The EU’s Eastern Border Regions (EBRs) face deep-rooted structural and emerging geopolitical challenges that threaten their long-term attractiveness and development. These areas consistently underperform in economic indicators such as GDP per capita and innovation, while also facing acute demographic decline, weak infrastructure, and underutilised tourism potential. Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine has further strained these borderlands, amplifying investment decline, service delivery gaps, and cross-border disruptions. National-level responses often fail to address the place-specific needs of these regions, underscoring the importance of tailored, territorial approaches. Applying the OECD Regional Attractiveness Framework reveals both vulnerabilities and untapped assets—such as natural capital, cultural heritage, and affordable living—that could underpin revitalisation. In response, EBR countries are deploying a mix of place-based strategies, including regional innovation hubs, dual-use infrastructure investment, and education-industry alignment. Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Poland, and Lithuania exemplify this shift, integrating security concerns into regional development. To strengthen EBR resilience and attractiveness, future policies must be multidimensional, data-informed, and flexible across sectors. Effective governance, inclusive planning, and macro-regional cooperation are vital to transform EBRs into dynamic, secure, and sustainable territories. This paper outlines strategic recommendations to guide these efforts and ensure long-term socio-economic convergence at the EU’s geopolitical frontier.
