Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy (SSMS)

The Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy¹ (SSMS) provides the European Union’s long-term framework for transforming the transport sector into a cleaner, safer, more efficient and resilient system. Adopted under the European Green Deal, the Strategy contributes to the EU objective of reducing transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, while maintaining mobility and connectivity across the Single Market.

The Strategy frames digitalisation as a key enabler of decarbonisation and efficiency. It promotes the deployment of smart mobility solutions such as paperless freight transport, artificial intelligence applications, multimodal ticketing systems, mobility-as-a-service platforms, digital border/boundary-crossing tools and the development of 5G mobility corridors. These measures aim to reduce administrative burdens, optimise logistics flows and improve system-wide efficiency.

Implementation of the Strategy is supported by several legislative and policy initiatives, notably under the Fit for 55 package. ReFuelEU Aviation² and FuelEU Maritime³ establish requirements to increase the supply and uptake of sustainable aviation and maritime fuels, addressing sectors where decarbonisation depends on alternative energy sources and technological innovation. Complementary measures focus on strengthening alternative fuel value chains and ensuring fuel availability for hard-to-abate transport segments.

To strengthen fuel availability, the EU launched the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance⁴, focusing primarily on aviation and maritime transport. This is complemented by the Efficient and Green Mobility Package⁵, which modernises the trans-European transport network by requiring high-speed rail, intermodal terminals, sustainable urban mobility planning, updated intelligent transport systems, and improved long-distance and cross-border/boundary rail services.

Freight transport is addressed through measures to enhance rail infrastructure management, incentivise the use of low-emission heavy-duty vehicles, strengthen intermodal freight competitiveness, and improve transparency on freight transport emissions to support more sustainable logistics choices.

Urban mobility initiatives include the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030⁶ and the European Declaration on Cycling, reinforcing the role of active and low-emission transport in cities.