News
11/03/2026

POLIS Brussels Bubble Band invites cities and regions to tackle key EU urban mobility policy topics

On 3 March 2026, POLIS brought together its Brussels-based members for the first Brussels Bubble Band of the year, providing a platform for cities and regions to exchange views on emerging EU policy developments and align advocacy priorities on sustainable mobility.

As per biannual tradition, the meeting gathered representatives working in Brussels for POLIS member cities and regions to share local priorities and discuss ongoing EU policy files affecting sustainable urban mobility.

Indeed, cities and regions shared how their current priorities are shaping their mobility strategies and guiding investment decisions. From this exchange, POLIS Working Group Leads presented the current state of key policy initiatives per Working Group topic, with a final discussion on emerging hot mobility policy files for this spring, including the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and its implications and risks for local and regional authorities.


EU mobility policy developments in focus

Updates were provided on several ongoing EU policy processes, including the work of the Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM). POLIS is co-leading new subgroups focusing on urban nodes, which support multimodal passenger hubs, and city access, exploring improved data governance and innovation for urban vehicle access regulations.

The meeting also addressed the European Commission’s recently published automotive package, which includes revisions to CO₂ standards and new proposals on clean corporate vehicle fleets. POLIS reiterated its position in favour of maintaining ambitious emissions reduction targets, avoiding loopholes for fossil fuels, and ensuring dedicated funding for zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure.

In addition, the discussion touched upon the growing number of EU initiatives related to connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM), as Europe moves from pilot projects towards large-scale deployment.

The meeting concluded with an exchange on upcoming EU discussions around competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), highlighting the need for future funding programmes to better support urban mobility and local innovation ecosystems. Indeed, ensuring that urban mobility and local innovation ecosystems are fully supported in the next EU budget cycle remains a key priority for POLIS advocacy.

The Brussels Bubble Band reaffirmed the value of collective exchange among POLIS members in Brussels, helping cities and regions stay informed, aligned, and engaged in shaping EU urban mobility policy.