Question asked by Claudia Tapardel (S&D)

It is estimated that by 2050 around 82% of EU citizens will live in urban areas, and this will pose a series of challenges linked to quality of life and the sustainable development of transport services. Urban mobility is still largely dependent on traditional fuels and produces 70% of all emissions in urban areas.

Tackling this situation requires a united approach supported by the European institutions. The European Parliament resolution of 2 December 2015 on sustainable urban mobility (2014/2242(INI)) therefore called on the Commission to play a role in coordinating mobility policies for European towns and cities, to promote intelligent transport systems and to conduct information campaigns aimed at changing people’s mentality and behaviour.

Against this background:

• What steps is the Commission taking to encourage local authorities to adopt innovative solutions in the areas for which they are responsible?
• To what extent will the Commission correlate its mobility plans with the Digital Agenda objectives?

Answer given by Ms Bulc on behalf of the Commission (01.03.2017)

The Pact of Amsterdam setting the EU Urban Agenda in May 2016 aims to promote cooperation between Member States, cities, the European Commission and other stakeholders, in order to stimulate growth, liveability and innovation in the cities of Europe. Part of this new approach is the development of a range of European partnerships which includes the partnership on Urban Mobility which has been launched in January 2017.

The Commission seeks to support local actors in their efforts, by facilitating exchange of experience and best practice, by catalysing research and innovation; and by providing financial support for urban transport projects, in particular in the less-developed regions.

The Commission is actively supporting them through various initiatives such as the CIVITAS programme, H2020 projects, the European Mobility Week, the European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities, Urban Innovative Actions, the Sustainable Transport Forum and the C-ITS Platform.

On the particular topic of the Digital Agenda and how its initiatives can support mobility planning and innovative transport solutions in urban areas, multimodal travel information and integrated mobility services are important tools which the ITS Directive is addressing.