site.btaEU to Triple Funding for Eastern Border Security, Says EC President

The European Union (EU) will triple funding for the protection of its eastern borders, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen announced Thursday. She was speaking at an event in Brussels dedicated to the Commission’s initiative for streamlined financing to EU countries bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The initiative supports Bulgaria, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, and is backed by a budget of at least EUR 28 billion in public and private investment.

"Four years ago, [Russian President] 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," von der Leyen said.

According to the EC President, Europe will mobilize up to EUR 800 billion by 2030 for defence efforts. She also recalled about the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, which sets clear objectives and measurable timelines.

"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 here 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," von der Leyen said. 

Russia's ongoing war means investors need reassurance, EC President noted. She announced EastInvest, a EUR 20 billion financing mechanism for border regions, combining public and private funding, including the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. "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," she added.