Thirty years after its creation in Krakow, Euromontana returned to its birthplace to celebrate three decades of action for mountain areas – and to renew its commitment for the future of European mountains. On Monday 9 September, more than 120 stakeholders, regional representatives, policymakers, members and partners gathered in the historic city to mark the milestone, reflect on achievements, and sign a New Krakow Declaration that sets out the road ahead. 

“Communities want the right to stay”, declared Euromontana President Laura Gascon Herrero in her opening statements.  She reminded participants that while some challenges from 1995 persist (depopulation, access to services, ageing) new ones have emerged, particularly climate change and the green transition. “Our mission remains the same: to defend quality of life in the mountains, where populations can live, work and thrive.” 

Marshall Łukasz Smółka of Malopolska underscored how strategic investment has transformed the region, attracting 26 million visitors and generating 120 billion Zloty in economic activity over three decades. Euromontana Vice-President Juan Andres Gutierrez Lazpita provided a historical perspective, tracing the network’s evolution from its agricultural roots to a multidisciplinary approach, and celebrating the networks growth to over 60 members across 16 countries. He also highlighted the launch of the Alliance for European Mountains in May 2025, a political platform backed by MEPs and the Committee of the Regions to amplify the mountain voice. 

The highlight of the day was the signing of the New Krakow Declaration – a renewed commitment to mountain areas that builds on Euromontana’s founding principles while addressing today’s challenges. A policy panel welcomed Wladslaw Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkarpacie Region, Ryszard Pagacz of the Malapolska Region, Euromontana President Laura Gascon Herrero and Sébastien Dubourg, Regional Councillor, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. Moderated by Euromontana Director Guillaume Corradino, the panel brought enlivened discussion on the next European policy cycle, with a focus on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and concerns over centralisation of EU funding programmes. Regional representatives warned against centralisation, insisting that decisions must stay close to mountain communities. The conference highlighted the need for a “mountain-friendly Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)” with earmarked resources and subsidiarity at its core.   

‘‘We are unique, and we are stronger together”, said President Gascon Herrero to the press. “To our regions we say, you are not alone; together we can change things. We don’t want centralisation. We want cohesion policies that work for mountain areas, and a fair and effective Common Agricultural Policy. With this New Krakow Declaration, we will continue to fiercely defend mountain areas.’’ 

In the afternoon of the 9 of September, the 2025 General Assembly took place with an opportunity for Euromontana members to review progress and strategize for the road ahead. As Euromontana looks forward to the next European Mountain Convention in Sallanches in June 2026, the network reaffirmed a key message: “Mountains need Europe and Europe needs mountains”, a call for recognition that mountain territories are not problems to solve, but laboratories for innovation and sustainable development. 

All photos and videos from the event are available on the event page.