Vilnius begins a summer of sustainable action

Citizens of the Lithuanian capital have spent their spring and early summer as the 2025 European Green Capital, helping to make the city more sustainable. City leaders, officials and citizens have committed to serve as activists for greener lifestyles, as well as to remain open to learn how to improve their city.

Vilnius City served as a partner at the Urban Future Conference  that took place in Łódź, Poland, between 21 and 23 May. Vilnius had the opportunity to host the discussion 'Meet the Doers' in which city leaders shared their personal experiences of taking charge and working to improve their cities. Speakers got candid about their failures and offered invaluable advice.

Representatives from Vilnius also had the opportunity to speak about their work in revitalising older neighbourhoods, pursuing the green transition, engaging the community and retrofitting heritage buildings.

The city also has begun its annual tree inspection. An estimated 500,000 trees have already been inventoried, with a vast majority of them in good condition. 80,000 additional trees are planned to be inspected this year. This process helps the city plan the necessary maintenance to preserve the city's tree canopy and green spaces for citizens and wildlife alike.

Furthermore, the next generation of Vilnius citizens has taken an active role in supporting a green city.

In the last three years, over 120 schools and educational institutions have had the opportunity to move to outdoor classrooms. Over the last year, kindergartens have become an integral part of this initiative, and within two years, 27 kindergartens and 7 kindergarten schools will have the opportunity to enjoy non-traditional outdoor classrooms.

Vilnius citizens have also had many chances to engage with urban sustainability through a variety of events, competitions and projects.

On 30 April, Vilnius residents had the chance to attend the discussion 'Slowing down fashion: conversations that change, stories that last'. They got to hear from experts on fashion design and fashion mobility about the importance of reducing the amount of clothes you buy and how to identify which clothes are sustainably made and designed to last.

Vilnius, along with the ISM University of Management and Economics, launched the 'Green Vilnius' photo competition. Both professional and amateur photographers were encouraged to take photos of the city's many green spaces and sustainability initiatives. Submissions ended on 30 June, and voting closed on 31 July.

'Vilnius Healthier', the city's public health office, recruited six famous people to record relaxation practices to support Vilnius residents. One example is 'Meditation on a trolleybus' by the singer and songwriter Gabrielė Vilkickytė. The office also promotes sustainability, frequently presenting to schoolchildren across the city.

Vilnius continues to support its residents while also providing them with the tools to learn how to live more sustainably. The city continues to celebrate and take advantage of the resources provided to it as the 2025 European Green Capital.

To know more, visit Vilnius European Green Capital page.