The Antwerp division of the Flemish green party Groen is pushing for the city to run for the title of ‘European Green Capital’ in the next legislative term.
Groen’s vision for Antwerp is to implement substantial environmental measures aimed at improving air and water quality, increasing green spaces, managing waste effectively, reducing noise pollution, and addressing climate issues.
At the forefront of this campaign is list leader Bogdan Vanden Berghe, who believes that winning the prestigious European Green Capital award would symbolize the city’s progress.
“Winning the European Green Capital title would be the icing on the cake after enacting these proposed measures,” said Vanden Berghe.
He added that the accolade, while important, serves as a broader goal to bring about tangible improvements for the people of Antwerp.
The European Green Capital Award, an initiative of the European Commission since 2010, recognizes cities that set a leading example in environmental sustainability.
Previous winners include Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Hamburg, but no Belgian city has ever claimed the title.
Vanden Berghe is optimistic about Antwerp’s chances but acknowledges the challenges: “If Antwerp were to be included in the list, there is work to be done.”
Groen’s ambitious proposals aim to address both local and global environmental issues. Their plan includes the expansion of Antwerp’s public transportation network, focusing on enhancing bus and tram services to reduce the city’s dependence on cars.
“It’s not just about the title, but setting a clear goal allows us, as citizens of Antwerp, to work together on a more livable city,” said Vanden Berghe.
In addition to transportation upgrades, Groen is advocating for significant energy renovations in residential buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
This measure would help residents switch to renewable energy sources and cut down on overall energy consumption, contributing to the city’s climate goals.
Groen also envisions creating accessible green spaces for every resident, ensuring that no one lives far from a park or natural area.
The party emphasizes that these green spaces not only improve mental and physical health but also enhance biodiversity and combat the urban heat island effect.
Water management is another crucial focus. Groen aims to provide more space for waterways throughout Antwerp, addressing both water quality and flood risks, particularly in response to the increasing threat posed by climate change.
By reducing the amount of hardscape, such as concrete and asphalt, in public spaces, the party hopes to create more permeable surfaces that will allow for better water absorption and improve the city’s resilience to heavy rainfall.
Waste management, too, features prominently in Groen’s plan. The party is pushing for increased waste prevention efforts, recognizing that efficient waste handling can lead to a cleaner environment and reduce the strain on Antwerp’s resources.
They propose to achieve this through enhanced recycling programs and public education initiatives.
Vanden Berghe sees the European Green Capital candidacy as a unifying opportunity for Antwerp. “This candidacy can unite people around a clear, inspiring project that will improve everyone’s quality of life,” he said.
By rallying citizens and stakeholders around the goal, Groen hopes to transform Antwerp into a city that balances urban living with environmental sustainability.
While the title of European Green Capital may be symbolic, the real impact lies in the policies Groen aims to implement.
As Antwerp prepares for the next legislative term, the green party hopes to secure its place on the city council to bring these transformative changes to life.
