The support is intended for regions in nine EU countries: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. These areas lie on the external border of the European Union and border Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine.
According to the European Commission, these regions are facing a combination of problems. These include security concerns, economic damage, and population decline. Businesses and residents feel the effects of uncertainty, disrupted trade, and reduced investments.
More Resilient
Brussels speaks of a targeted approach to make these regions stronger and more resilient. The additional financial support is presented as a gesture of solidarity with the affected areas, but also as an investment in the safety and stability of all of Europe.
The plans are structured around five major themes. These involve, among other things, security and resilience, economic growth, leveraging local strengths, better connections, and support for residents and communities.
Anti-Drone Shield
In terms of security, the EU wants to better protect the borders and make the regions more resilient against threats. This also includes initiatives related to modern defense measures, such as protection against drones.
Economically, the focus is on new investments and improved access to loans and credit. Cooperation is underway with institutions including the European Investment Bank and the World Bank. This could unlock up to 28 billion euros in loans.