BRUSSELS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission (EC) Friday launched its search for the cities that will become the next European Green Capitals for 2012 and 2013.

    Every city within the European Union's 27 member states, candidate countries and European Economic Area countries, namely Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, can now apply to compete for the titles of European Green Capitals, the EC said in a press release.

    The European Green Capital Award recognises cities that are at the forefront of environmentally-friendly urban living. The purpose is to help European cities become more attractive and healthier to live in.

    "The European Green Capital Award is inspiring cities to solve environmental problems and improve the quality of life for citizens by taking the environment systematically into account in urban planning," said EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.

    Earlier this year, Stockholm and Hamburg were named as the first winners of the title for 2010 and 2011 respectively.