Vilnius highlights new cultural, environmental and youth-focused initiatives that bring the 2025 European Green Capital vision to life through creativity and community action.

As the 2025 European Green Capital, Vilnius continues to demonstrate how culture, community engagement and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand. Over the past months, the city has unveiled a diverse range of projects that showcase its evolving green vision, from international artistic collaborations to youth sustainability programmes.

Jolita Vaitkutė explores Vilnius-Osaka connections through art

Lithuanian artist Jolita Vaitkutė travelled to Osaka to explore the cultural and visual similarities between the two cities. Her creative research resulted in a unique artistic interpretation that highlights how urban identity, nature and daily life intertwine across continents. The collaboration strengthened cultural ties and offered a fresh perspective on Vilnius from abroad.

A unique concert-fundraising initiative to protect ancient forests

The Ancient Woods Foundation, Radio Vilnius and the European Green Capital 2025 team organised a special concert-fundraising event dedicated to forest conservation. The performance merged art and environmental activism, encouraging residents to support long-term protection of Lithuania’s natural heritage while experiencing a powerful musical programme.

Green Capital Meadow: a lively space for workshops, music and conversations

In September 2025, during Vilnius Days, the city introduced the Green Capital Meadow, a temporary community space designed to inspire sustainability through hands-on activities. Residents were invited to join free workshops, take part in conversations on green lifestyles, and enjoy performances by ‘Fainuolių choras’, ‘Rhythm Differently – Ritmas Kitaip’, and a special programme by Miglokas. The meadow created an inclusive environment where learning, creativity and relaxation came together.

Green Student Challenge winners join a sustainability camp in the Åland Islands

Winners of the Green Student Challenge had the opportunity to participate in an international sustainability camp in the Åland Islands. Surrounded by Baltic Sea nature, students learned practical skills, exchanged ideas with peers from across the region and reflected on how youth-led initiatives can contribute to a greener future.

Vilnius celebrates World Cleanup Day with impressive city-wide action

Thousands of Vilnius residents united for World Cleanup Day on 20 September 2025, contributing to one of the year’s largest civic environmental campaigns. Even the beloved city mascot Aro joined the effort, helping raise awareness of waste reduction and community responsibility. The event once again demonstrated the power of collective action in making Vilnius cleaner and more sustainable.

Over six million glasses of drinking water served from outdoor fountains

The municipal company Vilniaus vandenys announced that residents consumed more than six million glasses of water from outdoor drinking fountains this year. These fountains provide a free, sustainable and healthy alternative to bottled beverages, reinforcing the city’s commitment to accessible urban infrastructure that supports climate-friendly habits.

Green Capital Filmmaking Challenge: creativity meets sustainability

Residents are invited to watch the short films created for the Green Capital Filmmaking Challenge, a competition encouraging citizens to tell visual stories about Vilnius’ sustainable transformation. The films highlight personal perspectives, urban nature and everyday actions that contribute to a greener city. The initiative continues to empower local creatives while promoting environmental awareness.

Vilnius’ ongoing efforts show how environmental ambition can be strengthened through artistic expression, youth engagement, and community participation. Together, these initiatives bring the city’s European Green Capital 2025 mission to life and inspire residents to shape a sustainable future.