The RuralMED Mobility project took part in the international conference ‘30 Years Connecting Dots‘, organized by the Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZ REDA) to mark its 30th anniversary. The event brought together more than 200 participants from over 15 European regions, fostering dialogue on transformative regional policies and sustainable innovation.
As part of the programme, SZ REDA, a key project partner, hosted the 5th Steering Committee and Transnational Forum of RuralMED Mobility, where project partners reviewed progress, shared pilot updates, and planned the next steps toward the completion of the project’s pilot actions across the Mediterranean.
Mobility and hydrogen forum
As one of the featured initiatives, RuralMED Mobility was highlighted during the thematic forum “Sustainable Mobility and Hydrogen – Transformative Solutions for Transition Regions”. Francisco J. Márquez (AGENEX) and Ángel Priegue (CIMNE) represented the project in a roundtable discussion on how electric mobility can drive sustainable transformation in rural and remote areas, together with experts from across Europe.
“Stara Zagora is not only an industrial transition region but also a key crossroads in Europe’s transport network,” stated Dr. Rumyana Grozeva, Executive Director of SZ REDA. “Through RuralMED Mobility, we are demonstrating how sustainable transport models—electric, hydrogen-powered, and shared—can become catalysts for investment and economic transition.”
During the Transnational Forum, partners discussed the broader implications of e-mobility for rural development, focusing on the integration of electric vehicle infrastructure, shared EV services, and data-driven mobility strategies. Special attention was given to the Stara Zagora pilot, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
The event also included a study visit to Radnevo and Galabovo, the municipalities where SZ REDA and local authorities are deploying their pilot actions, illustrating the tangible impact of the RuralMED initiative on local communities.
RuralMED Mobility project
RuralMED Mobility, co-financed by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, aims to reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions in rural Mediterranean regions by supporting public authorities in the strategic deployment of electric mobility solutions. The project, with 13 partners across 8 countries, delivers not only physical infrastructure but also strategies, action plans, and joint solutions to support long-term green mobility.
SZ REDA’s leadership in organizing the Transnational Forum and integrating the project into its anniversary celebrations is a strong testament to the agency’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaborative European development.
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Study visit
Study visit
