Goals

Tallinn received the European Green Capital Award from the European Commission in autumn 2021. The city’s well thought out vision and strategic goals to become greener and more sustainable were mentioned specifically – this is exactly how the Green Capital should be an example to other European cities, but also to cities around the world.

In particular, Tallinn impressed the international jury with its systematic approach to green governance and interlinked strategic goals that reflect the ambitions of the European Green Deal.

Tallinn received the award upon its fifth application – consistency leads to success – and specifically thanks to the Tallinn 2035 Strategy adopted in 2020 and the Tallinn Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan 2030, which both offer a strong vision for the future and a clear will to carry out the green transition and further involve citizens in city governance.

In the Green Capital year, Tallinn’s main themes are biodiversity, innovation, climate and sustainable governance. We wish to further involve local communities in city development, find opportunities to support green innovation, develop environmentally friendly modes of travel, such as cycle lanes and public transport, and instil circular economy. We also wish to help citizens better understand the importance of environmental protection.

We have set a goal of bringing the city closer to the people in the coming year, involve more people, companies and various non-governmental organisations and boost environmentally friendly initiatives.

The changes begin from the city itself. We have developed a guide for environmentally friendly events, added environmental requirements to the Law of Procurements and made our own institutions follow the principles of the green office. Through the inclusive budget and various support measures we can support the ideas of our citizens, NGOs and companies and bring more attention to Tallinn and all of Estonia.

There will be interesting environment-themed activities for all residents of Tallinn, including over 200 events, as part of the green capital program.

Inclusive city. An inclusive city creates a better urban environment together with local communities, discusses, asks for opinions and ideas, and takes into account the needs of the community.

Smart city.Together with entrepreneurs, residents, researchers and students, smart city is looking for new innovative solutions to make the urban environment better, cleaner, and more humane and environmentally friendly.

Sustainable city.A sustainable city, in cooperation with the urban population, will create a greener and more humane urban space, based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Learning city. A learning city develops and adapts to changes in the world and helps its inhabitants to better understand why it is necessary to preserve the living environment and how they can contribute to the protection of the environment.

We know Tallinn still has a lot to do to become more environmentally friendly in the fields of transport, circular economy and the urban space. The European Green Capital title gave us the opportunity to look at all of the activities of the city and brainstorm together to make them more environment and human-friendly.

Reports and overviews:

Mid-term Report

Detailed overview of Tallinn’s European Green Capital year activities

Action and Communications Plan

Presskit