EESC invited to express its opinion on the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP)

Launch Conference of the EUSALP

On 25-26 January 2016, the European Commission, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, organised the Launch Conference of the EUSALP in Brdo, Slovenia. The aim of the conference was to bring together the EU Institutions, the participating States and Regions and all key players in the governance and implementation of the EUSALP so that they could share their views on the best working methods and efficient management of the Strategy.

Mr Zorko, member, represented the EESC and presented its Opinion during the panel discussion on 'Partnership with Stakeholders'. The Committee welcomes the EUSALP as it is an important element of value added for the Alpine area as well as a driver for development that can nurture the competitiveness and cohesion of Europe as a whole. However, the EESC emphasises that it is vital to put the social dimension on the same footing as the environmental and economic aspects. The EESC also suggests that the EUSALP implement effective multilevel governance and stresses the importance of civil society participation in shaping the EUSALP.