<\/p>\n
The European Business Association has presented the second edition of the White Paper \u201cSupport for Business in the Regions of Ukraine Bordering the EU\u201d. The document contains updated recommendations for the Ukrainian government authorities and European Union institutions aimed at developing the economic potential of border regions, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and attracting investment.<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukraine\u2019s western border regions have become key gateways for exports, imports, business relocation, and economic integration with the European Union. Today, around 60% of Ukrainian exports are directed to EU countries, with a significant share of trade and logistics flows passing through border regions.<\/p>\n
In the second edition of the White Paper, the Association\u2019s experts updated the analytical framework of the document and supplemented it with new instruments to support cross-border cooperation. Particular attention is paid to new EU financial opportunities \u2014 the EastInvest Facility and the Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF), which can contribute to the implementation of joint investment projects between Ukrainian and European partners.<\/p>\n
The document covers the Volyn, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Chernivtsi, Rivne, and Ternopil regions and proposes practical solutions for the development of logistics infrastructure, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, creation of cross-border industrial parks and clusters, development of medical infrastructure, increasing border crossing capacity, and deepening economic integration with the EU.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the Association emphasises that the proposed recommendations do not envisage any special privileges or status for Ukraine\u2019s western regions. Their purpose is to create an effective cooperation framework for territories where proximity to the EU border creates additional opportunities for business development, investment attraction, and implementation of joint projects.<\/p>\n
To promote the developed proposals, the European Business Association and the Association\u2019s Ukraine Recovery Committee submitted the second edition of the White Paper and the corresponding recommendations to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and the Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. In its appeal, the Association called for considering the development of border regions as one of the important tools for strengthening trade with the EU and supporting Ukraine\u2019s economy as a whole. An English-language copy of the White Paper was also submitted to the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine.<\/p>\n
We would like to remind that the first edition of the White Paper was presented by the European Business Association in 2025. Since then, the document has served as a platform for shaping business community proposals regarding the development of border territories and their role in Ukraine\u2019s recovery and further economic integration with the European Union.<\/p>\n