The European Commission has announced assistance for border regions in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, which are experiencing increasing economic and social pressures due to hybrid attacks, targeted migration, and declining populations. Raffaele Fitto, Vice President of the European Commission, emphasized that this initiative is developed in collaboration with local communities to ensure these areas remain attractive for living and working, thereby maintaining their competitiveness.

Fitto also pointed out that strengthening the Eastern border regions is a strategic investment for European security, stability, cohesion, and competitiveness, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since the conflict began, the European Commission has been providing political, technical, and financial support to these areas. As the situation continues to deteriorate, further assistance from the EU is deemed necessary to help alleviate the mounting pressures on these regions.

To monitor progress, the Commission plans to hold an annual political dialogue, with the first meeting scheduled to take place soon. This strategy aims to foster closer cooperation among the EU and regional stakeholders, ensuring the implementation of supportive measures that can help these regions tackle their challenges effectively and enhance their resilience against future threats.