2012-13 Europe green capital finalists have gone down to six

The finalists for the 2012 and 2013 European Green Capital Awards have been whittled down to a shortlist of six, with a final decision expected in October, according to the European Commission.

The finalists include Spanish cities Barcelona and Vitoria-Gasteiz, Sweden's Malmo, French city Nantes, Germany's Nuremberg and Icelandic capital Reykjavik.

The annual award is a new initiative presented by the Commission to a city on the forefront of environmentally friendly urban living.

Cities are evaluated on criteria which include efforts to combat climate change, develop low-carbon transport, promote sustainable land use, improve air quality, cut noise pollution and manage water consumption and waste water treatment. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Stockholm, the current European Green Capital. Germany's Hamburg is due to hold the title for 2011.

The jury is made up of representatives from the European Commission, the European Environment Agency and other agencies.