Since 1988, Baden-Württemberg has enjoyed growing relationships with Catalonia, Lombardy and Rhône-Alpes as part of the "Four Motors for Europe" network. Flanders and Wales are associated members of the same network, and Baden-Württemberg also takes part in the "Four Motors for Mercosur" partnership with Paraná (Brazil), Córdoba (Argentina), Rivera (Uruguay) and Alto Paraná (Paraguay), which is itself modelled on the "Four Motors for Europe".
On March 20, 2023, Baden-Württemberg took over the presidency of the Four Motors for Europe from the region "Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes" (AURA) during a ceremonial handover in Lyon (France). In this context, State Secretary Dr. Andre Baumann participated in a conference on the current challenges for the regions and presented, among other things, the amended Climate Protection and Climate Change Adaptation Act of Baden-Württemberg. This conference was followed by several meetings and exchanges between politicians, members of parliament and stakeholders from Baden-Württemberg and AURA.
On March 21, 2023, a working group day of the Four Motors took place, where the members of all working groups (especially the WG Economy and the WG Environment) from all four regions were able to exchange and network on cross-cutting topics in the context of a workshop.
Grown partnership
Since the creation of the "Four Motors for Europe", cooperation has intensified considerably, not only because of the comparable structures as highly industrialized regions facing very similar challenges, but also because the new means of communication facilitate the close cooperation. The "Four Motors for Europe" benefit from the excellent reputation they have acquired over the years. This makes it easier to gain a stronger voice as a network in the diversity of voices of lobbyists in Brussels and in global competition.
In the Working Group on Environment and Climate Protection there is a lively exchange of information where the multilateral projects are further developed and specified. By joining, the partner regions also support the international Under2 Coalition on climate protection.
Contact
Anke Obenland-Spyra
Telefon: +49 711 126-1851
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