Seven EU nations seek tourism funds for border regions

Seven European Union member states located near conflict zones have requested that a portion of the proposed 2 trillion euro Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) be allocated to support tourism sectors in regions affected by proximity to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

In a joint letter to European Commissioners Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Raffaele Fitto, the tourism and finance ministers of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia detailed how geopolitical developments and security concerns stemming from the invasion of Ukraine have significantly reduced tourist flows. The ministers noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in these areas are facing decreased investor confidence, operational uncertainty, and limited access to financing.

The group expressed a desire to engage in constructive dialogue regarding the upcoming EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. While the strategy typically addresses issues like overcrowding and cross-border mobility, these frontline nations are advocating for the inclusion of security and proximity to war as critical factors for regional tourism resilience.