Neighbors commit to forming Lake Constance intergovernmental commission

The International Lake Constance Conference (IBK) is seeking to further strengthen cross-border cooperation between the four neighboring countries. According to a press release issued by the IBK, during a summit organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the IBK on Mount Säntis, Patrick Strasser, member of the cantonal government of the canton of Schaffhausen, praised the IBK as the “most important and most valuable institution for cross-border cooperation and networking in the Lake Constance region” half a century after it was first established. The cantons of Thurgau, St.Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Schaffhausen and Zurich form part of the IBK alongside the Principality of Liechtenstein, the German federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria in addition to Vorarlberg in Austria.

Ignazio Cassis, President of the Swiss Confederation, was invited to attend the anniversary summit. He outlined the efforts of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to form an intergovernmental commission for the Lake Constance region. According to its press release, the FDFA will organize a pilot meeting early this summer at the request of the heads of government represented in the IBK and in close consultation with the relevant foreign ministries. For the FDFA, this cooperation is of the “highest political importance”.

A declaration adopted by the summit serves to emphasize the regional, cultural and economic importance of the Lake Constance region. In the declaration, the IBK underlines that the region can be developed in a sustainable, forward-looking manner if the younger generation can contribute with impetus and commitment. “The summit declaration should resonate widely and invigorate the anniversary - above all the planned summer tour”, comments IBK Chairman Alfred Stricker. As part of the anniversary program, a shipping container will be touring all member states.