EU Urban Mobility Observatory & CIVITAS Initiative

The CIVITAS Initiative, launched by the European Commission in 2002, is the EU’s flagship urban mobility programme. It brings together a network of over 380 cities, alongside urban transport experts, elected officials, and youth representatives, to achieve cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive urban transport.

CIVITAS addresses ten core areas of urban mobility: active mobility (walking and cycling), behavioural change and mobility management, clean and energy-efficient vehicles, public transit and shared mobility, demand and urban space management, integrated and inclusive planning, public participation and co-creation, road safety and security, smart and connected mobility, and urban logistics.

Cities participate in living labs and demonstration projects, where more than 800 measures have been tested in over 80 urban environments. These trials help local authorities evaluate what works in practice before including successful interventions in their Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs).

The initiative supports cities through structured peer exchange, training, networking events, and national networks known as CIVINETs. Tools such as evaluation frameworks, policy guidelines, and the Replication & Deployment Programme enable cities to learn from peers, access technical support, and implement proven solutions.

In sum, CIVITAS is a city-centred EU platform that enables municipalities to develop, test, and integrate sustainable urban mobility solutions – backed by political commitment, technical guidance, and collaboration across Europe.

Contact details: secretariat@civitas.eu

Website: www.civitas.eu