Speech by President von der Leyen at the Kyiv Investment Forum, via video message

Dear Ministers, 
State Secretary, 
Mayor Close, 
Mayor Klitschko,

Let me begin by thanking the City of Brussels for once again hosting the Kyiv Investment Forum. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, over 60,000 Ukrainians have received their European temporary protection in this city. Brussels has also sent to Kyiv City Hospital over 300,000 euros worth in medical equipment, a powerful generator, and 6 fully equipped ambulances.

These remarkable acts of solidarity have been multiplied by cities across our Union, with cities in Ukraine. Like in Lviv, where Brussels and others support the largest care centre in Ukraine for wounded civilians and soldiers. The centre is called “Unbroken”. And so is Europe's solidarity and Ukraine's resistance.

Today, we're gathered here to discuss the future of Ukraine in the European Union. In particular, the sustainable revival of greater Kyiv. 

Mayor Vitali Klitschko, your city and its people have become synonymous with resilience. You've sheltered tens of thousands of internally displaced Ukrainians. You've countered Russian missiles against your energy and civilian infrastructure. You were besieged by Russian tanks. In Bucha, I saw the body bags laying on the street. But your city and your nation fought back. You won the Battle of Kyiv, and you will win the war for Ukraine!

I saw Ukraine's determination again two weeks ago, during my latest visit to your country. Once again, I was so inspired by Ukraine's confidence in a better future. And while fighting a full-scale war, Ukraine is also passing deep and bold reforms. You have completed almost all of the steps we asked you to take. The constitutional justice reform. The selection of the High Council of Justice. The Anti-Corruption Program. Progress against money-laundering. Important measures to curb the oligarchs' grip on your public life. Just to name a few.

The good news is, that the remaining measures are already on their way. Therefore, the Commission recommends the start of accession negotiations to the Council. Your reforms will make Ukraine stronger and more attractive for investors. If you stay the course at your impressive pace, the future of Ukraine is in the European Union.

And we want to underpin Ukraine's reforms with European investments. This is why we are working on a 50-billion-euro financial and reform package. It will support Ukraine's National Plan, to rebuild the country. And the Ukraine Plan can also provide guidance and coordination for international donors, both public and private.

Ukraine wants to become a hub of green industry and digital innovation. It has the people and the will to make this happen. So let's invest together in their European future.

The city of Kyiv is leading this effort to build a better future for Ukraine. I have seen first hand how the city is reimagining itself, as a dynamic, green, and inclusive capital. Kyiv can also be an example for other Ukrainian cities, as well as for cities in the EU. We can learn so much from each other, and help one another. Including through the “mayor's platform”, which this forum brought to life last year.

Now, with the winter coming, we must all re-double our efforts in support of Ukraine. From healthcare and energy support to protecting Ukraine's rich cultural heritage, every action matters. Europe stands with Ukraine, this winter, and all seasons to come.

Slava Ukraini. 
Long live Europe.