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Vaasa’s recognition as a European Green Leaf City puts the region in the spotlight as a frontrunner in sustainable development. At Vaasa EnergyWeek, leaders emphasised that the award is not an endpoint, but a platform for continued action and global influence.
Vaasa has been recognised as a European Green Leaf City, an achievement celebrated during Vaasa EnergyWeek. The prestigious award, granted by the European Commission, brings with it a year long leadership role.
“Vaasa is not waiting for the future. It is building it.”
That was the message from Joakim Strand, Finland’s Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, and one of the keynote speakers at the EnergyWeek event marking Vaasa’s Green Leaf recognition.
“The European Green Leaf Award gives Vaasa a unique platform,” Strand said.
He emphasised that the transformation is not only about reducing emissions.
“The green transformation requires us to rethink how we live, how we move, and how we think.”
According to Strand, cities like Vaasa play a central role, since it is in cities that climate action becomes concrete.
“When Cities Lead, Europe Can Succeed”
Patrick Child, Deputy Director General at DG Environment at the European Commission, described the title as both an honour and a call for action.
“Vaasa sets a standard for cities in Europe and beyond. When cities lead, Europe can succeed.”
He explained that Vaasa stood out to the jury thanks to concrete measures such as innovative heat storage solutions, as well as strong regional cooperation.
“We can take Vaasa’s inspiring message to every corner of Europe,” Child said.
An ongoing effort
Tomas Häyry, Mayor of Vaasa, called the recognition a special moment for the city while stressing that the work continues beyond the award year.
“This is not limited to one year. It is the result of long term work, and it will continue.”
He also highlighted the city’s newly launched strategy, guided by the vision “More passion, more energy.”
Häyry underlined that Vaasa’s success is built on broad cooperation, an entire ecosystem working together. As an example, he pointed to the unique new ferry trafficing between Vaasa and Umeå, demonstrating what can be achieved when different actors work towards a shared goal.
“This work is about trust, cooperation, and co creation.”
Here you can find the full Vaasa EnergyWeek program and register for events.
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