Rethinking Mobility: Beyond Emissions 

Let’s do a quick experiment. Imagine you’re told that in one month’s time you need to travel from Paris to Barcelona. A quick search shows the cheapest train at around €69, while the cheapest flight – nearly five hours quicker if you don’t count time in departures – is €50. Which would you choose? 

Changing the way we travel is not easy. Yet it is essential – not only for the European Union to reach its carbon neutrality goals, but for us to safeguard a livable planet for future generations. Today, transport accounts for more than a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, with private cars and planes driving much of the damage. 

Across Europe, regions and cities are taking the lead in transforming mobility: testing new technologies, investing in digital infrastructure, and designing systems that are not only cleaner and smarter, but also more inclusive. Mobility is no longer just about moving people and goods – it is about enabling access, empowering communities, and creating resilient cities. 

For this discussion, we are joined by Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe, who will share his insights on how regions can serve as perfect testing grounds for citizen-centric mobility. From intelligent transport systems and data-sharing platforms to projects that give vulnerable users a voice, Joost will explore what it takes to make transport systems sustainable, equitable, and trusted by the people they serve. 

When? 16 September 2025, 16:00-16:45 CET