The European Tree of the Year 2024 voting is in full swing! The preliminary standing shows a French tree in the lead.

The voting in the European Tree of the Year contest has been in full course since February 1st and the first preliminary standings see a tree from France in the lead followed by Poland and Italy. Europeans can vote until February 22nd at www.treeoftheyear.org.  

Since February 1st, Europeans can vote in the 2024 European Tree of the Year (ETY) contest on the award's website. First Europeans have already cast their votes. In accordance with the new rules of the contest, the current standing is shared twice during the voting which is otherwise secret. The current ranking sees The Weeping Beech of Bayeux from France in the lead followed by the Polish beech tree called The Heart of the Garden and The Thousand-year-old Olive Tree of Luras from Italy. So far 43,888 votes have been cast in this year's competition. See the full table with rankings below.

After the revelation of the preliminary standing, MEP Michal Wiezik (Renew) who is a patron of the European Tree of the Year notes: “Trees represent a significant element of our everyday life, our physical environment, but are also magnificent beings closely related to our inner space, culture and history. As the essence of forest, they deliver critical ecosystem services, but they are also the agents for bridging human society and nature, our presence and history, as well as our companions into sustainable and planet compatible future. I am always very touched by the beauty and deep stories of each finalist tree, and looking forward to see also this year's winner of the contest.”

This year's event found a new partner in the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic. Miroslav Kundrata, Strategic Director of the Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation, says: “It is very important for us to have such an esteemed partner as the Czech Ministry of the Environment on board. Already during the Czech presidency a year ago, but also in months that followed, the Czech voice in the European debate has been one that champions the protection of nature and care for our beloved trees.” Miroslav Kundrata also points out: “This year, the trees competing are quite exceptional not only in age but also in species diversity. This shows Europe in the best light with all its regional richness, local climatic differences, and diverse ecosystems. It is also a reminder that the preservation of biodiversity is a key challenge of our generation.”

The award Ceremony will take place on March 20th in the European Parliament, PAUL - HENRI SPAAK building, YEHUDI MENUHIN amphitheatre in what will be yet another precious event that allows representatives of local communities to meet face to face with top European decision makers. MEP Michal Wiezik (Renew), whose team traditionally actively helps ensure the smooth organisation of the event, adds: “The ceremony is always a great opportunity to not only celebrate the winners but to meet great people from all around Europe, who care for the magnificent trees. I am always pleased to see that their authentic interest and devotions for trees and their protection go far beyond the particular contest. It is a celebration of beautiful symbiosis between man and tree.”

Key dates:
1. – 22. 2. 2024: Secret voting open at www.treeoftheyear.org/vote
15. 2. 2024: 2nd press release with the current vote counts and standing
20. 3. 2024: Award Ceremony at the European Parliament, PAUL-HENRI SPAAK building, Floor 1, YEHUDI MENUHIN amphitheatre