What we do

The Representation of the European Region Tyrol - South Tyrol - Trentino was established in 1995, shortly after Austria’s accession to the European Union. Following an agreement signed by the presidents of the State Tyrol, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen and the Autonomous Province of Trento, the office was founded to effectively represent the interests of the regions at EU level. The three regions, which were united under the County of Tyrol from 1363 until the end of the First World War, are characterised by a long-standing historical and cultural connection that goes beyond national borders.

Since 2005, the office of the Representation of the State of Tyrol, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen and the Autonomous Province of Trento is located in the heart of the European quarter in Brussels, within proximity to the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions. It was the very first cross-border liaison office in Brussels.

What we do

The objective of the liaison office is to represent the interests of the three regions Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino to the European Union. That means acting on behalf and for the benefit of their respective population in different policy areas, including for example regional policy, economy, environment, agriculture, social issues, education, research and culture, focusing on the common concerns of the European Region Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino. 

According to what was adopted in the joint session of the legislative assemblies of the three territories, held in Merano on February 22^nd 2005, the underlying principle of our many activities is "the promotion of the framework conditions for sustainable development that takes into account both the fragile balance of nature and the environment, and the economic activities in the Alpine area ". 

The Representation is also engaged in the promotion and dissemination of the best practices of its territory and creates space for dialogue with other European regions. Its activities are orientated towards the European Region, that is the European Group of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) set up between the three regions, and towards the action priorities of the European Strategy for the Alpine Macro-region (EUSALP).

The Representation carries out, among other things, the following activities:

• Information: Collection and dissemination of relevant information on European policies and regulations; consultancy and support in contacting European Union offices and services to guarantee access to EU funding programs and other European initiatives.
• Networking: Collaboration with European institutions, other regional and national representations, interest groups, stakeholders, and European networks.
• Advocacy: Targeted actions aimed at influencing the European decision-making process so that the common interests of the European Region Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino are taken into consideration and the development priorities of its territory are valued.
• Assistance: Support for representatives of the European Region in the European Committee of the Regions, organisation of meetings between stakeholders of the territories and European institutions and support for those, who want to visit the European institutions
• Training: Assistance in organising study trips to Brussels; organisation of the "Alpeuregio Brussels School" as well as further training for employees from the administrations.
• Events: Organisation of events on various topics of concern for the three regions.