Italy, Austria discuss South Tyrol, Brenner Base Tunnel project in talks on bilateral cooperation

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met Tuesday in Rome with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger to discuss bilateral cooperation, including issues related to the South Tyrol region and the Brenner Base Tunnel project.

Meinl-Reisinger welcomed a draft law to revise the autonomy statute of Trentino–South Tyrol and described the region as a successful model for minority rights and cross-border coexistence, according to a written statement.

South Tyrol is an autonomous region in northern Italy with a German-speaking minority, historically linked to Austria, making it a sensitive point in Austria-Italy relations.

Tajani and Meinl-Reisinger also addressed transport, infrastructure and cross-border cooperation. Tajani stressed the importance of removing physical and regulatory barriers to improve competitiveness in the European Single Market, while both ministers underlined the strategic significance of the Brenner Base Tunnel project.

Energy cooperation through the Southern Hydrogen Corridor, irregular migration and EU enlargement to the Western Balkans were also on the agenda. The ministers also reaffirmed their support for the swift implementation of the EU Migration Pact and emphasized joint action with countries of origin and transit.

The Brenner Base Tunnel is a key infrastructure project enhancing rail connectivity and trade between Italy and Austria, reducing transit times under the Alps.

The ministers also reiterated their shared priority of achieving a cease-fire in Gaza and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave. They also expressed hope that de-escalation between Iran and Israel would contribute to broader regional stability in the Middle East.

On transatlantic trade, Tajani underlined the need for a long-term strategy to boost European industrial competitiveness. He emphasized coordinated EU-level efforts in key sectors such as automotive, steel, aluminum and chemicals, calling for streamlined regulations, decarbonization and adequate funding.