Vilnius has been named the European Green Capital for 2025. This prestigious title recognises the Lithuanian capital’s dedication to sustainability, climate action, and smart urban development. More than just an award, the recognition serves as motivation for Vilnius to go even further in its green ambitions and inspire other cities across Europe.
A Vision for a Greener Future
Vilnius sees its future as a hub for sustainable innovation. Receiving the European Green Capital title affirms that it is on the right track in its efforts to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and create a more livable city. According to Anton Nikitin, Chief Sustainability Officer at the City of Vilnius, “this title isn’t just an award – it’s a push to go even further in creating a healthier, greener, and more livable urban space.” The city aims to enhance public transportation, expand green spaces, and promote eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Vilnius is also hoping to foster more green business and investments. By expanding green public transport, reducing car dependency, and making walking and cycling easier, the city has demonstrated that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand. “Vilnius is proving that you don’t have to choose between a strong economy and a healthy environment – you can have both,” says Nikitin.
In addition to investing in mobility solutions, the city is redeveloping old industrial zones into modern, sustainable communities through Brownfield regeneration. This allows the city to reimagine different areas of the city while keeping nearby nature untouched. Vilnius is also reducing emissions through investments in solar power, biogas, and energy-efficiency. Most importantly, the city is actively involving its residents in decision-making processes, ensuring that sustainability remains a shared goal.
Major Successes in Green Initiatives
Among Vilnius’ key environmental achievements is the Green wave initiative, which has led to the planting of over 68,000 trees and shrubs. Due to the expansion of urban green spaces, over 94% of residents now live within 300 meters of a park or natural area. The city’s Natura 2000 sites – sites that protect threatened species and habitats – have also increased from nine to eighteen in the last decade.
This title isn’t just an award - it’s a push to go even further in creating a healthier, greener, and more livable urban space.
Another major achievement of Vilnius is the integration of green transit options. The city adopted a new Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan called SUMP 2030, which aims to reduce car use by improving route efficiency, increasing transit frequency, and making public transport more attractive. Vilnius city has already built over 100 kilometres of new bike lanes since 2016, and it is planning to transition to electric and hydrogen-powered buses by 2026. The city also promotes bike and scooter-sharing services and has plans to continue developing pedestrian-friendly zones.
In addition to green mobility solutions, Vilnius is also working to diversify its energy mix. Thanks to a biofuel cogeneration plant, 83% of district heating has been sourced using renewable energy since 2024. The goal is to reach 100% by 2030. New solar installations will also increase the city’s energy self-sufficiency.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Bold change doesn’t come without its share of challenges. Air pollution from residential heating has posed a major challenge to Vilnius, as many old homes still rely on solid fuels like firewood for heating. Construction and industrial pollution also impact air quality around the city. Similarly, the Vilnius’ original Soviet-era urban planning style makes it hard to transition to pedestrian- and bike- friendly infrastructure. Funding restraints have occasionally slowed the implementation of certain projects, proving once again how much local successes rely on national and EU funding for green initiatives.
Vilnius is proving that you don’t have to choose between a strong economy and a healthy environment - you can have both.
Some sustainability projects faced public opposition. Instead of just making top-down decisions, Vilnius realised the importance of involving citizens in environmental projects. Now, the city invites the public to participate in shaping their city through online reporting tools and participatory budgeting.
A Sustainable Destination for Eco-Conscious Travelers
In addition to green opportunities for its residents, Vilnius is making eco-conscious travel more convenient than ever. According to a World Travel & Tourism Council study, 75% of travelers want to prioritise environmentally responsible trips in 2025. As the European Green Capital for 2025, Vilnius provides unique, eco-friendly travel options for visitors. Tourists from nearby cities can easily reach Vilnius by train, with direct connections from Warsaw, Riga, and Tallinn. These options reduce the need for carbon-intensive air travel.
Sustainability extends to dining, where many cafes and restaurants serve organic, locally sourced meals. The city is home to four Michelin-star restaurants, and establishments like Pas Mus source ingredients directly from home gardens and nearby forests.
Eco-conscious accommodations are also on the rise. Many hotels and hostels are implementing energy efficiency and waste reduction strategies, using locally sourced materials, and offering green cleaning options. A central hostel even caters to those traveling with campers, making sustainable and budget-friendly lodging accessible for all.
In terms of recreation, over 61% of the city is covered in green spaces with a 100km network of scenic walking trails, it is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the nearby Žalieji Ežerai and Balžio Lakes and kayak on the Neris River.
A City Committed to a Sustainable Future
Beyond 2025, Vilnius has even more ambitious goals. It is working towards climate neutrality by 2030 through the NetZeroCities initiative and “by 2050, the city plans full fossil fuel elimination, expanded urban biodiversity programs, and green infrastructure integration into all development projects,” explains Nikitin. To measure the success of its Green Capital initiatives, Vilnius is closely monitoring air quality, biodiversity indices, and the expansion of urban green spaces. Public engagement is also a key metric for the city, particularly through tools like interactive reporting maps to track green space improvements.
Vilnius isn’t just treating this as a trophy - it’s a launchpad for bigger ambitions.
Vilnius’ designation as the European Green Capital for 2025 is a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainability. In May, Vilnius will host the annual Cities Missions Conference, titled, ‘Harnessing City Successes: Advancing Climate action for 2030.’ The event is an opportunity for Vilnius to showcase its progress and inspire collaboration on green initiatives between other cities across Europe.
“Vilnius isn’t just treating this as a trophy – it’s a launchpad for bigger ambitions,” says Nikitin. The city is setting an example for urban centres worldwide, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can coexist. With forward-thinking policies, active citizen participation, and a drive toward innovation, Vilnius is not just a green capital in name – it is a true leader in the global sustainability movement.
