CIVINETs - a celebration of collaboration and progress
Image by Alena Klímová
The 10th anniversary of the CIVINET Czech and Slovak Republics, hosted in Brno, Czechia, on 14-15 November 2024, marked a significant milestone in the growth and success of CIVINET networks across Europe. This vibrant celebration of collaboration, innovation, and progress in sustainable urban mobility was made possible through the effort of the CIVINET Czech and Slovak Republics, which welcomed representatives from all corners of Europe to share their collective experiences, successes, and future aspirations for creating smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive cities.
A unified approach for greater impact
The conference kicked off with a keynote address by Fred Dotter, Director of European Projects and Policies at Mobiel 21, and representative of CIVITAS MUSE. He framed the conference within the larger global context of urban mobility challenges and the role of CIVINETs in shaping a unified approach to sustainable urban futures. Dotter emphasised the importance of coordinated action across cities, stating, “We’re at a crossroads for urban mobility. Cities are hubs of innovation but also areas heavily impacted by pollution, traffic, and climate issues. The way forward is to take decisive, unified action—something CIVITAS and the CIVINETs actively support.”
The opening remarks set the tone for the discussions, which focused on the value of collective efforts in transforming urban mobility systems toward sustainability. As CIVINETs, the National CIVITAS Networks have demonstrated, collaboration across cities can amplify solutions and create wider-reaching impact.
Innovation through peer-to-peer learning
The core of the conference unfolded in the session, "How do CIVINETs contribute to the transformation of mobility and sustainable urban futures?". In this session, representatives from various CIVINETs took the stage to share how their networks have driven innovative, sustainable solutions to urban mobility challenges. As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that one of the key strengths of the CIVINETs is their ability to scale up local solutions and amplify their impact through a unified approach. CIVINET Czech and Slovak Republics, for example, has grown from just three founding cities to a network of 36 members. This expansion is driven by a shared mission to tackle mobility challenges collaboratively, as Alena Klímová and Michal Bajgart from CDV – Transport Research Centre reflected: “Together, we’ve laid the foundation for lasting change in urban mobility.”
CIVINET Greece-Cyprus, represented by Katerina Nikolopoulou, showcased its success in securing national funding for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), with Nikolopoulou sharing, “Our work shows that collaboration, creativity, and community engagement can create meaningful change.” This statement illustrated how CIVINET Greece-Cyprus is advancing urban mobility on a national level, supported by collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Another notable presentation came from CIVINET Iberia, represented by Gretel Schaj from BABLE Smart Cities. She introduced its innovative “Campfire” sessions, where cities come together to openly share challenges and co-create solutions. Schaj explained, “Our network thrives on honest exchanges and the courage to share both successes and challenges,” emphasising the importance of mutual learning in driving sustainable mobility forward.
CIVINET Polska, represented by Katarzyna Pydzinska Azevedo from INnCREASE, highlighted how its network is bridging local initiatives with broader EU policies. “We are connecting cities with the tools and resources they need to implement transformative solutions,” she remarked, demonstrating the role of CIVINETs in linking local action to EU-wide mobility policies.
Magyar CIVINET shared its experiences of strengthening regional mobility through the development of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) in Hungary. Márton Csia from Mobilissimus, spoke about how their network has facilitated knowledge transfer between cities in Hungary and neighboring regions, emphasising, “We are working to ensure that the cities in Hungary are at the forefront of sustainable mobility solutions. Through sharing experiences and best practices, we help our cities make informed, impactful decisions.” This reflection underscored Magyar CIVINET’s ongoing efforts to advance sustainability and resilience in local urban mobility systems.
A particularly inspiring part of the conference came from CIVINET Ukraine, which shared its experience of advancing sustainable mobility amidst the ongoing crisis. Dzvenyslava Tyslyukevych (Lviv City Institute) spoke about how CIVINET Ukraine remains committed to promoting sustainable, inclusive transport systems, even as the country faces the devastation of war. Tyslyukevych stated, “Even in the face of immense challenges, we remain committed to fostering sustainable, inclusive transport systems for Ukraine,” demonstrating the resilience of Ukrainian cities and their determination to continue their work for a sustainable urban future.
Sustainable mobility: A path to better quality of life
The conference reinforced the broader benefits of sustainable mobility, not only for reducing emissions but also for improving urban life. Fred Dotter’s keynote emphasised that sustainable urban mobility is integral to enhancing quality of life in cities, improving air quality, reducing congestion, and fostering healthier communities. “Sustainable urban mobility is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about enhancing our urban environments, fostering healthier communities, and ensuring that future generations can thrive in a world that prioritises well-being and innovation,” Dotter affirmed, underscoring the vital connection between urban mobility and quality of life. This theme was echoed by CIVINET Slovenia-Croatia-South East Europe, represented by Magdalena Makar from ODRAZ, who highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in promoting sustainable mobility solutions. “Our strength lies in our ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to work toward shared goals,” Makar said, illustrating the impact of cross-border cooperation in advancing sustainable urban mobility.
A shared journey toward better cities
The CIVINETs’ presentations illustrated that the journey toward sustainable urban mobility is a collective effort. They emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and mutual learning in shaping better urban futures. Dotter concluded his keynote by stating, “A unified approach magnifies local impact. With CIVINETs acting as bridges between EU policies and local needs, we’re not just implementing isolated solutions. Instead, we’re scaling best practices across regions, creating cohesive strategies that multiply the benefits of each project and enhance resilience across cities.” As the CIVINETs shared their success stories and challenges, it became clear that cities are not just passive recipients of change—they are driving transformation. By joining CIVITAS or a CIVINET, cities can contribute to a sustainable future, influence policy, and create lasting local change. As Fred Dotter aptly summed up, “Together, we’re moving toward the goal of enhancing cities and improving lives,” encapsulating the collective vision of CIVINETs to create sustainable and resilient urban mobility systems.
For more information about the CIVINETs, visit civitas.eu/civinets.
Author: Fred DOTTER
