Launch of the 23rd European Mobility Week: For a shared public space accessible to all

The Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, in collaboration with Syvicol, announces the launch of the 23rd edition of European Mobility Week, which will take place from 16 to 22 September 2024. As part of its commitment since 2005, Luxembourg has been actively participating in this Europe-wide awareness-raising campaign to promote sustainable and inclusive modes of transport.

This international awareness-raising campaign, initiated by the European Commission and based on the ‘Day without my car’, aims to encourage as many people as possible to opt for soft modes of transport as an alternative to individual motorised transport. It also promotes and rewards collective initiatives to develop sustainable mobility.

Shared public space

In a context where public space is becoming increasingly limited in European cities, this initiative aims to rethink and reorganise the use of our urban infrastructures. The aim is to create inclusive spaces, well served by public transport and accessible to all, where people can meet and enjoy various activities. These shared spaces promote social equality, improve road safety, reduce noise and air pollution, and enhance the overall quality of life.

Every year, several municipalities in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg participate in European Mobility Week and implement initiatives related to the annual theme.

European Mobility Week 2024 has a number of objectives:

• Improve the quality of life by developing infrastructures on a human scale;
• Promote other European initiatives such as the REPowerEU plan and the Green Pact for Europe;
• Reviewing the use of road infrastructure while supporting public transport and active mobility will encourage the use of greener modes of transport and encourage a change in behaviour.

On this occasion, Yuriko Backes, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, declared: ‘This year's theme, ‘Shared public space’, reflects our desire to create urban spaces that are not only functional but also inclusive and welcoming for everyone. By restoring space to people rather than vehicles, we are contributing to a more egalitarian and environmentally friendly society. Our ambition is clear: to make Luxembourg a model of sustainable mobility in Europe.’

Anne Calteux, the European Commission's representative in Luxembourg, emphasises: ‘This year's European Mobility Week is an opportunity to think together about sharing public space by ensuring that everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists, can get around safely. In this way, soft mobility becomes easy for everyone while enabling citizens to actively contribute to protecting our planet!’

Launch of the 23rd European Mobility Week:

To mark European Mobility Week, the local authorities are putting a range of actions and measures in place. The national programme, available at www.mobiliteitswoch.lu, illustrates the initiative and creativity shown by local authorities. This year's programme includes walking and cycling tours, second-hand bicycle markets and presentations on mobility concepts.

Emile Eicher, chairman of Syvicol, praises the initiatives taken by the local authorities and added the following: ‘The local authorities are close to their citizens and can therefore highlight important mobility issues. Especially when it comes to changing habits. Local authorities clearly want their residents to walk or cycle more. Not only does this help to reduce traffic, it also positively impacts people's health in general.

Organised for over two decades, European Mobility Week has become a genuinely transnational event on a European scale aimed at improving the quality of life in towns and cities.

Press release from the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, the Syndicat des villes et communes luxembourgeoises (Syvicol) and the European Commission