1979: The European Council awards Graz with the European Prize in recognition of the city's work for the propagation of European ideals.

1993: Graz is designated host to the European Cultural Month by the European Union’s ministers of culture.

1993: The environmental organization Greenpeace honors Graz with the award for climate protection.

1995: Graz becomes an Ökostadt (or "Eco City"). With its "Ökostadt / Lokale Agenda 21" environmental program, Graz proves it is firmly on the path towards environmental sustainability.

1996: Graz becomes the first European community to be awarded the International Sustainable City Award by the European Union.

1999: The old city center, with its well-preserved and unique ensemble of different architectures, is included in UNESCO’s list of World Cultural Heritage Sites.

2001: The municipal council of Graz decides to make Graz a "City of Human Rights." This means that all city legislation has to take human rights into account. The United Nations applauded this step and have officially recognized the project.

2002: After competing with 140 candidates across Europe, the Graz "Ökodrive" project, which reclaims used cooking oil to use as fuel for public buses, is awarded the Climate Star, the European Prize for the Environment.

2003: Graz is "Cultural Capital of Europe". Over 2.5 million people visit Graz and enjoy the new cultural facilities and the many events on offer.