Brussels, 18/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - France and Italy are warming up for the next macro-regional strategy for the Alps, the principle of which is expected to gain the support of the European Council in its European summit conclusions on 19-20 December. The French minister for foreign affairs, Thierry Repentin and the Italian under-secretary of state for the environment and territorial protection, Marco Flavio Cirillo, were in Brussels on Tuesday 17 December at a first launch event for this this strategy which brings together five European countries: France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia and two non-EU countries, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. This strategy will enable the 46 Alpine regions in these countries to more effectively address common issues, such as pressure on the environment from tourism, transport and water management. Repentin himself comes from the Alpine region and regards this as a key question. He compared the Alps to a water tower on a European scale. He also provided assurances that this regional strategy would not duplicate the work already being carried out by the Alpine Convention. The latter's treaty involves a commitment by states and not the regions, to ensure sustainable development in the mountain range.
European Commissioner for Regional Development Johannes Hahn confirmed that, once a mandate from the Council has been formally received at the end of the week, the Commission will be able to begin action to implement this regional strategy by mid-2015. He also stated that this would not involve creating any new legislation, bodies or subsidies but rather ensuring effective cooperation between the regions. He also highlighted the importance of proactive participation at all the different levels of authority.
This macro-strategy for the Alps will undoubtedly pull the centre of gravity in this kind of initiative more to the west of Europe, the two strategies currently in place involving the eastern EU regions bordering the Danube and Baltic Sea. A macro-regional strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Seas may also be set up soon. Italy would be involved in this and the Alpine macro-regional strategy and will work energetically during its presidency of the EU in the second half of 2014 to ensure that they are successful, confirmed Cirillo. (MD/transl.fl)