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The European Commission has set out a plan to make the EU\u2019s regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine more secure<\/strong>, resilient<\/strong>, and attractive places to live and work.<\/strong><\/p>\n Russia\u2019s war of aggression against Ukraine has severely affected people and communities in these areas. From rising security threats<\/strong> and economic disruption<\/strong> to strain on local services<\/strong> and demographic decline<\/strong>. Several EU countries have been particularly affected: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.<\/p>\n Since 2022, the EU has provided political, technical, and financial support<\/strong> to its eastern regions.\u00a0<\/strong>This support has helped improve infrastructure, boost economic resilience, develop defence capabilities, address challenges in energy and connectivity, and support jobs. Additionally, the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes<\/a> have sustained trade flows.<\/p>\n However, as the war continues, further EU support is needed. The new plan presents a set of actions to address the specific and unprecedented challenges these regions face. Five priority areas for support include<\/p>\n To ensure progress, the Commission will launch an annual political dialogue on the impact of EU\u2019s actions on the resilience and development of eastern regions. The first event will take place on 26 February 2026, when financial institutions will sign a declaration on the EastInvest Facility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Strengthening the prosperity and resilience of the eastern border regions is not only an expression of solidarity, but also a strategic investment in Europe’s security<\/a>, competitiveness<\/a>, and long-term stability.\u00a0<\/p>\n For more information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n