Eastern Partnership Business Forum reaffirms EU’s commitment to economic ties and connectivity in uncertain times

Warsaw, 16 April 2025 — At a crucial moment for the region, the European Commission reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deeper economic cooperation and strategic connectivity during the Eastern Partnership Business Forum 2025, held in Warsaw under the Polish EU Council Presidency.

Bringing together over 200 high-level delegates, including Deputy Ministers from Poland, Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine, the event served as a critical platform for advancing dialogue on investment, resilience, and regional integration. Representatives from the European Commission, the OECD, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Polish Development Bank (BGK) also participated.

Speaking on behalf of the European Commission, Ms Katarzyna Smyk, Head of the Commission Representation in Poland, emphasised the enduring value and adaptability of the Eastern Partnership:

“Over the past decade, we have seen the tangible benefits of our cooperation — from free trade agreements and visa liberalisation to major infrastructure and investment projects. Our partnership is a win-win. But we must also adapt it to meet today’s geopolitical and economic challenges.”

Key achievements of the Eastern Partnership to date were noted, including:

• A doubling of EU–EaP trade volumes (2017–2023)
• EUR 15.4 billion mobilised under the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan in support of access to finance for over 100,000 SMEs
• Major infrastructure projects like the East-West Highway in Georgia and Solidarity Lanes connecting Ukraine and Moldova to EU markets.

A key message throughout the Forum was the EU’s increasing focus on connectivity — not only within the EaP region but extending towards Central Asia and Türkiye.

Likewise, the session on Ukraine’s reconstruction, attended by Deputy Head of State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Roman Komendant, underscored priorities such as infrastructure rebuilding, support for war-affected communities, and expanded SME financing. Throughout this, the European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable recovery fully aligned with Ukraine’s EU accession path.

In closing, a panel of public and private actors — including the EIB, EBRD, BGK, Ukrainian ECA, and CRH Poland — explored de-risking strategies and new public-private investment partnerships for the region.

The European Commission remains at the forefront of shaping a resilient, connected, and forward-looking Eastern Partnership, ready to adapt its framework to today’s geopolitical and economic realities.