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The NSSP in-presence Workshop, held on 16th October 2024 in Brussels, provided a valuable platform for representatives from various EU Member States (MS) to exchange knowledge and best practices regarding National SUMP Support Programmes (NSSPs). Organized by the European Investment Bank (EIB-JASPERS) and funded by the European Commission (DG MOVE), the event focused on discussing challenges, solutions, and recommendations for the development and implementation of NSSPs. The workshop covered administrative frameworks, funding strategies, and the assessment and monitoring of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs).

The event saw the participation of 24 national representatives from 16 EU Member States.

The day started with an introduction by Robert Szucs from DG MOVE and Alan OBrien from EIB-JASPERS, followed by a presentation from the European Commission on the revised TEN-T Regulation and European guidance for NSSPs. Prof. Tom Rye, a key expert from the delivering consortium, provided an overview of NSSPs, outlining key elements, challenges, and examples of best practices.

The regional perspective was presented by Damien Tobie from the Walloon Region, highlighting the role of institutional SUMP support at the regional level. This was followed by a national perspective shared by Aleksandra Kopeć from the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure. Poland’s approach, emphasizing the importance of institutionalized best practices and evaluation, was particularly noted.

Two facilitated discussions structured the day's interactive sessions:

  1. Administrative framework and funding for NSSPs: during this first session, participants exchanged experiences on how NSSPs are supported within different administrative frameworks, and how funding mechanisms could be enhanced.
  2. Assessment and monitoring of SUMPs: the second session focused on how MS assess and monitor the effectiveness of SUMPs, with participants calling for more robust frameworks and formalization of evaluation methods, drawing on Poland’s example.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Exchange of practices: Participants valued the opportunity to share experiences and learn from other EU MS on how they are tackling common challenges.
  • Institutionalization: There is a need to institutionalize best practices for evaluation, with Poland serving as an inspiring example.
  • Collaboration and networking: The workshop was viewed as the beginning of further exchanges and brainstorming sessions, with a desire to formalize and meet more frequently.
  • Climate goals integration: Clearer guidance from the EU on integrating NSSPs and SUMPs with climate-related objectives is needed, along with better alignment between TEN-T network planning and urban mobility strategies.
  • Future adjustments: Insights gained from the workshop are to be incorporated into the upcoming NSSP in-presence event in Athens, and participants expressed a strong desire to continue gathering to discuss progress and challenges.

The workshop concluded with a consensus that formalization of NSSPs across MS is still in progress, but the event served as a promising start to greater collaboration and mutual learning across Europe.

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Questions?

For any further enquiry on this webinar and in general on the activities of the JASPERS Knowledge Platform please write an email to jaspersnetwork@eib.org