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Benidorm Joins European Green City Accord to Strengthen Environmental Policies

Mayor Toni Pérez presents a motion to the plenary session to adhere to this commitment, which will further promote the health and well-being of citizens.

 

At the upcoming plenary session, Benidorm City Council is set to approve its adherence to the Green City Accord, an initiative of the European Commission that unites mayors and local authorities around a shared vision of sustainable urban development. The initiative envisions that by 2030, European cities will be healthier, greener, and more attractive places to live, enhancing the well-being of all residents.

Mayor Toni Pérez has submitted the proposal for Benidorm’s incorporation into the accord, emphasizing that the agreement will help “strengthen environmental policies and align local commitments with the sustainability objectives of the European Union.”

According to the mayor, joining the initiative means Benidorm will take the necessary steps to achieve the 2030 targets—many of which are already reflected in the city’s long-standing environmental policies. These include:

Improving air quality

• Protecting water resources and ensuring efficient use of water.

• Expanding and enhancing green spaces to boost urban biodiversity.

• Advancing a circular economy through better waste management, reduced generation and disposal, and increased reuse, repair, and recycling.

• Reducing noise pollution in line with World Health Organisation recommendations.

Pérez described this move as “another step in reaffirming our commitment to building a greener, more efficient, and more resilient Benidorm—sustainable in environmental, economic, and social terms.” He recalled that this journey began in 2015 with a clear roadmap that led Benidorm to become the world’s first certified Smart Tourism Destination, followed by a series of accolades:

 

• Most Sustainable Destination at the 2024 Smart Travel News Awards.
• Environmental Sustainability Award (2024).
• Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism Award (2025).

 

And most recently, Benidorm’s selection as one of four finalists for the European Green Leaf 2027 Award, which recognises cities under 100,000 inhabitants tackling urban environmental challenges related to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The motion also highlights the benefits of joining the Green City Accord, including:

• Greater visibility for Benidorm’s environmental policies and achievements at the European level.
• Opportunities to contribute to EU-wide environmental strategies.
• Integration into a network of cities driving the transition toward a cleaner and healthier Europe.
• Increased transparency, accountability, and trust between the local administration and citizens.

Additionally, Benidorm will gain access to EU funding opportunities, networking and training activities, personalszed guidance through a dedicated help desk, and benchmarking tools to measure and compare progress with other European cities.