The Municipality of Velenje has achieved another international success by winning the gold medal at the Entente Florale Europe 2024 competition. The expert jury evaluated towns and cities across Europe with a focus on quality of life, sustainable development, and the preservation of natural beauty. This award is a testament to the municipality’s long-standing efforts to improve living conditions for its citizens and its dedication to green spaces and environmental preservation.
In addition to the gold medal, Velenje also received a special award for achievements in tourism and leisure activities. This distinction highlights the city’s rich offer of events and activities that promote an active lifestyle and attract both locals and visitors, enhancing Velenje’s reputation as an appealing tourist destination.
Velenje will host the awards ceremony for the Entente Florale Europe 2025 competition next year.
The 2024 competition brought together 11 cities from 7 countries, assessed by an international jury based on ten key criteria, including: landscape and vegetation quality, natural and built environment, sustainable resource management, and the attractiveness and maintenance of public spaces. The awards ceremony took place in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, where the award was accepted on behalf of Velenje by Mayor Peter Dermol. He received it in the name of all residents who, through their participation and dedication, contributed to this outstanding achievement.
As part of the project, Velenje was also featured at the European Market in Székesfehérvár, where representatives of the Šaleška Valley Tourism Institute and the Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia showcased the city’s offer. Local products played a key role, with contributions from Lucifer Chocolate Atelier, homemade cookies from Miklavžina Farm, Skubeer Brewery, and Čanč Beekeeping. Visitors to the market were pleasantly surprised by Velenje’s offer, further increasing the city’s recognition at the European level. A sincere thank-you to all local providers for their contributions and collaboration.
Entente Florale Europe is an international competition organized annually by the Association Européenne pour le Fleurissement et le Paysage (AEFP) – a non-profit association that aims to promote the social and cultural development of urban communities through sustainable planning, landscape development, and green initiatives, ultimately improving the quality of life in cities by creating friendlier and greener environments.
The jury visited Velenje in July 2024, expressing special admiration for the development of tourism, innovative tourist products, and cooperation with diverse groups and neighboring towns. They acknowledged the city’s remarkable efforts toward a more sustainable and nature-friendly future, highlighting the use of new technologies, ongoing sustainability programming, and specifically congratulated Velenje for its involvement in the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral Cities and its title as European Green Leaf 2024.
With this achievement, Velenje further cements its reputation as a model of environmental care, sustainable development, and high quality of life — reinforcing its position on the European map.
Thank you to everyone contributing to the success story of our city!
