Brussels, 25 November 2024 — EIT Urban Mobility, a European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) initiative, a body of the EU has launched its Manifesto, a strategic document aimed at shaping urban mobility policies as the European Union mandate for 2024-2029 fully kicks-off. Rooted in innovation and collaboration, the Manifesto presents a bold vision for competitive, sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready urban mobility across Europe.
Drawing on five years of hands-on experience, EIT Urban Mobility has worked closely with hundreds of cities, alongside SMEs, startups, and industry partners, to design and implement pilot projects addressing pressing urban mobility challenges. With these insights, the organisation is calling for bold action from EU institutions to enhance city liveability and improve public health through cutting-edge transport solutions.
A roadmap for change: Key recommendations
The Manifesto outlines a recommended series of policy priorities designed to accelerate Europe’s green and digital transitions. These include:
- Safeguarding and enhancing urban mobility innovation through supportive policies and funding.
- Strengthening startups and SMEs by simplifying access to EU funding and creating innovation-friendly regulatory environments.
- Investing in skills and training to equip professionals for the green transition.
- Promoting European cohesion by addressing both urban and rural mobility needs.
- Encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration for integrated solutions.
- Optimising Horizon Europe funding to ensure impactful, scalable, and market-ready innovations.
These priorities align with EU objectives, such as the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission and revised TEN-T regulations. By fostering collaborative innovation, the Manifesto aims to bridge urban-rural divides and support a fair mobility transition. The document emphasises that Europe already has the tools to succeed: mature innovations, supportive policy frameworks, and groundbreaking research. What’s needed now is streamlined regulatory processes, increased funding, and enhanced public-private partnerships to deploy scalable solutions.
Why it matters
With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, the challenges of urban mobility, particularly air and noise pollution, pose significant threats to public health and the environment. The EU’s zero-pollution vision for 2050 underscores the need for urgent action to transform transport systems to address these issues. By prioritising sustainable mobility. Europe can not only reduce pollution but also drive economic growth by empowering SMEs, startups and green industry innovation. This shift can also make Europe a global leader in green technologies while fostering inclusivity by better connecting urban and rural areas.
EIT Urban Mobility’s Manifesto calls on stakeholders to work together to advance sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with EU emissions targets for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans as critical tools for creating cleaner, more liveable cities, and ensure a competitive, cohesive, and equitable Europe.
A platform for action: Launch event at the European Parliament
To kick off engagement with policymakers, EIT Urban Mobility will host a high-profile roundtable, “Transforming European Urban Mobility through Innovation”, on December 3 at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event, co-hosted by MEP Lena Schilling and EIT Urban Mobility and featuring a keynote speech by CEO Maria Tsavachidis, will gather leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society. Discussions will focus on the role of sustainable mobility innovation in achieving EU CO2 reduction goals and supporting start-ups and SMEs. Ahead of the Clean Industrial Deal, the event will showcase European-made solutions and partnerships, highlighting how cities can scale mobility innovations with the right support and funding.
This platform will set the stage for impactful collaboration as the EU enters a new legislative period. More information here.
A vision for competitive, sustainable cities
EIT Urban Mobility’s Manifesto is more than a policy framework, it is a vision for how Europe can lead the way in deploying urban mobility innovation. Its recommendations focus on building liveable cities while ensuring economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
The organisation’s commitment to collective action reflects its belief in the power of collaboration to create lasting impact. By implementing these recommendations, Europe can unlock the potential of its urban mobility ecosystem, creating a cleaner, more connected future for all.
