The European Commission has established a comprehensive strategy to enhance support for the EU’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. This initiative aims to strengthen the prosperity and resilience of these regions, reflecting the EU’s solidarity in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while also serving as a strategic investment in Europe’s security, competitiveness, and future stability.
Several regions within nine Member States—namely Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria—have experienced significant challenges due to hybrid warfare, weaponised migration, economic disruptions, and demographic decline.
“Eastern border regions are not only national borders — they are European borders. This Communication has been developed together with the territories and their communities to ensure they remain vibrant places to live, work, grow and stay competitive. Strengthening the eastern border regions is a strategic investment in Europe’s security, stability, cohesion and competitiveness,” stated Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms.
Since the onset of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the EU has provided vital political, technical, and financial support to these eastern regions, focusing on infrastructure improvements, enhanced economic resilience, development of defence capabilities, addressing energy and connectivity challenges, and creating employment opportunities. Furthermore, the EU–Ukraine Solidarity Lanes have played a crucial role in sustaining trade.
Nonetheless, as the economic and security conditions in these regions continue to deteriorate due to the persistent conflict, the EU must intensify its support to address these pressing challenges effectively.
The Commission reaffirms its support for eastern regions near Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, focusing on security, growth, local strengths, connectivity, and people. Key initiatives include:
– Developing defence and resilience networks.
– Facilitating funding through the EastInvest facility.
– Boosting economic development with the World Bank.
– Integrating Baltic electricity and promoting hydrogen infrastructure.
– Upgrading transport networks and addressing labour shortages through education and community resilience efforts.
To advance our objectives, the Commission will establish an annual high-level political dialogue to facilitate discussions on the European Union’s actions and their implications for the resilience and development of Eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
The inaugural event is scheduled for 26February 2026, when financial institutions will come together to sign a declaration formally launching the EastInvest Facility.
