Ukraine and its allies in the fight against the Russian invader agreed on Tuesday in Switzerland on the principles which should guide the reconstruction of the country, in particular the fight against corruption and the pursuit of reforms.
Dozens of officials from the main allies of Ukraine in its resistance against Moscow, international institutions and the private sector have been meeting since Monday in Lugano in the south of the Alpine country, to reiterate their solidarity with the country invaded by Moscow. and lay the groundwork for reconstruction, which in the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be a “colossal” task.
Denys Chmygal, its Prime Minister who came to Lugano at the head of a large delegation estimated on Monday that it will take at least 750 billion dollars to raise the country from ruins.
“We, and you, have taken a first key step towards the long road leading to the reconstruction of Ukraine”, affirmed the President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis after a minute of silence for the victims of the war. “Our work prepares for the post-war period, even if the conflict continues to rage”, he insisted before the representatives of nearly 40 States and about fifteen international organizations.
“We must make everything that was destroyed better than it was,” insisted the Ukrainian prime minister.
The Lugano declaration states that the signatories “are fully committed to supporting Ukraine along its journey” and to linking it to its status as an EU candidate country and recognizes that Ukraine itself should be in charge of reconstruction.
The prospect of the influx of billions of dollars in aid has rekindled concerns about corruption, which is endemic in the country.
The document emphasizes that “the recovery process must contribute to accelerating, deepening, broadening and realizing Ukraine’s reform efforts and resilience in line with Ukraine’s European path”. “The recovery process must be transparent and accountable to the Ukrainian people.”
The text insists that the recovery process be “inclusive and guarantee gender equality, and it called for the reconstruction of Ukraine in a” sustainable way.
The Prime Minister stressed that his country was eager to act. “When we say we’re ready to go fast, we really mean fast,” he said.
He also welcomed the fact that two follow-up conferences were already planned, one led by the EU in a few months, and a new conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine next year in the United Kingdom.
“I am convinced that in a year’s time we will no longer be talking about a draft plan, but about results, successful projects and realized opportunities,” Mr. Chmygal said.