Bulgaria's Kardzhali to Run in 2016 European Green Leaf Race

Kardzhali is among the 10 European cities which have announced their candidacy for the 2016 European Green Leaf Award, the European Commission announced on Friday.

The year 2016 marks the second edition of the European Green Leaf Award, which seeks to recognise the progress made by Europe's smaller cities towards innovative green solutions. Green Leaf applications will be assessed on the basis of diverse criteria, including climate change and energy performance, mobility, biodiversity and land use, waste management and green economy, water and wastewater management, the EU Commission said.

Kardzhali, a regional centre in southern Bulgaria, will compete with nine other European cities including Serres in Greece, Aosta in Italy and Galway in Ireland. Another two contestants from Italy as well as cities from Cyprus, France, Spain and Finland have also announced their candidacy.

The winner will benefit from an increased profile, enhancing the city's reputation as a desirable place to visit as well as live and work in. The winning city will be announced at an award ceremony in June in Ljubljana, the 2016 European Green Capital.

Mollet del Vallès, Spain and Torres Vedras, Portugal were the joint winners of the 2015 Green Leaf Award.

Bulgaria, Green Leaf Award, Kardzhali, European Commission