The European Commission is expected to present a Communication on the eastern border regions, with publication scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

The work programme sets out a range of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the European Union’s sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness in the face of geopolitical, economic and social challenges.

The inclusion of a specific Communication on the eastern border regions comes at a time when the EU is seeking to reinforce support, cooperation and territorial resilience in areas bordering third countries, particularly along the eastern flank of the continent, which has been heavily affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine and by geopolitical tensions with Russia and other neighbouring countries.

The Communication will serve as a framework for policy guidance and strategic analysis to address the specific challenges faced by these regions, notably in terms of economic cohesion, security, connectivity, trade flows and territorial solidarity, thereby strengthening their integration into the EU’s priorities.

In addition to this Communication, the 2026 work programme indicates that the European Commission will promote several territorial strategies, including measures targeting outermost regions, islands and coastal communities, as well as other areas facing specific structural challenges. These initiatives aim to ensure that no region or community is left behind, while at the same time enhancing the impact of European cohesion and competitiveness policies.

According to the official timetable, the Commission’s Communication is planned for the first quarter of 2026, making it one of the first initiatives scheduled for the coming year.

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