* European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso gave 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. Barroso said the proposal complemented the EU’s “Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment.”
Ratas, a member of the Center Party, said the letter from Barroso was enormous recognition for Tallinn and all Estonia. Ratas earlier made the proposal of Green Capital of Europe, which would be awarded annually to the European city that has excelled the most in protection of the environment.
So far, 40 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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