On May 4, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanyshyna had an online meeting with the Secretary-General of the European Commission Ilze Juhansone. The sides discussed the launch of the Solidarity Trust Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, as well as the development of plans for the reconstruction and development of Ukraine.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the European Commission's Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Directorate‑General for Economic and Financial Affairs, Directorate-General for Budget, as well as Deputy Ministers from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine.
During the meeting, an informal launch of a working group on European integration was established within the framework of the National Council for Reconstruction of the country, which will develop a Plan for Postwar Reconstruction and Development of Ukraine. It will encapsulate the reconstruction of housing and infrastructure, as well as the restart and modernization of the Ukrainian economy according to European standards.
Olha Stefanishyna briefed European partners on the Government's plans to approve a state program for Ukraine's development, which will operate in wartime. Its priorities include protecting national industry, maximizing exports and providing Ukrainians with jobs.
"The country must develop despite russia's war against Ukraine. Our heroic army must have a reliable economic rear, "said Olha Stefanishina, adding that the plan proposed by the Government will be implemented until the country adopts new economic recovery programs in the postwar period.
Following the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary-General of the European Commission agreed to further coordinate efforts to support and restore the Ukrainian economy. Ilze Juhansone assured that the EU is ready to continue to mobilize its political and economic resources to support our country.
Background
On April 21, 2022, the President of Ukraine adopted a decree establishing the National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the effects of war. The National Council is an advisory body to the President of Ukraine.
Among the tasks of the National Council:
- development of a plan of measures for post-war reconstruction and development of Ukraine, which, in particular, will include the restoration and development of transport, medical, social, communal, industrial and housing infrastructure, energy infrastructure, etc .;
- identification and shaping of proposals for priority reforms, the adoption and implementation of which are necessary in the war and postwar periods;
- preparation of strategic initiatives, draft regulations, the adoption and implementation of which are necessary for the effective operation and reconstruction of Ukraine in the war and postwar periods.