The collaboration between the Canton of Ticino and the Lombardy Region takes a significant step forward in supporting the Completion of AlpTransit. This morning, at Palazzo delle Orsoline in Bellinzona, a delegation from the Regional Council of Lombardy officially delivered to the Grand Council of Ticino a resolution urging the Italian Government and European institutions to intervene to ensure the work is completed. The meeting confirmed the importance of legislative coordination between the two territories, reinforcing the common will to give priority to this strategic infrastructure.
Joint commitment to cross-border mobility
The Lombardy resolution adds to those already approved by the Grand Council of Ticino in 2018 and 2023, creating a united front that aims to raise awareness among Swiss, Italian and European authorities. The completion of AlpTransit is considered essential for mobility and economic integration between Switzerland and northern Italy, with potential positive effects on businesses, workers and families who cross the border every day.
The meeting was attended by important institutional figures, including Federico Romani, President of the Regional Council of Lombardy, Michele Guerra, President of the Grand Council of the Canton of Ticino, and Giacomo Zamperini, President of the Special Commission "Enhancement and protection of mountain and border territories; relations between Lombardy and the Swiss Confederation". Stefano Lazzarotto, Consul General of Switzerland in Milan, was also present. During the discussions, the delegations reiterated the need for joint action to solicit the necessary investments.
A collaboration strengthened by the institutions
This initiative is the result of a series of institutional meetings launched in recent months. In 2024, the President of the Grand Council of Ticino had already brought the issue to the attention of the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, obtaining official support for the cause. A further step was taken with the press conference held at Palazzo Lombardia with the participation of the President of the Region Attilio Fontana, Guerra and Zamperini. Furthermore, again in the summer of 2024, a Ticino delegation was welcomed at Palazzo Pirelli to start a closer collaboration with Lombardy.
President Romani highlighted how the completion of AlpTransit is a priority for the entire north-south axis: "The completion of AlpTransit is essential and many Lombard businesses, workers and families that gravitate towards Switzerland are also strongly asking us for it. We have already activated the Italian Government and our representatives in Brussels to ensure that this project is considered a priority. Furthermore, I have already received the full support of the President of the Regional Council of Liguria, confirming an interest that goes beyond Lombardy alone".
Towards a broader integration
Today's meeting was also an opportunity to discuss future collaborations with other regions interested in strengthening the North-South rail corridor. The authorities present stressed that failure to complete AlpTransit could jeopardize the functionality of the TEN-T network and the North Sea – Rhine – Mediterranean Corridor, with negative economic consequences for all the territories involved.
At the end of the meeting, Presidents Romani, Guerra and Zamperini signed an official letter accompanying the three resolutions, addressing it to their respective authorities to signal their joint commitment. The document represents a clear signal of the determination with which Ticino and Lombardy intend to carry on this strategic battle.
