Urban planning tailored to the citizens’ needs essential for the cities, EUIC-organised conference concludes

Marking the European Mobility Week, the EU Info Centre with the support of the Centre for Environment from Banja Luka organised a seminar “Smart Mobility and Urban Planning” at the Faculty of Arch...

Marking the European Mobility Week, the EU Info Centre with the support of the Centre for Environment from Banja Luka organised a seminar “Smart Mobility and Urban Planning” at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy of the University of Banja Luka, on September 22nd.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative underlined the importance of environment protection together with urban planning and sustainable mobility. “Everyone wants and deserves to live in a clean and healthy environment and we can all experience the climate change that is happening. Besides the big solutions, that we need for sure, individuals can make the difference. We all should try to use sustainable means of transportation as much as possible”, Ambassador Wigemark said.

More than hundred participants had the opportunity to learn more about planning and mobility from the regional experts.

Professor Janez Koželj, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ljubljana presented the best practices of the City of Ljubljana and how they are leaving the concept of development planning tailored to the car and are beginning to plan in accordance to citizens’ and their need for movement. He invited all representatives of municipalities to leave the outdated transport plans that see cars as a primary means of transport as quickly as possible.

Vlado Babic, a representative of the City of Ljubljana in the regional network CIVINET (SEE Network for Sustainable Urban Mobility) Slovenia – Croatia – Southeast Europe in his presentation emphasised the necessity of linking cities and all actors in the field of sustainable development, especially regarding the sustainable mobility.

Mirsad Heleg, Director of Public Company for Urban Planning in the city of Zenica, presented an innovative approach to solving the integral traffic in Zenica, explaining the steps taken towards turning the city into a better and more comfortable place to live.

Presentations triggered a fruitful and creative discussion on sustainable solutions in urban planning and mobility.

Every year, from 16th to 22nd September, citizens across Europe mark the European Mobility Week, which ends with the famous ‘Car-Free Day’. This year, citizens of more than 2,000 cities are taking part in various events dedicated to sustainable urban transport. In 2016, the campaign is focused on smart and sustainable mobility under the slogan ‘Smart mobility. Strong economy.’