EU urban policy
To protect human health and the environment, EU urban policy aims to improve the quality of urban life through environmental legislation on air, water, and waste, to protect nature and biodiversity, and to ensure that citizens are not exposed to excessive noise.
European Comission
Initiatives such as the Green City Accord and the Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards encourage cities to address environmental challenges and demonstrate their environmental performance.
Green City Accord: a movement of European mayors
The Green City Accord is a movement to improve the quality of life for all Europeans and accelerate the implementation of relevant EU environmental legislation. By signing the Accord, cities commit to addressing five areas of environmental management: air, water, nature and biodiversity, circular economy and waste, and noise.
Why is it good for cities to join the movement?
- They can gain visibility across Europe by being recognized for their environmental activities and achievements
- help shape EU environmental policy
- become part of a community of like-minded cities driving the transition to a clean and healthy Europe
- increase transparency, accountability and credibility within the local community
- access information on EU funding opportunities
- participate in networking events and benefit from capacity-building opportunities
receive personalized guidance and support through a dedicated helpdesk
“Hungary joined the European Green City Movement in June 2010 in Milan as the sixth member by signing the Milan Charter. The National Association of Hungarian Garden Builders (MAKEOSZ) is responsible for the promotion and patronage of the movement in Hungary.”
Under the auspices of MAKEOSZ, quite a number of pilot projects have been completed in the last 12 years in our country. For example, there was an awareness-raising event in Bicske, strengthening environmental awareness and climate protection, and a community tree planting in Nemesvámos.
In Hungary under the HungAIRy LIFE-IP project, Miskolc is trying to improve air quality by installing 60 measuring devices and reducing the amount of green waste it burns through composting.
Who is eligible to join?
The Green City Accord is open to any city in the European Union with a population of 20,000 inhabitants or more.