European Commission steps up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

Tetyana Vysotska, Anastasia Protz - 18 February, 13:19

The EU flag. Photo: Getty Images

On 18 February, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive strategy to support the EU's eastern regions that share land borders with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda correspondent, citing Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

Details: The European Commission decided to increase support for its eastern regions bordering Ukraine, Belarus or Russia.

Quote: "The EU has more than 3,500 km of land borders with Russia and Belarus, and almost 1,500 km with Ukraine, plus 600 km bordering the maritime Black Sea Basin, also shared with Ukraine and Russia. This communication addresses the specific challenges faced by people and communities living in these regions."

More details: Fitto said there is a clear "before" and "after" 24 February 2022 for these border regions, more than anywhere else in Europe.

Quote: "Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, places that were once built for normal daily life, for cross-border shopping and tourism, are now used for security, dual-use activities, logistics, drones and emergency support."

More details: Fitto said many communities face a mix of higher risk, weaker economic activity and demographic decline.

The European Commission proposed measures in five priority areas, combining cohesion policy with other EU regulatory instruments.

1) Security and resilience: plans to protect critical infrastructure and improve military mobility.

2) Growth and regional prosperity: the establishment of EastInvest, a special financial mechanism to provide additional funding for regions.

3) Building on local strengths: innovation, energy solutions, the bioeconomy and new value-added chains.

4) Connectivity: a focus on transport, energy and digital links within the EU and with partners.

5) People: quality services, education, health care, support for youth and community preparedness.

Background:

European Pravda reported that in January, defence ministers from the Baltic states signed an agreement in Tallinn to establish a joint military mobility space.
Finland and Poland announced earlier that they will lead efforts to defend NATO's eastern flank against Russian aggression.

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