Module 1: Getting started with the SUMP process and its basic principles

This module helps cities to get started with the Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) process by explaining its basic principles and how it differs from traditional transport planning, highlighting the focus on sustainability. The introductory webinar outlines the key elements and steps of the SUMP process using city case examples and explores the requirements of the TEN-T regulation for the urban nodes, linking to the concept of Functional Urban Areas. It gives examples of how SUMP supports cities’ efforts for climate neutrality. The special focus will be on lowering the barrier of adopting SUMP and initiating the process in small and medium-sized cities. The exchange workshop will offer support in stakeholder recognition and cross-sectoral coordination of sustainable urban mobility.

What will you learn?

Principles of Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning and key steps of the SUMP process
How to plan SUMP development for small and medium-sized cities, taking into account common challenges
Links between SUMP activities and the importance of an integrated approach
How trans-European transport network regulation is related to SUMPs, what are TEN-T requirements for urban nodes, and specifics of mobility planning in Functional Urban Areas
Advice for getting started and developing a successful SUMP

Agenda

Webinar: 14.01.2026, 09:00 CET

09:00–09:10 (CET) Welcome & Framing: Kick off with a welcome and a brief overview of the training series and module 1 webinar goals. Ira Sibelius Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission/City of Turku
09:10–09:20 3rd SUMP Guidelines – what’s new?
09:20–09:40 Understanding the Principles of Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning: Overview of SUM Planning principles, differences from traditional transport planning, updated TEN-T regulation and explanation what it means to urban nodes. Presentation includes interactive elements. Kristina Gaučė, Gauce ir Ko
09:40–09:50 Case Study: Developing SUMPs – challenges and lessons learned city presentation
09:50-10:10 SUMPs for Small and Medium-sized Cities: Overview of SUMP cycle, most common challenges (including planning for the FUA) and short case examples on solving specific challenges (prioritising small European cities). Advice for successfully developing SUMP. Presentation includes interactive elements. Kristina Gaučė, Gauce ir Ko
10:10-10:20 Case Study: Integration and continuation/lessons learned TBC
10:20-10:30 Wrap up and next steps

Workshop: 21.01.2026, 09:00 CET

09:00–09:10 (CET) Welcome & Framing: Overview of workshop goals and agenda. Brief reminder of what was learned on the webinar and highlight of the integrated approach Ira Sibelius Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission/City of Turku & Kristina Gaučė, Gauce ir Ko
09:10–09:30 Integrated planning: Presentation on the state-of-the-art approach to integrated urban mobility planning TBC
09:30–09:40 Challenge/Exercise Briefing: Participants are introduced to the exercise/challenge Kristina Gaučė, Gauce ir Ko
09:40–10:20 Group work
10:20-10:30 Break
10:30-10:55 Group Work Result Sharing: Each group presents their work group results to all other workshop participants
10:55-11:25 City Case Presentations: Cities presenting their real-life cases, approaches used, and lessons learned.
11:25–11:30 Wrap-Up & Next Steps: Wrap up & invitation to join follow-up activities Kristina Gaučė, Gauce ir Ko

The Baltic Sea Region
Competence Centre on SUMP