Welcome to Velenje, Slovenia – Host of the 50th Entente Florale Europe Anniversary and Awards Ceremony 2025
We are proud to announce that the beautiful Slovenian city of Velenje has the honour of hosting the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony of Entente Florale Europe (EFE) in September 2025.
This prestigious European competition celebrates excellence in urban greenery, environmental awareness, community involvement, and quality of life in cities, towns, and villages. Organized by the Association Européenne pour le Fleurissement et le Paysage (AEFP) since 1975, and more recently by the Entente Florale Europe not-for-profit company, the competition has brought together thousands of communities from across Europe, promoting sustainable urban planning, landscaping, biodiversity, and civic engagement.
Why Velenje?
Velenje was awarded the Gold Medal in the 2024 edition of Entente Florale Europe, recognizing its outstanding achievements in green infrastructure, community involvement, sustainable tourism, and environmental care. Additionally, the city received the Special Award for Achievements in Tourism and Leisure, acknowledging its innovative and inclusive approach to public spaces, recreational infrastructure, and visitor experience.
Due to this exceptional recognition, Velenje was invited to host the 2025 celebration as a non-competing city. This year, the spotlight will be on welcoming, learning, and connecting, as we gather representatives from participating cities, towns and villages, EPE jury members, and international guests to honour the new award winners and reflect on 50 years of progress.
About Entente Florale Europe
Entente Florale Europe is a Europe-wide competition designed for cities, towns, and villages that prioritize green spaces, livability, sustainability, and community spirit. Participating locations are first selected through their national competitions and then judged at the European level by an international jury.
Objectives of the Competition
- To promote high-quality landscaping and green areas in harmony with the built and natural environment
- To encourage environmental awareness, especially among children and young people
- To foster sustainable urban and rural development policies
- To inspire strong civic participation and long-term partnerships between communities
- To enhance local tourism and improve quality of life through thoughtful, inclusive urban design
Why it Matters?
As urban populations grow, Entente Florale Europe reminds us of the importance of green spaces as essential elements of public health, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Participation often acts as a catalyst for change, mobilizing communities to improve their surroundings and strengthen local identity. It also serves as a powerful platform for international exchange, showcasing best practices and celebrating environmental and cultural diversity.
2025 Participants
This year’s competition welcomes vibrant cities, towns and villages from across Europe, each with their own unique stories and green achievements:
- Babylon, Czechia
- Costigliole D’Asti, Italy
- Huglfing, Germany
- Maynooth, Ireland
- Nantes, France
- Nice, France
- Nyíregyháza, Hungary
- Satu Mare, Romania
- Terryglass, Ireland
- Varsány, Hungary
- Zedwitz, Germany
Join Us in Velenje, Slovenia
As we mark half a century of Entente Florale Europe, we invite you to join us in Velenje from 24 to 28 September 2025 for a rich program of tours, conferences, cultural events, networking opportunities, and the official awards ceremony.
Together, we will celebrate achievements in green living, learn from each other, and plant seeds for a greener, more connected Europe.
EVENT PROGRAM
THURSDAY, 25 September 2025
Conference program
09:00–15:00
International Conference “Hello, Future”
Theme: Quality of Life in Cities, Towns and Villages
Panel 3 – Green Public Infrastructure for Everyday Urban Quality of Life
- Dr Christy Boylan, Vice President, Entente Florale Europe and Chair of the International Jury
- Mr Béla KÉZY, senior urban development expertfrom the city of Nyíregyháza, Hungary.
- Ms Catherine Muller, Secretary General, Conseil National des Villes et Villages Fleuris, France.
Location : Dom kulture Velenje (Velenje Cultural Centre)
17:00
Reception by the Mayor for Local Tourism Stakeholders
Location: Villa Bianca
FRIDAY, 26 September 2025
10:00
Guided Tour for Guests – Story of Green Velenje
Meeting Point: Sončni park (Sunny Parc)
Price: 5 EUR/ per person
15:00
Guided Tour for Guests – Mysteries of Submerged Villages
Meeting Point: Vista – park with a view
Price: 15 EUR/ per person (Boat ride included)
17:00
Guided Tour for Guests – City Centre of Velenje
Meeting Point: Villa Bianca
Price: 5 EUR/ per person
9.30 –17:00
Entente Florale Europe Jury/Board Meeting
Location: Villa Bianca (3rd floor)
18:00
Welcome Dinner for EFE Members
Location: Hotel Paka
SATURDAY, 27 September 2025
09:00 –10.30
Jury/Board Meeting
Location: Villa Bianca (3rd floor)
11:00–13:00
Network gathering of Participants (2 reps per participant)
Location: Villa Bianca (1st floor)
13:00–14:00
Lunch for Participant reps and Jury/Board
Location: Bistro Bianca, Villa Bianca
14:00–16:00
European Market – Event Open to Business and General Public
Location: Old part of Velenje (Staro Velenje)
18:00–20:00
Entente Florale Europe Awards Ceremony
Location: Gaudeamus Hall, Velenje
20:00–22:00
Gala Dinner
Location: Gaudeamus Hall, Velenje
RECOMMENDED VISITS IN THE AREA
- Velenje Museum at Velenje Castle
- Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia
- House of Minerals (Hiša mineralov)
- Lamperček Homestead
- Velenje Beach and Lake
- Škale Lake
- Topolšica Thermal Spa
Advance booking available upon request – we are happy to reserve your preferred visit time.
What aspect of Šaleška Valley would you like to explore?
- Entente Florale Europe Jury Impressed by Our Efforts for a Green Future
- Velenje Wins Gold Medal at the Prestigious Entente Florale Europe 2024 Competition
Contact & Further Information
For more information regarding the event, accommodation, invitations or additional activities, please contact us:
Šalek Valley Tourist Board
turizem@velenje.si
+386 (0)3 896 17 15
www.visitsaleska.si
