Our goal
This project group wants trails to be recognized in European, national and regional policy as essential public infrastructure. We document the legal framework under which trails exist and are used in the different countries, and develop concepts for improving it.
Why this matters
Whether a trail may exist, and who may use it for what, is decided by law. In some countries trails are based on old customary rights, in others every new path needs a lengthy approval procedure. The rules also differ for public land, private land and nature conservation areas. Trail organizations often know only their own system and cannot compare it with others.
Politically, trails are largely invisible. Cycling infrastructure has gained its own place in EU policy and funding through joint advocacy. Trails for hiking, mountain biking, riding, winter sports and water-based activities have no such voice yet. Responsibility for them is spread across NGOs, municipalities, protected areas and volunteer organizations, and nobody speaks for them as a whole.
Why now
Several decisions that will shape the next years are being made right now. The EU budget for 2028 to 2034 is being negotiated, the European Commission is preparing its first strategy for sustainable tourism, and Member States have just submitted their draft national plans for nature restoration. Trails are affected by all three. If the trail sector is not part of these discussions now, its needs will be missing for the next seven years.
Goals of the Project Group
- Document for each country and region whether trails are based on old customary law, or whether and under which approval procedures they may be newly constructed.
- Show how the rules differ for public land, private land and nature conservation areas.
- Develop concepts for influencing the legal framework to encourage trail use, including through lobbying and political engagement.
- Make the trail sector speak with one voice towards European institutions.
Granted Funding Projects
Submitted Funding Projects, pending approval
Funding Ideas
Funding Project
FUNDTRAILS – Capacity Building for Sustainable Trail Funding in Europe
Funding source: Erasmus+
Current consortium partner: Outdooractive / European Trails, Germany
Rejected Projects
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Project Ideas
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