Alsace and its neighbors: 80 years of cross-border cooperation

This year, Alsace and its neighboring regions are celebrating 80 years of peace and cross-border collaboration. To mark the occasion, members of the Upper Rhine Cities Network signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties between French, German, and Swiss cities.

Founded in 2005, the Upper Rhine Cities Network brings together eleven cities on both sides of the Rhine. It represents a unique European dynamic, built on close economic, cultural, and institutional connections. With a GDP of €330 billion, the Upper Rhine ranks among the most prosperous regions in Europe, thanks in part to its ability to foster cooperation across national borders.

The network has identified several key priorities: energy transition, innovation, higher education, mobility, and connectivity. These focus areas reflect a shared determination to tackle today’s challenges through coordinated, cross-border solutions. In a global context marked by rising geopolitical tensions, cross-border cooperation stands out as a powerful driver of stability and sustainable development.

Alsace plays a leading role in this effort. The European Collectivity of Alsace (CeA) and the Eurodistrict Pamina have recently stepped up their support for local initiatives through two complementary programs: the Alsatian Cross-Border Cooperation Scheme (SACT) and the Small Projects Fund (FPP). These tools provide funding for projects of all sizes, encouraging collaboration among institutional, economic, and community stakeholders from all three countries.

The region is also notable for its strong commitment to technology transfer. The trinational KTUR (Knowledge Transfer Upper Rhine) project, led by the University of Strasbourg, aims to create a unified approach to research valorization for the benefit of businesses. Recently awarded an additional €2.5 million in European funding, the project supports the creation of cross-border start-ups and the development of continuing education programs tailored to industrial needs.

Let us also mention Regio TriRhena, founded in 1995, is a cross-border platform that fosters cooperation between Southern Alsace and neighboring regions in Germany and Switzerland. It brings together nearly 250 members, including businesses, municipalities, and institutions.

Through these initiatives, Alsace reaffirms its role as a bridge between cultures and economies, offering a clear example of the benefits of cooperation rooted in proximity, trust, and innovation. Drawing on its rich history, Alsace continues to build a shared future with its neighbors : one that promotes development and cohesion across the region and for all its people.