The European Arboricultural Council (EAC) has named Druskininkai the 2026 European City of the Trees. The award, which recognizes municipalities for their outstanding contribution to arboriculture, was presented to the municipality during the EAC Annual General Assembly held in Vilnius.
“We are the first city in Lithuania to receive this recognition. We are extremely proud and delighted, and we sincerely thank our dedicated municipal team of specialists who care for every tree with professionalism and commitment,” said Druskininkai Mayor Ričardas Malinauskas.
Druskininkai was nominated for the European City of the Trees Award by Lithuanian landscape and urban greenery experts together with the Lithuanian Arborist Association. Vilnius and Kaunas were also submitted for evaluation by the European arboriculture experts.
Members of the European City of the Trees (ECOT) Award Working Group visited Lithuania to assess each city’s urban tree management practices on site. Their findings and observations were presented to the national arboricultural associations, after which the final decision was made by secret ballot and confirmed during the European Arboricultural Council meeting in Germany.
According to the ECOT Award Working Group, Druskininkai impressed the evaluators not only with the number of trees planted, but also with its philosophy and long-term vision.
The European City of the Trees Award recognizes cities that demonstrate scientific excellence in urban tree management, apply innovative technical standards, actively engage local communities, and implement forward-looking climate adaptation strategies.
The award has been presented annually since 2007.
