The EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on Eastern Border Regions, a timely and strategic initiative that recognises the crucial role played by Europe’s eastern territories in safeguarding the security, resilience and prosperity of the entire Union.

For regions located along the EU’s eastern frontier, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has not only posed security challenges, but also created significant economic and social pressures. Border communities have faced disrupted trade routes, declining tourism, reduced investment and persistent hybrid threats. The new Communication acknowledges these realities and provides a concrete framework to strengthen security, unlock investment and reinforce local communities — ensuring that cities and regions are not left to face these challenges alone.

Marcin KUCHCIŃSKI, President of Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Member of the EPP-CoR, welcomed the initiative: “For many months, including at the the European Committee of the Regions, I have emphasised the very difficult situation faced by regions located on the eastern border of the European Union. The example of my home region of Warmian-Masurian clearly shows how the sense of threat caused by Russia’s aggressive stance has translated into a decline in investment levels and a reduction in the number of tourists. Therefore, together with other leaders of border regions, we consistently appealed to the European Commission to create a special mechanism to support us in this difficult situation, and I am pleased that we have met with understanding. I have high hopes for the EastInvest Facility, because if the EU is to have secure borders, its border regions must be strong — militarily, but above all socially and economically.” Kuchcinski is also hosting a CIVEX external seminar on April 10 related to the perspectives and challenges for the EU border regions in Elblag (Poland) on the Russian border.  

At the launch of the Communication in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underlined the central role of border regions and local authorities: “Border communities on our eastern flank are helping to keep Europe safe. … It is vital that we show up for these communities.”

The Communication introduces the EastInvest Facility, a dedicated financing mechanism bringing together the European Investment Bank Group, international financial institutions and national promotional banks to mobilise targeted investment for eastern border regions. For cities and regions, this means better access to funding for renewable energy, agriculture, forestry, critical raw materials, innovation and strategic infrastructure — projects that create local jobs, strengthen local services and build long-term resilience.

Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR and Councillor of Hämeenlinna (Finland), attended the high-level launch event of the Communication in the Berlaymont building in Brussels, hosted by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto. She stressed the broader importance of investing in the eastern flank: “Eastern borders are not only a line of defence on the common European border, but regions who are frontrunners in sustainable energy, just transition and great places to live and build European competitiveness, prosperity and security. Investing in eastern flank is an investment to a better future of all Europeans.”

The event, which followed shortly after the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, conveyed a clear message: Europe’s security begins at its Eastern border. It brought together members of the European Council, European Parliament, European Commission, ministers from the most concerned Member States, representatives of international financial institutions and regional leaders. On this occasion, a Declaration of Intent to set up the EastInvest Facility was signed, marking a concrete step toward mobilising investment for border territories.

More information

The Communication on Eastern Border Regions sets out a coordinated European approach to strengthen security, stimulate investment and empower local and regional authorities. It builds on extensive stakeholder engagement with regions and cities and aims to ensure that EU instruments — from cohesion policy to dedicated financial mechanisms — better respond to the specific needs of eastern border territories.
For Europe’s cities and regions, the Communication is both a political recognition of their frontline role and a practical toolbox to enhance economic stability, social cohesion, strategic autonomy and sustainable development — turning today’s geopolitical challenges into long-term opportunities for local communities and for Europe as a whole.
 

See all articles