SUMP training to support Baltic Sea Region cities

The Interreg Baltic Sea Region (BSR) project 'SUMPs for BSR' will launch a comprehensive Training package on Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning – a free, five-module online training designed to equip cities and mobility professionals with the knowledge and tools to develop, monitor, and implement effective SUMPs. The training will take place from January to May 2026. 

Developed within the SUMPs for BSR project, the training brings together the expertise of the project partners, the Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission (UBC SCC), the University of Gdańsk, the Institute of Baltic Studies, and cities of Turku, Gdynia, Cēsis, Greifswald, Panevėžys, and Gävle. The training will be supported by the JSC Gaučė ir Ko (Lithuania), with extensive experience in delivering SUMP capacity-building through JASPERS and other European initiatives, and other selected experts.

The training aims to support cities across the Baltic Sea Region to strengthen their capacity for sustainable urban mobility planning. The training programme will bring together city representatives, planners, and mobility experts from the BSR who want to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and exchange experiences through good practices in their local context 

The training consists of five modules, each combining an introductory webinar and an engaging workshop for discussion, exchange, and practical application. The online sessions will feature real-life examples from the SUMPs for BSR partner cities alongside cases from other European cities.  Each module combines expert insights, peer exchange opportunities, background materials and interactive exercises, allowing participants to connect with other cities facing similar challenges and to discuss solutions that work in practice.

Read below for further details on the agenda of the training sessions. 

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

Webinar: 14 January 2026 9:00 CET. Workshop: 21 January 2026 9:00 CET.

The opening module helps cities get started with the SUMP process, explaining key steps and how it differs from traditional transport planning. Participants will explore how SUMPs contribute to climate-neutrality goals and learn about requirements under the revised TEN-T Regulation for urban nodes linking to the concept of Functional Urban Areas. The Workshop will offer peer exchange on cross-sectoral coordination and stakeholder recognition. 

Module 2 – Setting up a monitoring and evaluation framework and defining indicators: 

Webinar: 4 February 2026 9:00 CET. Workshop: 11 February 2026 9:00 CET.

This module highlights the importance of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in mobility planning and presents a structured approach to building local M&E plans using tools developed within the SUMPs for BSR project. Participants will learn how to select meaningful indicators, align them with European standards, and establish data-driven processes for mobility planning and decision-making.

Module 3 – Collection of data for active modes:

Webinar: 4 March 2026 9:00 CET. Workshop: 18 March 2026: 9:00 CET.

Focusing on walking and cycling data, this module introduces practical methods for collecting and analysing active mobility data. Cities will discover how to combine on-the-ground data with smart technologies, involve citizens in the process, and communicate findings effectively to decision-makers and stakeholders to support evidence-based policies. 

Module 4 – Experimenting with potential mobility solutions to promote active modes: 

Webinar: 22 April 2026 9:00 CEST. Workshop: 29 April 2026 9:00 CEST.

Small-scale experiments can be a powerful tool for transforming mobility. This module guides participants through the process of planning, implementing, and learning from pilot projects – from testing temporary measures to evaluating their impact and scaling successful solutions. Cities will share their experiences of designing pilots for walking and cycling.

Module 5 – Engaging stakeholders in planning mobility measures and SUMP:

Webinar: 13 May 2026 CEST. Workshop: 27 May 2026 9:00 CEST.

This module focuses on effective stakeholder and citizen engagement throughout the SUMP process. Participants will learn how to map and involve key actors, secure political support, and apply engagement techniques to ensure ownership and commitment. The sessions will explore tools, examples, and best practices for building lasting collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The training programme is free and open to all. Click here for more information. 

SUMP clinic: Tailored support for selected cities 

Application period closes: 30 January 2025. Announcement of selected cities. 

In addition to the open training package, the SUMP clinic will offer personalised one-on-one support to ten selected cities from the Baltic Sea Region. The SUMP clinic is designed to help small and mid-sized cities either start their SUMP journey or strengthen existing plans through targeted guidance. 

Each selected city will benefit from two individual online consultation sessions with SUMP experts, Kristina Gaučė and Monika Parafinaitytė-Rae from Gaučė ir Ko. During these sessions, experts will assess local challenges, provide tailored examples, and prepare a personalised roadmap with practical recommendations for each city.

Applications will be open to cities from Baltic Sea Region countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden), with priority given to smaller cities and those currently without a SUMP, working on their first SUMP or facing implementation challenges.

Visit the website for more information.