Bundesamt für Bauwesen und Raumordnung

Photo of the Alps
Source: berggeist007/pixelio.de

Alpine Space

Under the Alpine Space Programme in the context of territorial cooperation, it is tested what is important for Europe as a whole: green and innovative ideas for climate-resilient and integrated development. Particularly here, in a confined space, different demands come together, which need to be united. Together, megatrends such as climate change, digitisation and societal challenges in the Alpine region will be addressed.

Map of the Alpine Space
Source: BBSR

German regions involved

Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg

Region of contrasts

Unspoiled nature and lively large cities, innovative research centres and sparsely populated countrysides, use of natural resources and protection of sensible ecosystems – the Alpine Space is a region full of diversity and contrasts. It covers five EU member states plus Liechtenstein and Switzerland and stretches from France to Slovenia. Even more than other European regions, the Alpine Space is affected by the impacts of climate change which manifest themselves through extreme weather events or natural disasters. Together, we are looking for solutions to the climate and social challenges in the Alpine region: the link with the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) also plays an important role here.

Themes of cooperation

The Alpine Space Programme supports projects concerning the following four priorities:

Climate-resilient and green Alpine region

  • Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches
  • Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Carbon neutral and resource sensitive Alpine region

  • Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Innovation and digitalisation supporting a green Alpine region

  • Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies
  • Reaping the benefits of digitalisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities

Cooperatively managed and developed Alpine region

  • Enhance institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders to implement macro-regional strategies and sea-basin strategies, as well as other territorial strategies

Budget and funding

  • Alpine Space (2021–2027): 143 million euros
  • among them resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): 107 million euros
  • EU cofinancing rate: up to 75%
  • eligible for funding: staff costs, organisation and travel costs, external expertise, equipment, investments (limited)

Types of projects

Classic projects:

  • Partners: 7–12
  • Duration: 24 to 36 months
  • Total budget in general: 1–3 million euros

Small-scale projects:

  • Partners: 3–6
  • Duration: 12–18 months
  • Recommended total budget: 250,000–750,000 euros
  • “Set-the-scene” projects as an ideas laboratory with high innovation content
  • Capitalisation projects
Priorities of Interreg Alpine Space
Source: BBSR

How to become a project partner

In the case of classic projects in the Alpine Space, about 7 to 12 partners from at least four different countries come together in one project. In the case of small-scale projects, 3 to 6 partners from at least three different countries of the Programme area can join together in a project. A lead partner assumes the overall control of a project.

The Programme addresses public and private stakeholders. Examples of partners eligible for funding under the Alpine Space Programme:

  • public authorities (national, regional, local authorities)
  • (public) service providers
  • research institutes and universities
  • chambers, registered societies and associations
  • business support organisations
  • small and medium-sized enterprises
  • non-governmental organisations

Info: EU Strategy for the Alpine Region

The EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) is a macro-regional strategy of the European Commission and an European regional policy instrument. The aim of the strategy is to ensure the sustainable economic and social well-being of the Alpine region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and networking. At the same time, the emphasis is on protecting the environment and ensuring balanced ecosystems. The Interreg Alpine Space Programme is one of the most important funding programmes bringing the Strategy into life. Other national and EU programmes as well are used for this purpose.

Programme website

Interreg Alpine Space 2021–2027

Summary of the cooperation programme

Interreg Alpine Space Programme 2021–2027 (PDF)

Interreg Alpine Space Programme 2021 – 2027 logo (© Interreg Alpine Space)

Contact BBSR

Brigitte Ahlke
Division RS 3 - European Spatial and Urban Development


Phone: +49 228 99401-2330
Email: brigitte.ahlke@bbr.bund.de

National Contact Point

Lisa Regina Horn
Alpine Space Contact Point (ACP) Alpenraumprogramm


Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz
Rosenkavalierplatz 2
81925 München

Phone: +49 89 9214-2314
Email: acp@stmuv.bayern.de