We would like to invite you to Brussels on the 29th and 30th June 2026 for a workshop, followed by a policy event, on
Sustainable mobility transitions: Learning from the East
The Leibniz-IfL event stems from two major projects in the area of mobilities research (Leibniz competition-funded CoMoDe & MSCA-funded MOBI-DIG). It aims to bring together a range of critical knowledge and expertise on mobility transformations in studies of policies in the EU, and formerly socialist countries beyond its borders.
The projects highlight the need to rethink sustainability in new terms that prioritise social responsibility of projects implemented by the EU and break with the superficial “sustainability fix”. The prevailing faith in solely technical innovation too often leads to unequal spread of funds and neglect of existing infrastructures. Responding to these tendencies it is particularly important to bring the sustainable mobility transitions closer to policy making in European countries and on the EU level.
During the two-day event we want to present and discuss the learnings from outside of the core EU regions, and pay special attention to existing solutions and strategies that can be adapted in the EU to make institutional, political and financial mechanisms truly working towards socially and environmentally just transformations of cities and regions. The focus of the workshop will be on how results from research projects have been and can be used to influence policy on the EU, national and local level.
The main part of the event is a workshop bringing together scientists, international experts and practitioners to share experiences of working with main policy issues that lead to uneven development or funding that misses the social, economic and environmental targets of sustainability. We will try to learn from each other to find better ways of working with policymakers and making research results relevant for the future policies and funding across Europe.
The event closes with a public event on the second day bringing together representatives of European institutions and local stakeholders. We will present and discuss lessons from the wider Central European region for a European mobility transitions agenda, and disseminate a policy brief.
To take part, please send a brief expression of interest and a brief bio (or a link to one) to: m_koehler@leibniz-ifl.de until the 15th of May 2026. Before the workshop we will ask you to shortly outline your expertise and possible contribution to the event (200 words max.). We will also reach out to ask for contributions and comments to the policy paper being prepared before the workshop. Limited travel funds are available upon request.
The event will be hosted by the Leibniz Association Brussels office and the Representation of the Free State of Saxony to the European Union in the very heart of the European quarter.
For further information on content and scope please reach out to w_sgibnev@leibniz-ifl.de and k_kurnicki@leibniz-ifl.de