Alliance for European Mountains launched

Members of the CoR and the European Parliament are committed to protecting, empowering, and investing in mountain regions as key pillars of Europe’s sustainable future. 

The Alliance for European Mountains was officially launched on May 14 with a debate initiated by Marie Antoinette Maupertuis, member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), and Herbert Dorfmann, Member of the European Parliament. Supported by Euromontana, the European Association of Mountain Areas, the Alliance aims to strengthen the voice of mountain regions within European institutions. 

The first meeting was an opportunity to invite all MEPs and members of the CoR from or representing upland areas to join the initiative, to reflect on the possible implications of the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) architecture for mountain territories, and to assess opportunities for cooperation with a view to upcoming policy milestones.  

The new Alliance seeks to amplify the voice of mountain territories within European institutions and to secure targeted, long-term support for these regions, which cover 30% of Europe’s landmass and are home to 13% of its population. Despite their vital contribution to biodiversity, water resources, agriculture, and cultural heritage, mountain areas face specific and overlapping challenges, ranging from limited infrastructure and public services to economic vulnerability and climate change. 

At the heart of the initiative is the recognition of the 'right to remain' in mountain regions, ensuring that people can live, work, and thrive in these areas with equal access to opportunities and services. It also calls for dedicated EU strategies to make mountain territories more attractive, resilient, and sustainable, in line with the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas. 

The Alliance urges European policymakers to fulfil the commitments of Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which mandates special attention for regions with permanent geographic or demographic handicaps, including mountain areas. By joining forces, the Alliance aims to translate this vision into concrete legislative and financial actions in the new European mandate.  

Quotes  

Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis (FR/EA), President of the Assembly of Corsica: "Mountain regions are not asking for privileges or compassion: they are simply demanding to be treated in a way that is commensurate with their strategic contribution to the European Union. With this Alliance, we have a clear ambition: to make our specific characteristics a lasting part of Europe's political and budgetary priorities.” 

Herbert Dorfmann (IT/EPP), Member of the European Parliament: “The uniqueness of the mountains requires specific responses. There is a need for a clear definition of mountain areas and measures that can support their development and resilience.”

Laura Gascon Herrero, president of Euromontana: “Europe’s Mountain areas face unique challenges that require ambitious, tailored policy and budgetary responses. I warmly welcome the alliance between representatives of the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions. We expect the alliance to trigger future steps toward ensuring that mountain territories receive the focused attention they deserve — attention recognised in the European Treaties, yet not fully realised until now."  

Background 

• Photos from the event.  

Contact 

Hélène Dressen
Tel: +32 471502795
Helene.dressen@cor.europa.eu