A policy dialogue study visit in the scope of “EU Support for Promoting
Sustainable Urban Mobility in Turkish Cities Project” (SUMP Türkiye), which is
being implemented under the Sectoral Operational Programme for Transport within
the framework of Türkiye-EU financial cooperation, took place in Brussels from
December 11th to 13th, 2023. It involved the participation of representatives
from the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure -Directorate General for EU Affairs and Foreign Relations - Department
for EU Investments and Department of Strategy Development, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs - Directorate for EU Affairs, and the SUMP Türkiye technical
assistance team.
On 11 December 2023, first day of the program, the SUMP Türkiye delegation
had a meeting with Isabelle Vandoorne, Deputy Head of Unit for Research and
Innovation (including Urban Mobility) at DG MOVE, European Commission, along
with her colleagues. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss EU policies and
strategies, sustainable urban mobility efforts in Türkiye, and the goals,
achievements, and future aspirations of the SUMP Türkiye Project.
Representatives from DG Near and the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye
also participated in the meeting online.
A masterclass was conducted at the POLIS Network office, featuring
representatives from leading European organizations such as ERTICO, UITP,
Eurocities, and the European Federation for Cycling. The session was moderated
by Ivo Cré, who serves as the Director of Policy and Projects at the POLIS
Network.
The delegation also visited the new contact office of UMT (Union of
Municipalities of Türkiye) located within the Council of European
Municipalities and Regions building. Additionally, some of the participants
attended the launch event of UMT's 'Guest Cities' concept which was introduced
by Secretary General Hayri Baraçlı (PhD) and hosted by Ambassador Faruk
Kaymakcı, the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the European Union.
On 12 December 2023, SUMP Türkiye delegation paid a visit to CINEA - the
European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency. During this
visit, they met with Marcel Rommerts, Head of Unit for Transport Research,
Octavia Stepan, Head of Sector, and Thiago Tavares, Program Coordination
Manager.
The CINEA representatives provided insights into the EU flagship
initiatives such as Civitas, Mission Cities and Horizon Europe, emphasizing the
successful participation of Turkish cities in these programs. Secretary General
Hayri Baraçlı (PhD) and his deputies were participated in the meeting.
Additionally, the delegation took part in a meeting at the office of
Brussels Region’s Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt, where they delved
into the Region's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan initiative, known as
"Good Move".
As part of the policy dialogue activities, site visits to two different
city center locations were also organized to demonstrate the approach developed
within the scope of the Brussels Region's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan,
known as GoodMove.
On 13 December 2023, the last day of the program, discussions were held
with the European Investment Bank providing participants with a comprehensive
understanding of the critical financial mechanisms and instruments shaping
sustainable urban mobility. Matteo
Rivellini, Head of Operations in Western Balkans and Türkiye at EIB Global,
briefed the participants on the possible EIB grants and loans. The participants
also discussed how EIB’s JASPERS -Joint Assistance to Support Projects in
European Regions could support the Turkish municipalities in their preparation
and appraisal of SUMP initiatives and in capacity building of their staff.