The European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) has appointed Adam Struzik, President of the Mazowieckie Region, as rapporteur for the forthcoming opinion on “EU’s Eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.” The opinion will address the significant challenges faced by these regions in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including security pressures, economic disruption, strain on local services and demographic decline. It will focus on key priorities such as security and resilience, economic growth and regional prosperity, connectivity, leveraging local strengths, and support for people.
Reacting to his appointment, Adam Struzik, President of the Mazowieckie Region said “Russia’s war against Ukraine affects not only border regions but also has a significant impact on Mazovia. The arrival of refugees from Ukraine has brought major challenges in healthcare, education, and housing. Disruptions in trade have hindered economic exchange, affecting our businesses and labor market. At the same time, the Mazovian region is also an example of strength and solidarity. Every day, we demonstrate our ability to adapt, support people, and build resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. I want to bring this practical on-the-ground experience, tested in action, into the work on this opinion.”
In his new role, Struzik will ensure that the realities faced by eastern EU regions are reflected in the Committee’s work. Russia’s war against Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences beyond immediate border areas, placing pressure on public services and local economies while reshaping regional development dynamics. The opinion will also reflect broader macroeconomic and security concerns affecting the EU’s eastern flank, including rising inflation, higher energy costs linked to past dependence on eastern raw materials, and hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and disinformation.
Struzik’s appointment comes at a critical moment, as the Committee of the Regions seeks to ensure that the voices of eastern EU regions are effectively represented in shaping European responses to ongoing geopolitical and socio-economic pressures.
