Bavarian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region

The strategy ist designed to enhance cooperation to address shared challenges and to ensure a sustainable development of the region. EUSALP focuses on the priorities of (1) economic growth and innovation, (2) mobility and connectivity, as well as (3) environment and energy. Furthermore, it includes a cross-sectoral policy area concerned with establishing a macro-regional governance model to improve cooperation and coordination of measures within the region.

The strategy and its projects are primarily funded through EU-Funds, such as the Interreg B “Alpine Space Programme” (4Support EUSALP project).

More about the support for EUSALP through the EU Alpine Space Programme at: https://www.alpine-space.eu/projects/

The General Assembly is the primary governance body of the Strategy, bringing together leading political representatives from the participating states and regions, as well as representatives of the European Commission, the Alpine Convention, the Alpine Space Programme and the EUSALP Youth Council, who attend as observers without voting rights. The General Assembly meets once a year for laying down the general political guidelines for the Strategy.

The actual implementation of the Strategy is carried out by thematic Action Groups and, in the youth sector, by the Youth Council. An Executive Board, consisting of representatives of the EUSALP states and regions, coordinates and monitors the strategic direction of the Strategy as a technical steering body, supported by the EUSALP Secretariat.

The central event and the ceremonial conclusion of a any EUSALP year is the EUSALP Annual Forum, a major public event hosted by the Presidency and the European Commission. The Presidency rotates annually among the EUSALP members.

The Alpine Region is future-oriented – driven by high-tech industries, skilled craftsmanship, and bright minds. When it comes to fully realise its considerable potential as one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs, the Alpine Region is now entering a crucial phase.

Preparations for the new EU budget (MFF 2028+) are underway. Major legislative packages such as the Green Deal are under revision. State-aid rules and new reporting requirements are increasingly challenging SMEs, municipalities and agricultural players also in the Alps. Bavaria is therefore using its EUSALP Presidency to further strengthen innovation and competitiveness of the Alpine Region.

Together with the EUSALP Action Groups and EUSALP stakeholders, Bavaria will facilitate discussions and the development of practical solutions to alpine challenges in key areas such as mobility, digitalisation and energy.

Milestones 2026:

• EUSALP Innovation Camp at Kempten University of Applied Sciences: Innovation in rural areas with a focus on young talents.
• EUSALP Digital Conference, EUSALP Mobility Conference and EUSALP Energy Conference with experts, business representatives, and policymakers – to connect key stakeholders.
• EUSALP Energy Award to highlight future-oriented projects based on evaluation by experts.

EU-Funding is essential for a meaningful cooperation in the Alps and within EUSALP. Combined with our strong commitment to address cross-border challenges together, it enables EUSALP to take tangible action. Therefore the Alpine Region and EUSALP require a stable and reliable financial environment to enable effective long-term planning.

Our goals in 2026 are therefore:

• A strong lobby for a robust cohesion policy beyond 2027 – fully and honestly embracing also the regional level.
• Preservation and expansion of the EUSALP funding in the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
• Less red tape – focusing on impact rather than administration.
• The funding of EUSALP is closely linked to the ESI-Fonds, above all Interreg. Yet in the course of the MFF debates for 2028+, cuts are looming, as funds are redirected to new emerging priorities.

The Bavarian EUSALP Presidency will therefore strongly advocate for a solid and sustainable EUSALP-funding in the future MFF. To this end, we will invite political representatives of EUSALP to meet representatives of the EU institutions at a high-level event in the Bavarian Representation in Brussels.

Milestones 2026:

• ·EUSALP meets the European level on the subject of the MFF 2028+: Event hosted at the Bavarian Representation in Brussels, bringing together high-level political representatives from the European Union and EUSALP.
•  Position Paper: Embedding EUSALP-funding in the MFF 2028+.

Across the Alpine Region, many valuable key players are engaged in safeguarding and advancing this exceptional and unique space. For 2026, the Bavarian EUSALP Presidency is cordially inviting relevant players to join forces. By doing so, we aim to strengthen internal cohesion and lay the basis for a unified voice and focused impact of the Alpine Region. At the same time, we strive to give young people – the voice of our Alpine future – a prominent role.

Our EUSALP Presidency 2026, alongside with the Bavarian Presidency of the Conference of European Ministers (2026/27) and the Bavarian Presidency of ArgeAlp (2026/27), provides an unique opportunity to bring the voices of the Alpine Region together – within EUSALP and beyond.

Milestones 2026:

• EUSALP meets ArgeAlp: We aim to bring together top political representatives of the two major Alpine formats for an informal evening summit.
• EUSALP meets Alpine Space Programme: Together with the actors of the EU Alpine Space Programme, we are working on a sound financial structure for EUSALP.
• EUSALP meets Alpine Youth: We accompany the youth of the Alpine region throughout the year and invite them to an innovation camp in Bavaria.