Overview
- The new communication sets five priorities: security and resilience, including counter-drone measures; access to finance for growth; leveraging local strengths; strong communities; and improved connectivity.
- An EastInvest platform takes effect immediately, with the EIB, EBRD, NIB and national promotional banks lined up to channel financing.
- Eligible countries may use portions of their EU regional development allocations as guarantees to unlock cheaper loans for businesses and projects in eastern border areas.
- The initial focus explicitly covers Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with a pathway for other EU states bordering Ukraine, such as Romania, Hungary and Slovakia, to join later.
- The Commission will hold annual high-level reviews, with institutions set to sign a declaration launching EastInvest on February 26.