The "Environmental Sustainability and Alternative Mobility in Times of War" event, organised as a EU Local Dialogue by CoR alternate member Alessio Marsili (IT/NA), aimed to explore the intersection of environmental sustainability and alternative mobility in the context of wartime scenarios. It addressed the challenges and opportunities for sustainable practices in mobility amidst conflict situations, highlighting the importance of local governance in fostering resilience and adaptation.
The dialogue managed to:
- facilitate dialogue between local communities and regional institutions on the critical issue of environmental sustainability and mobility during times of war;
- showcase the role of local government, represented by the President of Municipality XIII of Rome, as a bridge between citizens and regional decision-making bodies like the Committee of the Regions;
- provide a platform for experts, parliamentarians, and stakeholders to discuss the social transition associated with environmental sustainability and alternative mobility, bridging the gap between Brussels-level policies and their implementation on local streets.
Some general recommendations were proposed by the end of the dialogue:
- use an online communication channel of the CoR for live broadcasts (e.g. YouTube);
- use the mailing list channels to send the event poster to CoR contacts to involve as many people as possible;
and some in detail proposals for action:
- extend the proposal for a European declaration on cycling mobility to local authorities;
- promote the recognition of the bicycle as a means of transport and not just as a sports vehicle;
- establishment of the European consultancy and an office in the capital Rome at the EP;
- facilitate the experience of local energy communities;
- involve European pact ambassadors during the review of the green deal.
The recording of the event can be downloaded here.