Mayor Natalia Chueca led a delegation that followed the decisive moment in Portugal, surrounded by municipal representatives and people linked to the bid. The selection provides an important international showcase for Zaragoza and Aragón, as well as 600,000 euros, and recognizes the progress made by the city in areas such as nature, water, the circular economy, the energy transition and adaptation to climate change.
CHUECA: "IT PLACES ZARAGOZA AMONG EUROPE'S ELITE"
Chueca highlighted that this recognition "places Zaragoza among the European elite of cities committed to sustainability" and recognizes the work carried out in recent years to make the city greener, healthier, more accessible and better prepared to face the challenges of climate change. "This award belongs to all of Zaragoza. It is the result of the work of institutions, businesses, the university, social organizations and, above all, citizens who have shown that they want a better and more sustainable city," she said.
The designation is also a milestone for Zaragoza, which had already attempted to participate in this selection in 2009, 2011 and 2014, but has reached the final five cities for the first time and ultimately secured the European title. Zaragoza is also the only Spanish city to have reached the final stage of the award in this edition.
MORE THAN 150 INITIATIVES PLANNED FOR 2028
The real challenge now begins: preparing the more than 150 initiatives planned for 2028. They include major projects such as planting one tree for every ticket sold at the Vive Latino festival, as well as Ebro Vivo, the program with which Zaragoza wants to mark the 20th anniversary of Expo 2008. There will also be proposals related to biodiversity, waste, urban resilience and citizen participation.
Tonight's celebration in Guimarães will give way to a year in which Zaragoza will have to turn its bid into a program capable of involving the entire city. The Green Capital for 2028 now has a name: Zaragoza. The delegation that traveled to Portugal will now take the next step: launching a calendar that promises to fill the city's coming year with green activities.
