ARGE ALP

The Working Community of the Alpine Regions (ARGE ALP) was founded on 12 October 1972 in Mösern, Tyrol, at the initiative of the then Governor of Tyrol, Eduard Wallnöfer. Today, ARGE ALP brings together ten regions from four countries: Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, South Tyrol, Trentino, Lombardy, Bavaria, Grisons, St. Gallen and Ticino.

Cross-border cooperation among Alpine regions is essential, as economic, environmental and social developments do not stop at national borders. The ARGE ALP addresses common concerns in the fields of ecology, culture as well as social and economic affairs and strengthens the awareness of a shared responsibility across the Alpine region.

As the first Europe-wide cooperation of autonomous regional entities, the ARGE ALP has promoted regionalism and opened up new paths for cooperation for its population. It is supposed to take on tasks that it is particularly well suited for due to its long-standing experience and to strengthen ongoing activities. Parliaments, governments, administrations, associations and citizens are all encouraged to contribute to preserving and further developing the diversity of the Alpine region.

Only a consensus-based spatial planning policy that involves local initiatives can help resolve tensions and ensure that regional interests do not contradict shared objectives.

Further information is available at www.argealp.org.