Italy has officially taken over the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region

Rome: After France, successfully presiding over EUSALP for two years, it is now Italy that will lead the Alpine Region into the year 2022. To mark the occasion, a line of high-level speakers gave their insights into the importance of the Strategy for the Alpine Region.

In her video message, the Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, called on the Alpine regions to work together to address the challenges of climate change, particularly evident in mountain regions. Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio thanked the presidents of the Autonomous Provinces of Bolzano/Bozen and Trento for their work in preparing the Italian Presidency and line out the priorities of EUSALP for 2022. Famous mountain climber Reinhold Messner was equally present, highlighting the need to protect the Alps in times of climate change and regional migration.

All speakers agreed that combating climate change, promoting digitization and furthering the involvement of youth in the Alpine Region need to be at the forefront of EUSALP activities. In his opening speech, the President of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozan Arno Kompatscher emphasized that “the goal of the Italian EUSALP 2022 Presidency will be to make the Alpine region the first long-term Carbon Neutral macro-region in Europe, in line with the EU climate measures and the European Green Deal”.

To close the event, a round table of EUSALP political representatives discussed the achievements and challenges of the Alpine Region and how EUSALP can contribute to the creation of a more resilient and sustainable Alpine Region. To find out more about the goals of the Italian Presidency, klick here. Also, check out the EUSALP website to find out more about its activities and achievements.