European Economic and Social Committee approves opinion endorsing SUMPs
On 19 June 2025, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) approved an opinion regarding Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). The document recognises SUMPs as a powerful tool to enhance good urban mobility and contribute to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Recognising both the opportunities and challenges posed by the shift towards sustainable mobility, the EESC opinion ‘Planning sustainable urban mobility in the EU’ strongly advocates for the widespread adoption of SUMPs. Representing employers, workers, and civil society, the EESC calls for an integrated approach that supports sustainable mobility through inclusive planning and multilevel governance. The opinion was drafted with input from Rapporteur Lidija Pavić-Rogošić, Director of Odraz (Croatia), representing civil society, and Co-Rapporteur Mateusz Szymański of Solidarność (Poland), representing workers.
The document builds on the premise that urban mobility is crucial for improving quality of life and working conditions, but also for enhancing competitiveness. It underpins land use planning, the movement of goods, the automotive industry, and the creation of high-quality jobs.
Against this background, it places SUMPs as powerful instruments for enhancing mobility while supporting balanced regional growth. The EESC, therefore, urges Member States to establish national programmes that offer funding, guidance, and capacity-building to local and regional authorities. These measures are crucial to accelerating the implementation of SUMPs and ensuring their effectiveness.
POLIS welcomes and supports the EESC’s stance. The opinion signals strong support from Europe’s economic and social stakeholders for a cohesive strategy to advance sustainable urban mobility. It also underscores the need for inclusive policymaking involving civil society and social partners.
A priority for the next EU budget
As the EU prepares the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EESC stresses the importance of embedding SUMPs in EU investment strategies. SUMPs are now a regulatory requirement for the 431 urban nodes within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) by 2027. The Commission now has the chance to further both European and regional development goals by promoting SUMPs as strategic project pipelines aligned with EU objectives on transport, environment, and road safety.
Crucially, the EESC calls for stronger engagement of local and regional authorities throughout the design and implementation of national programmes. This reflects POLIS’s ongoing advocacy for shared responsibility and genuine multilevel governance.
Promoting truly sustainable and accessible mobility
A key recommendation of the opinion is the need to guarantee accessible, affordable, and reliable public transport, as well as active and shared mobility options. The opinion advocates for a multimodal transport system that is inclusive, safe, and sustainable. To this end, the Social Climate Fund is highlighted as a valuable tool to address transport poverty and protect vulnerable populations from the effects of carbon pricing.
The document also stresses the importance of integrating sustainable mobility solutions into urban planning from the outset. This can prevent traffic congestion and reduce dependence on private car ownership.
Additionally, the EESC also takes a critical look at electrification. While acknowledging the benefits of electromobility and alternative fuels in reducing air pollution, the opinion warns that they do not fully resolve broader mobility challenges such as congestion and road safety. Cities are instead urged to plan and make substantial investments in modern, low-emission public transport fleets and infrastructure.
In conclusion, the EESC emphasises that the next EU budget must prioritise sustainable mobility. The Commission is urged to promote SUMPs as tools to develop strategic investment pipelines and to streamline access to EU funding.
