SKOPJE – The Sustainable Urban Mobility Conference, held in Skopje, gathered decision-makers from North Macedonia, international partners, and mobility experts to discuss strategies for building greener, safer, and more inclusive transport systems in North Macedonia and across the Western Balkans.
Organised under the framework of the Local Road Connectivity Project, implemented by the Ministry of Transport of North Macedonia with support from the World Bank, the event focused on sustainable solutions that can transform urban mobility for citizens.
The opening session featured remarks of North Macedonia’s officials, including H.E. Mr Aleksandar Nikoloski, Minister of Transport of North Macedonia, as well as representatives of the World Bank, GIZ, and the Transport Community.
In her keynote speech, Ms Ljuba Siljanoska, Deputy Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, underlined the importance of integrating North Macedonia’s urban mobility policies into the wider European transport framework.
“This event comes at a crucial moment — the adoption of the new Trans-European Transport legislation. Urban mobility, and especially urban nodes, are now at the very heart of Europe’s connectivity and sustainability agenda,” she pointed out.
She highlighted the Transport Community’s ongoing efforts to support regional partners in adopting SUMPs, promoting cycling and public transport, and introducing digital solutions for greener and more efficient mobility.
“Our flagship initiative — the Clean Bus and Clean Fleet Platform — supports the shift to electric and hydrogen buses, charging and refueling infrastructure, and investment mobilisation. We are already working with partners such as the World Bank to make this a reality — so that European policy translates into tangible results: cleaner buses, healthier air, and smarter mobility,” Ms Siljanoska concluded.
The conference programme also showcased best practices from across Europe, including Barcelona’s “superblocks” model, cycling-friendly street design from the Netherlands, and local initiatives from municipalities in North Macedonia such as Strumica, Kavadarci, Prilep, and Struga. Experts from the Western Balkans and beyond shared knowledge on freight transport, e-mobility, and public engagement strategies.
Photo: Ministry of Transport of North Macedonia
