Online Panel Discussions – Topic #1: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
In 2023, we conducted group discussions on climate issues with 160 citizens from all over Europe to gather their views on four EU Missions:
- Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities,
- Restore our Ocean and Waters,
- Adaptation to Climate Change, and
- A Soil Deal for Europe.
As a follow-up to these group discussion, we have implemented our first engaging online panel discussion, titled Easy Move: Smoother Journeys, Better Cities, Happier Citizens. This panel focused on the topic of Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, exploring the future of urban mobility.
Moderated by Alessandra Cardaci (Debating Europe), this session featured experts at the forefront of urban mobility, including Valentin Lungenstrass (Deputy-Mayor of Lyon, France), Philipp Rode (Executive Director & Associate Professor, LSE), and Ivo Petrov (Citizen, Debating Europe’s Community).
Key Discussion Points
In the discussion, we explored the following collaborative solutions:
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: How can cities ensure that improvements in public transportation are inclusive and accessible to all residents? What are the main challenges?
- Cultural vs. Technical Change in Sustainability: How can cities foster a cultural shift towards sustainability, similar to the transition seen in the Netherlands from car dependency to cycling? What strategies can help overcome citizens’ resistance?
- EU Policies and National Implementation: How can the EU support cities in implementing innovative public transportation solutions?
- Walkability, Health, and Air Quality: What specific strategies and policies can maximize the environmental and health benefits of an improved public transportation system?
The discussion covered the evolution of public transport in making our cities smarter, cleaner, and more liveable. It was a chance to hear from those designing the future of urban mobility, understand challenges and opportunities, and discover how technology and policy can create greener, more connected urban environments.
We invite you to watch the recording of our engaging panel discussion, Easy Move: Smoother Journeys, Better Cities, Happier Citizens.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101069529 and from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee [grant No 10038991].