Deadline: 08-Oct-2026
The European Commission (EC) is providing €4 million in funding under Horizon Europe to accelerate the deployment of innovative urban mobility solutions and strengthen the European urban mobility ecosystem. The initiative aims to support sustainable, smart, and inclusive transport systems through capacity building, knowledge sharing, stakeholder collaboration, living labs, digital platforms, and the expansion of the CIVITAS network.
The funding is open to eligible legal entities worldwide, including organizations from non-associated third countries and international organizations, subject to Horizon Europe eligibility requirements.
What is the European Commission Urban Mobility Innovation Call?
The European Commission is investing in the advancement of sustainable urban mobility through a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) that focuses on accelerating the adoption, replication, and scaling of innovative mobility solutions across Europe.
The initiative builds upon the long-standing success of CIVITAS, Europe’s flagship urban mobility network, which has supported cities, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders since 2002.
The project aims to strengthen cooperation among cities, transport authorities, businesses, researchers, and communities while helping Europe achieve its climate, mobility, and sustainability goals.
Funding Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Organization | European Commission (EC) |
| Programme | Horizon Europe |
| Funding Type | Coordination and Support Action (CSA) |
| Total Budget | €4,000,000 |
| Focus Area | Sustainable Urban Mobility and Innovation |
| Geographic Scope | International Participation |
| Eligible Applicants | Legal Entities Worldwide |
| Key Network | CIVITAS |
Key Focus Areas
Projects should contribute to one or more of the following priority areas.
1. Deployment of Innovative Urban Mobility Solutions
Activities may include:
- Accelerating mobility innovation adoption
- Supporting sustainable transport systems
- Scaling successful urban mobility projects
- Replicating proven mobility solutions
- Promoting smart mobility initiatives
2. Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination
Projects may focus on:
- Sharing research outcomes
- Disseminating innovation results
- Promoting best practices
- Creating knowledge exchange mechanisms
- Supporting evidence-based policymaking
3. Capacity Building for Cities
The initiative seeks to strengthen:
- Technical skills
- Institutional capacity
- Urban mobility planning expertise
- Innovation management capabilities
- Local implementation capacity
4. Smart and Sustainable Passenger Mobility
Eligible activities may support:
- Public transport innovation
- Active mobility solutions
- Multimodal transport systems
- Smart mobility services
- Low-emission transportation
5. Sustainable Urban Freight Mobility
Projects may address:
- Urban logistics
- Freight optimization
- Sustainable delivery systems
- Last-mile transport solutions
- Efficient goods movement
6. Peer-to-Peer Learning and Replication
Activities may include:
- Twinning programmes
- Mutual learning initiatives
- City-to-city exchanges
- Demonstration activities
- Replication support frameworks
7. Living Labs and Innovation Testing
Projects may support:
- Urban mobility living labs
- Real-world testing environments
- Pilot projects
- Innovation validation activities
- Stakeholder co-creation processes
8. Stakeholder Community Development
The project will strengthen collaboration among:
- Cities
- Public authorities
- Public transport operators
- Industry leaders
- SMEs
- Start-ups
- Researchers
- Policymakers
What is CIVITAS?
CIVITAS is Europe’s leading urban mobility innovation network.
Since 2002, CIVITAS has supported:
- Urban mobility research
- Sustainable transport innovation
- Knowledge exchange
- Demonstration projects
- Policy development
- Replication of successful mobility solutions
The network connects cities and stakeholders working to create cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems.
Expected Project Outcomes
The selected project is expected to deliver several strategic outcomes.
Enhanced Urban Mobility Ecosystem
- Stronger collaboration among stakeholders
- Increased innovation uptake
- Better knowledge sharing mechanisms
- Expanded urban mobility networks
Improved Capacity Across Cities
- Greater technical expertise
- Better planning capabilities
- Increased innovation readiness
- Stronger local implementation skills
Accelerated Deployment of Solutions
- Faster adoption of mobility innovations
- Replication of successful projects
- Increased investment readiness
- Improved policy integration
Stronger CIVITAS Network
- Expanded membership and engagement
- Improved governance structures
- Enhanced knowledge dissemination
- Greater stakeholder participation
Why This Funding Matters
Urban mobility is central to Europe’s economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.
Cities face increasing challenges such as:
- Traffic congestion
- Air pollution
- Climate change
- Growing urban populations
- Transport accessibility issues
- Rising logistics demands
This funding helps cities and stakeholders adopt innovative solutions that improve mobility while supporting Europe’s broader sustainability and climate objectives.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Participation is open to:
- Public authorities
- Municipal governments
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Private companies
- SMEs
- Start-ups
- Industry associations
- Non-profit organizations
- International organizations
- Legal entities from EU Member States
- Legal entities from Associated Countries
- Legal entities from non-associated third countries
Participation Requirements
Applicants must:
- Meet Horizon Europe eligibility requirements
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Complete validation procedures before grant agreement preparation
How to Apply
Step 1: Review the Official Call Documentation
Carefully study the Horizon Europe work programme and call requirements.
Step 2: Build a Strong Consortium
Include partners with expertise in:
- Urban mobility
- Transport planning
- Innovation management
- Public policy
- Capacity building
- Digital technologies
- Stakeholder engagement
Step 3: Develop a Comprehensive Strategy
The proposal should clearly explain:
- Project objectives
- Implementation methodology
- Capacity-building activities
- Knowledge-sharing mechanisms
- Expected impacts
Step 4: Integrate CIVITAS Priorities
Demonstrate how the project will:
- Strengthen the CIVITAS network
- Support mobility innovation uptake
- Facilitate collaboration across Europe
Step 5: Register for Participation
Ensure all participating organizations have a valid Participant Identification Code (PIC).
Step 6: Submit the Proposal
Complete and submit the application through the Horizon Europe funding portal before the deadline.
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Competitive proposals typically demonstrate:
- Strong European added value
- Broad stakeholder engagement
- Clear replication potential
- Effective capacity-building approaches
- Strong dissemination strategies
- Integration with CIVITAS objectives
- Sustainable long-term impact
- Practical implementation plans
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following:
- Weak stakeholder engagement plans
- Limited city participation
- Poor dissemination strategies
- Insufficient capacity-building activities
- Lack of measurable outcomes
- Weak alignment with CIVITAS goals
- Inadequate replication frameworks
- Limited cooperation with industry and SMEs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total funding available?
The European Commission has allocated a total budget of €4,000,000 for this opportunity.
2. What is the main objective of this funding call?
The initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative urban mobility solutions and strengthen the European urban mobility ecosystem through the CIVITAS network.
3. What is CIVITAS?
CIVITAS is a European platform supporting sustainable urban mobility through research, innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
4. Who can apply?
Any eligible legal entity worldwide may participate, including organizations from non-associated third countries and international organizations, subject to Horizon Europe rules.
5. Are SMEs and start-ups eligible?
Yes. SMEs and start-ups are specifically encouraged to participate in stakeholder engagement, innovation deployment, and collaboration activities.
6. What types of activities are expected?
Projects may focus on capacity building, peer learning, living labs, project clustering, policy exchange, knowledge dissemination, stakeholder networking, and urban mobility innovation deployment.
7. What long-term impact is expected?
The initiative seeks to create a stronger, more connected urban mobility ecosystem that supports sustainable, smart, and climate-friendly transport solutions across Europe.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s €4 million Urban Mobility Innovation and CIVITAS Support Call represents a major opportunity to strengthen Europe’s sustainable transport ecosystem. By supporting capacity building, stakeholder collaboration, innovation deployment, and knowledge sharing, the initiative will help cities accelerate the adoption of smart mobility solutions while advancing climate goals, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. Organizations working in urban mobility, transport innovation, policy development, and sustainable cities are encouraged to participate and contribute to Europe’s future mobility transformation.
For more information, visit EC.