ICLEI Europe is proud to share that member city Thessaloniki, Greece will host the CIVITAS Forum 2026, as announced during the Urban Mobility Days 2025 in Vilnius. This decision recognises Thessaloniki’s growing commitment to sustainable mobility, citizen-centred planning, and climate-neutral urban transformation.
An ICLEI member city since 2023, Thessaloniki is at the forefront of transport innovation in Europe, leading with initiatives like its driverless metro system, restructured bus and active mobility corridors, and a forward-thinking EV charging strategy. These efforts are supported by collaboration with local research institutions, including CERTH - The Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (Greece), which is also an ICLEI member.
As a CIVITAS city and EU Mission City, Thessaloniki’s integrated and inclusive approach to mobility makes it an ideal host for the Forum. Participants will experience this first-hand through site visits showcasing Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), urban logistics decarbonisation, and inclusive public space design - offering valuable insights for local governments across Europe.
The Forum will also reflect Thessaloniki’s commitment to accessible, community-oriented urbanism. The city plans to ensure free public transport for attendees, implement accessibility measures, and engage youth and local volunteers, bringing mobility discussions closer to citizens and reflecting ICLEI’s emphasis on participatory governance.
Thessaloniki is involved in several projects supported by ICLEI Europe, including the ICLEI Action Fund Greece. Through the MOBILAIR initiative - led by CERTH/HIT and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - the city is implementing AI and data-driven solutions to improve air quality and enhance sustainable urban mobility offerings in Thessaloniki.
As ICLEI Europe continues to support cities in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive mobility systems, we look forward to the CIVITAS Forum 2026 in Thessaloniki - a city that exemplifies the values of our network and the ambitions of the Aalborg Commitments.