The EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) Dr. Andrea Mairate Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission

What is a Macro-Regional Strategy (MRS)? …is an integrated framework endorsed by the European Council …may be supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) among others …addresses common challenges faced by a defined geographical area relating to Member States and third countries located in the same geographical area …helps countries to benefit from strengthened cooperation contributing to achievement of economic, social and territorial cohesion

Four macro regional strategies covering 270 million inhabitants in 20 States

EUSALP: a long story  The Mittenwald Declaration of 12 March 2010  The Bad Ragaz Decision of Alpine Regions of 29 June 2012  The European Parliament resolution of 23 May 2013 on a macro-regional strategy for the Alps;  The Grenoble "Political resolution towards a European Union Strategy for the Alpine region" of 18 October 2013;  The work of the Steering Committee composed of representatives from States and Regions as well as observers from the Alpine Space Programme and the Alpine Convention;  The outcome of the extensive public on-line consultation (July -October 2014);  The debate in the Stakeholder Conference on the EUSALP and the Milan Declaration of the Alpine States and Regions (Milano, 1-2 December 2014);  The Opinions adopted by the Committee of the Regions and by the European Economic and Social Committee on the EUSALP in December 2014;

EUSALP: A bit of geography

7 States (5 EU, 2 NON-EU) – 48 Regions

Why a Strategy for the Alpine Region? one of the economically most dynamic, innovative and competitive areas in Europe (and in the world). environmental, economic and social challenges requiring a common response important number of cooperation structures already operating in the area strong request from the regions

THE ALPINE STRATEGY: brings a new impetus for co-operation and investment to the benefit of all involved: States, regions, civil society stakeholders and, above all, European citizens. builds on a long tradition of cooperation in the Alps, and seeks to complement, rather than duplicate existing cooperation structures. ensures that this Region remains one of the most attractive areas in Europe, taking better advantage of its assets and seizing its opportunities for sustainable and innovative development in a European context.

How? Building on past experience: - a limited number of well-defined objectives with clear added value - by ensuring ownership commitment and leadership : streamlined governance structure, involving all concerned actors, clear division of tasks and roles with the European Commission acting as a facilitator

WHAT DOES THE STRATEGY ADDRESS? Economic growth and innovation : Mobility and Connectivity Intermodality Interoperability E-connect (people and services) Environment and Energy Governance Natural Resources Ecological Connectivity Risk Management and Climate Change Energy efficiency and renewable Strategic sectors R&TD ecosystem Labour market Training and Education

LESSONS LEARNED (from other Macro-Regional Strategies & other experiences) - The MRS in practice: different views on priorities (projects, policies, etc…) - The question of administrative resources - The geographical balance - The need to maintain the involvement of all participating countries/regions (rotation of competencies)

Implementation Action group leaders/objective coordinators to be appointed with a clear mandate and sufficient resources by their sectoral ministry Action Groups of experts drivers of day-to-day implementation Integration of non-EU countries and regions to be facilitated Embedding MRS in national/regional policies and programmes

EUSALP: what's next?  25/26 January 2016: Launch Conference concerning the adoption of the Strategy and kick-off of the implementation (Brdo - Ljubljana, Slovenia)  25 January 2016: 1 st meeting of the General Assembly  European Parliament report (to be finalised in July 2016)

Thank you for your attention & Enjoy your stay in Brdo!