“Poland’s eastern provinces require special support from the European Union,” says Jacek Protas, Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Proximity to the war in Ukraine and borders with Russia and Belarus have led to the withdrawal of investment and capital, posing a greater risk of depopulation than in other parts of the country. Protas stresses that support should encompass not only security but also local economies and businesses. A delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development (REGI) visited three regions – Lublin, Podlaskie, and Warmia-Masuria – to assess their evolving situation, needs, and the potential for support under the next EU long-term budget.
“We’ve demonstrated to European policymakers that regions bordering Russia and Belarus have suffered greatly as a result of this war – the border closures, trade embargoes, and war-induced fears have caused migration issues and capital flight,” Protas told Newseria. “In response, the European Commission is planning a special tool for the three regions: Warmia-Masuria, Podlaskie, and Lublin. This will be a package of solutions to help our businesses remain competitive in Polish and European markets. This could mean direct company support and increased public aid levels, as well as additional funding for municipalities that will undertake investments soon. Consultations have concluded, regional authorities have sent in their proposals, and now, together with the European Commission, we’ll be working on the specifics.”
A seven-member REGI delegation led by Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov toured the border regions to gather detailed information on the current situation and needs in the three provinces. The goal is to better plan future negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget. During their three-day mission, the delegation met with national, regional, and local officials, border guards, customs authorities, business representatives, and academics. These talks helped paint a comprehensive picture of the difficult conditions facing Poland’s north-eastern border regions.
In a statement following the visit, the delegation underscored: “More than ever, we need a strong and credible cohesion policy, capable of responding to the needs of all regions – especially those on the EU’s external borders, which not only defend democratic values but safeguard the very essence of the European project.”
“I believe Europe should invest more in this region, allocating funds specifically to the eastern border areas because this is where the effects of the war are most felt. Farmers and transport operators are suffering here – the EU must support them instead of making them bear the costs of a war they did not start,” argues Andrey Novakov, MEP from Bulgaria. “What needs to be done? First, more investment to encourage young people to stay by creating attractive jobs. Second, we need to make the region more tourist-friendly – it’s a hidden gem.”
Romanian MEP Daniel Buda echoed the concern: “Young people usually leave rural areas for better opportunities in cities or abroad. But here you face a double challenge – people are also leaving due to the war. They don’t know what tomorrow will bring. It’s crucial to present this reality again to European institutions so we can find financial support for the local economy and businesses. Many companies told us they had relocated to safer areas, which is a major threat to the region.”
According to EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, a “Pact for Eastern Regions” is expected by the end of the year. The draft aims to support regions in EU countries bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine – including Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania – by mitigating the socio-economic impact of their geopolitical situation. The measures would take effect from 2027.
“We know this whole region faces social challenges, but I also see an opportunity,” says Novakov. “Once the war ends, this area could become a platform for Ukraine’s reconstruction. That would mean more work for local transport and construction companies, and more jobs and income.”
Eastern Polish regions currently benefit from the “European Funds for Eastern Poland 2021–2027” programme, which supports business competitiveness and innovation, as well as socio-economic development through tourism. The programme’s budget totals €3.1 billion, with €2.65 billion coming from the EU.
While the delegation emphasized economic development, issues of security also loomed large.
“These regions form part of the EU’s external border. What happens here matters for all of Europe,” says Protas. “First, we have the SAFE programme, under which Poland will receive €43 billion soon. Funds will start flowing in the first quarter of next year for arms purchases, ammunition plant support, and the defense sector. We expect part of this money to be spent in our regions as well.”
He adds: “Second, there is a €150 billion EU programme – €30 billion for Ukraine and €120 billion for member states. These funds will be particularly focused on eastern border regions. And finally, we have the national Eastern Shield programme.”
Launched last year, the “Eastern Shield” is a strategic investment programme for Poland’s security. It proposes fortifications, natural barriers, and defense infrastructure along Poland’s eastern and northern borders, covering the key provinces of Pomerania, Warmia-Masuria, Lublin, Podlaskie, Subcarpathia, and Mazovia. Led by the Polish Armed Forces in cooperation with government ministries and municipalities, the programme includes the construction of logistics centers, material warehouses, shelters, and drone detection systems using radar, thermal imaging, and acoustic surveillance. With a budget of 10 billion złoty, the project is of international significance, as it aims to strengthen collective defense of the EU and NATO’s eastern flank.
“At the request of Civic Coalition MPs, this programme was designated as an EU strategic initiative,” Protas concludes. “Many of the dual-use projects already underway are located precisely in the three regions we visited. These include infrastructure, hospitals, healthcare systems, and other assets that serve local people in peacetime, but will also strengthen our defense capabilities in case of war.”
