Silesian Green Week 2025: the largest civic green project in Europe ended in great success
Over 6,000 participants, 42 events in 35 cities and municipalities, 39 committed eco-managers, and over 50,000 recipients – this is what the “Silesian Green Week 2025 – a civic week of action for clean air and a sustainable Europe” looked like in numbers. But it is not the statistics that are most striking. It is the energy of the people who built the largest EU Green Week partner project in the world.
The Silesian Voivodeship not only embraced sustainable development – it gave it a real, visible form. From 1 to 30 June 2025, the region implemented nearly 15% of all EU Green Week events worldwide and as much as 84% of all initiatives registered in Poland. Out of 298 events globally, as many as 42 were organised within the framework of the LIFE project “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored.”
All of them were granted the status of official EU Green Week 2025 Partner Events and were held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which further emphasised the importance and European relevance of this regional initiative.
This was no coincidence – it was the result of consistent, joint efforts by local governments, institutions, schools, community organisations and, above all, residents.
Silesian Green Week 2025 was much more than an educational campaign. It was a civic project of social engagement, combining local identity with European solidarity. It was developed as part of the integrated LIFE project “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored”, which for over three years has supported municipalities and cities in their efforts to improve air quality. In June, it proved that an industrial region can be a leader of ecological transformation – not just in theory, but in practice.
From recycling to green infrastructure
The event programme was diverse, modern and addressed real environmental challenges. It included recycling, composting and cooking workshops, demonstrating how to reduce plastic use, repurpose used items, and apply zero waste principles in food use. Crowds of residents took part in eco-picnics, urban games, and outdoor film screenings that combined fun with education about waste sorting, circular economy, upcycling and recycling, and factors affecting air quality.
There were also book, plant, clothing and toy exchanges, showing that sharing is also a way of caring for the planet.
Young residents of the Silesian Voivodeship created posters from recycled materials, took part in art and photography competitions, and participated in outdoor creative ecology lessons for children and youth.
Excursions, eco-rallies, visits to municipal institutions and theatrical performances were organised by municipal eco-managers, linking art and culture with environmental activity. Each event was different, but they all had one goal in common – raising awareness that clean air, resource conservation, and responsible use of what we have are shared responsibilities.
A region that inspires Europe
The participation of the Silesian Voivodeship in Green Week 2025 was unprecedented. It was not only the number of events, but also their quality, reach and innovation, that positioned Silesia as an example of a region that truly implements EU climate and environmental policies. The campaign combined European priorities with local needs, creating a model of cooperation that can serve as an inspiration to others.
Silesian Green Week 2025 fully fulfilled the objectives of the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. It demonstrated that local and European dimensions can go hand in hand, and that shared values – such as solidarity, environmental responsibility and civic participation – can be effectively implemented in practice.
The project:
- promoted knowledge about EU climate and environmental policy,
- highlighted real tools for co-deciding on the future of Europe,
- engaged local communities,
- combined ecology with culture,
- and strengthened Poland’s image as an active, responsible country that is consciously engaged in ecological transformation.
Both large cities and smaller towns were involved in the activities. This gave the project an authentic, grassroots character and strengthened the sense of agency among residents.
Eco-managers: leaders of green change
There would have been no Green Week without the group of committed eco-managers. It was 39 individuals who worked in the field, organising events from the ground up – from concept to implementation. They collaborated with cultural centres, schools, libraries, and local communities, creating space for dialogue, education and joint action.
Their role was not only organisational but above all inspirational. They explained to residents what the circular economy is, how to improve air quality, how photovoltaics work, and why it is worth reducing plastic use. Thanks to their commitment, the activities were accessible, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of different age groups – from preschoolers to seniors.
Lasting impact
Although Green Week has come to an end, its effects will be visible for a long time. The relationships built, initiatives launched and environmental awareness raised among residents are a lasting resource that will continue to make an impact in schools, homes, public offices and community spaces.
“Silesian Green Week 2025” was more than a sum of events – it was a social declaration: we are ready to breathe together – with clean air, European solidarity, and civic responsibility.
And although June is over, “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” continues to operate. Because clean air, circular resources and sustainable development are not just slogans – they are concrete actions that begin with local decisions and people with passion. People like our eco-managers.
The project’s partners included the municipalities and cities of: Będzin, Bieruń, Bojszowy, Chorzów, Czeladź, Gliwice, Godów, Herby, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Koszęcin, Krzanowice, Krzepice, Łaziska Górne, Miedźno, Mierzęcice, Mszana, Piekary Śląskie, Radlin, Psary, Racibórz, Rychwałdek, Rybnik, Rydułtowy, Sosnowiec, Świerklaniec, Świerklany, Tarnowskie Góry, Wodzisław Śląski, Wyry, Zawiercie, Żory, Żywiec, as well as the Association of Municipalities and Counties of the Western Subregion, the Association of Municipalities and Counties of the Central Subregion, the Association of Municipalities and Counties of the North Subregion, and the Intermunicipal Association for Ecology in Żywiec.
Projekt zintegrowany LIFE "Śląskie. Przywracamy błękit". Kompleksowa realizacja programu ochrony powietrza dla województwa śląskiego realizowany jest przy dofinansowaniu z Programu LIFE Unii Europejskiej oraz Narodowego Funduszu Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej.
LIFE20 IPE/PL/000007 - LIFE-IP AQP-SILESIAN-SKY