Informal meeting of EU transport ministers, 21-22 September 2023

On 22 September, the informal ministerial meeting on Transport will take place in Barcelona.

The work sessions in Barcelona aim to continue moving together towards more accessible and efficient transport and mobility throughout the EU, focused on people.

During the meeting, two work sessions will be held that will focus on the fundamental role of transport and mobility to contribute to achieving greater social and territorial cohesion, within the framework of decarbonisation and digitalisation.

Highlights of the agenda of the informal ministerial meeting on transport

The working sessions in Barcelona aim to ensure further joint progress is made towards more accessible and efficient transport and mobility across the EU, designed to improve people’s quality of life.

During the meeting, two working sessions will focus on the fundamental role of transport and mobility in helping to achieve greater social and territorial cohesion, within the framework of decarbonisation and digitalisation.

Importantly, ministers will share experiences and success stories about innovative mobility strategies aimed at fostering inclusion and transport services in both urban centres and in sparsely populated areas or areas with complex terrain that hinders connectivity.

Transport as a tool for social cohesion

In an increasingly interconnected and diverse world, transport has taken on a fundamental role that goes beyond mere physical movement. It has become an instrument that shapes the dynamics of urbanisation, globalisation and economic growth, playing a key role in promoting social cohesion in our societies.

Accessible, affordable, reliable and efficient transport has a greater capacity to bring people together, creating opportunities for interaction and exchange, thereby helping to mitigate social exclusion and break down barriers to education, culture, employment and health care, among others.

During the first working session on 22 September, ministers will discuss how to achieve a well-designed and managed transport system that brings people together and reduces inequalities, promoting a sense of community and contributing to economic and social development. A debate will be held on the different alternatives for ensuring transport policies that are responsible to the needs of citizens, inclusive and equitable.

Transport as a tool for territorial cohesion

Mobility and transport also represent the connections that link geographically dispersed areas and enable the flow of interactions, ideas and resources, strengthening the integration of regions.

In areas where connectivity is a challenge, such as sparsely populated areas or areas with complex orography (islands, mountainous terrain, etc.), accessibility becomes a critical issue, reinforcing the need to design context-sensitive mobility solutions, including alternative transport modes, digital innovations and community involvement.

One of the focuses of the second working session on 22 September will be the particular needs of these regions, considering the sustainable integration of technologies and community participation, to ensure equitable access and foster a sense of unity and progress in all areas.

This will include a collaborative approach between national, regional and local authorities to address the most appropriate form of governance to ensure access to basic services and opportunities for residents of rural and/or sparsely populated areas.