Country raised East Tyrol funding: 20 million euros for the region!
From 2026, Eastern Austria supports sustainable projects in the Natura 2000 region of Isel with 20 million euros.

Country raised East Tyrol funding: 20 million euros for the region!
The funding landscape in East Tyrol experiences a significant increase. On June 13, 2025, Dolomitenstadt that the state of Tyrol increases the region to a total of 20 million euros. This is done as part of a follow -up program for the Natura 2000 funding, which was launched for the Isel area in 2015. Governor Anton Mattle announced that from 2026 two million euros will be made available for the next ten years.
These funding benefits from the entire region and also include an expansion of the authorized areas. This now includes the Puster Valley and the Lienz Basin, which creates a more extensive support framework. Mayor Dietmar Ruggenthaler von Virgen, who has been in office since 2015, welcomed the decision and emphasized the importance for the local economy.
goals and measures of the funding program
The main goal of the extended funding program is to promote the small -scale economy, including tourism, craft and trade areas. The grants are aimed at various applicants such as private individuals, sole proprietorship, associations and municipalities. The focus is on the development of sustainable structures and the creation of jobs through investments in regional starch fields, which is particularly important for tourism.
The specific fields of action that are promoted are the destination development and the improvement of the competitiveness of companies. Special attention also applies to general interest in increasing the quality of life in the affected communities. These points are not only relevant for funding, but also crucial for the long -term development of the region.
challenges and experiences
The introduction of the Natura 2000 regulations was not without controversy. As Dolomitenstadt , there were resistance from several mayors who feared that nature conservation measures could have negative effects on economic development. Possible projects were blocked by environmental concerns, including a failed project for the expansion of isel water for a power plant that was estimated at 140 million euros.
The experiences from this time show how important it is to reconcile nature conservation and economic interests. The existing approach creates approaches for a harmonious development that takes both aspects into account. This is also UN Momento, in which regional management acts as a central authority to check the search for funding and to develop new projects.
outlook and regional cooperation
In addition to the state-owned funding, the region also benefits from EU initiatives, such as the Interreg CLLD Dolomiti Live Program, which supports cross-border projects in the area of sustainable development. This program records 99 municipalities and pursues the goal of realizing innovative ideas locally and promoting cooperation beyond the national borders. rmo informs about the opportunity to receive support in the project submission and partner search.Overall, it can be seen that the new funding not only serve to revive the local economy, but can also contribute to the preservation and improvement of the natural environment. This means that East Tyrol is doing well for the challenges of the coming years.