by MK
A cross-border partnership linking three regions in Italy and Austria is preparing to expand, as Croatia’s Istrian Region moves toward full membership in a framework increasingly seen as a model for regional cooperation in Europe.
The announcement came at the annual assembly of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (GECT), which brings together Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto and Carinthia to coordinate joint projects. The meeting, chaired for the last time by Carinthia’s governor, Peter Kaiser, marked a transition in leadership and a potential turning point for the group’s future scope.
Kaiser is expected to be succeeded by Daniel Felner. In one of his final acts, he awarded Carinthia’s highest regional honor to Massimiliano Fedriga, praising his role in strengthening ties across borders.
Fedriga described the GECT as “an excellent European model,” citing its ability to reconcile differing regional interests and focus on shared priorities. He pointed to the Istrian Region’s bid to join as evidence of the group’s growing appeal, driven by what he called “concrete, useful projects” for local communities.
He also emphasized ongoing and future initiatives, particularly in transport and education. Several projects are already underway to strengthen cross-border mobility, with a focus on increasing capacity while maintaining environmental sustainability and respect for local communities. At the same time, he introduced a new initiative involving schools from all three regions: three from Carinthia, three from Friuli Venezia Giulia and three from Veneto will be recognized, with the goal of encouraging the winners to collaborate on shared projects, fostering dialogue beyond regional boundaries.
In recent years, the alliance has overseen four initiatives worth more than €5 million, including the development of cross-border cycling routes and integrated public transport networks.
The planned accession of Istria would expand the grouping from three to four members, adding a stronger Adriatic dimension to an initiative centered on practical cooperation rather than national politics.
As European institutions continue to grapple with competing national interests, the GECT’s incremental approach — focused on infrastructure, sustainability and local partnerships — offers a smaller-scale example of how cross-border collaboration can function.
