The German development cooperation organization GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) announced that it will continue to support Montenegro in the field of sustainable urban mobility through new projects and the strengthening of local government capacities.
This announcement was made during a workshop organized by the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, as part of the preparations for the European Mobility Week 2025, which will this year be held under the strong and symbolic slogan: “Mobility for All.”
Milenka Mila Knežević, a representative of GIZ GmbH presented the activities of the Green Agenda – Support to the Western Balkans in Climate Change Adaptation (WB Adapt) project and highlighted the importance of marking European Mobility Week. She emphasized the need to view sustainable urban mobility through the lens of planning adaptation and resilience measures to address climate change, as well as the benefits of such an approach.
The continuation of GIZ’s support comes at a crucial moment, as local communities across Montenegro increasingly recognize that mobility is not merely a technical issue, but also a profoundly social and developmental one. In this context, GIZ has emerged as a strategic partner, contributing not only through financial assistance but also through its expertise, experience, and systemic support for long-term transformation in our cities.
“GIZ has been present in Montenegro for many years, but this decision confirms its long-term commitment to creating accessible, healthy, and safe cities for everyone. Thanks to its engagement, many municipalities have already taken concrete steps toward sustainable mobility, and we now have the opportunity to elevate these processes to a higher level,” it was stated during the workshop.
The support provided by GIZ, together with the joint efforts of national institutions, local governments, and civil society, demonstrates that Montenegro has the potential to become a regional example in the field of accessible and sustainable mobility.
The workshop was led by Marija Kljajić, the workshop was led by a representative of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro, and Stefan Bulatović the workshop was led by a representative of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and a representative of the NGO Biciklo.me, and was attended by representatives of municipalities, the civil society sector, and international organizations.
In her opening remarks, Kljajić emphasized that the slogan “Mobility for All” must be translated into concrete local policies:
“Mobility is a matter of dignity, not just infrastructure. If we want a fair society, we must ensure that all citizens—regardless of disability, age, gender, or economic status—can move freely, safely, and with dignity. This is not a luxury, but a fundamental right.”
Stefan Bulatović spoke about practical mechanisms for planning activities and the importance of changing the approach to transport policy:
“We cannot solve transport problems using the same approaches of the past. We need to think long term: cycling lanes, pedestrian zones, free public transport, and car-free streets are not radical ideas—they are standards already being implemented by cities across Europe. It is time for us to catch up as well.”
This event is one of a series of activities jointly implemented by the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and the NGO Biciklo.me under their cooperation agreement, she emphasized Jelena Borozan a representative of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro.
European Mobility Week will be celebrated from 16 to 22 September, and municipalities and other organizations can already register their activities through the Mobility Week platform at [www.mobilityweek.eu](http://www.mobilityweek.eu). During the workshop, concrete activity models that can be organized as part of the campaign were presented:
- Car-Free Day – closing city streets to motor vehicles and opening public spaces for walking, recreation, and social activities;
- Themed walks and cycling events, including family rides and activities involving older adults;
- Free public transport during European Mobility Week (EMW);
- Repurposing parking spaces into cycling infrastructure and green public spaces;
- Raising awareness of transport poverty and the mobility challenges faced by marginalized groups.
- Community engagement – the key to success
Particular emphasis was placed on the direct involvement of citizens in the planning and implementation of activities. As highlighted during the workshop, changes have a greater impact when the community actively participates in shaping them, rather than merely being presented with ready-made solutions.
Participants also shared good practices for engaging marginalized groups—such as persons with disabilities, older adults, and young people from rural areas—as well as the use of local media, social networks, public forums, and mobile information points to communicate with citizens and encourage their participation.
The message from the workshop was clear: mobility for all is not just a slogan, it is a commitment.
