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European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR)
News article5 July 2022Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations

Speech by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis at the Ukraine Recovery Conference

Lugano

"Check against delivery"

Thank you Chair, honourable colleagues,

We must do everything necessary for Ukraine to prevail against the brutal Russian invasion, to ensure full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

We have mobilised more than EUR 4billion support since the war started. This includes humanitarian assistance, support to the Ukrainian government to maintain its functions through macro-financial assistance and budget support, and further emergency assistance.

We have also allocated EUR 2 billion under the European Peace Facility to reimburse Member States for military assistance provided to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. More than 90% of this support is dedicated to the delivery of lethal equipment, including heavy one, in line with the priorities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In addition, our Member States and its citizens have shown unprecedented solidarity with Ukraine, with their own bilateral aid to Ukraine and their remarkable readiness to host several millions of Ukrainian refugees in their countries.

We will continue to support Ukraine further in meeting its short-term needs. We have announced a new, exceptional macro-financial assistance of up to EUR 9 billion. The first part of EUR 1 billion will come before summer break after adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.

On 23 June, the European Council took the decision to recognise the European perspective and grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine. This historic decision will change Ukraine's path. The European leaders stated clearly – “the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.”

Bearing in mind the Russian brutal destruction of Ukraine, the reconstruction will require a major global effort. We look forward working closely with Ukraine, and with all other partners.

In order to streamline the international effort, we propose - as announced by President von der Leyen at this conference - to set up the Ukraine Reconstruction Platform, an overarching strategic governance body to coordinate reconstruction efforts and resources. The Platform would also allow to monitor progress in the implementation of Ukraine's Recovery and Reconstruction Plan. 

All partners who want to join the reconstruction effort will be invited to take part in this platform. Taking into account Ukraine's European path, the European Commission is ready to jointly chair this Platform with the Ukrainian Government.

The EU's main financial instrument for supporting Ukraine's reconstruction will be the Rebuild Ukraine Facility. This is under development and will be presented at a later stage.