Elisa Bertò

Challenges of the EGTC Euregio Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino

Elisa Bertò, a key person in the EGTC Euregio Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino, gives an insight into the main events and challenges of the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) since its foundation in 2011, highlighting the deep historical connection between Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino and the joint efforts to promote cross-border cooperation.

Historical background and foundation of the EGTC

The regions of Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino share a centuries-old common history and opened their first cross-border liaison office in Brussels in 1995. This was followed by the establishment of a joint office in Bolzano in 2009 and finally the founding of the EGTC in 2011. The aim of the EGTC is to create strong links between the regions and promote cohesion across national borders.

Challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic

Response and measures

The Covid-19 pandemic posed a major challenge for cross-border cooperation. The loss of freedom of movement and the reintroduction of strict border controls hit the Euregio regions hard. Nevertheless, the EGTC responded with strong mutual solidarity. The platform served as an important tool for dialogue and coordination of measures to combat the pandemic, supported by the cooperation of civil protection and health institutions.

Revision of the founding treaties

During the pandemic, preparations were made to revise the EGTC's founding treaties with the aim of strengthening citizen participation in the three regions. A new council of municipalities was set up as an important advisory body. The Euregio Citizens' Council developed numerous proposals to bring the Euregio even closer to its citizens, which are now being examined by the administrations of the Euregio provinces.

Participation in EU-funded programmes

Achieved projects

In the past programming period, important projects such as the Euregio Avalanche Warning Service, the Euregio Weather Report and the Euregio FamilyPass were implemented. These initiatives aim to provide citizens with concrete services and strengthen cross-border co-operation.

New programme planning

The new projects in the current programme planning focus on increasing safety in the mountains, promoting local projects and overcoming obstacles in cross-border cooperation. The Fit4Co programme and cooperation with CLLD areas in a multi-level governance network are examples of these efforts.

Importance of autonomy and future developments

Autonomy in an expanded context

The EGTC makes it possible to place the autonomy of the regions in a broader territorial framework by giving it a euroregional and European dimension. The celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of autonomy in 2022, the thirtieth anniversary of the settlement of disputes and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of borders with Austria's accession to the Schengen area are important milestones.

Visions for the future

An important project for the future is the Brenner Base Tunnel, the completion of which will halve the journey time from Innsbruck to Trento. This infrastructure project will bring people in the Euregio even closer together and further improve cross-border mobility.