Cyprus city of Limassol has entered the top three finalists of the prestigious European Mobility Week 2025 award. This was reported on Tuesday, February 3, by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Public Works, congratulating the local municipality on the important achievement. Together with Limassol, Innsbruck (Austria) and Riga (Latvia) will compete for the award.
Reaching the final three has special significance considering the scale of the competition: 2,771 cities from 46 countries participated in the campaign. This highlights the growing role of Cyprus in shaping the European agenda of sustainable transport and environmentally friendly urban environments.
Sustainable transport as a strategic priority of Cyprus
European Mobility Week takes place annually from September 16 to 22 and is considered the largest EU initiative promoting modern, safe, and accessible ways of mobility. The main goal of the campaign is to make cities more comfortable for living, reduce dependence on private cars, and improve the quality of the urban environment.
At the national level, coordination of the program in Cyprus is carried out by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Public Works, which provides methodological and organizational support to municipalities.
Since 2018, the ministry has been actively developing a network of cooperation with local authorities, introducing national mobility awards, and preparing practical recommendations for cities. The development of sustainable mobility fits into Cyprus’s broader strategy to reduce CO2 emissions, modernize public transport, and transition to a “green” economy within the framework of European climate commitments.
Limassol: 46 initiatives for a city without cars
As part of the campaign, Limassol implemented 46 initiatives together with more than 50 organizations and public structures. The main slogan of the program — “Mobility for All” — was aimed at promoting alternative forms of transportation, including walking routes, bicycle infrastructure, and public transport.
The key event was the European Car-Free Day, when central areas of the city were temporarily freed from private vehicles. The initiative LAOU LAOU Open Street turned Angiras Street and Castle Square into a pedestrian zone, giving residents the opportunity to experience the benefits of environmentally friendly urban space in practice. Such events help form a new culture of mobility and increase residents’ interest in sustainable solutions.
International recognition and prospects for Cyprus
The Minister of Transport, Communications and Public Works of Cyprus, Alexis Vafeades, wished Limassol success ahead of the award ceremony, which will take place in Brussels on March 17, 2026. According to him, reaching the final confirms the effectiveness of coordination efforts and the active position of Cypriot cities in promoting modern transport solutions.
Experts note that for Cyprus, where the use of private cars has traditionally been high, the development of sustainable mobility is a key factor in improving quality of life. The promotion of public transport, the expansion of cycling routes, and the creation of pedestrian zones are becoming integral parts of urban transformation.
Limassol’s entry into the final demonstrates that Cyprus is capable not only of following pan-European trends but also of forming its own successful practices. This achievement strengthens the country’s international image as a modern and environmentally oriented state striving for sustainable development and the creation of a comfortable urban environment for all residents.