POLIS’ new Urban Nodes Taskforce offers a platform for members to engage in peer-to-peer exchanges, fostering collaboration on achieving TEN-T targets and goals for Urban Nodes by 2027. Urban nodes are a key component of Europe’s transport strategy and in particular of the TEN-T Regulation, serving as central connection points where different modes of transport—rail, road, air, and maritime—converge. The dedicated Taskforce will act as a one-stop shop for members to receive guidance and support regarding all Urban Nodes' related activities. Additionally, it will serve as a point of reference for external partners such as the Urban Nodes Alliance.

The Taskforce will be led by Melina Zarouka and Marko Stančec with the support of Ivo Cré.

2025: Objectives and workplan

The 2025 workplan builds on ongoing discussions and the support to our members navigating through the new TEN-T requirements for urban nodes. The workplan will continue evolving, incorporating new insights from cities, regions and other stakeholders actively engaging in the topic. 

Priority topics for 2025 include:

• Multilevel governance of the urban nodes and planning obligations in link with a joint city-region-national level nexus (in partnership and independently)
• Urban Nodes and UMIs: support the organisational structure and follow the progress of UMIs, including data collection
• Sharing available knowledge and tools in the transport sector, including useful resources and results from European Research and Innovation projects
• Fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between POLIS members
• Synergies for access to European funding opportunities, Research and Innovation projects, and piloting of new solutions from private-sector stakeholders
• Crafting a common voice on TEN-T-related topics whenever relevant and appropriate to raise issues of common interest

Main conclusions from the meeting

• Reinforced role for urban nodes – local must lead, but the national and regional level must provide the support as NSSP should be established by 19 July 2025.
• Effective mobility governance for FUAs requires expertise and skills to design appropriate policies, and this includes owning or having access to data to inform planning processes.
• More active collaboration between stakeholders is needed across governance levels, sectors, and disciplines.
• The main challenges and needs include institutional cooperation, FUA definition, funding and monitoring, and urban mobility indicators.

The Taskforce will continue gathering insights from members, refining the workplan, and working toward practical solutions to help members navigate the new TEN-T requirements for urban nodes.

If you have any questions or wish to join the UAM Taskforce, do not hesitate to contact Marko Stančec and Melina Zarouka, Urban Nodes Taskforce Co-Coordinators.