Political positions of CIPRA

Winter Olympics: the Alps are more than just a playground
Tourism & Leisure — Dec 10, 2025
Winter Olympics: the Alps are more than just a playground
Major, global sports events have the power to fascinate and inspire. Winter sports hold a special place in the Alps, with their deep-rooted tradition and passionate following. We however believe that, as they currently stand, the Winter Olympic Games are neither environmentally nor socially acceptable. Despite promises of reform, recent developments such as the preparations for Milano-Cortina 2026 and the 2030 Games in France, as well as the “privileged candidacy” of Switzerland for the Winter Games 2038, all prove that the Olympic model remains unsustainable. In recent decades, referendums (e.g. in Innsbruck, Sion, Munich, Grisons) have several times demonstrated that large segments of the population are no longer willing to pay the price of the Winter Olympics.
Open Letter: Protect the Alps from Excessive Transit Traffic
Mobility & Transport — Oct 08, 2025
Open Letter: Protect the Alps from Excessive Transit Traffic
The Alpine region is under increasing pressure — from the climate crisis, air pollution, and ever-growing traffic volumes. Numerous organisations, led by CIPRA International, have therefore addressed an open letter to Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas and the transport ministers of the Alpine countries.
Position: Transport and mobility in the Alps
Mobility & Transport — Jun 17, 2025
Position: Transport and mobility in the Alps
In its new 40-page position paper, CIPRA outlines sustainable mobility in the Alpine region with the least possible negative impact of transport on the environment and people. In addition to travel, the paper also addresses commuter traffic, long-distance traffic and freight transport - supplemented with facts, concrete measures and good examples.

News on Alpine Politics

What now for the Alpine strategy?
Alpine Politics — Feb 07, 2018
What now for the Alpine strategy?
Since January, the Austrian federal state of Tyrol has been chairing the European strategy for the Alps. This year will see a decision on how the strategy will be implemented in practice.
The Alps as the focus of climate policy
Alpine Politics — Nov 15, 2017
The Alps as the focus of climate policy
Temperatures in the Alps are rising faster than the global average. The search for solutions is not limited to the World Climate Conference being held in Bonn, Germany.
Going further, together
Alpine Politics — Sep 05, 2017
Going further, together
There is an African saying that goes: “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.” And the trail to sustainable development in the Alps and to preserving the alpine natural environment, its habitat and its economic area is a very long one indeed. It is one the Alliance in the Alps network of municipalities and CIPRA International have been trekking along together since 1997.
Give youth a voice! How youth participation can be encouraged in the Alpine space
Alpine Politics — Jul 12, 2017
Give youth a voice! How youth participation can be encouraged in the Alpine space
How can young people become more involved in political processes? What good examples already exist for this? These questions were the central issues at a workshop held in the context of the GaYA project in Bozen/Bolzano.

Point of view of CIPRA

CIPRA's point of view: The Alps are far too valuable for the Olympics
Spatial development — Mar 12, 2013
alpMedia
CIPRA's point of view: The Alps are far too valuable for the Olympics
The result of the vote held on 3 March 2013 in Graubünden is clear: 52.7% are against the Winter Olympics being held there in 2022. This example shows that there is no desire for gigantism in the Alps.
CIPRA's point of view:Italian French Summit: modal shift gets red light
Mobility & Transport — Dec 12, 2012
alpMedia
CIPRA's point of view:Italian French Summit: modal shift gets red light
The summit meeting last week between Italian leader Mario Monti and French president François Hollande covered plenty of ground - except for a rapid and effective modal shift from road to rail.
CIPRA's point of view: Alpine Convention must produce results
Energy — Sep 18, 2012
alpMedia
CIPRA's point of view: Alpine Convention must produce results
The renewal of the Alps needs youth. This was recognised by AlpWeek. The parties to the Alpine Convention are now being challenged to follow up their words with deeds - including as regards the energy question.