European Experiences in Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning - A Lecture by a European Commission Expert at the Faculty of Economics, University of Gdańsk
On 19 October 2026, the Faculty of Economics at the University of Gdańsk hosted Dr Marcel Rommerts, a European Commission expert with over 30 years of experience in transport and urban mobility. Organised as part of the *Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning* course, the event offered students and academic staff an opportunity to gain insights into European approaches to the ongoing transformation of urban transport systems.
During his lecture, Dr Marcel Rommerts drew on his extensive experience working with European institutions, including his involvement in the CIVITAS programme and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). His presentation explored urban mobility policy from the perspective of both the European Union's long-term objectives and the practical challenges facing cities across Europe.
A central theme of the lecture was the growing complexity of modern transport systems, particularly the increasing importance of integrating different modes of transport, managing urban freight logistics, and adopting innovative technologies. The discussion also addressed the resilience of transport systems in the face of changing external conditions. These topics provided a valuable starting point for considering how European experiences could inform mobility planning in the Tricity metropolitan area, especially in the context of developing a coordinated transport policy across neighbouring municipalities.
Alongside students and academic staff from the University of Gdańsk, the event brought together representatives of Gdynia Maritime University. The participation of members of different academic communities provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives and discuss future directions for urban transport development.
Sustainable mobility, particularly the development and implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), is an important focus of research, teaching, and project activities at the Department of Transportation Market, Faculty of Economics, University of Gdańsk. The Department's engagement in this field helps bridge academic research and professional practice while strengthening cooperation with organisations involved in transport policy and planning. Meetings with international experts also provide valuable opportunities to expand its network of specialist contacts, fostering new possibilities for joint research, educational initiatives, and collaborative projects.
The event was organised with the involvement of Associate Professor Marcin Wołek from the University of Gdańsk, Alicja Pawłowska from Gdynia City Hall, and Associate Professor Adam Przybyłowski from Gdynia Maritime University. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Faculty of Economics' leadership: Associate Professor Leszek Reszka, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs and Education; Dr Magdalena Markiewicz, Deputy Dean for Development and Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment; and Associate Professor Dariusz Tłoczyński, Head of the Department of Transportation Market.
