On Friday, July 3, 2026, the 50th meeting of the International Intergovernmental Commission on the Alpine Rhine (IRKA) took place in Au, St. Gallen. Liechtenstein had held the chairmanship of the commission last year. During the meeting, Deputy Head of Government Sabine Monauni handed over the chairmanship to Vorarlberg in accordance with the rotation schedule.

IRKA is the central political coordinating body for cross-border cooperation along the Alpine Rhine. It brings together Liechtenstein, Vorarlberg, St. Gallen, Graubünden, and the relevant Swiss federal agencies. Its goal is to jointly coordinate the development of the Alpine Rhine in the areas of flood protection, ecology, watercourse development, and land use.

The 50th meeting focused on the Coordination Group’s report as well as several current technical topics. Among other things, presentations were given on the evaluation of the Alpine Rhine Development Concept, the expansion of the flood forecasting model, the monitoring of fish colonization by 2025, and the effects of climate change on flood discharge. In addition, St. Gallen Cantonal Councilor Susanne Hartmann provided information on the feasibility study for the Ellhorn Rhine power plant.

In her welcoming remarks, Deputy Head of Government Sabine Monauni emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation: “The Alpine Rhine is at once a habitat, an economic region, and a unifying element for our region. Issues related to flood protection, ecology, and the future use of the Rhine can only be addressed through joint efforts. IRKA has been making an important contribution to this for many years.”

With the handover of the chairmanship to Vorarlberg, Liechtenstein’s term as chair comes to an end. Liechtenstein will continue to play an active role in the work of the IRKA and support the joint, forward-looking development of the Alpine Rhine.