Fund Europe's Eastern border communities

“The EPP Group puts regions, cities, and rural areas first. The next long-term EU budget (MFF) must do so too,” said Andrey Novakov MEP, EPP Group’s spokesman on regional development, today at the end of a three-day parliamentary mission to North-Eastern Poland, including to the border with Belarus.

With Russian drone incursions intensifying over Poland, this visit aimed to evaluate the challenges faced by communities on the front line of Europe’s security. It also takes place at a time when uncertainty remains over how much support these regions will receive in the upcoming long-term EU budget (MFF). “Special support to the Eastern Border regions, including the Black Sea area, is now a necessity,” underlined Novakov, who also led Parliament's mission.

EPP Group MEPs Jacek Protas and Marta Wcisło co-hosted the visit.

“The European Union loses its identity without its regional dimension. It is regions and cities that form the foundation of citizens’ trust in Europe. Cohesion and security are two sides of the same coin. A strong Europe is not only about military readiness – it is also about strong, resilient regions that can withstand crises, attract investment and give people hope for the future,” said Jacek Protas MEP.

“The border regions of Eastern and Northern Poland have become Europe’s security shield. It must be strengthened by allies and well-equipped with special financial instruments dedicated to the border and frontline regions neighboring Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Today, more than ever, we need European solidarity – because a secure eastern border means a secure Europe,” added Marta Wcisło MEP.

The EPP Group’s representatives in the European Parliament delegation also included MEPs Daniel Buda and Krzysztof Hetman, both Vice-Chairs of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.