On 7 August, the European Commission launched a call for evidence to prepare a ‘Pact for the Eastern Border Regions’, which is expected to be adopted by the end of the year.
This pact aims to overcome obstacles related to the socio-economic development of these regions, while also bolstering their security and civil preparedness. The eastern border areas of the EU face specific challenges linked to their geopolitical position, especially since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
The European Commission has already proposed targeted support measures for these regions, notably during the mid-term review of Cohesion Policy (see EUROPE 13682/10). The EU's future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 should provide a bigger budget for these regions.
Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms noted that “the eastern border regions [...] are European borders”. The call for evidence will remain open until 18 September. It is predominantly targeted at national and local authorities, enterprises and civil society organisations.
Link to the call for papers: https://aeur.eu/f/i49 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)