From May 6 to 8, the “Cities Mission Conference 2025” took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, where participants of the U_CAN project made their first joint presentation. The event served as a significant platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening partnerships, and reaffirming the shared commitment of Ukrainian and European cities to achieve climate neutrality. Liudmyla Remishevska, Head of the International Relations Office and a U_CAN project participant represented Khmelnytskyi National University. During the event, she presented an innovative development: an Adaptive Traffic Management System, which can significantly enhance the climate resilience of Ukrainian cities. The presented system incorporates:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilizes AI algorithms for real-time traffic analysis and predicting optimal traffic management strategies.
- Smart Technologies: Integrates smart sensors to monitor road conditions, traffic intensity, and infrastructure load.
- Terrain-Aware Analysis: Implements geographical and topographical data to adapt management algorithms to the specific features of the urban landscape.
- Recommendations for Urban Governance: Develops policies and strategies to promote climate neutrality, particularly in the transport sector, and to enhance energy and environmental security.
Special attention was given to partnerships between Ukrainian cities and EU Mission cities: Košice, Dresden, Leipzig, Thessaloniki, Wrocław, and Bratislava. The conference included an informal meeting with these cities and Ukrainian representatives of the U_CAN project, fostering personal contacts and strengthening trust, an essential foundation for future cooperation. On May 8, during a thematic session, Regina Kramer (Dresden) and Nadia Riedel (Leipzig) presented their experiences of cooperation with Ukrainian partners.
A significant outcome was the presentation of the U_CAN project at the Ukrainian cluster's stand. This stand became a vibrant space for forging new partnerships, showcasing projects, and engaging in dialogue with representatives of European institutions.
The U_CAN project continues to strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and European cities, creating new opportunities for funding, implementing climate strategies, and integrating Ukraine into the European space.