European Green Leaf Award - Winning cities -Mechelen 2020

Mechelen, Belgium, is situated in the heart of Flanders, conveniently located between Brussels and Antwerp, both accessible in just 20 minutes. The city developed along the River Dijle and was originally built on wetlands, making water management a long-term priority. Mechelen is home to a diverse population of 85 789 residents, with 27.5% of its inhabitants having non-Belgian roots. This diversity has been a defining feature of the city, and in recognition of his efforts to foster inclusion, Mechelen’s Mayor Bart Somers was awarded the 2016 World Mayor Prize.

Over the past decade, Mechelen has experienced a significant revival, marked by both population growth and economic expansion. This resurgence is largely attributed to strategic investments made by the city. Thanks to its central location, Mechelen serves as an ideal base for businesses, attracting a wide range of companies and fostering growth in its manufacturing, creative and innovative sectors. Since 2010, the number of businesses in the city has increased from 5 000 to nearly 6 000.

Mechelen is also one of Flanders’ five renowned art cities, boasting over 300 historical buildings and three UNESCO World Heritage sites. In 2017, the city earned the Best Belgian Local Government Award in recognition of the high quality of its public services. The city’s vision includes ambitious goals such as achieving climate neutrality, promoting diversity and enhancing child-friendliness. To reach these objectives, Mechelen prioritises co-creation and citizen participation through annual public meetings and collaborative projects. Additionally, city partners play an active role in smart city development via 'city labs', fostering innovation and technological advancement.

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For more detailed insights into Mechelen’s achievements and sustainability efforts, you can explore the EGLA Technical Assessment Report - Award Cycle 2020 and the Jury Report - Award Cycle 2020, which evaluate the city’s performance in various environmental and governance criteria. For an overview of the city's progress following its recognition, the Mechelen 1-Year Report provides a comprehensive update on its initiatives and continued development.