The European Union (EU) is actively seeking sustainable alternatives to address chronic traffic congestion, aging infrastructure, and reliance on road and air transport, all of which undermine its climate goals. Despite boasting some of the most advanced transport networks globally, the EU faces obstacles including fragmented cross-border links, outdated systems, and citizens’ resistance to change.
Urban Mobility at the Center
With 75% of EU citizens living in urban areas, cities are at the forefront of the mobility transformation. Air pollution, congestion, and climate commitments are driving a shift toward zero-emission vehicles. According to Thomas Leims, Policy Director at Eurocities, “the role of cars in cities will diminish in the future,” emphasizing the need for clean alternatives.
The EU’s legislation requires all new cars sold from 2035 to have zero emissions, effectively banning internal combustion engines. However, pressure from industry and governments, including Germany, Italy, and Slovakia, has prompted a reassessment of this timeline, now expected by the end of 2025.
Public Transport and Technological Innovation
Public transport is seen as a cornerstone of reducing individual car use. The EU is piloting autonomous electric minibuses in cities such as Herford (Germany), Grorudalen (Norway), and Geneva (Switzerland) to make transit more affordable, eco-friendly, and accessible.
Mark Rosenthal, CEO of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) for Urban Mobility, highlighted that autonomous vehicles can help connect rural and urban areas efficiently, offering a sustainable alternative to congested roads.
High-Speed Rail as a Game Changer
On 5 November, the European Commission approved a high-speed rail action plan aimed at cutting travel times dramatically. For instance, the journey from Sofia to Athens could drop from nearly 14 hours to six. Similarly, Berlin to Copenhagen could shrink from seven hours to four, providing a viable alternative to air travel.
The plan involves cross-border collaboration, digital ticketing, regulatory improvements, and significant investment. Completing the TEN-T high-speed rail network by 2040 is projected to cost €345 billion, potentially rising to €546 billion for a full expansion with trains reaching 250 km/h or more.
Behavioral and Financial Challenges
Despite technological advances, the EU faces citizen resistance due to established travel habits, comfort concerns, and cost barriers. For example, train tickets remain, on average, twice the price of flights, limiting a modal shift. Positive first-hand experiences with alternative mobility options and supportive policies are crucial for adoption.
In Greece, traffic congestion remains severe. In Athens, drivers lost an average of 111 hours in traffic in 2024, taking 30 minutes to travel just 10 km. Thessaloniki drivers lost 80 hours on average, covering 10 km in 23 minutes, with congestion expected to worsen in coming years.
The EU’s strategy emphasizes zero-emission public transport, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly urban planning, combined with high-speed rail and technological innovations. Achieving this vision will require billions in investment, policy coordination, and citizen engagement, highlighting that the biggest challenge may not be technology, but human behavior.
