Guimarães Sets the Course Towards European Green Capital 2026 with Collective Commitment and Plural Vision

Guimarães has officially launched a new phase of collective engagement towards the European Green Capital 2026 title, during the first meeting of its Monitoring Commission, held on Friday, April 11, at the Laboratório da Paisagem.

Following the achievement of the prestigious European Green Capital title in Valencia in 2024, Guimarães has been working intensively on its Strategic Plan for EGCA2026, approved by the Municipal Executive. The plan designates 2025 as a year of critical preparation, with the establishment of a dedicated Task Force — including an Executive Board, four commissions (Honorary, Scientific, Community, and Monitoring), a communications team, and a financial team — to ensure the successful implementation of the European Green Capital programme under the theme: “Guimarães towards the European Green Capital 2026”.

At the opening of the Monitoring Commission’s first session, Mayor Domingos Bragança, also President of the Executive Board, urged all members to actively and constructively participate, emphasizing the importance of building broad and robust consensus that reflects plural thinking. “This is a continuous process of improvement, one that must welcome diverse contributions and mobilize enthusiasm and knowledge around a common goal,” he affirmed, stressing that meetings will be held as frequently as needed to guarantee a solid and inclusive implementation of the EGCA2026 mission.

During the session, members of the Executive Board — Isabel Loureiro, Carlos Ribeiro, and Dalila Sepúlveda — presented the overarching vision of the project. Strategic goals include strengthening citizen engagement, empowering the private sector, reinforcing urban-rural cohesion, and projecting Guimarães internationally. Built upon the pillars of climate, education, health, science, innovation, and community celebration, the programme adopts a systemic and cross-sectoral approach, with sustainable mobility at its core.

The 2026 programme will also serve as a living laboratory for participatory democracy, creating closer ties between citizens and policymaking. Key highlights on the provisional events calendar include the signing of a letter of intent with the European Commission during Green Week 2025 (5–8 June) by Mayor Domingos Bragança and Deputy Director-General for Environment, Patrick Child, and the hosting of the Energy Cities Annual Forum in April 2026, which will welcome over 200 European cities to Guimarães.

Councillor Adelina Pinto emphasized the city’s diplomatic efforts with twin cities and international networks, such as the UCCLA – Union of Portuguese-Speaking Capital Cities, proposing the signing of a “Guimarães Charter” to promote the replication of best practices towards decarbonisation and environmental sustainability.

In terms of innovation, Councillor Paulo Lopes Silva presented ongoing projects under the Be.Neutral Agenda, developed in consortium with companies including Petrotec, NOS, Salvador Caetano, and CEiiA. These initiatives aim to deliver solutions such as a digital urban mobility platform supporting autonomous vehicles, intermodality, and sustainable deliveries. Councillor Sofia Ferreira highlighted the NetZeroCities pilot project being implemented in Bairro C, notably the creation of a community energy initiative, exemplified by the installation of solar panels at the city’s weekly market grounds.

The meeting was marked by broad political consensus. Ricardo Araújo, leader of the PSD local council and city councillor, emphasized the need to mobilize both the community and the private sector, while Ricardo Costa, leader of the PS local council, highlighted the importance of leaving a legacy and suggested creating a carbon credit system to financially reward decarbonisation efforts.

Among the representatives of the Municipal Assembly, André Almeida (CHEGA) proposed environmental training initiatives targeting the private sector, particularly in construction, while Sónia Ribeiro (Left Bloc) stressed the importance of sharing information to encourage critical thinking alongside political consensus.

In closing, Mayor Domingos Bragança reflected on the question, “What lasting impact will remain?” posed by Sónia Ribeiro. He stated that while the European Green Capital title will mark a time of celebration and increased visibility for Guimarães across Europe, the true legacy will be the irreversible path toward sustainability. “The distinction is important, but even more important is the collective journey we are undertaking,” he affirmed. With a deep-rooted ecological consciousness now embedded in its citizens, Guimarães is firmly committed to continuing along this path, setting an example of leadership and resilience for the future.