Three Generations on the Move: European Mobility Week Begins in Serbia

European Mobility Week 2026 began in Serbia on September 16 with a joint bike ride through Belgrade, bringing together representatives of the EU, partners, cyclists and schoolchildren around this year’s theme, “Mobility for All”.

The group set out from Europe House Belgrade, where the campaign was officially launched, toward “Drinka Pavlović” Primary School, where this year’s theme came to life through a joint ride and activities dedicated to safe, inclusive and sustainable mobility.

“Smart and sustainable mobility, together with good connectivity, are essential for building inclusive and active communities. The European Union is proud to support these goals through European Mobility Week across Serbia,” said Julian Vassallo, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.

European Mobility Week is a reminder that mobility must be available to everyone: children, older people, persons with disabilities and everyone who cannot rely on a private car.

“Cleaner buses, reliable and affordable public transport, safe cycling paths and better conditions for walking mean cleaner air, safer streets and easier access to schools, workplaces and services. Through our activities, the Transport Community helps the responsible institutions plan and shape cities around people’s needs,” said Talis Linkaits, Director of the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat.

“With more than €3.6 billion invested in Serbia’s transport sector, the EIB is helping modernize railways, roads and waterways, while also working to support the development of cleaner, better-connected cities,” said Damien Sorrell, Head of the EIB’s Regional Hub for the Western Balkans.

Then came the ride.

Olympic cyclist Ivan Stević led the ride that set out from Europe House toward “Drinka Pavlović” Primary School. The bicycle was more than a means of transport. It became the thread that tied the whole event together and a reminder that mobility should be safe, sustainable and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

At “Drinka Pavlović” Primary School, the programme moved from the streets into the schoolyard, where a “Tour de Fun” cycling skills course had been set up. Students took part in an interactive programme dedicated to road safety, safe routes and active mobility, carrying the campaign’s message of mobility for all directly into the school environment.

The school also received a bicycle and a set of safety equipment, including gear that can be used in future classes dedicated to road safety and school activities related to mobility.

Milan Petrović, a blind Serbian Paralympic cyclist, joined the part of the programme dedicated to accessibility and inclusion, sharing his personal experience of navigating traffic and public spaces without sight. Through his story and conversation with the students, he offered an inspiring and practical insight into the challenges faced by blind people, and highlighted the importance of making mobility safer and more accessible for everyone.

The event in Belgrade marked the start of a wider national campaign. European Mobility Week continues in Novi Sad, Niš and Novi Pazar, with additional activities in Aranđelovac and Subotica, bringing the campaign to a range of local communities.

The theme week is organized by the EU Delegation to Serbia, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank, the Transport Community and the EU for Green Agenda in Serbia project, and is implemented by “Tour de Fun”. The campaign also brings together local governments, primary schools, civil society organizations and other local partners in the participating cities.

You can view the European Mobility Week programme at the link HERE.

European Mobility Week runs from September 16 to 22. It was launched by the European Commission in 2002 and has since grown into one of the world’s largest sustainable mobility initiatives. Last year, more than 2,700 cities from 45 countries took part.