CIVINETs driving change: Highlights from their 2024 sustainable mobility activities
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In 2024, CIVINETs across Europe have reinforced their missions by connecting cities, strengthening expertise and advancing innovative mobility solutions. Whether through capacity-building activities, fostering knowledge exchange, or improving communication and outreach, they have made meaningful progress in supporting sustainable urban development. By tailoring their activities to the unique challenges and opportunities within their regions, the networks have empowered local governments, mobility experts and citizens to take action toward greener, more efficient transport systems.
Building capacity and strengthening knowledge
One of the core missions of the CIVINETs has been to equip cities and stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable mobility solutions. CIVINET Czech Republic and Slovak Republic advanced this mission through workshops on urban mobility innovations and data-driven planning, allowing cities to adopt practical solutions for cycling and walking infrastructure. Through participation in the CIVITAS Forum and targeted communication efforts, they strengthened shared knowledge within the CIVITAS Community and attracted new members.
CIVINET Greece-Cyprus played a key role in increasing awareness and engagement through its second CIVINET Forum, which welcomed over 250 participants from across Europe. Featuring eleven sessions and ten workshops, the event empowered city officials and mobility stakeholders with policy insights, best practices and collaborative opportunities. Their Sustainable Island Mobility Plan (SIMP) Guide further cemented their role in supporting island communities in their transition toward climate-neutral transport solutions.
CIVINET Italia focused on connecting Italian cities with European funding opportunities, ensuring they could take advantage of available resources to support urban mobility projects. Magyar CIVINET tackled urban space reallocation with a hands-on workshop, engaging municipal officials in discussions on redesigning public spaces for more sustainable urban environments. CIVINET Romania and CIVINET Slovenia-Croatia SEE brought municipalities together for expert training on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP), helping to address mobility planning challenges across multiple regions.
CIVINET Deutscher Sprachraum remained dedicated to strengthening expertise among German-speaking cities. With a study tour and webinars, they provided essential training on SUMP implementation, urban freight solutions and the use of monitoring systems for mobility planning. These activities directly supported the network’s mission of capacity building and building stronger regional connections.
Learning from best practices: Study tours and knowledge exchange
Bringing cities together to exchange best practices has been another pillar of CIVINETs' work in 2024. CIVINET Czech Republic and Slovak Republic organised a study tour to Belgium, offering participants insights into cutting-edge cycling infrastructure and multimodal transport solutions. CIVINET Deutscher Sprachraum explored the integration of speed pedelecs in urban transport with a study tour to Germany and Switzerland, allowing mobility experts to experience the benefits and challenges of these high-speed e-bikes.
Collaboration between CIVINETs also played a key role this year. CIVINET Romania and Magyar CIVINET co-organised a site visit to Timișoara and Szeged, where nearly 60 participants explored best practices in green public transport. These cross-border exchanges strengthened regional cooperation and encouraged the adoption of innovative solutions. CIVINET Slovenia-Croatia SEE hosted an international conference on sustainable public transport, attracting experts from across Southeast Europe to discuss climate-neutral mobility strategies and practical implementation.
CIVINET Iberia embraced a flexible and interactive approach to knowledge-sharing through ten “Campfire” sessions and two get-together meetings. These events addressed diverse mobility topics, from carpooling incentives to accessibility solutions, allowing participants to share experiences and explore new mobility models. Their annual event, hosted by TMB in Barcelona, provided a deep dive into reducing car dependency through innovative public transport strategies.
Expanding engagement and spreading awareness
Alongside capacity-building and knowledge-sharing efforts, CIVINETs have worked hard to expand their networks and strengthen communication. CIVINET Polska focused on increasing its visibility and engagement, organising webinars to keep stakeholders informed and participating in major mobility conferences. Their participation in the Urban Mobility Flow Summit and promotion at the CoMobility and New Mobility Congress conferences reinforced their role as an active participant in Poland’s urban mobility discourse.
CIVINET Greece-Cyprus took a creative approach to engagement with the Outta Climate Festivals, using art and music to raise awareness about road safety and sustainable mobility. These community-driven events, held in various cities, encouraged dialogue between citizens, policymakers and urban planners while fostering active participation from young people.
CIVINET Iberia expanded its online presence, growing its LinkedIn network to nearly 7,000 members and increasing participation in sustainability discussions. CIVINET Italia focused on re-establishing its network by strengthening its presence at key national events and engaging directly with municipalities and mobility stakeholders.
CIVINET Slovenia-Croatia SEE maintained its position as a key source of information for mobility and spatial planning experts, publishing newsletters, engaging stakeholders through social media, and hosting high-impact events. Their joint initiatives with Belgium and the Czech Republic influenced urban solutions that were applied in multiple cities. Meanwhile, Magyar CIVINET maintained strong connections between Hungarian cities and European mobility policies through targeted events and online engagement. Their participation in various conferences and the CIVINET Study Tour reinforced their role in bridging European and local mobility initiatives.
Beyond traditional capacity-building and outreach activities, CIVINETs have also contributed to shaping policy and fostering cross-sector collaborations. CIVINET Romania expanded its reach to Moldova, engaging stakeholders in tailored training and knowledge-exchange activities on SUMPs and mobility poverty. This initiative strengthened ties between the two regions and promoted the adoption of European mobility standards.
CIVINET Italia reinforced its mission by securing a presence at major sustainable mobility conferences, ensuring that Italian cities remained connected to European urban transport initiatives. CIVINET Deutscher Sprachraum expanded its membership, welcoming new partners from Austria and Germany, and fostering increased engagement with national urban mobility networks.
The transformative power of the CIVINET Community: Shaping a unified future for sustainable mobility
The broader impact of the CIVINET Community is vast and deeply transformative, extending far beyond local initiatives. The strength of the CIVINETs lies in their ability to create a unified force for sustainable mobility solutions that transcend national borders. By facilitating collaboration among cities, regions and countries, the networks weave a rich tapestry of knowledge-sharing, expertise, and best practices that empower urban areas to tackle their unique mobility challenges while drawing on a broader pool of European and international resources.
This community-driven approach fosters a truly international exchange of ideas, solutions and strategies, ensuring that no city has to navigate the complexities of sustainable urban mobility alone. Through these cross-border collaborations, cities benefit from shared experiences, tailored expertise, and innovative resources that accelerate the transition to greener, more inclusive transport systems. The CIVINETs act as catalysts, facilitating meaningful dialogue between local stakeholders, policy-makers, mobility experts and citizens. This interaction not only fosters a greater understanding of the importance of sustainable mobility but also encourages action at every level—from city planning and infrastructure development to behavioural change among citizens.
The collective action within the CIVINET Community is directly contributing to addressing a wide array of urban mobility challenges, from the promotion of cycling and walking infrastructure to the integration of clean and efficient public transport systems. The networks are actively engaged in tackling climate change by advocating for low-emission transport solutions, improving air quality and reducing the carbon footprint of cities. The commitment to climate-neutral transport solutions has a ripple effect that goes beyond individual cities, influencing regional and national policies and inspiring other networks and stakeholders to take similar actions.
Furthermore, the CIVINETs are instrumental in advancing the European Green Deal and contributing to the global sustainability agenda. By helping cities meet ambitious climate targets, reducing traffic congestion and creating safer, more livable urban spaces, the networks are playing a key role in realizing a more sustainable future. Their work not only strengthens the infrastructure for green mobility but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community among cities across Europe and beyond. Through these joint efforts, the CIVINETs are building a foundation for a future where urban mobility is not only cleaner and more efficient but also more inclusive and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background.
In this way, the CIVINETs are shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility at a global scale, helping to create cities that are not only resilient in the face of climate challenges but also equitable, livable and sustainable for generations to come.
All these activities have been financially supported via the CIVINET Annual Plan 2024, administrated by Mobiel 21 on behalf of CIVITAS. For more information about the CIVINETs, visit civitas.eu/civinets.
Author: Fred DOTTER
