On 24–25 June 2025, mobility professionals gathered in Brussels for a joint meeting of POLIS’ Clean Vehicles & Air Quality, Safety & Security, and Active Travel & Health Working Groups. The one-and-a-half-day event focused on a critical yet often overlooked dimension of sustainable transport: effective communication, both externally (for the citizens and general public) and internally (within public administrations and their elected representatives). This event was also an opportunity to continue the dialogue on this topic that was part of the POLIS joint Working Group meeting ‘Accelerating mobility innovation in SMCs: Insights on TEN-T, ITS, urban nodes, active travel, and policy communication’ in Turku, highlighting the importance of this topic to POLIS members, and how our network aims to support them with tools and guidance. 

What was on the agenda?

Participants heard from city leaders, communication experts, and researchers tackling the tough task of translating complex, sometimes controversial policies, such as low-emission zones or speed reductions, into public conversations that build understanding and legitimacy. Highlights included case studies from various POLIS members, exploring how communication strategies can contribute to clean air targets and the promotion of active travel. 

The second day featured a hands-on training session led by Pedro Homem de Gouveia, Safety & Security Cluster Lead, equipping attendees with tools to better engage with citizens, counter misinformation, and build narratives that resonate. Throughout the event, the underlying message was clear: communication is not a soft skill or an afterthought—it is a cornerstone of successful and democratic urban transformation. 

Read the full report here.