Two-day conference on Ukraine's recovery in Berlin ends today
The URC2024 took place under the motto "United in defence. United in recovery. Stronger together." It is a continuation of the annual series of high-level political events dedicated to the swift recovery and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine since the beginning of russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Governments, international organisations, financial institutions, businesses, regions, municipalities and civil society came together – united by a shared commitment to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine for as long as needed. With over 3.400 participants representing the various stakeholder groups, they demonstrated a strong engagement for Ukraine’s future at the URC2024.
It was the first Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted in an EU member state and came at a critical time for Ukraine. The conference reflected the Lugano principles, including a “whole of society” approach to recovery through the meaningful participation of a broad range of stakeholders. Upholding the spirit of the Ukraine Reform Conferences that took place up until 2022, the URC2024 did also showcase Ukrainian reform progress in the context of its economic resilience and the EU accession process.
Olaf Scholz: Called on investors to invest in Ukraine, and Ukraine needs to create conditions and guarantees for such investments.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "It is extremely critical for Ukraine to gain an advantage over russia in the sky, it is necessary to strengthen air defense, and Germany is among the leaders in this process. Ukraine has already fulfilled all the requirements for the actual opening of negotiations on EU membership. In June, Ukraine expects the negotiation framework to be approved and accession negotiations to begin."
Ursula von der Leyen: "The decision has been made - 1.5 billion euros of the frozen russian assets will be used - 90% for defense, 10% for recovery. Agreements worth EUR 1.4 billion have been signed with private investors to support the private sector and access to finance for businesses. In addition, EUR 1.9 billion will be allocated to the Ukrainian Recovery Fund. And the main news is that in June the European Commission will start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU."
Radek Sikorski: "Poland has declared its readiness to become a hub for the future reconstruction of Ukraine, just as it is now providing military support."
Antonio Tajani: "New military package from Italy, including air defense and 140 million euros for critical infrastructure."
Anna Bjerde (WB): "The World Bank is launching a capacity building program for local and central authorities together with the Kyiv School of Economics."
Yulia Svyrydenko: "Ukraine has approved a reform matrix that should become a guide in the fight against corruption." https://reformmatrix.mof.gov.ua/en/index/
Main theses of the forum's breakout panels: "Supporting human development, strengthening institutions, creating conditions for green community reconstruction, effective partnership between local and international levels is the key to success, transparency in the implementation of international technical assistance, the importance of cooperation with local governments."
For a summary of the results of the URC 2024 see the Chair’s Summary here. For recordings of the discussions held please visit the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Economy.