The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro hosted the Preparation Meeting for the European Mobility Week 2026, which also served as a meeting of the Thematic Transport Network within the Municipalities4EU project. The event brought together representatives of local self-governments and relevant institutions with the aim of strengthening municipal capacities for planning and implementing activities that promote sustainable urban mobility, while providing a platform for exchanging experiences and good practices in the field of transport and sustainable urban development.
Participants had the opportunity to learn more about this year’s European Mobility Week theme, “Mobility for Everyone – Intergenerational Equity”, and discuss ways to incorporate it into local initiatives.
The meeting was opened by Ms. Marija Kljajić from the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, who presented the Union’s ongoing work in the field of sustainable urban mobility and its role in coordinating European Mobility Week activities. She highlighted the importance of this year’s theme in creating more accessible, safer and more inclusive local communities.
Mr. Stefan Bulatović introduced the concept of Sustainable Urban Mobility, outlining the key challenges related to urban transport and presenting examples of good practices that municipalities can consider when planning their local activities.
Joining the meeting online via Zoom, Ms. Mila Knežević from GIZ presented the WB ADAPT project, focusing on its objectives, activities and support for Western Balkan countries in adapting to climate change.
During the second part of the meeting, participants were introduced to the opportunities provided through the Municipalities4EU project. Ms. Branka Mračević presented the project’s activities and explained how municipalities can benefit from its support in organising European Mobility Week events. The presentation generated significant interest, leading to an active discussion and exchange of experiences among participants. A representative of the Municipality of Pljevlja shared the municipality’s experience in organising a large cycling event, successfully implemented for the third consecutive year.
As part of the Thematic Transport Network meeting, Mr. Blažo Crvenica, an expert engaged within the Municipalities4EU project, presented the process of developing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). He highlighted their importance for strategic transport planning at the local level and introduced participants to the methodology for preparing SUMPs, the benefits they bring to municipalities and citizens, as well as the development of a Guidelines for the Preparation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, which will be made available to municipalities across Montenegro.
The meeting concluded with a discussion session, during which participants exchanged views on the challenges and opportunities related to organising the European Mobility Week 2026, followed by closing remarks from Ms. Marija Kljajić.
The preparation meeting and the Thematic Transport Network meeting once again demonstrated the importance of cooperation between local self-governments, national institutions and international partners in promoting sustainable mobility. Participants expressed their interest in continuing cooperation and jointly implementing activities that will contribute to the successful celebration of the European Mobility Week 2026 throughout Montenegro.
