The election of the 2026 European Tree of the Year is now open

The spectacular Laukių oak from Rukiai (Skuodas district), which won the Lithuanian Tree of the Year 2025 title, is starting its journey towards the European Tree of the Year 2026 title. This competition can be called the "Eurovision of European trees".

In the voting that is now open, the country's citizens are encouraged to vote actively in favour of their favourites: one person can vote for two different trees.

This year's European Tree Contest will feature 12 diverse trees from the Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Lithuania, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

As the organiser of the Lithuanian Tree of the Year competition, Sigitas Algis Davenis, head of the Lithuanian Arboricultural Centre, points out, the organisers are looking for the tree with the most interesting story, and the event aims to emphasise the communion between man and tree, and the importance of trees for Europe's natural and cultural heritage.

The aim of the European Tree of the Year competition is to draw attention to the importance of trees for the natural and cultural heritage, which must be cared for and protected.

Voting is open from 2 to 22 February.