What role do transportation and infrastructure play in promoting social cohesion in Europe?

Coming from a village in Aragon called Muel, with just over 1,000 inhabitants, I’m well aware of the importance and link between social cohesion, services and transport infrastructure. The accessibility and connectivity of all territories depend on efficient transport systems and well-developed infrastructures. Without these, social cohesion cannot exist. Accessible transport services and infrastructures contribute to the emancipation of individuals within communities.

I firmly believe that mobility must be a universal right, playing an essential role as a precursor to access to other fundamental rights such as housing, work, education and health. It is therefore essential to meet the different mobility needs of each territory. To achieve this, we need to pay particular attention to rural areas and islands.

There are many ways of improving social cohesion through mobility, but one thing is certain: there is no magic formula. One of our key actions is to combat mobility poverty and make transport accessible to the most vulnerable. We need to invest in public transport, improve the quality and frequency of services, and encourage citizens to opt for more sustainable mobility solutions.

Communication and collaboration with communities and authorities are necessary to understand interest and concerns about mobility. Finally, I believe that when it comes to transport policies, we need to put in place an auditing process that examines policies from a cohesion angle, to take account of mobility needs and ensure that social cohesion is revitalized.