During a breakfast debate held on May 14, initiated by Marie Antoinette Maupertuis, member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), and Herbert Dorfmann, Member of the European Parliament, the European Alliance for Mountains was officially launched. Supported by Euromontana, the European Association of Mountain Areas, the initiative stems from the Manifesto “Mountains need Europe and Europe needs mountains”, calling to strengthen the voice of mountain areas within European institutions.  

The first meeting was an opportunity to invite MEPs and members of the CoR from or representing mountainous territories 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. 

Members of the Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament are empowering and supporting investment in mountain areas as key pillars of Europe’s sustainable future. 

The new Alliance seeks to amplify the voice of mountain territories within European institutions and to secure targeted, long-term support for these areas, 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 need to uphold the principle of the “right to stay” by ensuring that people can live, work, and thrive in the mountains with equal access to opportunities and services. It also calls for tailored EU strategies to make mountain territories more attractive, resilient, and sustainable, in line with the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas. 

The Manifesto also urges European policymakers to deliver on the promises 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, supporters of the Alliance within both institutions aim to translate this vision into concrete legislative and financial actions in the new European mandate. 

Mountain areas 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.

Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis (FR/EA)

President of the Assembly of Corsica

 

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.

Herbert Dorfmann (IT/EPP),

Member of the European Parliament

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.

Laura Gascón Herrero

President of Euromontana

Contact and information: guillaume.corradino@euromontana.org