European mountains are rich in landscape, biodiversity and culture and offer opportunities for the production of organic and high quality products. It also has the potential for sustainable tourism and producing renewable energy. They are also subject to a variety of heavy pressures such as unemployment, migration, land-use change, habitat conversion, deforestation and the exploitation of natural resources.

Europe has a number of transboundary mountain ranges, bringing both challenges and opportunities to the local populations of a variety of  ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. International agreements, governance mechanisms and policies provide an institutional framework for promoting sustainable mountain development and growing the green economy. The Alpine Convention, the first legally binding instrument dedicated to a mountain range, has promoted the development of transboundary cooperation, partnerships and networks since 1991.

Despite some progress, continued efforts will be required to sustainably manage and protect mountain ecosystems, reduce poverty and migration, improve food security and nutrition, combat social exclusion and ensure the provision of environmental goods and services.