EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK KICKED OFF IN MERSİN
The European Mobility Week (EMW) 2026 kicked off in Mersin with an opening program held under the theme “Mobility for Everyone – Intergenerational Fairness”. The program featured various activities aimed at promoting sustainable and active mobility, increasing the participation of different age groups in mobility, and strengthening intergenerational solidarity.
Hosted by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality with the contributions of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT) and the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, the EMW Opening Program took place at the Babil Water Sports Center area in Kültür Park.
President Seçer: “We are everywhere for everyone without discrimination”
Stating that hosting the start of European Mobility Week in Mersin gave them a special happiness, UMT President and Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer emphasized this year's theme of ‘Mobility for Everyone’ and, uniquely for this year, the concept of ‘Intergenerational Fairness’, stating: *"We will demonstrate our approach of acting with the principle of equal service to all our citizens. We are diversifying our efforts to eliminate the difficulties and obstacles faced by children, youth, adults, and the elderly. We are everywhere for everyone," and noted that they embrace everyone without discrimination.
“We aim to provide spaces and meeting areas designed for everyone”
Touching upon community-led transportation solutions, Seçer stated that they aim to provide spaces and meeting areas designed for everyone, viewing mobility and transportation not merely as an infrastructure matter, but as a part of social life. Mentioning that it is their duty to offer more diverse, reliable, affordable, and accessible mobility options for all age groups, Seçer said: "We aim to offer transportation solutions to our people without leaving any of our citizens behind, and without creating any physical or digital barriers in our cities. We continue this target with determination."
Stating that mobility planning for a better city must be carried out with a great sense of responsibility, Seçer noted: "We try to observe the needs of current and even future generations and act accordingly. At this point, we need to see European Mobility Week as an opportunity. As Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, we work with an environmental and sustainable approach regarding transportation, and we will continue to do so." Sharing that they have designed 277 kilometers of bicycle lanes within the scope of the Transportation Master Plan and have implemented 153 kilometers of them, Seçer called for more bicycle usage.
“We will introduce the people of Mersin to the rail system in the very near future”
Addressing the issue of rail systems, Seçer said: *"We want you to know that we are making progress day by day in rail systems. We experienced some financing problems regarding the underground metro. We have come to the end of the studies regarding the rail system. We will introduce the people of Mersin to the rail system in the very near future."*
“We will continue to work with the goal of an accessible city for everyone”
Emphasizing that they aim to create a healthier, more accessible, and livable city in Mersin, Seçer stated that the efforts are aimed not only at meeting today's needs, but also at safeguarding the right to life in the city for future generations.
Seçer invited all citizens to participate in the events organized within the scope of European Mobility Week and to take action for a healthier, more sustainable city.
Wyganowski: “Mobility is the freedom to participate in life”
Drawing attention to the obstacles citizens face regarding transportation and accessibility in cities, EU Delegation to Türkiye Head of Financial Cooperation Section Maria Luisa Wyganowski recalled the purpose of the program. Wyganowski stated: *"Mobility is much more than transportation. It is the freedom to participate in life. Unfortunately, this freedom is not always equal for everyone. That is precisely why the theme of European Mobility Week, ‘Mobility for Everyone’, carries great significance." Wyganowski noted that Mersin is a perfect place to demonstrate how cities can be made healthier, more attractive, and more livable.
“Mersin can inspire municipalities in Türkiye and other countries”
Pointing to Mersin on the sharing of experiences of individuals experiencing mobility restrictions, Wyganowski expressed: "Measuring results and sharing experiences is successfully implemented in Mersin. This can inspire municipalities across Türkiye and even in other countries." Stating that cities are common areas, Wyganowski included the following remarks:
"I thank Mayor Seçer for bringing us together. You hold two different responsibilities. As the Mayor of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, you can directly see how decisions made in the field of mobility affect people's daily lives, and as the President of UMT, you can contribute to the transfer of experiences gained in one city to municipalities across Türkiye. This city belongs to all of you."
Different activities for different age groups
At the beginning of the program, Mayor Seçer and guests visited the electric bus in the area, as well as the Mercan 100th Anniversary Climate and Science Center and Children's Campus stands, chatting with citizens. During the program, an intergenerational basketball event, solar observation, robotic coding studies, and promotional stands met with participants. Attracting interest from citizens of all ages, visitors both had an enjoyable time and had the opportunity to participate in various activities. The opening program concluded with a group photo shoot followed by a Mersin Metropolitan Municipality City Orchestra Concert.
In addition to UMT President and Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer, the program was attended by EU Delegation to Türkiye Head of Cooperation Section Maria Luisa Wyganowski, EU Delegation to Türkiye Transport Sector Manager Dr. Göktuğ Kara, UMT Deputy Secretary General Şengül Altan Arslan, Republican People's Party (CHP) Mersin MP Gülcan Kış, Toroslar Mayor Abdurrahman Yıldız, Mezitli Mayor Ahmet Serkan Tuncer, Silifke Deputy Mayor Oğuzhan Kökten, TRNC Mersin Consulate General Deputy Consul Evren Taşan, guests, and citizens.
Fair, reliable, and accessible transportation for everyone
With the events to be organized throughout the week under the theme ‘Mobility for Everyone, Intergenerational Fairness’, it is aimed to raise awareness on the expansion of accessible, reliable, affordable, and diverse transportation options that support the equal participation of individuals of all ages in daily life, social and cultural opportunities, and basic services. Ensuring the active participation of public and civil society organizations and citizens in planning processes, developing solutions suitable for local needs, and handling mobility to encompass all segments of society are also among the goals of the week. Outdoor sports events, safe transportation training, bicycle riding and maintenance workshops, bicycle tours, water sports, and various awareness-raising activities will be organized within the scope of the week.