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EUDR supply chain infographic - Updated version

In a world of shifting politics, the Commission and UNEP are prioritising evidence-based environmental protection, turning scientific data into rapid, real-world protection. Click for more.

Our annual Brussels conference is back, focusing on a nature-positive economy. General registrations open on 13 April, but startups and investors: register by 1 April to secure your spot in our new matchmaking event!

Call for interest to scale up bio-based industries! 📢

Find out if genetic data can help fund biodiversity protection 🌿

See why record wildfires call for stronger action 🔥

Continuing the theme of climate resilience, the Commission released new guidelines to safeguard the Natura 2000 network from the threats of climate change. Read now.

Discover how the EU is investing €103 million in seven massive projects to fortify Europe’s climate and nature defences.

Read about the Commission's new approach to wildfire risk management aimed at enhancing Europe's resilience against its growing threat.

Adding to the push for greater water resilience, the Commission is calling for evidence to boost water laws, prioritising resource circularity and environmental safety. Click for more.

The Commission is seeking 60 top experts to join its new Water Resilience Platform. The mission? Building a water-smart economy and securing clean, affordable water for all.

The EU is standing firm at this week's CoP15 to ban the illegal killing of migratory animals and secure the sustainable infrastructure needed to keep their lifelines open. More below.

A new study shows that villages cradled by biodiversity and trees aren't just greener - they’re socioeconomically stronger. Find out why below.

Today 19 March Vaasa has officially launched its year as one of the two 2026 European Green Leaf award winners. The opening ceremony, with presence of representatives from the European Commission and other awarded cities, has highlighted the city’s commitment to sustainable and alternative energy solutions. The ceremony has taken place during Vaasa’s annual energy week, an initiative that brings together stakeholders from across the energy sector and highlights the city’s role as a hub for renewable and innovative solutions.

In this first quarterly issue of 2026, our newsletter shares the exciting kick-off events of Guimarães (PT), the European Green Capital 2026, and of the Green Leaf cities Águeda (PT) and Vaasa (FI) which these days celebrates its energy week. The deadline to run for European Green Capital and Green Leaf in 2028 is close, and we see strong interest! We extend our thanks to the Green City Accord signatories now committed to their new data reporting and organising study visits in Águeda (PT) and Gijón (ES). European flagship events are coming, including the EU Green Week, still open to apply to host local partner events, and the New European Bauhaus Festival, where we expect our cities’ contributions for our thematic stand. Be informed about legislative and political developments and about calls for funding like LIFE and Green Assist and the EUI 4th call for Innovative Actions. We hope this information will help your work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable city.

In this first quarterly issue of 2026, our newsletter shares the exciting kick-off events of Guimarães (PT), the European Green Capital 2026, and of the Green Leaf cities Águeda (PT) and Vaasa (FI) which these days celebrates its energy week. The deadline to run for European Green Capital and Green Leaf in 2028 is close, and we see strong interest! We extend our thanks to the Green City Accord signatories now committed to their new data reporting and organising study visits in Águeda (PT) and Gijón (ES). European flagship events are coming, including the EU Green Week, still open to apply to host local partner events, and the New European Bauhaus Festival, where we expect our cities’ contributions for our thematic stand. Be informed about legislative and political developments and about calls for funding like LIFE and Green Assist and the EUI 4th call for Innovative Actions. We hope this information will help in your work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable city.

During the policy talk on digital tools for Green Cities held on 27 February, the European Commission presented how digital technologies can support more sustainable urban management. Discussions highlighted the role of data, artificial intelligence and digital twins in improving environmental monitoring, urban planning and climate resilience, as well as the digitalisation of the water sector under the European Water Resilience Strategy. Find out more about it in the event presentations.

On the anniversary of the mandatory separate collection of textiles, the European Committee of Regions hosted on 29 January the conference of the Municipal Waste Europe to discuss the process and implications of textile waste in the industry. Municipalities, policymakers and industry gathered to discuss the impact of textile waste on the overall environment and endorse the demand for secondary raw materials.

On 22-23 April in Copenhagen, the European Urban Initiative (EUI) will host its first Focused Policy Lab of 2026 on sustainable tourism. The event will bring together urban practitioners to explore how tourism can become greener, more digital and better balanced for both residents and visitors, while contributing to the upcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy and sharing practical experiences from cities and EU-funded projects.

The Circular Economy Stakeholders Platform annual conference will take place in Brussels on 22-23 April, focusing on 'A Competitive and Fair Circular Europe: The Ambition at the Heart of the Single Market', discussing key topics including the upcoming Circular Economy Act. Co-organised by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee.