SPARK Partners Exchange Experience on Sustainable and Smart Urban Mobility

On 6 and 7 October 2026, an international partner meeting was held within the framework of the SPARK – Smart Planning for Agile Urban Mobility Solutions project. Hosted by Dobrich Municipality, the event included a Thematic Experts Team (TET) Seminar, a Steering Committee Meeting and a study visit dedicated to sustainable and smart urban mobility.

The SPARK project is supported by the Interreg Europe Programme and brings together European partners working to improve local and regional urban mobility policies. Through local analyses, the exchange of good practices, peer reviews, thematic seminars and study visits, the participating organisations identify applicable solutions for greener, safer, more accessible and more efficient urban transport.

During the first working day, Dobrich Municipality presented the strategic framework, key challenges and priorities related to sustainable urban mobility in the city. Particular attention was paid to the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of Dobrich Municipality for 2024–2030 and its connection with the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan.

The programme also included a presentation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of Lom Municipality for 2021–2027, as well as sessions focusing on innovative technologies for a sustainable urban environment and intelligent traffic systems. The discussions allowed the partners to consider the transferability of the presented good practices and their potential adaptation to the specific needs of other SPARK territories.

During the TET Seminar, the partners discussed the objectives, methodology and expected results of the next stage of the project, which focuses on knowledge exchange and the preparation of concrete policy improvement proposals. A meeting of the project Steering Committee was also held.

he second day was dedicated to the practical presentation of good practices implemented by Dobrich Municipality. Participants took part in a demonstration ride by electric bus along a selected route through the city. They had the opportunity to see renovated bus stops, electronic passenger information displays, accessibility measures and the real-time passenger information system, as well as solutions related to intelligent traffic management, pedestrian safety and active mobility.

The programme continued with a field visit to the Architectural and Park Complex “The Palace” and the University Botanical Garden in Balchik. The visit focused on sustainable visitor mobility, pedestrian accessibility, the management of visitor flows, nature-based solutions and the role of ecosystem services in sustainable local development.

The Bulgaria Economic Forum, as a project partner, actively participated in the working sessions, discussions and exchange of experience. BEF successfully cooperates with Dobrich Municipality in implementing the SPARK activities. This partnership combines the municipality’s practical local experience with BEF’s expertise in European projects and international cooperation.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share effective solutions and discuss concrete steps for translating European experience into tangible improvements in sustainable urban mobility policies.