Speech by President von der Leyen at the launch of the Communication on Eastern Border Regions

Prime Minister Bolojan, dear Ilie,

Prime Minister Michal, dear Kristen,

Prime Minister Ruginienė, dear Inga,

Prime Minister Siliņa, dear Evika,

President Calviño, dear Nadia,

Vice-President Fitto,

Ladies and gentlemen.

Earlier this week, I was in Kyiv with some of you to mark the terrible anniversary. Four years ago, Putin ordered his tanks into Ukraine. And with Russia's illegal invasion, the world changed overnight. That night was a wake-up call for all of Europe. But the biggest impact has been felt along our eastern borders. And we owe a huge debt of gratitude. Because border communities on our eastern flank are helping to keep Europe safe.

We know that many have paid a heavy price. On top of the psychological impact the proximity to war has brought - Russia's invasion has cut communities in half. Economies, jobs and infrastructure have all been impacted. Transport and tourism have been disrupted. And people face daily risks – hybrid threats, weaponised migration, and drone incursions. Since the start of the war, we have been by the side of Eastern Border Communities. But today we go a step further with our plan to strengthen our border regions. But today, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, we go a step further with our plan to strengthen our border region. It is vital that we show up for these communities. So, before I go into the details, I want to thank you, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, for your skilful and tireless work on the Eastern border regions.  So, let me focus on three key areas: First, doubling down on security and defence. Second, unlocking massive new investments to drive growth. And finally, realising the potential of local assets and communities.

To my first point, doubling down on security and defence. Communities and economies need security and stability to thrive. This is especially important along our eastern borders. Europe has already taken historic steps towards building a Defence Union. We will mobilise up to EUR 800 billion by 2030 for defence efforts. And we have the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. It sets clear objectives and measurable timelines. But my message today is that Europe also has a laser-like focus on eastern border security. Because your security is vital for the whole of Europe. Almost two thirds of the EUR 150 billion available through SAFE, our joint procurement programme, is provisionally allocated to the eight border countries that are represented her today. Then we have pan-European flagships, like the Eastern Flank Watch and the Drone Defence Initiative, they will help secure specifically the eastern border regions. And our new Drone Action Plan will tackle security threats from drones to rogue balloons. In addition, we are investing billions in military mobility in the border regions. So that troops and equipment can be deployed more rapidly. And we will triple funding at the borders to secure the frontiers. This is the part we can do on our side, I know that you have been doing a lot.

In addition, the eastern border countries are playing their part. The Helsinki Summit, agreed last year between eight eastern European states, will boost regional security.  Dear Evika, dear Ilie, dear Inga, dear Kristen, thank you very much for being here today, I know that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania are also setting a great example of engagement. Because you have ramped up investment in defence and military mobility impressively. And I have seen the ingenuity and innovation in some of your drone factories that you host firsthand. All these measures help to improve security. But they also increase our competitiveness in this region, create jobs and better infrastructure.

Poland for example, is developing a drone valley in the south-east. This area will be an important employer, and its products will also boost regional defences. Or take Lithuania, which is building a military base close to the Belarus border. Thanks to funding from the European Investment Bank. This base will house almost 5,000 military and civilian personnel. It will stimulate the local communities there at the border. And crucially, it will reinforce the frontline with Belarus. With initiatives like these, we can turn challenges that we face every day in the Eastern Border Regions into opportunities. We can protect and stabilise our border regions. And this in turn will lay the foundation for lasting prosperity.

This brings me to my second point. A more secure environment can help us attract new investment – we need investments in those regions. The border regions have significant assets. They have their forests, their strong agricultural sector, and the availability of critical raw materials, just to name a few. And we know by experience that these regions have a resilient population and skilled workforce. But Russia's ongoing war means investors need reassurance. Our solution is EastInvest – a EUR 20 billion- financing mechanism. Specifically designed for the border regions. It brings together some of the biggest public and private funding sources in Europe. This includes the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Thank you, Nadia, for the excellent cooperation. And this public investment is joined by private sector banks, and national lenders. EastInvest will offer targeted lending over the next two years. This lending will tap into the region's potential, with renewable energy, agriculture and forestry projects, just to name a few. This will create new jobs, new economic opportunities, and prosperity. We already see some great examples. Latvia for example has developed a fibre optic valley in the south-east. Where top-quality products for medicine and science are exported around the world.  Romania will produce critical medicines at Research Centre in Iași. This high-tech plant will make innovative vaccines and antibiotics. Or take Estonia's cutting-edge magnet factory in the border town of Narva – it is phenomenal what they are producing. These projects show that we can build a new momentum. And unleash the full potential of our border communities. If I look at the leading tech sector development in Narva, it is amazing to see the magnets that are being produced there. It is one of the most crucial sites, because we know how difficult it is to access permanent magnets if they are supplied from everywhere in the world. It makes us vulnerable. So here it is homegrown potential that is improving.

Strong communities are the final key ingredient of our package. With the right support, Europe can help to safeguard their future. And this is my third point – how we can realise the potential of local assets and communities. So we have powerful financial instruments to invest in these regions, from Cohesion to the Common Agricultural Policy. And our new plan will make sure that every cent can be spent where it matters. We have already made Cohesion funds much more flexible. And we can see the difference now with the flexibility in Cohesion funds. There is for example, a new cross-border healthcare service, operated by Poland and Lithuania and supported by Europe. This service makes screening much more accessible for those that cannot travel. And we are also investing in digital upskilling. So that local traders can use cohesion funding to upgrade their tools. With today's plan, we can build a more prosperous and more resilient future for the eastern border regions. And they can be an inspiration for the rest of Europe.

Ladies and gentlemen,

All of our border areas are unique. Each one faces immense challenges. But if we come together, and channel our efforts, we can make a change and strengthen these communities. And that is what today's plan is all about – working together to unleash the full potential of our eastern border regions. Thank you for being here today with us. Long live Europe.