The fifth annual meeting between representatives of the Grand Council of the Republic and the Canton of Ticino and delegations from the Regional Councils of Lombardy and Piedmont took place in Mezzana, Canton Ticino. The meeting was held at the headquarters of Regio Insubrica Working Community, confirming the continuity of an institutional dialogue that crosses borders and involves regional and cantonal administrations on shared dossiers.
The meeting was attended by institutional figures from the three areas involved, with the presence of the President of the Regio Insubrica and Councillor of the Lombardy Region. Massimo Sertori and of the Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Piedmont Region Alberto Preioni.
The President of the Grand Council was present for the Ticino delegation Daria Lepori, the First Vice President Giovanni Berardi and the Second Vice President Sem GeniniLombardy has deployed the President of the Special Commission for Relations between Lombardy and the Swiss Confederation. Giacomo Zamperini together with the councilors Luigi Zocchi e Giuseppe Licata.
Mobility and infrastructure are shared priorities
Among the topics addressed, cross-border mobility stands out, with particular attention to the strengthening of railway lines and the effects of ongoing infrastructure projects, including the federal "Transport '45" program.
The delegations also discussed the need for greater coordination on infrastructure projects and the management of traffic flows between neighboring territories, with a focus on sustainability and the integration of transport systems.
Zamperini emphasized the importance of shared planning for railway projects, citing among the priorities the electrification of the Molteno–Lecco line and the potential development of lakeside mobility as a complementary alternative, provided that intermodal hubs are strengthened.
Environment, wildlife and land management
Considerable attention was given to environmental policies and wildlife management, with particular attention to the critical issues related to the spread of African swine fever and the management of wild boars.
President Lepori described the collaboration between border regions as "vital cooperation," emphasizing the role of joint measures adopted to contain health risks. Coordination between Lombardy, Piedmont, and Ticino was highlighted as a crucial element in protecting the region.
The wolf issue also sparked institutional debate. The Ticino representative highlighted the challenges facing the agricultural sector, particularly the pressure on farmers and the need to redefine management tools for the species.
Sem Genini instead drew attention to new wildlife monitoring technologies, including the use of drones for territorial control, extending the discussion to the fight against the Japanese beetle and the structural difficulties of the mountain economy.
Rural economy and transformations of the agricultural sector
During the meeting, a picture of transformation in the agricultural sector emerged, with a significant decline in the number of farms in recent years and direct consequences for pasture management and mountain activities.
As highlighted during the discussion, the reduction in farms is part of a broader process of economic change affecting the peripheral areas of the three territories, with repercussions on the productive and social fabric.
Joint projects and future strategies
The Lombardy delegation expressed interest in adopting monitoring and deterrent systems for the large predator, reiterating the need to strengthen technical collaboration between agencies.
Alongside environmental issues, the discussion also included the "Right to Stay" project, a strategy aimed at combating the depopulation of inland and mountainous areas, considered a point of convergence between regional policies.
Licata emphasized the value of institutional collaboration between the parties, calling it a solid foundation for developing shared initiatives, including those related to mobility and the regulation of economic flows.
Towards new sporting and institutional perspectives
Another point of discussion concerned Switzerland's bid to host the 2038 Winter Olympics. In this context, the idea of establishing a technical discussion table with experts involved in organizing the Milan-Cortina event was put forward, with the aim of analyzing best practices and project issues.
The initiative, it appears, could represent an opportunity for Ticino, which could be involved in organizing some competitions.
Dialogue with municipalities and territorial governance
In the afternoon, a further discussion is planned between members of the Regio Insubrica and representatives of the associated municipalities. The meeting will provide updates on annual activities and present the initiatives implemented in the field of cross-border cooperation.
Among the items on the agenda is the consortium of municipal services, with contributions from several experts and local administrators, including Alan Lancetti, Laurent Filippini, Mauro Guerra, Giovanni Rossoni, and Giorgio Ginelli.
A model of stable cooperation
The Mezzana meeting confirms its importance as a milestone in the collaboration between Ticino, Lombardy, and Piedmont. The continuity of the annual meetings highlights a model of institutional dialogue that, despite administrative differences, aims to develop coordinated responses to issues of common interest.
