Investing in Europe's Eastern border regions is investing in Europe's future
Renew Europe welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on the Eastern border strategy. This long-awaited recognition that the EU’s eastern border regions are both Europe’s most exposed territories and some of its most strategic areas for future growth and connectivity. Renew Europe will continue working to ensure the initiative becomes a cornerstone of the future cohesion policy and delivers tangible outcomes on the ground.
Ľubica Karvašová, Renew Coordinator and Vice-Chair of the Regional Development Committee (REGI), said:
“The Eastern Border Strategy must be understood as a dual agenda. It is about security and resilience for regions facing the direct consequences of Russia’s aggression, and it is equally about development. The eastern border with Ukraine is becoming a gateway for reconstruction, new trade corridors, energy connectivity and industrial cooperation. Investing in these regions strengthens cohesion, boosts competitiveness and prepares both sides for deeper integration as Ukraine advances on its path towards EU membership.”
Ľubica KarvašováRenew Europe MEP, Slovakia, Progresívne Slovensko
The Communication rightly reflects that regions bordering Russia and Belarus face a distinct security reality, where strengthening resilience and border preparedness is an immediate necessity. At the same time, regions along the Ukrainian border, are increasingly central to Europe’s economic future, as key hubs for logistics, investment and cross-border cooperation linked to Ukraine’s recovery.
Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle, Renew REGI Vice-Coordinator, highlighted:
“At Europe’s Eastern border, cohesion policy has a dual role: it must reinforce resilience and security, and it must unlock development. These regions can become engines of European growth and connectivity, linking transport and energy networks, supporting businesses and jobs, and strengthening cross-border cooperation with Ukraine. This strategy is a step in the right direction, but it will need clearer financial commitments to match the ambition.”
Raquel García Hermida-Van Der WalleRenew Europe MEP, Netherlands, Democraten 66
Renew Europe has consistently urged the European Commission to give these regions the dedicated attention they deserve and will work to ensure every commitment translates into concrete results, from the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor to dual-use transport links and initiatives such as the EastInvest Facility – in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.