Commissioner Serafin drew attention to the need to intensify security activities in border regions, such as the Podlaskie Voivodeship, which borders with Belarus. He emphasized that the threats are not limited only to the Baltic countries or the Suwałki Isthmus, but concern the entire European Union. “The entire EU is too close to Russia and Belarus to feel safe. This requires investment in defense,” Serafin noted.
During the forum, attended by entrepreneurs, local government officials and politicians from Poland and abroad, the future of the eastern border regions was discussed in the context of current geopolitical challenges. Serafin presented an ambitious EU budget plan after 2027, providing for a significant increase in defense spending. The proposals include a five-fold increase in spending on the defense and space industries to the level of EUR 131 billion, a ten-fold increase in funds for military mobility (EUR 18 billion) and a three-fold increase in investments in external border protection and migration management (EUR 34 billion).
The Commissioner noted that although these funds are intended for all Member States, they are of particular importance for border regions that are most affected by geopolitical tensions. “Rebuilding Europe's military strength should restore a sense of security and create conditions for economic development,” he said.
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Support for dual-use technology
Serafin also recalled that the EU cohesion policy is under review, under which regions are encouraged to change their investment priorities. He stressed that the EU offers higher advances and co-financing for projects related to dual-use technologies, and rewards regions bordering Russia and Belarus for investing in the protection of external borders and migration management.
“These regions suffer today from geopolitical tensions, but strengthening Europe – including military – should restore a sense of security and open the door to economic development,” concluded Serafin in Białystok.
