CLIMASUM

The European Green Deal, along with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, with the transport sector being one of the main frameworks for implementing the strategies. On municipal and regional level, the concept of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) has proven successful. They are supportive of both inter-sectoral coordination and citizen participation, which makes them a powerful tool in the sustainable transformation of mobility patters. In the target countries, many regional governments lack experience in drafting and implementing SUMPs, which is constituting a major obstacle to the introduction and adaption of sustainable mobility patterns.

The project team introduced local governments to SUMPs and offered guidance for their respective implementation. This happened through several means, which were tailored to individual countries’ needs and particularities. First, the project team collected data on the transport sector and developed core topics and policy recommendation from them. Reliable data allowed to define a concrete and measurable target, behind which different governmental entities could unite and thus encouraged cooperation across sectors and government levels. Second, the project team aimed to intensify the cooperation between national and local authorities through common study trips, conferences, and publications on good practices. Third, the project team organised training events for city representatives, young professionals in urban and transport planning, and decision makers. These events provided them with necessary skills and knowledge for developing SUMPs and eventually effective and sustainable transport systems. Making the planning process as such more efficient and effective, the project’s activities contributed significantly to the advancement of sustainable mobility and thus to both national and EU climate goals.

• Charter for sustainable mobility: Through the project activities, 31 cities in five countries have signed a charter for smart and sustainable mobility. By signing the charter, the municipalities have committed to driving forward practical transformation processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and actively promote climate-friendly mobility systems. The broad participation shows that the project has provided demonstrable political impetus and that local authorities are prepared to integrate the measures and guidelines developed into their future transport and climate policy.