A conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine at the invitation of the European Union and the G7 is being held this Tuesday in Berlin. More than a collection of funds, the experts gathered must present solutions on the means of ensuring emergency aid, but also of preparing the reconstruction of the country.
With our correspondent in Berlin, Pascal Thibault
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reminded us: the sums involved are impressive. The World Bank has estimated the cost of the damage Ukraine has suffered so far at 350 billion euros. In the short term, kyiv must finance its budget.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke by video, called on the international community for $38 billion in 2023 to make up for his country’s budget deficit. Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the commitment of 1.5 billion per month from the European Union which hopes that the United States will make a similar commitment.
Emergency aid to Ukraine
The Ukrainian Prime Minister, Denys Chmyhal, also recalled that emergency aid of 17 billion was necessary, particularly with the approach of winter. Denys Chmyhal indirectly pointed out to Western countries that such aid could reduce the departure of many Ukrainians. ” We also need 17 billion in emergency aid to protect Ukrainians from a humanitarian catastrophe and to protect Europe from a tsunami created by a wave of refugees “, he assures.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who pleaded yesterday in a joint forum with Ursula von der Leyen for long-term commitment of the international community, also underlined that this massive aid must intervene now. ” It is a commitment over several generations. This is nothing less than a Marshall Plan for Ukraine “said the German Chancellor.
Both Olaf Scholz and Ursula von der Leyen underlined Ukraine’s European perspective and the need for this international support to go hand in hand with reforms preparing for this same perspective.