The impact of the war in Ukraine on EU border regions: socio-economic, infrastructure and Cohesion Policy implications

Client/Funding Institution

European Parliament

Abstract

This research study analyses the short- and medium-term impacts of the Russia-initiated conflict in Ukraine on EU border regions in terms of economic activity, transport corridors, labour markets, demographic shifts, public services and housing pressure, among others. It also evaluates the role of Cohesion Policy in addressing the adverse impacts of the war on these regions, both from Interreg (e.g. reconfiguration of cooperation frameworks) and mainstream ERDF-ESF-CF programmes (e.g. flexibility mechanisms introduced by regulatory adjustments). Finally, it identifies specific vulnerabilities and resilience needs of the affected regions, and formulates recommendations for the post-2027 Cohesion Policy.

Duration

July 2026 - December 2026

wiiw team Leader

Ambre Maucorps

wiiw Staff

Xhesika Banushi, Olga Pindyuk

Project Partners

Centre for European Regional and Local Studies (EUROREG) based in the University of Warsaw

Countries covered: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine

Research Areas: Regional Development


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