Inspiration to speed up the transition towards climate-neutral mobility in Europe: 30 elected representatives, experts and Greens from regional, city and local levels share their views, experiences and expertise
On Monday 17 May, the Greens in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) organised a webinar for elected representatives, experts and Greens from regional, city and local levels, ‘EU Green Deal – Climate-neutral mobility in Europe’s regions, cities and municipalities’. The participants from seven different Member States discussed and shared knowledge, experience and best practices to speed up and to manage the transition towards climate-neutral mobility in Europe.
Hanna Holopainen, Member of the Finnish national parliament, Lappeenranta city councillor and 2nd Deputy Chair of the city board, presented the climate protection and mobility measures of Lappeenranta. Her city, which is also called climate capital of Finland, received the European Green Leaf Award 2021. Lappeenranta primarily relies on participatory measures in the design and expansion of climate-neutral mobility. The city also closely collaborates with the Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, which contributes with research and innovation to urban development in areas such as clean energy.
Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne and President of Climate Alliance Germany, demonstrated Cologne’s transition from a car-centric city to sustainable mobility. Cologne’s public transport company is rapidly increasing the share of electro-mobility. E-buses roll through the city on the Rhine. City bus companies will convert more lines from diesel to climate-friendly vehicles. In addition, Cologne transforms car parking spaces into bicycle lanes and bicycle parking lots, seating areas or green spaces, very often on the demand of the citizens.
Lucas Demuelenaere, Policy Advisor to the Brussels Minister in charge of the Climate Transition, Environment and Energy, gave an introduction on the ‘Good Move mobility plan’ (2020-2030) of the Brussels region. The plan is based on an unprecedented consultation process and sets the ambitious targets of reducing car use by 24%, increasing bike use by 400% and adopting the STOP principle (low vehicular speeds, wide sidewalks, pedestrian-scaled lighting, bike parking etc.) by 2030. The plan has a holistic approach via improving mobility governance, organising a modal shift and other measures.
Carlo Back, Member of the national parliament and of the municipal council of Luxembourg City, President of the Committee for Mobility and Public Works, provided an insight into the perspective of a cross-border region. Luxembourg’s mobility policy follows the motto ‘moving people instead of cars’ and accordingly invests 2/3 of the transport budget in the rail sector rather than in road infrastructure. Luxembourg is the first country in the world to offer nationwide free public transport for everyone.
Participants had the opportunity to share their experiences and exchange ideas on political acceptance and communication, funding climate-neutral mobility as well as other legal and structural enablers for climate-neutral mobility with Joan Lanfranco (Communication and Outreach Coordinator, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union), Stefan Werland (Senior Researcher on Mobility of the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy) and David Dessers (Alderman responsible for mobility, climate and sustainability of the City of Leuven). It became clear that it is particularly important to keep conducting the debate on climate-neutral mobility and always consult with different stakeholders from diverse sectors.
With all the interesting examples and the rich experience shared during the 2.5 hours, we consider the webinar as the start of future reflections and exchanges. It is our aspiration to establish a fruitful cooperation between elected representatives, experts and Greens from regional, city and local levels, motivated to achieve climate-neutral mobility in Europe.