International Partners Drive Ukraine’s Reconstruction and Resilience Through EC-EIB-UNDP Collaboration

International Partners Drive Ukraine’s Reconstruction and Resilience Through EC-EIB-UNDP Collaboration

(IN BRIEF) The “United in Ukraine’s Recovery” conference in Brussels brought together the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Ukrainian local authorities to discuss ongoing reconstruction efforts. The partnership has been instrumental in rebuilding Ukraine’s war-damaged infrastructure, focusing on schools, hospitals, and energy-efficient public facilities across nearly 300 municipalities. EIB and UNDP leaders highlighted the progress in restoring essential services and empowering local communities to lead their recovery. The panel also addressed Ukraine’s urgent energy crisis and long-term reforms as the country continues to navigate challenges posed by the war. International support remains crucial for both immediate recovery and Ukraine’s future development.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 17-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — At the recent “United in Ukraine’s Recovery” conference in Brussels, a collaborative effort between the European Commission (EC), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Ukrainian local authorities took center stage. This partnership has been vital in addressing Ukraine’s immediate reconstruction needs and long-term resilience as the country endures its third winter amid war. With the war causing over $152 billion in damages and $499 billion in economic losses, these efforts have become even more urgent.

The partnership, supported by EIB’s Recovery Programmes and the Ukrainian government, has made substantial progress by assisting nearly 300 municipalities. Projects have focused on rebuilding essential infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and sports facilities, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska highlighted the restoration of over 100 public buildings, including new clean water facilities for 9,000 residents in Bucha. UNDP’s Ivana Živković underscored the importance of empowering local communities in the recovery process, noting that the partnership goes beyond infrastructure rebuilding by fostering local leadership and resilience.

The event featured insights from Ukrainian mayors, who shared their ongoing recovery projects, including school and public facility restorations, supported by €4 million in funding. Mykhailo Demchenko and Ruslan Yaremchuk, mayors of regions in Vinnytsia and Cherkasy, respectively, emphasized the importance of rebuilding community infrastructure while supporting displaced persons.

The panel discussion, moderated by EIB’s Kristina Mikulova, addressed the country’s evolving needs. Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU, stressed the urgency of energy restoration, as Russian attacks have crippled Ukraine’s energy generation. The European Commission, through its Ukraine Facility 2024-2027, remains committed to providing both immediate aid and long-term reform support.

As Ukraine continues to face significant challenges, the EC-EIB-UNDP partnership is expected to play a crucial role in both recovery and future EU accession efforts.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank