Brussels, 29/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - Last Friday approval was given by the European Commission for the "Alpine Space" programme, which contributes to transnational co-operation between Austria, France, Germany and Italy in the European Union, and Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. For the Member States involved, the programme will be financed by the INTERREG III(1) Initiative. The European funding amounts to Euro 59.7 million and will attract about Euro 59.7 million of national co-financing and private sector involvement. National contributions from Switzerland and Slovenia of around Euro 4.34 million will bring total funding up to Euro 123.7 million. The programme's priorities are: Promotion of the Alpine Space as a competitive and attractive living and economic space (Community contribution: Euro 15.69 million); sustainable transport systems with particular consideration of efficiency, inter-modality and better accessibility (Community contribution: Euro 19.08 million); good management and promotion of landscapes and cultural heritage, including water resources, and prevention of natural risks (Community contribution: Euro 21.41 million).