European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has inaugurated the EastInvest program, which aims to mobilize up to 28 billion euros for investments in the EU's eastern flank regions. Simultaneously, Brussels is considering a temporary suspension of tariffs on fertilizers to support the agricultural sector struggling with high production costs. ECB President Christine Lagarde announced the stabilization of inflation at 2% in the medium term, highlighting the effectiveness of monetary policy.

Launch of the EastInvest Fund

A program worth up to 28 billion euros will support investments in nine countries on the EU's eastern flank by 2027.

Stabilization of inflation in the eurozone

Christine Lagarde predicts that inflation will reach the 2% target in the medium term thanks to effective ECB actions.

Possible suspension of tariffs on fertilizers

The EU is analyzing a temporary removal of customs duties on fertilizers to lower production costs in agriculture.

Aid for grape growers

The wine sector in France will receive 40 million euros in targeted subsidies to overcome the crisis.

The European Union is undertaking extensive measures to strengthen the economic resilience of eastern regions and support the agricultural sector. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen officially presented the "EastInvest" initiative. This program, with a budget of 20 billion euros, aims to mobilize up to 28 billion euros by 2027. These funds will be directed to nine member states located on the eastern border of the Community, including Poland, Estonia, and the Baltic states. The goal is not only to stimulate economic growth but also to modernize energy and agricultural infrastructure, which is crucial in the face of geopolitical threats from the east. At the same time, EU institutions are addressing the pressing issue of agricultural production costs. The European Commission is considering suspending tariffs on mineral fertilizers. This decision responds to appeals from agricultural organizations warning of a drastic drop in farm profitability. Additionally, the Commissioner for Agriculture announced 40 million euros in aid for French grape growers, who are grappling with overproduction and declining consumption. In parallel, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, reassured financial markets during a speech in the European Parliament. According to the bank's forecasts, inflation is expected to stabilize at 2% in the medium term, allowing for predictability in credit policy. The European Union's cohesion policy has for years been based on financial transfers to less developed regions, which historically allowed countries such as Ireland or Spain to make rapid civilizational leaps after accession. Against the backdrop of these events, the situation in the United Kingdom is interestingly outlined. London has expressed interest in joining the "Made in Europe" initiative, which has been met with a cool reaction from Paris. French diplomats remind that the United Kingdom voluntarily left the single market, and current attempts at a selective return to EU industrial programs are controversial. Meanwhile, data from a report by the Rome-based agency Sace indicates growing exports from Central European countries to the American market. These countries are effectively bypassing tariff barriers by leveraging their position in global supply chains, making them beneficiaries of changes in international trade.

Mentioned People

  • Ursula von der Leyen — President of the European Commission, initiator of the EastInvest fund.
  • Christine Lagarde — President of the European Central Bank, responsible for fighting inflation.
  • Donald Trump — President of the USA, whose tariff policy influences trade relations with Europe.