New strategy supports EU eastern rural regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Agriculture and food
- Forestry
- Research and innovation
- LEADER/CLLD
- Nature and environment
- Access to services
- Digital
- Bioeconomy & circular economy
- Energy
- Youth
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Connected rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Prosperous rural areas
The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive strategy to step up support for the EU’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Key actions for rural areas include investments in agriculture, forestry, innovation, connectivity and communities, and increased activities within the Rural Pact.
Image by Ioan Badea's Images on Canva
The strategy aims to strengthen the prosperity and resilience of EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these regions have been particularly affected by hybrid warfare, weaponised migrations, economic and trade disruptions, and demographic decline. Strengthening the prosperity and resilience of these predominantly rural regions is not only an expression of EU solidarity, but also a strategic investment in Europe’s security, competitiveness and future stability.
As part of a broad set of policy measures, the EU will build on local strengths to support the region’s bioeconomy potential, energy systems, environmental sustainability and agricultural production. It will further support actions including specific activities within the Rural Pact, such as networking and capacity building. Additionally, it will encourage the participation of young people in farming via the EU strategy for generational renewal in agriculture and continue to support the development of rural areas and farming via the future National and Regional Partnership Plans.
The EU also aims to strengthen digital connectivity between the eastern border regions and the rest of the EU. Targeted actions should ensure the availability of broadband connectivity and critical digital infrastructure in rural areas.
The European Commission will promote community-led local development initiatives to foster solutions tailored to specific regional needs, including on youth retention and access to services. In addition, it will increase support for fact-checking organisations and local media and promote media literacy to strengthen the information space on issues relevant for rural communities. The Commission is also strengthening resilience against disinformation.