ESPON InTerAlp [Interface Territories across the Alpine Region] - Spatial and Sectoral Governance in Alpine Interface Territories

The ESPON InTerAlp project is part of a larger effort to improve the understanding and support territorial governance and spatial development across the Alpine region. The Alpine region is home to several major European cities (among others: Munich, Milan, and Vienna), and is traversed by key transport corridors that connect Northern Europe with the Mediterranean. It is also a region of significant environmental importance, as it provides vital ecosystem services, such as water supply and biodiversity conservation, to the rest of Europe. The governance of the Alpine region is inherently complex, as it involves multiple levels of government, from local municipalities to governments of eight nation-states, as well as a range of sectoral agencies and stakeholders. The region is subject to a number of transnational frameworks, including the Alpine Convention and the European Union Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP). These frameworks provide a platform for cooperation between Alpine countries and regions, and they address challenges in terms of ensuring that policies are effectively coordinated. The InTerAlp project provides a detailed analysis of governance structures and their impact on spatial and sectoral dynamics in Alpine interface areas. The project builds on previous research conducted by the ESPON Alps2050 project, which focused on the spatial development of the Alpine region. The InTerAlp project extends this research by focusing specifically on Alpine interface territories and by providing a more in-depth analysis of governance structures and their impact on sectoral policies. Interface areas are a very specific type of territory, linking mountainous inner-Alpine areas with pre-Alpine lowlands. The definition of interface territories is based on the Alpine settlement system, the transport infrastructure and morphological arguments such as topographical elevation and the river system. These areas are highly dynamic, characterized by intense flows of goods, services, people, and environmental resources across national and regional borders. The InTerAlp project analyses these dynamics, offering a clearer perspective on how policy and governance can address the pressing needs of these territories. The present report addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the governance of Alpine interface territories. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive, comparative analysis of spatial and sectoral governance structures and instruments that, at different territorial levels, may play a role in promoting more sustainable development trajectories for these territories. More in particular, the report aims to reflect on the effectiveness of the multiple overlapping governance frameworks that address spatial and sectoral dynamics within the Alpine area, with particular reference to their relevance for Alpine interface territories. These governance structures are complex, involving multiple administrative levels, sectors, and stakeholders. The report assesses how well these frameworks promote coordination across borders and between different levels of government and sectors, such as transport, energy, and water management. The analysis focuses on identifying inspiring practices, gaps, and areas for improvement in governance, with the ultimate goal of fostering more integrated and sustainable territorial development in the Alpine region. This report complements the further InTerAlp results, supporting the development of evidence-based recommendations that will guide policymakers and stakeholders in improving governance systems.