site.btaBulgaria among Countries Most Affected by War in Ukraine, European Commission Reports

The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive strategy to step up support for the EU eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine according to an announcement by the EC press release published on Wednesday. The new strategy envisions support for several regions in Bulgaria, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania that have been particularly affected by what the EC describes as hybrid warfare, weaponized migration, economic and trade disruption, and demographic decline. 
 
According to the announcement, strengthening these regions is an expression of solidarity and a strategic investment in security, competitiveness and future European stability. The communication notes that since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine, the EU has expanded political, technical and financial support to the eastern regions, providing opportunities to improve infrastructure, economic resilience, defence capabilities and address energy challenges. The Commission explains that the security and economic conditions in these regions continue to deteriorate due to the war and additional EU support is needed. The proposal considers the possibility of further supporting the EU countries in the areas of security by developing a surveillance network on the Eastern Flank, a so-called anti-drone wall, a European air defence and a European space shield. 
 
The Commission envisages facilitating access to financing through loans and advisory support through the European Investment Bank, the World Bank and other international financial institutions. For the Baltic States, the Commission proposes accelerated connection of electricity transmission networks to the EU system and development of cross-border hydrogen infrastructure. For all of the aforementioned countries, the possibility of upgrading transport networks, development of dual-purpose roads, railway and port infrastructure, cross-border connections with Ukraine and Moldova are also considered. 
 
The Commission plans to hold annual high-level political discussions on the impact of EU action on the development of the eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The first such meeting is scheduled for the end of this month.