Over 800 Professionals Convene in Vilnius to Advance European Urban Mobility

Last week, over 800 urban mobility professionals and policymakers, alongside 150 speakers, gathered in Vilnius, the 2025 European Green Capital, for Urban Mobility Days (UMD) 2025.

As the European Commission’s principal urban mobility policy conference, this year’s edition marked a notable moment for Europe’s sustainable transport community.

In the words of Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius, at the opening plenary:

“Together let us exchange ideas, explore new solutions, and continue building cities that are cleaner, greener and more sustainable for the future. Thank you very much and welcome to Vilnius.”

Participants were invited not only to reflect on progress but also to co-create solutions for the urban mobility challenges that define the most pressing concerns in mobility: decarbonization, centring inclusivity and accessibility, data-driven planning, and transforming everyday transport habits.

Standing in Solidarity: Ukraine and the European Mobility Vision

Setting a tone of unity and resilience on day 1 of the conference, Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General of DG MOVE, called for a round of applause for Ukrainian cities; “currently facing an impossible task”, she said, “but who are nonetheless still embracing the European ideals of sustainable urban mobility”.

Kopczyńska also highlighted the 10 cities of CIVINET Ukraine, describing them as

“a powerful example of how EU-funded mobility projects continue to involve and support Ukraine and its municipalities”.

This acknowledgement resonated throughout the event, underscoring how mobility, even in times of crisis, remains a tool for resilience, reconstruction, and hope.

Cycling Day: One Year On from Parma’s Commitment to the European Declaration on Cycling

Cycling took centre stage on day two of Urban Mobility Days 2025, almost exactly a year after the CIVITAS Forum 2024 in Parma, where the host city signed a letter commitment to implement the European Declaration on Cycling.

In the plenary session “Unlocking the Potential of Urban Cycling: From Policy to Practice,” speakers explored what it will take to make cycling a fully-fledged means of transport. Anastasiia Makarenko, Executive Director of U-Cycle (Kyiv Cyclists' Association) and Co-Coordinator of Bikes for Ukraine, moved the audience with stories of courage and community-led action, showing how bicycles have become both a lifeline and a symbol of hope in wartime Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the session “Reinventing Cycling: The Perspective of Women” challenged attendees to reimagine cycling through a gender lens. The Women in Cycling network presented new findings showing that while 30% of leadership roles in the cycling industry are now held by women, fewer than 10% of companies set diversity targets. “What gets measured matters” one speaker reminded the audience.

A particularly inspiring story came from a project in Mexico City, where a local organisation trained over a thousand single mothers in bicycle repair and riding skills. With access to refurbished bikes and community support, these women transformed their daily lives — gaining mobility, employment, and independence.

“It’s not just about bikes,” said Andreia Lopes Azevedo.

“It’s about caregivers telling their stories, inspiring other mothers, and building communities through mobility.”

Public Transport and What Comes Next

The conference also looked to the future. During the closing sessions, Thessaloniki (Greece) was announced as the host city for the CIVITAS Forum 2026.

Michalis Mittas, Vice Mayor of Thessaloniki, shared the city’s enthusiasm:

“This is an important moment for Thessaloniki, hosting the CIVITAS Forum. We are grateful to have the opportunity to showcase progress made across Europe...We look forward to seeing you all there – to learn, to exchange, and to inspire the future of sustainable urban mobility”.

Evangelos Mitsakis, Research Director at CERTH, echoed this excitement, highlighting the city’s ongoing transformation toward cleaner, smarter transport.

Looking even further ahead, the European Green Capital 2027 title was announced for Heilbronn (Germany), while Assen (the Netherlands) and Siena (Italy) will receive the European Green Leaf Awards for smaller cities. These recognitions underline Europe’s collective progress toward sustainable urban living.

Looking Forward

The energy of Urban Mobility Days 2025 was unmistakable. From the lively Urban Nodes Day exchanges to the Politicians Exchange Forum (PEF) meeting, where collaboration and collective focus on how cities can drive innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability were brought to the forefront. 

With the end of Urban Mobility Days 2025, CIVITAS extends a sincere thanks to all attendees, speakers, and partners who made UMD25 a success.

Photos from the Urban Mobility Days 2025 conference have been made available from the European Commission here: Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3. 

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