BRUSSELS -
Four months after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the EU is already looking to the future of Kiev.
With the start of its European path and the design of a post-war reconstruction plan that is in line with it.
In this context, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is ready to play an important role in the financial management of the solidarity fund proposed by Brussels.
"Within a few months of the invasion, in collaboration with the European Commission, we have prepared a
solidarity package for Ukraine which provides 668 million euros
of immediate assistance to the Ukrainian government to meet the most immediate financial needs," he explains. the
head of the EIB representation in Ukraine, Jean-Erik De Zagon, in an interview for the semi-annual TerritoriALL, by the ESPON cooperation program
, specializing in regional analyzes.
While the priority remains "immediate support to face the humanitarian crisis and stop the aggression", Brussels has already started work on the post-war reconstruction plan, says De Zagon, underlining the role of the EU and other key partners in this phase.
Ukraine's rebirth will pass through a
'Reconstruction platform'
, recalls the head of the EIB representation in Ukraine,
"a high-level strategic body"
led by the Ukrainian government together with the European Commission, which would bring together partners and support organizations, including EU member states, other bilateral and multilateral partners and international financial institutions, including the EIB.
"EU support for reconstruction will be
linked to the implementation of reforms and measures to combat corruption
in line with the European path "of Kiev, points out De Zagon, adding that the reconstruction plan would become the basis for the EU and other partners to determine the priority areas to be finance.
EIB, which opened a regional office in Kiev in 2007, is ready to play this game.
Over the past 15 years, the bank has invested
7 billion euros in Ukraine in social and economic infrastructure
, transport and connectivity, energy efficiency, SME development, climate action and innovation.
After the invasion, the bank responded to Kiev's request for emergency support and is now preparing to support post-war reconstruction plans.
"As an EU bank we are ready to support its reconstruction efforts" - concludes De Zagon -.
We have the tools, the skills, the advisory capacity and the right relationships in Ukraine to prepare investments, ensure their full compliance with EU policies and objectives, and attract private sector investment. "
