"Rising transport poverty across EU regions threatens cohesion, competitiveness, and social justice" warned Patrik Schwarcz-Kiefer (HU/EPP), Member of the County Council of Baranya Vármegye during the COTER Commission adoption of his opinion on Transport poverty. In his draft opinion, Schwarcz-Kiefer underlined that transport poverty is increasing across Europe, particularly in rural and border regions, where mobility is not a matter of convenience but of access and opportunity. He called for adequate and affordable transport services, fair burden-sharing of the green transition, sufficient funding, and stronger cross-border cooperation, while recognising the dedication of local and regional authorities despite decades of underfunding.
“Transport poverty is not an isolated issue – it is closely linked to every other form of poverty, from energy to economic hardship,” said Schwarcz-Kiefer. “If we are serious about fairness in Europe, we must ensure that everyone, everywhere, can move, connect, and participate in society.”
The rapporteur welcomed the stronger role of local and regional authorities in national social climate plans but regretted delays and limited involvement in many Member States. He called for full transparency on budgets and outcomes, integrated use of EU funds, and the option to reallocate parts of the Social Climate Fund to cohesion policy for faster, place-based action. He also stressed that EU funds alone are insufficient and urged Member States to use ETS revenues to support local mobility solutions.
“The mobility transition and the path to decarbonisation must be fair,” he added. “It is not enough to meet our climate goals – we must also protect those who are most vulnerable. Climate justice and social justice go hand in hand, and only by combining them can Europe remain united and strong.”
"Mobility must be treated as a fundamental right, not a privilege. In a just and united Europe, every citizen should be able to study, work, and access services regardless of where they live. Restoring local railways and strengthening public transport are not nostalgic acts — they are essential investments in cohesion, equality, and climate responsibility." – said Borbely Csaba, Vice-president of the Harghita County Council.
The opinion highlights the need for simpler EU and national rules, better use of public service obligations, targeted financial support for low- and middle-income households, and flexible local mobility solutions. Schwarcz-Kiefer also called for improved regional data collection, the use of cohesion policy tools to cut bureaucracy, and stronger citizen engagement to ensure locally tailored solutions and greater trust in the EU.
Ivan Zagar, Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica highlighted that "If we want people to live and thrive in every part of Europe, we must guarantee mobility. Mobility is not a luxury — it is the lifeline that connects citizens to jobs, education, and services. Without it, isolation grows, opportunities vanish, and the gap between regions widens."
"For thousands of citizens living on Europe’s islands, access to education, healthcare, and even basic transport is not a given — it is a daily struggle. This is not only a logistical challenge; it is a question of fairness. When citizens feel cut off because of where they live, that is not remoteness — it is social exclusion. Cohesion policy must recognise this reality and give our islands the means to connect with dignity." said Evangelos Fragkakis, Mayor of Chalki
“Our goal must be to bring the number of those who lose out as close to zero as possible. It will not be easy, but it is our responsibility to make sure that the benefits of the green transition reach everyone – not just a few.” concluded Schwarcz-Kiefer.