The Right to Stay Starts with Mobility: Connecting People, Services and Opportunities

In rural and remote areas, limited transport can mean limited access to healthcare, education, work and public services, undermining equal opportunities and, in practice, the effective exercise of fundamental rights. This session asks a simple question: how can people choose to stay in the places they call home if they cannot move easily? Starting from the experience of Abruzzo’s inner areas, the University of L’Aquila, Abruzzo Region, the Municipality of Molina Aterno and USRC will bring together local and regional policymakers, researchers, institutions and citizens to discuss practical ways to improve mobility and access to essential services. Short contributions will be followed by an open dialogue, giving participants space to share needs, experiences and solutions. The discussion will explore how European cohesion policy and cooperation between different levels of government can support solutions tailored to local needs. The aim is to identify approaches that can be adapted to other rural and inner areas across Europe and to show how better mobility can strengthen social inclusion, economic opportunities and local communities.