Officially launched in Istanbul, the journey toward another edition of Europe’s leading smart mobility event is now underway. From 27–29 April 2026, the 17th ITS European Congress will bring the entire transport and mobility ecosystem together in a city that exemplifies this year’s theme: “Bridging innovation: Integrated, safe and seamless mobility.”
The Congress life cycle was formally launched during a dedicated reception held in Istanbul on 18 June, bringing together senior representatives from the host city, including the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and ISBAK, as well as supporting national institutions alongside local industry leaders.
At the heart of shaping the Congress content is the European Programme Committee (EPC), a diverse body of experts responsible for curating high-level themes and ensuring programme quality. The European Commission, a key member of the EPC, plays an essential role in aligning the programme with EU priorities and policy directions. During their meeting in Istanbul, the EPC began preliminary discussions to define the core focus areas of the 17th ITS European Congress. Their work ensures that the Congress delivers a forward-looking, impactful agenda, from advising on strategic themes to reviewing and refining elements of the Technical Programme.
Set at the convergence point of two continents and at the forefront of a bold mobility transformation, Istanbul is more than a destination—it is a demonstration of how intelligent transport systems can shape future-ready cities.
Why Istanbul – Why Now?
Istanbul offers a unique combination of scale, speed, and strategic vision. With its evolving transport infrastructure, AI-powered mobility systems, and commitment to multimodal integration, the city provides a living showcase of deployment in action—from traffic digitalisation to resilience planning and public-private innovation.
“Istanbul is a city that has pioneered transportation systems in history. The Tünel Metro is our treasure as the second metro system of the world,” said Nuri Aslan, Acting Mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM).
“The Congress will allow participants to observe and experience how a metropolis is effectively managed with Intelligent Transportation Systems that combine historical heritage with modern technologies.”
The city’s approach is rooted in accessibility, resilience, and inclusion, making it one of the few global metropolises where next-generation transport modes like Metrobus, Marmaray, Air Rail, and Sea Taxi are integrated with traditional networks to serve over 16 million people daily.
“With the ITS European Congress 2026, we will illustrate to the world that Istanbul is not only a cultural capital, but also a metropolis where the heart of technology and innovation beats,” said Erdem Samut, Acting General Manager of ISBAK.
“This Congress is a historic opportunity to consolidate Istanbul’s place on the global arena as a technology brand and to prepare the ground for new international collaborations.”
What to Expect in 2026
The 17th ITS European Congress will offer three days of insight, dialogue and engagement across multiple content pillars:
- High-Level Programme: Where high-level public and private leaders debate the future of European mobility
- Technical Programme: Presentations and discussions featuring real-world use cases, research, and deployment stories
- ITS Arena: Connecting buyers and decision-makers with solutions, from emerging players to market leaders
- Exhibition & Demonstrations: A live stage for transport technologies in action—on the show floor and in the streets of Istanbul
Throughout the programme, the Congress will explore how innovation bridges modes, sectors and geographies, supporting the delivery of Integrated, safe and seamless mobility.
The Call for Contributions will open later this year in September, inviting experts and innovators from across Europe and beyond to shape the Congress Programme.
Be Part of the Transformation
Istanbul is more than a symbolic host—it’s an active participant. The city’s transport transformation, backed by its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan and smart city investments, will be experienced by attendees through technical tours, site visits, and immersive demonstrations that connect the Congress agenda with real-world mobility impact.
Reflecting on the momentum of the launch event,
“This is a great event to start our proceedings for the 17th ITS European Congress in 2026,” said Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe.
“Istanbul has the unique opportunity to connect the country—but also continents. Now all we need is for you to join our Congress.”
From delegates and speakers to exhibitors, sponsors and visitors, the 17th ITS European Congress in Istanbul offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-value networking, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector collaboration—with the backdrop of one of the world’s most vibrant and evolving urban landscapes.
More information on registration, programme structure and contribution opportunities will be available in the coming weeks via 2026.itseuropeancongress.com.
