TALLINN - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso given his support to the idea of introducing the title of Green Capital of Europe.
The expression of support came in a letter to Tallinn Mayor Juri Ratas, who devised the proposal for a Green Capital competition to encourage cleaner cities.
Barroso said the excellent initiative should encourage local governments even more to improve the environment of towns and cities and aspire toward healthier and more sustainable cities.
The Commission president said the proposal converged with the EU's Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment.
Ratas said the letter from Barroso a big recognition for Tallinn and the whole of Estonia.
Ratas made a proposal to the Commission early this year to introduce the title of Green Capital of Europe or a respective prize, which would be awarded annually to the European city that has excelled the most in protection of the environment.
So far, forty cities have thrown their weight behind the concept, which needs the full approval of the European Commission to come into effect.
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