On February 26, the European Commission will hold a high-level political dialogue as part of a new strategy to support the eastern regions of the EU bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
At the March meeting, financial institutions will sign a declaration on the launch of the EastInvest mechanism. It is aimed at ensuring economic growth in these regions and will improve their access to financing. Loans will be provided by the European Investment Bank and other international financial institutions, as well as a number of national and regional development banks. The EU will also rely on cooperation with the World Bank for investment.
Several regions in nine EU countries — Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria — have been particularly affected by hybrid warfare, migration used as a weapon, economic and trade problems, and demographic decline.
The EC pointed out that since the beginning of the war, these countries have been receiving support to strengthen their economic resilience and defense capabilities, and to address energy, transport, and employment issues. In addition, “solidarity corridors” between the EU and Ukraine are supporting trade. However, the economy and security situation in these countries continues to deteriorate due to the ongoing war.
