Through the cohesion policy, the European Union works towards the reduction of disparities between regions by promoting sustainable, inclusive and innovative actions through thematic projects.
The INTERREG Europe project REFORM focuses on exchange of experience and mutual learning processes among its partner regions (Region Emilia-Romagna - IT, Region of Central Macedonia - EL, Greater Manchester - UK, and Region Parkstad Limburg - NL) on the theme of sustainable urban mobility planning. Public regional and local authorities explore low carbon solutions, improve their own policy instruments and ultimately raise the quality of life of their citizens.
Through REFORM, the four regions (supported by POLIS, the Institute of Transport and Logistics, and CERTH/HIT) have supported the development of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) as key planning tools to improve urban mobility policies.
This conference will showcase the results that the REFORM project has achieved in its first two years: the definition of good practices, the analysis of local competences and needs, the involvement of stakeholders, and the definition of an Action Plan on sustainable mobility.
These achievements and the experience gained in REFORM have led to the preparation of a declaration of intent on sustainable mobility planning, which will be jointly signed by high-level representatives of the four regions. The declaration will be presented to the European Institutions to provide insights for the update of the SUMP guidelines and the development of SUMP 2.0.
Agenda:
- 09:30 - 10:00 Arrival and registration of participants
- 10:00 – 10:15 Welcome and introduction
Mr. Andrea Bardi - Director, Institute for Transport and Logistics - 10:15 – 10:30 REFORM project recommendations for strengthening the role of Regions in achieving innovative, sustainable and low-carbon mobility
Ms. Maria Morfoulaki - Special Operational Scientist A', CERTH/HIT, Project Coordinator - 10:30 – 10:45 SUMP implementation in European regions: Opportunities & challenges
Mr. Matthew Baldwin - Deputy Director General, DG MOVE, European Commission - 10:45 – 11:00 The importance of interregional exchange of experience for the development of sustainable mobility planning
Mr. Peter Berkowitz - Head of Unit Smart & Sustainable Growth, DG REGIO, European Commission - 11:00 – 11:40 SUMP development in the four REFORM Regions
- 11:40 – 12:30 Roundtable discussion with the high-level representatives of the EC and the four REFORM Regions
Moderator: Ms. Georgia Ayfadopoulou - Research Director, Deputy Director CERTH/HIT
• Mr. Peter Berkowitz - Head of Unit Smart and Sustainable Growth, DG REGIO, European Commission
• Mr. John Blundell – Councilor of Rochdale, Greater Manchester
• Ms. Nadia Bessa, Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support, Region of Central Macedonia
• Mr. Volmar Delheij, Programme manager, Parkstad Limburg
• Mr. Alessandro Meggiato, Manager of Public transport and Sustainable mobility department, Region Emilia-Romagna - 12:30 – 13:00 Presentation of the REFORM Joint Declaration of Intent
Mr. Andrea Bardi - Director, Institute for Transport and Logistics - Signing ceremony of the REFORM Joint Declaration
All Regions representatives, DG REGIO, DG MOVE - 13:00 – 14:00 Networking Lunch
The event is kindly hosted by the House of Dutch Provinces, located in the heart of the European quarter in Brussels.
