Entente Florale Europe 2014

Great success for the Styrian village

Haus im Ennstal

Our village was awarded with gold in the village category at the Entente Florale 2014 prize giving in Százhalombatta (Hungary). Rumour had it that Haus im Ennstal received the most votes of all participating villages, ever.

Prize giving in Százhalombatta

Haus im Ennstal, 26th September 2014.

With feelings of tension and pleasant anticipation, a delegation of 77 Haus representatives started their journey to Százhalombatta, near Budapest. In the evening of 26th of September 2014, the tension mounted, but as the results were announced, a huge cheer went up. Mayor Gerhard Schütter was absolutely thrilled: "Together we prepared for the Entente Florale Europe sensationally well. With this team and the people of our village, we can win any competition when it comes to commitment, solidarity, and, in particular, cordiality. Thank you, thank you all! It is a happy day – Haus im Ennstal has made European history."

Perfeclty prepared for a demanding competition

The secret of Haus im Ennstal's success lies in the intense preparation for the Entente Florale Europe 2014. Many people worked hard and pulled together. They focused on the fundamental strengths of their hometown and convinced the jury as they did so. Besides the unique flowers and green spaces, it was also about excellent sustainable projects and a great village community.

Project leader, Michaela Schnepfleitner, explains happily, "Our mixture worked perfectly for the competition criteria. After a continuously improving in Styrian competitions over the last years, we have now reached our goal: gold at the ultimate flower decoration and green spaces competition!"

19 participants from eleven countries

The Entente Florale Europe has been held since 1975 and Austrian villages have participated since 1978. Over the years, the competition, which started as a simple plants and flower contest, has turned into a respected flower, green spaces and quality of life competition with an extensive list of criteria.

There is a variety of evaluated themes, such as sustainability, protection of environment, tourist offers, floral decoration, and the involvement of the inhabitants. In 2014, ten villages and nine towns took place at this competition. Haus im Ennstal was the only Austrian participant. The judges are all experts in the areas of architecture, gardening and landscaping, or tourism.