Ukraine, von der Leyen: ‘Close to agreement on post-war recovery package’

Brussels, 23 January (LaPresse) – ‘On the prosperity package, we are close to an agreement with the United States and Ukraine on a single unified framework for prosperity. It seems that we will be able to increase Ukraine’s prosperity once a ceasefire or peace is achieved.’ This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference following the informal European Council on transatlantic relations. ‘We are talking about a single document that represents the collective vision of Ukrainians, Americans and Europeans for Ukraine’s post-war future,’ she explained. “It is actually based on the World Bank’s needs assessment and proposes a response based on five different pillars. The first is increasing productivity through business-friendly reforms and greater market competition. The second pillar concerns accelerating Ukraine’s integration into the EU single market through reforms in key economic sectors.‘ ’The third pillar concerns a significant increase in investment. And here, the Investment Framework for Ukraine, part of our instrument for Ukraine, is already operational, allowing us to use the structures we have already built since the start of the war,‘ he explained. ’So far, it has been the EU’s main investment instrument for the country and is clearly bearing fruit. The fourth pillar concerns stronger donor coordination, because we need not only public money but also private investment. Here too, we have a solid and proven structure already in place through the Donors’ Platform for Ukraine. This platform brings together the G7 countries, the European Commission, Ukraine and other partners. Finally, to complete all this and ensure Ukraine’s prosperity, the fifth pillar concerns fundamental reforms, a precondition,” he said.