The theme of the ITS European Congress 2026, Bridging Innovation: Integrated, Safe and Seamless Mobility, will be brought to life through four carefully defined topics. These topics form the foundation of the programme and reflect the key areas where mobility systems in Europe and beyond are being shaped, challenged, and reimagined.
Each topic was selected by the European Programme Committee for its relevance to current trends, policy objectives, and technological developments. As the Call for Contributions opens, these areas offer direction for the discussions and insights that will unfold in Istanbul. They provide the framework for evaluating where mobility stands today and where it needs to go next. It also reflects to the EU’s Sustainable & Smart Mobility Strategy and Green Deal ambitions to achieve a 90 % reduction in transport emissions and create a more resilient, digitalised mobility system.
In a context defined by environmental pressure, shifting user needs, and rapid digitalisation, these topics speak to a common need: transport systems that are cleaner, more resilient, and intelligently connected. They also highlight the growing demand for solutions that are not just innovative, but ready to scale, adapt, and deliver real impact.
These topics were chosen not just for their relevance today, but for their potential to shape mobility policy and practice over the next decades. They reflect the real-world challenges facing cities and networks and the innovations that are gaining traction. This Congress is where we bring those conversations into focus. - Robert Sykora, Director, Ohmio
The four topics of the Congress are:
1. Safety and Resilience Through Intelligent Systems
2. Multimodal Mobility System Management
3. Smart and Sustainable Logistics in the Digital Era
4. Enhancing Transport and Mobility Beyond the Road
A Bridge to the Future
The four Congress topics reflect the real-world priorities shaping mobility across Europe and beyond. Rooted in local relevance to Istanbul and aligned with strategic frameworks like the EU Green Deal, Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, and Vision Zero, they also support global goals around climate resilience, inclusion, and digital transformation.
The four topics resonate deeply with Istanbul’s own priorities—from managing complex multimodal networks and securing transport systems, to rethinking urban logistics and integrating non-road modes into a connected landscape. Hosting the ITS European Congress gives us the opportunity to contribute real-world experience and learn from others shaping the future of mobility across Europe and beyond.
— Pelin Alpkökin, Deputy Secretary General, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
This edition coincides with the European Commission’s proposal to double the Horizon Europe budget and launch a new European Competitiveness Fund focused on clean transition, digital leadership and resilience. The Congress will therefore provide a timely platform to discuss projects and partnerships that could benefit from these forthcoming programmes.
The ITS European Congress 2026 is not just a showcase of emerging technologies. It’s a forum for asking better questions, testing ideas, and forming partnerships that will move innovation from concept to implementation. These four topics will guide the conversation in Istanbul and shape the future of mobility. To explore each topic in detail and understand how they connect to the Congress theme Bridging Innovation: Integrated, Safe and Seamless Mobility, visit our Theme and Topics page for more information.