About the Project 

This project (May–October 2026) is implemented by Biciklo.me (Montenegro) in partnership with ODRAZ – Sustainable Community Development (Croatia), the Institute for Urban Mobility (Serbia), and Giro di Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), within the broader Transport Policy Partnership supported by OSF Western Balkans. 

SUMPOWER aims to strengthen the capacity of national and local authorities in the Western Balkans to align transport policies with EU standards, with a particular focus on sustainable urban mobility and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). As the region faces increasing challenges related to car dependency, air pollution, and insufficient investment in sustainable transport, the project addresses gaps in institutional capacity, policy implementation, and understanding of EU mobility frameworks. 

The project combines policy development, capacity building, and regional exchange. Key activities include the development of a joint policy brief on TEN-T implementation, a study visit and training on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) in Ljubljana, the creation of a Virtual Western Balkans SUMP Observatory, and the organisation of a regional conference on Next Generation SUMPs in Podgorica. 

Local Impact 

SUMPOWER strengthens the knowledge and capacities of national and local institutions responsible for transport and urban planning. By translating EU requirements into practical guidance, the project supports the integration of sustainable mobility principles into local policies and planning processes. 

It also increases the visibility of sustainable mobility solutions and fosters dialogue between public institutions, civil society, and experts. Through stakeholder engagement and knowledge-sharing activities, the project contributes to a more informed and supportive environment for developing people-centred and sustainable transport systems in cities across the region. 

Regional Impact 

At the regional level, SUMPOWER promotes stronger cooperation and knowledge exchange among Western Balkan countries, supporting a more coordinated approach to transport policy reform and EU integration. 

By bringing together partners from Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, the project facilitates the exchange of good practices and lessons learned in implementing SUMP principles and TEN-T obligations. The establishment of a Virtual SUMP Observatory and a regional community of practice will provide long-term platforms for collaboration, enabling continuous exchange between policymakers, practitioners, and civil society. 

By strengthening institutional capacities and fostering regional dialogue, SUMPOWER contributes to more integrated, sustainable, and EU-aligned transport systems across the Western Balkans.