AGERPRES special corespondent, Daniel Florea, reports: The eastern flank of the European Union is becoming a pillar of cohesion, resilience and security through initiatives such as the European EastInvest program, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said.

The Prime Minister is participating in the Eastern Border Regions High-Level Conference, an event dedicated to the launch of the European EastInvest program.

'I am honored to be with you today at the launch of the European Commission Communication on the Eastern Border Regions of the Union. I thank the European Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen for this initiative and for coming up with concrete proposals aimed at supporting the development and economic resilience of the Eastern regions of the Union. These days have marked four years since Russia launched its war against Ukraine. We express our support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom, sovereignty and peace. On behalf of the Government of Romania and our citizens, I express my sympathy for the suffering endured by millions of people, for the lives lost, for the families torn apart and for the communities affected by this tragedy. Ukraine's resistance is a fight for its own independence, but also for the security of 'to all of Europe,' said Ilie Bolojan.

He emphasized that Russia's war on Romania's border, as well as the hybrid actions that the states in the region are facing, have highlighted the risks and vulnerabilities that exist not only in the field of security, but also in that of economic development.

The Head of the Executive pointed out that European instruments and policies - from SAFE to cohesion policy or the future competitiveness fund - must contribute to transforming the eastern border into a safer, stronger and more prosperous space.

'If this border is secure, the whole of Europe is safer. The resilience of our borders means both security and strong and economically attractive regions. Being neighbors with the new candidate states, our countries can become models for their development. This objective is achieved through investments in infrastructure - transport, energy, digitalization - that will link the north to the south and connect Romania with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, supporting their European path, but also by creating new business opportunities,' Bolojan said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Romanian Government is following this direction and supporting the regions on the eastern border, which need substantial investments.

'A concrete example is the 'BRIDGE' project, financed from the current cohesion policy and implemented with the support of the World Bank. The 'BRIDGE' project helps the North-West, North-East and South-East regions to catch up on infrastructure delays and become stronger economically,' said Bolojan.

He emphasized that, by developing infrastructure, strengthening administrative capacity, and sustaining an economic environment capable of supporting investments, trade flows, and cross-border partnerships, the states on the eastern borders will be prepared for an active role in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

'Thus, Romania positions itself as a responsible and involved partner in the European effort to reconstruct Ukraine, directly contributing to the stability and prosperity of the European Union,' said Bolojan.

He highlighted the fact that the Commission's support comes at the right time, and the EastInvest program is a useful tool at the national level.

'The instrument we are launching, with the participation of the Investment and Development Bank, is useful because it offers a point of support for mayors, county councils and companies, through access to consultancy and financing. The participation of the Investment and Development Bank will allow the use of financial instruments such as loans combined with grants, intended for companies and co-financed from cohesion policy programs. This mechanism encourages productive investments, strengthens regional value chains and increases economic resilience, especially in areas subject to structural pressures and geopolitical risks. It is equally important that we can also support social infrastructure: affordable housing, health services, education and training', Bolojan added.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea, editing by: Mihai Simionescu; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)