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European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism

Panevėžys - shortlisted in the 2025 Green Pioneer Competition

Panevėžys, Lithuania, is striving to become a more sustainable and environmentally friendly destination, while offering visitors a unique blend of cultural and industrial heritage alongside its natural beauty.

Concrete actions for a greener future

Panevėžys became the first city in the Baltic States to endorse the Declaration of Climate Emergency in 2019. Since then, the city has implemented several sustainable energy and climate action plans, as well as broader sustainable development strategies. The municipality has already introduced concrete measures to reduce fossil fuel use, increase renewable energy sources, and ensure environmentally friendly urban development for the city’s future.

Panevezys

Fostering green transport solutions

Panevėžys has adopted a sustainable mobility plan to address the city’s transport challenges. It actively promotes sustainable movement through shared transport services and the use of electric and low-emission vehicles. The city is also developing its network of walking and cycling paths, with 108 kilometres of cycle routes now available. Cycling opportunities are further encouraged by the local cycling club, whose organised trips are growing in popularity.

Promoting local industrial heritage

Panevėžys takes pride in its rich industrial heritage, with historic factories that have significantly shaped the city’s character. Today, the city promotes industrial tourism through various initiatives, including adapting industrial spaces for cultural events and exhibitions. These initiatives highlight the synergy of industry and art, involve the local community and tell the stories of the daily lives of industrial workers.

Panevezys

Educational programmes for residents

Panevėžys is committed to fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental awareness through a variety of educational programmes and workshops. The city’s creativity centre, Pragiedruliai, reinforces these sustainability efforts through the Community Garden Initiative , which encourages residents to come together to plant gardens, strengthening community ties and promoting local agriculture. Additionally, the Panevėžys Regional STEAM Open Access Centre, has created an innovative hydroponic greenhouse, that is regarded as one of the most promising future methods for farming and gardening and aims to educate the public on environmentally friendly growing techniques.