Strengthening the European Green Leaf Network
The delegation from Águeda, including Mayor Jorge Almeida, Dr Célia Laranjeira (Director of Sustainability, Tourism and Climate Action), and Ms Gloria Costa (Director of green areas and waste management), gathered in Viladecans to exchange strategies for creating greener cities. Discussions highlighted:
- Viladecans’ mission to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and its approach to involving citizens and local stakeholders in city-wide sustainability projects.
- Águeda’s vision for a green and liveable city, combining sustainable urban planning with cultural and artistic initiatives that enhance quality of life.
These exchanges showcased how the European Green Leaf network promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing among medium-sized European cities.
Experiencing sustainable practices in action
Águeda’s delegation had the opportunity to experience first-hand Viladecans’ innovative projects which contributed to its 2025 European Green Leaf title. These included:
- The double water management system for resource efficiency.
- Viladecans Repara, a hub for citizen-driven repair and reuse.
- The Remolar-Filipinas natural area, a key wetland for biodiversity.
Together, these initiatives highlight the importance of translating European Green Leaf principles into tangible actions that citizens can see, use and benefit from.
A symbolic passing of the torch
One of the most inspiring moments was the encounter between Águeda’s representatives and the ‘Green Leaf Fans of Viladecans’. This citizen-led programme has been central to Viladecans’ European Green Leaf year, mobilising schools, associations and businesses around sustainability.
In a symbolic gesture, the fans presented Águeda with a torch crafted from recycled plastic using 3D printing, inscribed with messages and wishes for their upcoming European Green Leaf year. This act embodied the passing of the torch from the 2025 winners to the 2026 title-holders, symbolising continuity, shared responsibility and the collective spirit of the European Green Leaf initiative.
Building a lasting partnership
The visit concluded with an official reception hosted by Mayor Olga Morales of Viladecans, underlining the strong political will to maintain collaboration between current and future European Green Leaf cities. Both municipalities emphasised that the award is not only a recognition of achievements but also a platform for building partnerships that extend beyond a single year.
As the celebrations concluded with Águeda’s participation in the opening of Viladecans’ Festa Major 2025, the message was clear: the European Green Leaf is more than an award. It is a growing community of cities united in their efforts to build greener, healthier and more liveable urban environments for Europe’s citizens.
