The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes the recent decisions adopted by the EU member states aimed at increasing support for Ukraine during the 2022-2023 winter season and moving forward with the initiatives of Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
During the recent International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernization of Ukraine in Berlin, European leaders reiterated their unwavering support to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression and to their commitment to implement short-, medium- and long-term recovery efforts. The EU will also continue to support Ukraine beyond its immediate needs, and on its path to EU accession.
“We welcome particular steps undertaken by the EU institutions and Germany, which now holds the G7 Presidency, to provide support and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine. We also endorse the statement by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who outlined the need to introduce a new Marshall Plan for the 21st century to recover Ukraine from the consequences of ruthless Russian military aggression,” stated Paul Grod, UWC President.
According to Chancellor Scholz, the new “Marshall Plan” must be an inclusive global multi-stakeholder process involving both public and private sectors and international organizations. The German leader also stated that Germany supports Ukraine’s full membership in the EU and its reconstruction, taking into account Ukraine’s future role as a major exporter of green energy to the continent.
In her turn, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen once again reiterated Brussels’ strong support of Ukraine’s EU aspirations. Ms. von der Leyen stated that she was working with EU member states to ensure that the Union would support Ukraine with up to EUR 1.5 billion every month during the war, totaling around EUR 18 billion in 2023.
“Ukraine clearly and unambiguously declared its will to join the EU. The people of Ukraine are now defending not only the freedom and independence of their country, but also their right to follow the European path and live in a free democratic world as part of a united Europe. Therefore, the demonstration of support and particular steps to support Ukraine by the EU are especially important these days. We thank the EU leaders for their strong pro-Ukrainian stance!” Mr. Grod underscored.
