Press Releases

Alpine Convention: EU Environment Council President Pröll regrets Italy’s position

As chair of the Alpine Convention, urges prompt clarification

Although positive signals were received from Rome in recent days, today’s conduct of the Italian delegation at the EU Transport Council has made it clear that the new government under Romano Prodi is not yet in a position to depart from its predecessor's obstructive position with regard to the transport protocol to the Alpine Convention. This is all the more difficult to understand since provision is made for the ratification of all protocols to the Alpine Convention on page 148 of the new government programme. I regret the indecisiveness of the Italian government in this matter and I urge, also in my capacity as chair of the Alpine Convention, an early and positive clarification of the Italian position in this matter. This is communicated by the Ministry of the Environment in Vienna.