Business Forum • 25 February, 2026 at 4:02 PM
The European Commission will launch the EastInvest Facility, a new financing platform designed to support EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The initiative aims to provide easier access to lending for Member States most affected by Russia's war against Ukraine.
The platform brings together the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Nordic Investment Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank, and national promotional banks from nine Member States: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. The participating financial institutions estimate the facility will provide at least €28 billion in private and public investments.
The EastInvest Facility will coordinate lending and advisory support for private and public project promoters in eastern regions, helping boost economies, develop trade and enhance security. The platform will address investment needs identified in development strategies of regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine through targeted lending support.
"Investing in the regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine means investing in Europe's security, stability, cohesion and competitiveness," said Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto. "With the EastInvest Facility, we will strengthen the social and economic resilience of these territories."
The initiative forms part of the Commission's strategy for eastern regions adopted last week, responding to severe trade disruptions, population decline from border closures, and sanctions impacts these areas have experienced since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.