águeda arts centre. The event brought together local, regional, national and European representatives to celebrate Águeda’s achievements in sustainability and community-led environmental efforts.

The programme featured artistic performances by local students, the symbolic handover of the European Green Leaf Award Plaque, and the screening of official European Green Leaf videos. The mayor of Águeda delivered an inspirational speech, highlighting the crucial role of smaller cities in advancing the objectives of the European Green Deal and in collaborating with other cities at the EU level towards a more resilient Europe. The city reaffirmed its environmental ambitions, including the Águeda Environmental Park project, while recognising the contributions of citizens and community members. Particular emphasis was placed on the engagement of young people in schools and of local green ambassadors in advancing sustainability. The ceremony concluded with an eco-cultural moment and an informal opportunity to explore the city.

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The following day, on 9 January, Guimarães(Portugal), the European Green Capital 2026, hosted its own Opening Ceremony. The event brought together EU leaders, ministers, mayors and city residents to reaffirm the key role of cities in Europe’s green transition.

The high-level ceremony began at Teatro Jordão with a session for policital representatives. The European Commission was represented by Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General at DG Environment and Chair of the awards jury, who commended the city’s accomplishments and congratulated both the previous and current mayors for their commitment to continuity in Guimarães’ green journey. The agenda included a panel discussion, ‘Cities in Dialogue: Mayors Shaping the Green Transition’, with representatives from Guimarães, Vilnius, Heilbronn and Valencia (all European Green Cities). Andrius Grigonis, Deputy Mayor of Vilnius, handed the “Green Book” over to Ricardo Araújo, Mayor of Guimarães, in a traditional gesture symbolising the connection between the previous and current Green Capitals.

The highlight of the day was the public and festive Opening Ceremony, which gathered more than 3 000 attendees, with many more watching it online via a publicly shared livestream. Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner for Environment, delivered a video message, while Maria da Graça Carvalho, Portugal’s Minister for the Environment, Mayor Ricardo Araújo and Patrick Child of the European Commission gave inspiring speeches. The mostly local audience enjoyed live performances, orchestral music and celebrations.

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 These two ceremonies mark the beginning of an exciting new year for the European Green Cities!