Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) training session in Greece

About

Held on 19-20 of May 2025, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) training in Athens, Greece, was a unique capacity building opportunity for 25 committed urban transport specialists.

The event included a total of 9 training modules (3 core and 6 electives) on SUMP-related topics that provided a detailed overview of the challenges and best practices in establishing SUMPs.

The training began with introductions by Dr. Ioannidou Persefoni, Head of General Directorate of Strategic Transport Planning and Road Safety at Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, along with a representative from JASPERS, as part of the EIB advisory services, Mr Alan O’Brien, followed by a tour de table. The training was provided by Christiaan Kwantes, Kristina Gaučė and Mark Finer.

During the first day trainees enjoyed training on the basics of SUMP methodology and practice, explored the link between strategic plans, programming, pipeline and project preparation, and discussed the interface between local and strategic transport. The day finished with discussions on active modes and micromobility, and road safety and street design.

The second day covered sessions on SUMPs for small and medium sized cities, citizen/stakeholder engagement and communication and inclusive and accessible mobility. The afternoon offered a detailed review of spatial planning, before the final wrap-up and conclusions.