EIT Urban Mobility played a leading role at the CEE Automotive Transition Forum, which took place on 18 September in Budapest, Hungary. The organisation marked its presence through the moderation of key discussions and the attendance of its CEO, Marc Rozendal, reflecting its commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in Central and Eastern Europe.
By engaging directly with policymakers, industry leaders and innovators, EIT Urban Mobility advanced dialogue on the region’s green transition and highlighted its role as a catalyst for collaboration across the mobility ecosystem.
Shaping the next phase of the automotive sector
The CEE Automotive Transition Forum welcomed participants from more than ten countries to discuss the breakout points and opportunities that will define the next phase of the automotive transition. The programme featured high-level debates, expert panels and interactive sessions addressing topics such as the rise of Asian competitors, the impact of trade wars, raw material supply challenges and the complexities of electrification.
Speakers agreed that the industry stands at a turning point. Global competition and overcapacity are forcing companies to rethink how they operate, invest and collaborate. Participants highlighted that the future of Europe’s automotive sector will depend on transforming Central and Eastern Europe into a hub of innovation, resilience and locally driven growth. Strengthening supplier networks, investing in research, education and skills and building resilient cross-border supply chains were identified as essential steps towards long-term competitiveness.
Discussions also explored the growing difference between European and Chinese approaches to innovation. European manufacturers’ focus on social and environmental responsibility ensures stability and quality, while China’s coordinated, fast-moving innovation model drives rapid experimentation and implementation. Participants agreed that Europe must combine its focus on responsibility with greater agility and risk tolerance to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Collaboration as an engine of transformation
EIT Urban Mobility’s participation at the Forum reflected this same message of cooperation and adaptability. In his keynote Next-generation mobility: Innovation at the heart of Europe, CEO Marc Rozendal underlined that collaboration between cities, industry and academia is essential to accelerate innovation, address climate challenges and ensure equitable access to smart mobility solutions. He highlighted Central and Eastern Europe’s potential to connect local innovation with Europe-wide impact, creating fertile ground for new technologies and sustainable growth.
Next on the agenda in the CEE region
Two major industry events will continue the conversation on sustainable and connected mobility across Central and Eastern Europe this autumn.
???? 6–7 November – Budapest and Debrecen, Hungary
The Hungarian Battery Days will bring together key players from government, industry, and research to discuss the future of Europe’s battery value chain.
???? 13 November – Prague, Czech Republic
The Clean Mobility Conference will focus on innovation shaping the next phase of clean transport in Europe.
The CEE Automotive Transition Forum was organised by Zone Cluster, with EIT Urban Mobility as a partner of the conference.
