There can be no ecological transition without social cohesion. And no social cohesion without mobility for all. This is the message  delivered by Thierry Mallet, Chairman and CEO, Transdev Group, at The Mobility Sphere's breakfast event, hosted by MEP Valérie Devaux, at the European Parliament in Brussels on Thursday, 15 May, 2025.

Building on the exchanges from the Brussels Forum in April 2024, this session brought together policymakers, key stakeholders, and mobility experts to explore concrete solutions to tackle transport poverty and ensure social cohesion and a just transition in the European Union.

We were pleased to welcome the following guest speakers:

• Dr. Nihan Akyelken, Economic and Social Geographer, University of Oxford
• Dr. François Gemenne, IPCC Lead Author and Scientific Advisor, The Mobility Sphere
• Elisabeth Kotthaus, Head of Unit, Social Aspects, Passenger Rights & Equal Opportunities, DG MOVE

Dr.  Akyelken shed light on the multidimensional nature of transport poverty, while Mrs Kotthaus outlined the opportunities linked to the Social Climate Fund.

The conference attendees discussed the fact that reliable, accessible mobility services are essential to ensure the Green Deal delivers for all territories. And as Member States prepare their National Social Climate Plans, mobility and social cohesion must be central — not just to meet climate targets, but to strengthen equity.