Expected Outcome:

Projects are expected to contribute to all the following outcomes:

• Cities advance in achieving their climate neutrality targets and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport by at least 15%, by promoting and implementing walking and cycling and by incorporating walking, cycling and micro-mobility infrastructure and services (e.g. bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters) in multimodal transport networks;
• Increased modal share of walking and cycling in follower cities, in particular increased number of daily trips on foot and by bike, by at least 30%;
• Increased integration of (e)bikes and -e-scooters (and other “intelligent” micromobility vehicles) through the digital and green road infrastructure by extending the work on Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) to them in order to increase their modal share as well as their safety;
• As a feedback to EU research, health and transport policy, a comprehensive EU guidance on increasing (1) walking, (2) cycling, and (3) micro-mobility in cities is developed, including:
  • concrete measures for improving the quality, safety, quantity, continuity and attractiveness of pedestrian/walking and cycling infrastructure;
  • improved integration of walking, cycling and micro-mobility in transport models and traffic management urban systems/traffic light management at local/regional/national level;
  • concrete measures for industry and city planners to use smart technologies to bring about healthy behavioural change for getting more people into active modes of transport;
  • support and guidance for urban transport authorities to establish partnerships with the relevant local/regional/national health authorities to promote active mobility projects and solutions that demonstrate quantified health benefits for the city population. In particular through implementation research on cancer prevention by increasing physical activity and reducing obesity and how walking and cycling can improve symptoms and side effects of cancer patients.

The expected outcomes should be supported by clear indicators with baselines and quantified targets which are monitored for each city. The expected outcomes should take into account expected technological and policy developments.

Scope:

Mobility and transport are key components in every citizen’s life, especially in cities, regardless of their size and population density. However, transport is still a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, air, noise, soil and water pollution. Congestion and scarcity of public space remain serious challenges to the efficiency of transport systems and reduce the liveability of affected areas at a considerable cost to society and the economy.

Active mobility modes, such as walking and cycling, represent a sustainable and healthy means of mobility, with considerable potential to support the decarbonisation of urban transport and help achieve the EU-wide target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990, and climate neutrality by 2050 in line with the European Climate Law[1].

According to the WHO, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity are linked to many types of cancer[2]: regular physical activity, maintaining both a healthy body weight and diet can reduce the risk. Similarly, air pollution has been linked to several malignancies[3], especially lung cancer[4]: an increase in the uptake of cycling and walking is a promising, low-cost, and equitable route to more physical activity, thus reducing the risk of cancer. Engaging patients in physical activity during or after cancer treatment can assist in recovery, reduce the incidence of second cancers and other chronic diseases, and improve survival[5], thus improving their quality of life.

With the increase in numbers of active mobility users as well as the increasing use of micro-mobility devices[6], improvements towards high-quality infrastructure, effective planning and preparation are required. This includes the preparation of cycling and walking infrastructure network plans, raising standards in design guidance documents, linking cycling and walking with other modes of transport, in particular public transport, and improvements in how the transport system and traffic flows are managed.

While cars are becoming more (inter-)connected, more work is needed to test how to bring e-bikes, e-scooters and micro-mobility devices, into the design of “smart” infrastructure through the measures of digitalization and connectivity of vehicles and infrastructure in the intelligent transport systems. Connected mobility / Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) are being developed but other road users of (e-)bicycles and e-scooters are yet to be integrated. Although some European cities have already tested use cases of bicycles in intelligent transport systems sector[7], more efforts are needed to extend the work on C-ITS to them. Additional efforts should lead to increased safety via the digital road infrastructure and an increase in their modal share.

Proposals are therefore expected to address all of the following:

1) improve the quality, safety, quantity, accessibility, continuity and attractiveness of walking and cycling infrastructure by:

• Providing an updated state of the art of the uptake of walking and cycling policies, programmes and projects in urban, transport, research, and health strategies and plans as well as of their socio-economic, environmental and health benefits resulting from their demonstrated potential in emission reduction.
• Preparing cycling and walking infrastructure network plans which foster multimodality by linking cycling and walking with other modes of transport, in particular public transport, and by improving network and traffic flow management.
• Develop case studies and identify best practices particularly focused on quality, safety, quantity, accessibility, continuity and attractiveness of walking/pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

2) improve integration and modal share of active mobility:

• Developing a case study to identify how walking and cycling can help to improve symptoms and quality of life of cancer patients.
• Looking at the integration of walking and cycling policies and projects in urban development, transport-research and health strategies and plans through a comparative analysis across at least 10 EU cities, selected by taking into account geographical balance, size and population as well as different levels in the uptake of active mobility.
• Demonstrating in new and/or existing living labs innovative solutions to increase the modal share of active mobility, including through testing tactical urbanism measures in real-life urban spaces.
• Test behavioural change regarding the uptake of walking and cycling among different populations through implementation research. Identify and address specific bottlenecks and barriers that prevent the uptake of behavioural change.
• Fostering the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices about the implementation and upscale of innovative solutions for walking and cycling that could be replicated and upscaled among cities.
• Supporting the development of local, regional and national active mobility policies, and their implementation across cities participating in the action, leading at least to a 30% increase in the modal share of walking and cycling within follower cities and thus contributing to the implementation of related EU policies and in particular of the European Declaration on Cycling[8].

3) use smart technologies and integration in traffic management systems/traffic light management at local/regional/national level, including in the new “smart” infrastructure:

• Exploring conditions and infrastructure requirements for the integration of e-bikes and micro-mobility devices in traffic management systems/traffic light management.
• Identifying and testing use cases to extend connected vehicles technology (C-ITS) to cycling, micro-mobility, bike sharing etc. to enhance the contribution of these transport modes to a sustainable urban mobility system.
• Exploring conditions for a wider uptake of smart technologies in the cycling/micromobility sector taking into account the latest legislative developments[9] and building on results from previous European R&I projects[10].

4) coordination/exchange/capacity building for increasing the uptake of active mobility by:

• Supporting further coordination, exchange of experience and best practices, including training and capacity building activities, as well as co-creation and citizens engagement activities, taking into account the different levels of experience and development of walking and cycling strategies across Europe.
• Involve a variety of actors, including e.g. local/regional/national transport, research and health authorities, cancer charities, academia, public transport authorities and operators, urban mobility practitioners, shared mobility service providers, citizen associations, stakeholder organisations, and industry associations and representatives.

The topic requires proposals from consortia that include at least five ‘lead cities’ and five ‘follower cities’, each established in a different Member State or Associated Country, reflecting a sound geographical balance. The consortia should bring together local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to jointly test and implement packages of technological and non-technological innovations and policy-based measures.

This topic requires the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

🧪 1. Scientific Excellence Is Paramount

For ERC grants, excellence is the sole selection criterion—evaluations focus exclusively on the quality of the research and track record .

Peer-reviewers adhere strictly to predefined criteria (e.g., Horizon ITN evaluations), and weaknesses—rather than strengths—often decide the outcome .

🌍 2. Strategic Alignment with EU Priorities

Horizon Europe emphasizes Green & Digital Transitions and resilience, with specific budget steering across biodiversity, climate, digital, and societal missions .

Proposals that clearly align with these strategic orientations and EU missions are significantly more competitive.

🤝 3. Strong, Diverse European Consortia

Horizon projects demand well-balanced consortia across Europe—geographically and disciplinarily diverse, including academia, industry, SMEs, NGOs .

Effective leadership, communication, trust, and active collaboration are key success factors.

🧴 4. Proven Research Infrastructure & Track Record

A strong publication record—especially in high-impact venues—and prior grant awards bolster chances .

ERC starting, consolidator, or advanced grants require exceptional citation records, strong proposals, and investigator track records .

📈 5. Robust Project Management

For large collaborative grants, project coordination, administration, and communication are just as crucial as scientific content .

Demonstrating realistic budget planning (100% direct costs + 25% indirect costs), administrative frameworks, and governance structures strengthens proposals .

💼 6. Fostering Mobility & Career Growth

Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships emphasize researcher mobility, interdisciplinary training, and developing future talent .

🧷 7. Geographical & Gender Equity

Northern and certain Eastern European institutions currently have higher success rates (≈22% vs below 18% in Southern Europe) .

ERC gender data: male and female applicants have similar success rates, though male applicants apply more frequently .

📌 Key Takeaways

🧭 Applicant Tips

Master criteria & avoid weaknesses: Make sure your proposal addresses common reviewer pitfalls—methodology, innovation, budget clarity.

Map to EU priorities: Explicitly connect your objectives to Horizon Europe’s strategic plan (2025–2027).

Build strong consortia early: Prioritize complementary expertise, geography, gender balance, and partner roles.

Show robust project management: Include a Work Package structure, governance plans, and clear communication strategies.

Leverage your track record: Highlight high-impact papers, leadership in projects, and previous awards.

Consider MSCA opportunities: Use them for mobility grants or integrating training into your project.

✅ In Summary

To maximize success with European Commission grants—especially ERC or Horizon Europe—focus relentlessly on scientific excellence, strategic EU alignment, consortium strength, and solid project planning. Combine these with a strong publication record and researcher development elements, and aim to close off any potential reviewer concerns.